Starter Kit Wardrobe Guide Shopping List: Business Casual for Fall

NOTE: Links are updated weekly during the corresponding season.  These links are updated regularly during the months of fall: September, October, November – last updated 11/30/21

SIZING INFO: For reference I am 5’6″ and usually size 6/8 or S/M in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.  I note sizing for any options I’ve tried below.

 

PHASE 1: CORE BASICS

1. Neutral Cardigan

A neutral cardigan is an easy layer to throw on top of any outfit.  Any length or silhouette works. Longer cardigans offer a more relaxed look, but one with a belt provides more structure and shape if needed. 

  • Option 1-Amazon, Grace Karin, soft with pockets, various colors – a PMT staff favorite
  • Option 2-Old Navy, Long-Line Open-Front Sweater, various colors, regular/tall/petite sizes – Audrey wears size S
  • Option 3-Amazon, Long-Sleeve Open-Front Cardigan, various colors
  • Plus Size Option 1-Amazon Essentials, goes to 6X
  • Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Grace Karin, soft with pockets, goes to 3X – a PMT staff favorite

 

2. Neutral Cardigan or Blazer

Fitted cardigans create more tailored looks.  For more formal environments, consider a blazer instead.

 

3. Neutral Top or Sweater  (or blouse)

Tops with special details like lace, peplum, or a faux wrap are more interesting while still being versatile.  Choose any shape or neckline you prefer, and choose a top or sweater depending on your climate.

  • Option 1-J.Crew Factory, Ruffled Blouse, various colors
  • Option 2-Amazon, Puff-Sleeve Knit Sweater, various colors
  • Option 3-Ann Taylor, Essential Button Down, black or white
  • Plus Size Option 1-J.Crew Factory, Ruffled Blouse, various colors – goes to size 3X
  • Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Levis Button-Down Blouse – goes to size 4X

 

4. Neutral Printed Top

Prints provide more visual interest, and an all-neutral piece coordinates with lots of colors.  Choose any print, like polka dots, stripes, or geometric shapes. Any sleeve length works.

  • Option 1-Amazon, Cheetah Print Long Sleeve Blouse
  • Option 2-LOFT, Plaid Button Down Shirt, long sleeves, black and white
  • Option 3-Amazon, Classic-Fit 3/4 Sleeve Button Down Poplin Shirt, various colors/prints
  • Plus Size Option 1-Amazon, Utility Button-Down, various prints and colors – goes to size 40plus
  • Plus Size Option 2-Old Navy, Floral Shirt, long sleeves, black and white – goes to size 3X

5. Colored Top

A neutral top works, but color brings life to your wardrobe!  Choose a blouse or sweater with any sleeve length best for your climate. 

  • Option 1-Amazon, Chiffon V-Neck Blouse, long-sleeve, various colors
  • Option 2-Amazon, Lace V-Neck Blouse, various colors
  • Option 3-Amazon, V-Neck Chiffon Blouse, various colors
  • Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Vince Camuto, Pleated Sleeve Blouse, various colors – goes to size 3XL
  • Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, V-Neck Chiffon Blouse, various colors – goes to size 5X

6. Printed Top

A printed top brings interest to your wardrobe. Florals work anytime of year, as do stripes, geometric prints, and polka dots.  Choose any sleeve length appropriate for your climate.

  • Option 1-Nordstrom, Halogen Cap Sleeve Blouse, many various prints goes in and out of stock
  • Option 2-Amazon, Button Down Blouse, various colors/prints
  • Option 3-Amazon, Long Sleeve Band Collar Gathered Detail Blouse, various colors/prints – Audrey wears size 6
  • Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Halogen Cap Sleeve Blouse, many various prints goes in and out of stock – goes to 3X
  • Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Fall Floral Wrap Blouse, two prints – goes to size 4XL

 

7. Black Pants

Black pants are a work wardrobe staple.  The key to all day comfort is finding a quality pair with lots of stretch.  They do exist! For more formal environments, consider buying pants from a suit with a matching blazer.

  • Option 1-Old Navy, High-Waisted Belted Pants, affordable and great for starting out, regular/tall/petite/plus sizes
  • Option 2-Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 2. Goes in and out of stock.
  • Option 3-LOFT, Straight Pant
  • Plus Size Option 1-Target, Ponte Pant – goes to size 4X
  • Plus Size Option 2-Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – goes to size 24

8. Grey Pants

Medium or light grey are great for softer palettes, but dark grey is great, too.  

  • Option 1Amazon Tie-Waist pants – Audrey wears size S
  • Option 2-Amazon, Ease Into Comfort Barely Bootcut Stretch Pants, various colors, regular and short sizes
  • Option 3-Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 2
  • Plus Size Option 1-Amazon, Pull-On Paper Bag Waist Cropped Pants, various colors – goes to size 24
  • Plus Size Option 2-J.Crew Factory, Ponte Pant – Audrey usually wears size 6 in these. They tend to get a tiny baggy through out the day, so make sure to do Audrey’s “stretch test” (read about it HERE) – goes to size 24

 

9. Olive Pants

Colored bottoms maximize the outfit possibilities in your wardrobe.  (See THIS POST.)  Olive is a pseudo-neutral and goes with more than you think, and it works in spring, summer, and fall.

  • Option 1-Khols, Croft & Barrow Ankle Pants, olive, regular/tall/petite sizes
  • Option 2-Amazon, Ease Into Comfort Barely Bootcut Stretch Pants, olive, regular and short sizes
  • Option 3-Amazon Tie-Waist pants – Audrey wears size S
  • Plus Size Option 1-Target, Ponte Pant – goes to size 4X
  • Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Pull-On Paper Bag Waist Cropped Pants, olive – goes to size 24

CORE ACCESSORIES

These accessories may look simple, but they will pull together your outfits!

1. Bag

This tote goes with almost anything and can hold all your stuff while commuting to and from work. Any neutral color works.

  • Option 1-Nordstrom, Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote & Wristlet – Audrey’s everyday go-to bag
  • Option 2-Nordstrom, Madewell Leather Medium Transport Tote, color: English Saddle (more of an investment but wears well and has great pockets)

 

2. Long Metallic Pendant

This is very simple but very versatile and packs a huge punch in completing a look.  

  • Option 1-Dear Mushka via Etsy, Gold Locket Pendant, pictured above – Audrey owns and loves (the chain can be delicate but can be replaced for a thicker one)
  • Option 2-Amazon, Long Gold Disc Pendant Necklace
  • Option 3-Amazon, Metal Circle Pendant Necklace

 

3. Metallic Statement Necklace

This will add polish to casual and dressier outfits.

  • Option 1-Francesca’s, Rebecca Sandblast Fringe Statement Necklace, identical to one of Audrey’s favorites shown above, goes in and out of stock
  • Option 2-Amazon, Gold Bar Statement Necklace, similar to one shown above
  • Option 3-Amazon, J.Crew Factory Layered Circle Statement Necklace, one of Audrey’s favorites

4. Metallic Lightweight Leather Earrings

These are pricey but incredibly lightweight.  You won’t feel them at all, yet they will elevate your outfits.  Tons of colors, shapes, and sizes are available.

  • Option 1-Nickel & Suede, Bronze Leaf Gem Leather Earrings
  • Option 2-Nickel & Suede, Bronze Leaf Leather Teardrop Earrings – Audrey wears size M in this style
  • Option 3-Nickel & Suede, Gold Leaf Leather Teardrop Earrings – Audrey wears size M in this style

 

5. Black Shoes

For a shoe that goes with nearly everything, choose black pumps, wedges, or flats.  

  • Option 1-Amazon, Clarks Low Heel Pointed Toe Pumps, various colors, regular and wide sizes
  • Option 2-DSW, Lucky Brand Alba Flats
  • Option 3-DSW, Journee Mule Flats

6. Nude or Tan Shoes

Nude and tan are great for lighter palettes when black feels a bit too stark. Choose nude or tan pumps, wedges, or flats.

  • Option 1-DSW, Jessica Simpson Haneh Pumps, nude
  • Option 2-Target, A New Day Rebecca Ballet Flats, cognac, regular and wide sizes
  • Option 3-DSW, Journee Collection Arkie Wedge Pumps

 

7. Leopard Print Shoes (Optional)

Spice up your outfits with leopard print shoes!  Heels or flats work.

  • Option 1-DSW, Crown Vintage Evalinda Flat
  • Option 2-Amazon, Clarks Low Heel Pointed Toe Pumps, various colors, regular and wide sizes
  • Option 3-DSW, Journee Mule Flats

 

8. Colored Pumps (Optional)

These add a fun pop of color to outfits.  Maroon is great for fall and winter, but go for any color you like!

  • Option 1-Amazon, Clarks Low Heel Pointed Toe Pumps, various colors, regular and wide sizes
  • Option 2-Zappos, Nine West Flats, various colors, regular and wide sizes
  • Option 3-Amazon, Marc Joseph Pointed Toe Pump, various colors

 


 

PHASE 2: Additional Pieces

Business Casual Additions

1. Tops

Continue to add basic sweaters and tops in neutral colors, or add variety to your wardrobe with tops in fun colors or that have prints, different silhouettes, or special details.  Start by adding one, then add more if you want more Business Casual options.

  • Option 1-Nordstrom, Halogen Cap Sleeve Blouse, many various prints goes in and out of stock
  • Option 2-Old Navy, Button-Front Blouse (also goes to size 4x)
  • Option 3-Amazon, Fluid Twill Covered-Button Short-Sleeve Shirt, various prints – Audrey wears size M
  • Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Halogen Cap Sleeve Blouse, many various prints goes in and out of stock – goes to 3X
  • Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Lace Sleeve Round Neck Blouse, short sleeves, various colors – goes to size 4XL

 

2. Bottoms

Change up your work looks by incorporating colored or printed pants and skirts.

  • Option 1-Amazon, Paper Bag Waist Pants, various colors – Audrey wears size S
  • Option 2-J.Crew Factory, Slim Cropped Ruby Pant in Stretch Twill, classic and petite sizes
  • Option 3-Old Navy, High-Waisted Pixie Pants, various colors/prints
  • Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Skinny Compression Knit Pants, various colors (pricier but higher quality) – goes to size 24
  • Plus Size Option 2-Old Navy, High-Waisted Belted Pants, various colors – goes to size 4X

 

3. Dress

Look put together effortlessly with a dress! Find ones that provide shape, like a wrap dress with a v-neckline. Bonus points if it’s stretchy and comfy!

  • Option 1-Amazon, Long Sleeve Wrap Dress, shown above, various colors/prints – Audrey wears size M
  • Option 2-Amazon, Short Sleeve Dress, various prints
  • Option 3-J.Crew Factory, Sweater Dress
  • Plus Size Option 1-Amazon, Long Sleeve Wrap Dress, various colors/prints – goes to size 4X
  • Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Long Sleeve Wrap Dress, shown above, various colors/prints – goes to size 3X

 

Elevated Business Casual Additions

1. Blazer

A blazer instantly elevates any outfit and can be paired with pants, a skirt, a dress, or jeans.  For a flattering fit, find one that hits at about mid-hip and has darts around the bust to provide structure and shape.  For those with smaller busts, a one-button blazer works great. For those with larger busts, consider a blazer with two or three buttons for more support.

  • Option 1-J.Crew Factory, Sweater Blazer, camel or black
  • Option 2-J.Crew Factory, Original Schoolboy Blazer, camel or navy, regular and petite sizes – Audrey has and loves, she wears size 4
  • Option 3-Macy’s, INC Menswear Blazer, tons of colors
  • Plus Size Option 1-Macy’s, Crepe One-Button Blazer, black – goes to size 24
  • Plus Size Option 2-J.Crew Factory, Ponte Blazer, various colors – goes to size 24

2. Suit or Separate Blazer and Pants

For Business Professional style, consider purchasing a coordinating suit or separate blazers and bottoms that work well together.  A blazer and pants can be broken up and worn separately, or they can be worn together on days that require Business Professional style. 

A black suit is a workwear staple, but grey and navy suits are softer alternatives that are equally great.  All three are classics, and you can’t go wrong with them! Choose any color you feel most comfortable in.

Dressy Casual Additions

1. Tops

Many types of tops work for dressy casual outfits.  Find ones similar to the tops shown in the Core Basics and Business Casual Additions, or go even more casual with cotton tops that have special details.

  • Option 1-Amazon, Textured Long Sleeve Blouse, long sleeves, various colors
  • Option 2-Amazon, Split Neck Blouse, short sleeves, various prints
  • Option 3-Amazon, Crochet V-neck Blouse, short sleeves, various colors
  • Plus Size Option 1-Amazon, Belted Tunic Blouse, 3/4 sleeves, various prints – goes to size 4X
  • Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Lace Sleeve Round Neck Blouse, short sleeves, various colors – goes to size 4X

2. Dark or Medium Wash Jeans

Jeans are a classic wardrobe staple.  The key to all day comfort is finding quality, stretchy jeans that don’t sag.  For work, skinny, straight leg, or bootcut jeans in a dark or medium wash work best.

  • Option 1-Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Jeggings, regular and petite sizes – Audrey’s favorite jeans, she wears size 4
  • Option 2-Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Modern Skinny Ankle Jeans – hidden elastic waistband
  • Option 3-Old Navy, Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Pop Icon Skinny Jeans, regular and tall sizes, regular/short/long lengths
  • Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Stretch Skinny Jeans – goes to size 24, plus-size version of Audrey’s favorites
  • Plus Size Option 2-Old Navy, Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Pop Icon Skinny Jeans, regular and tall sizes, regular/short/long lengths – goes to size 30

3. Flats, Ankle Boots, or Tall Boots

Flats are more relaxed and easier to move around in than heels or pumps.  Simple ballet flats, pointy toe flats, or loafers all work well. Or, opt for boots or booties to really play into fall vibes.

  • Option 1-Target, A New Day Alena Dress Booties, regular and wide sizes
  • Option 2-Target, Universal Thread Sylvie Ankle Booties, various colors
  • Option 3-Zappos, Lucky Brand Emmie Flats, tons of colors, regular and wide sizes
  • Option 4-Amazon, Ballet Flats, tons of colors, regular and wide sizes
  • Option 5-Target, Universal Thread Chelsea Boots, various colors