A collage of 5 items on my fall capsule wardrobe wish list. Clockwise from top left corner is a navy sweater with white stripes and a half-zip front, a pair of navy pleated pants, a white t shirt, tan clogs and black loafers.

I like to keep a running wish list of things that I’d like to add to my capsule wardrobe each season. As a recovering shopaholic, a “wish list” helps me be a more intentional consumer and keeps me from slipping back into my old ways.

I also try to be as sustainable as possible with my clothing purchases which means that I purchase the majority of my clothing items secondhand. A wish list is helpful for keeping me focused in a thrift shop where I find it’s a little easier to over-purchase.

Things tend to stay on this list for a while. If I haven’t found it secondhand after about a year, I will look for that item new if it’s something that will add a lot of value to my wardrobe.

Here are the 5 items that I currently have on my fall capsule wardrobe wist list:

1. Half-zip Striped Sweater

My actual note for this item was “cotton striped sweater…mostly white or navy with large navy or white stripes. Probably navy with white would be best.”

After searching secondhand shops for over a year (I added this item to my list back in March 2021) and not having any luck, I started to look at new products. I found what I was looking for here.

This is exactly what I’m looking for. It’s made from natural fibers which include responsibly sourced wool. And it’s a classic piece that I already know that I will own it for years and get a ton of wear out of it.

2. White T Shirt

I tend to gravitate more towards darker colors than lighter ones. A black t shirt has been a staple in my wardrobe for a while. But, my curiosity has gotten the better of me and I want to add a white t shirt to my capsule wardrobe.

I have been considering this one from Organic Basics but it’s not currently available in my size. I did manage to find one in my house though, just someone else’s closet. It’s a little thinner than I would like but I’ll consider replacing it if I actually enjoy wearing it.

3. Birkenstock Boston Clogs

For Christmas last year, my family gave me a pair of Birkenstock slippers. I love the style of them and have been tempted a number of times to wear them outside the house.

I’ve seen similar Birkenstock shoes in the past and a search lead me to these Birkenstock Boston clogs.

I think I would get them in a lighter color. I anticipate them being a 3 season shoe for me (winter not included) and I think tan would complement my darker wardrobe nicely.

4. Loafers

A loafer is pretty on trend right now, but I think they’re a classic shoe that can always elevate an outfit. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair since last fall.

If I could have any pair (i.e., cost wasn’t an option), I’d love these. I love the chunky sole (as a petite, I’ll never turn down a few extra inches 🙂 and the silver triangle emblem is a fun touch.

Another pair that I’ve found are these from Grenson. I really like this version with a chunkier sole but they are in the most recent sale and there’s only a UK3.5 left which is, sadly, too small for me.

5. Pleated Trousers

I have a pair of vintage linen pleated trousers that I bought last summer and I’d love to have a cold weather version.

I actually ordered a pair from the Real Real but they were a little too tight in the waist. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to return them so they’ll probably end up in my Poshmark closet.

So, I’m still on the hunt. I did attempt to sew a pair once and it didn’t go well but it might be a good cold weather project. And a good way to get back into making my own clothes. I really like this pant pattern and this one. Oh, and this one.

One Thing that I Checked off my Wish List – A Sweater Vest

A small white woman with silver hair slicked back in a low bun stands in front of a white wall with her right hand on her hip. She is looking off in the distance and wearing a white sweater vest from her capsule wardrobe with a pair of charcoal grey ribbed pants and light grey sneakers. She has a cornflower blue sweater draped and tied over her shoulders and is holding a grey structured handbag in her left hand.

Before I end this post, I did want to share one thing that I recently found from my wish list. A sweater vest.

I had been on the hunt for a sweater vest all summer. Preferably cotton to wear alone in the warmer months and layered in the colder months.

This past weekend I finally found it in a local consignment shop. The brand is ME+EM and although I couldn’t find the one I bought, I’m loving this one.

I have so many layering ideas for this vest when the weather gets cooler but for right now, I’ll be wearing the above outfit on repeat!

Be sure to check back and follow me on Instagram to see if I find any of these items.

** Cover photo images from (CW from top left): COS, Bella Loves Patterns, Organic Basics, Birkenstock and Grenson websites.