I love Talbots.  That’s no secret.  And apparently you, my readers, do too.  Almost every month, without fail, Talbots is the most popular retailer on the blog.  Hands down.   So, we’re gonna try something new today.  I’ve spent the past few days combing through Talbots’ Spring new arrivals, and I’ve put together a capsule wardrobe.   From 14 different items, I’ve put 5 different outfits together.  The items include:

• jackets;
• tops;
• bottoms;
• shoes; and
• bags.

Here are the rules I tried to follow when selecting items:

• Must be Talbots.
• Must be new arrivals.
• Should be classic and wearable next year, and years to come.

Most of you are familiar with what I mean by “classic”.  Think lots of neutrals, fits, cuts, and styles that defy trends.  While bold and bright colors are in this year, I shied away from them today in favor of whites, blacks, and tans for example. 

So without further adieu, let’s see what I came up with.

Talbots Spring New Arrivals

Nappa Wedges | Perfect Tote | Nappa Loafers | Espadrille Flats | Vachetta Mule | Bateau Neck Tee | Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Twill Knit Blazer | Denim Shirt Jacket | Button Detail Popover | Smocked Blouse | Wide-Leg Pants | Relaxed Jeans | Slim Ankle Jeans

Shop the capsule wardrobe (click below)

Talbots outfit 1

The first outfit stars a navy twill blazer.  A navy blazer is part of any classic wardrobe and works perfectly with the simple combination of an olive drab neck tee and slim jeans in a medium wash.  And how about these leather mules?  Absolutely loving them.    

Twill Knit Blazer | Bateau Neck Tee | Slim Ankle Jeans | Perfect Tote | Vachetta Mule

Shop the outfit (click below)

Talbots outfit 2

The second outfit begins with a neutral base:  I paired a black and white smocked blouse with black wide-leg trousers.  The trousers are about as “edgy” as this wardrobe gets today, but I have been and will continue to be a fan.  The wedges continue the matchy-matchy feel of the outfit. 

Denim jackets are true heroes of any classic transition wardrobe, including this one.  So to add visual interest, I added a light-wash denim shirt jacket.  It lightens the outfit up dramatically.  (Imagine the difference if I were to have gone with a dark-wash.)

Denim Shirt Jacket | Smocked Blouse | Wide-Leg Pants | Nappa Wedges | Perfect Tote

Shop the outfit (click below)

Talbots outfit 3

The third outfit is preppy through and through.  I’m bringing back the navy twill blazer from outfit 1.  This time, though, I paired it with a blue popover and white denim.  Add a pair of navy loafers and you’re a full-on prepster, if only for a day. 

Twill Knit Blazer | Button Detail Popover | Relaxed Jeans | Nappa Loafers | Perfect Tote

Shop the outfit (click below)

Talbots outfit 4

Outfit 4 demonstrates keeps the base from outfit 1 but swaps the jacket, shoes, and bag.  It features a tan utility jacket and snakeskin espadrilles.  (Remember, animal skin functions as a neutral.) This outfit really demonstrates the impact accessories and outerwear can have on an outfit.  

Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Bateau Neck Tee | Slim Ankle Jeans | Espadrille Flats | Perfect Tote

Shop the outfit (click below)

Talbots outfit 5

Compare outfit 3 with this one:  the only thing different is the jacket.  Instead of a blazer, I’ve gone with the utility jacket.  And what a difference it makes.  The outfit stops feeling “preppy” and starts feeling more, “I’m ready to take on the world thank you very much.”  

And that’s the fun of capsule wardrobes, really.  If you begin with a small but classic set of tops, bottoms, shoes, and jackets, you can create so many different combinations that vary minimally but are dramatically different!  

So have some fun with my capsule wardrobe and think about how you would do it differently. 

Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Button Detail Popover | Relaxed Jeans | Nappa Loafers | Perfect Tote

Shop the outfit (click below)

In case you missed it

If you’re looking for more classic wardrobe ideas, make sure to check out our essential series: 

• essential tops; 
• essential bottoms; and
• essential jackets; 
• essential accessories that every woman should have in their closet.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.