FREE! Wardrobe Checklist Download + Weekly Newsletter 
When people talk about capsule wardrobes, they usually mean a tiny, strict set of items you wear on repeat. I’ve never found that realistic or enjoyable. Clothes should feel like an invitation to get dressed, not a rulebook.
I think of a capsule wardrobe as a baseline. It is a strong foundation of versatile, reliable staples that make getting dressed simple. Once that base is in place, you can add in seasonal favorites, a trend you love, or a color that feels fresh and fun.
Ann Taylor is one of my favorite places to build that kind of baseline. Known for polished, work-to-weekend staples, their pieces are designed to mix and match beautifully. From tailored jackets to versatile dresses and trousers that fit just right, Ann Taylor creates clothes that will carry you through the season and beyond, plus they have a wide array of sizes including “regular” and petite.
How a Capsule Wardrobe Works
At its core, a capsule wardrobe is a thoughtful edit of pieces that work together. The goal is not to limit what you wear, but to make sure you always have a set of staples you can count on.
I like to treat it as a starting point. Once you have that foundation, it is so much easier to layer in colors, textures, or statement pieces that reflect your personal style.
Building Your Fall Foundation with Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor’s mix of tailoring and timeless design makes it an ideal place to create a capsule. The clothes are polished enough for the office, versatile enough for the weekend, and designed with fabrics that hold up season after season.
Think of these pieces as your baseline, the ones that guarantee you always have something polished, comfortable, and versatile to wear. From there, you can add in the extras that feel seasonal and true to you.
The Ann Taylor Capsule Collection
Lace Collar Blouson-Sleeve Shirt
With its delicate lace collar and softly draped blouson sleeves, this shirt brings a touch of feminine polish to your fall capsule. The split neckline and shirttail hem keep it relaxed, while drop shoulders and button cuffs add a refined finish. Crafted from lightweight polyester, it layers easily under blazers and sweaters or works on its own.
Available in sizes: XXS–XXL, Petite XXS–XL
👉 Shop the Lace Collar Blouson-Sleeve Shirt
Animal Print Tie V-Neck Popover
This blouse is an easy way to add print and polish to your capsule. The tie at the neckline gives it a feminine finish, while the blouson sleeves and elastic cuffs keep the fit relaxed but refined. The shirttail hem makes it perfect for tucking into trousers or wearing loose over denim.
Available in sizes: XXS–XXL (Classic and Petite)
👉 Shop the Animal Print Tie V-Neck Popover
Striped Relaxed Perfect Shirt
A timeless button-down with an easy fit. The vertical stripe adds polish while the relaxed cut makes it effortless to wear tucked into trousers, layered under a blazer, or left loose with denim. It’s the kind of piece that instantly sharpens your fall capsule without feeling fussy.
Color: Muted Moss (Online Exclusive)
Available in sizes: 00–18 (Classic and Petite)
👉 Shop the Striped Relaxed Perfect Shirt
Textured Cardigan
A best-seller for a reason, this cardigan adds instant polish to any outfit. The textured knit and gold-tone buttons make it feel elevated, while the crew neckline and faux chest pockets keep it versatile and easy to style. Wear it buttoned up with trousers for a sleek look or open over a blouse for effortless layering.
Color: Cafe Au Lait (also available in additional colors)
Available in sizes: XXS–XXL (Classic and Petite)
Bridgette Pant
A polished essential, the Bridgette Pant is designed with a flattering straight leg and a clean, modern cut. The mid-rise fit pairs seamlessly with blouses, sweaters, or blazers, making it a versatile choice for both office and casual looks. The smooth fabric and sleek silhouette make these an easy go-to when you need something timeless and put-together.
Colors: Black (additional colors available online)
Available in sizes: 00–18 (Classic, Petite, and Tall)
Belted Cable Sweater Dress
This sweater dress has the perfect cozy-meets-polished vibe for fall. Its cable-knit texture gives it visual weight and interest, while the tie-waist softly defines your silhouette. It’s elevated enough to wear solo with boots but effortless enough to layer a cardigan or jacket over when needed.
Color: (From the Petite version) Black
Available in sizes: Classic 0–18, Petite 0–16
👉 Shop the Belted Cable Sweater Dress
The Jayne Trouser Pant
A true wardrobe workhorse, these trousers are tailored with a polished, elongating silhouette that instantly sharpens any outfit. The slim-through-the-hip cut with a gentle flare at the hem makes them versatile enough for the office or dinner out.
Color shown: Windsor Wine (also available in Navy, Espresso, and Magenta)
Available in sizes: 00–18, Classic and Petite (also offered in Curvy Fit)
Chiffon Pleated Maxi Skirt
A graceful piece that moves beautifully with every step, this pleated chiffon skirt is polished yet easy to wear. The maxi length gives it a modern, dramatic feel while staying versatile enough for work, dinners, or dressed-down weekends.
Color shown: Black (online exclusive)
Available in sizes: 00–18, Classic and Petite
👉 Shop the Chiffon Pleated Maxi Skirt
Belted Pleated Midi Skirt
An instant classic, this pleated midi skirt is finished with a sleek belt that defines the waist. The polished silhouette makes it perfect for both work and evenings out, while the midi length keeps it modern and versatile.
Colors available: Black, Windsor Wine, Navy
Available in sizes: 00–18, Classic and Petite
👉 Shop the Belted Pleated Midi Skirt
The One-Button Blazer
A wardrobe cornerstone, this tailored one-button blazer sharpens any look. Designed with a streamlined silhouette and polished details, it works as well with trousers and skirts for the office as it does layered over denim on the weekend.
Colors available: Black, Carbon Navy, Windsor Wine
Available in sizes: 00–20/22, Classic and Petite
Tweed Patch Pocket Jacket
A polished layer with Parisian-inspired charm, this tweed jacket instantly elevates simple basics. The textured navy-and-white check, patch pockets, and gold-tone buttons make it equally perfect for pairing with tailored trousers, dark denim, or over a shift dress.
Color available: Navy/White Combo
Available in sizes: 00–18, Classic and Petite
👉 Shop the Tweed Patch Pocket Jacket
Belted Flare Midi Shirtdress
A best-seller for a reason, this belted shirtdress is an effortless one-and-done outfit. The tailored bodice, flattering A-line skirt, and belted waist create a polished silhouette you can wear to the office, dinners, or weekend events. The flap pockets add a modern touch, while the midi length keeps it chic and versatile.
Colors available: Night Sky, Port Wine
Available in sizes: 00–18, Classic and Petite
👉 Shop the Belted Flare Midi Shirtdress
Stitch Sweater Tee
The kind of elevated basic every wardrobe needs. This short-sleeve sweater tee is knit with subtle stitch detailing that adds texture without bulk. It’s polished enough to wear under a blazer, yet easy to pair with jeans or trousers on its own. A perfect layering piece that transitions seamlessly from work to weekend.
Colors available: Whisper White, Black, Misty Blue
Available in sizes: XXS–XL
Hardware Embellished Croco Loafers
A chic twist on a classic. These croc-embossed loafers are finished with polished gold hardware that instantly elevates any outfit. Pair them with trousers for the office or jeans on the weekend for a pulled-together look that’s both timeless and modern.
Color available: Dark Chocolate (online exclusive)
Available in sizes: 5 –11
👉 Shop the Hardware Embellished Croco Loafers
Strappy Pointy Toe Patent Pump
Elegant and timeless with just the right amount of edge. These strappy patent pumps feature a pointy toe and a walkable heel height, making them perfect for the office or a night out. The slim straps and deep burgundy color add a sophisticated twist to a classic silhouette.
Color available: Dark Burgundy (online exclusive)
Available in sizes: 5 – 11
(Note: Runs slightly small—consider sizing up.)
👉 Shop the Strappy Pointy Toe Patent Pump
Suede Mary Jane Pump
A chic update to a timeless silhouette. Crafted in soft suede with a slim strap and gold buckle, this Mary Jane pump balances femininity and polish. The pointed toe and sleek heel make it a versatile shoe for work, evenings out, or dressed-up weekends.
Colors available: Sesame (online exclusive), Black
Available in sizes: 5 -11
(Note: Fits slightly large—consider sizing down.)
👉 Shop the Suede Mary Jane Pump
Suede Studded Belt
A statement belt that adds instant polish. Made from rich spice-brown suede and finished with oversized gold studs, this piece feels both modern and timeless. It’s an easy way to elevate denim, trousers, or even a simple dress.
Color available: Spice Brown
Available in sizes: XS – XL
Leave a Comment