Elevated Fall Wardrobe Basics | Talbot’s Fall Collection
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is to keep an open mind when shopping. Brands that I’ve previously written off as “not for me,” will sometimes yield up some wardrobe gems. Talbot’s is one of those brands. While they tend to be a bit more preppy/conservative than my usual style, I’ve found a few new elevated wardrobe basics in their fall collection. I wanted to show them to you right away, because for a limited time, Talbot’s has 25% off regular priced items, including new arrivals! (Just FYI, this is not a sponsored post.)
Yes, you’ll still find some eye-searing prints and some, well…(dare I say?) frumpy styling in the mix. But scroll through those, and you can often find some good wardrobe basics in a wide range of sizes and colors.
Elevated basics: fall finds from Talbot’s
I do a good bit of my shopping online. So once I’ve received any new items and ascertained that the fit and color are right for me, the first thing I do is try styling with what’s already in my wardrobe. All of these pieces passed the “plays well with others” test! All are currently 25% off. And all of the Talbot’s pieces I’m wearing here are available in Misses, Petite, Plus and Plus Petite sizes.
An elegant suede jacket
My sizes: jacket – Petite Small, tee – Small, jeans – Petite 6
I’ve had a lightweight leather or suede jacket on my wish list for some seasons now. But I didn’t want anything oversized, Western, or moto style. And most leather jackets aren’t offered in Petite lengths, which means the sleeves are almost always too long. But this gorgeous suede jacket ticks all of the boxes for me! (Fit, color, style.) For those with cool color palettes (Summers and Winters), check out this similar style in Burgundy faux leather.
The barrel jeans and metallic footwear add a quirky element to an otherwise straight-up-Classic look. The striped tee from Kule is also a new-ish find…it’s a shorter length so great for Petites, and this color is on sale.
Here’s a closeup of the jacket. The suede is beautiful, soft and very even in texture. I love this rich toffee color. And those gold buttons!
A wear-now-wear-later cotton shirt
Some of you mentioned that while you liked the J.Crew cotton shirt I showed recently, it was too cropped for you. So you might like this one, which is short enough to wear untucked, but still long enough for coverage.
My sizes: shirt – Petite Small, jeans – Petite 6.
The fabric is cotton poplin, so it’s cool and breezy. And lightweight enough to layer under a jacket or cardigan when the weather gets cooler. The red is a primary neutral red, so both warm and cool seasons can wear it. It’s also available in an Olive stripe.
Did someone say, “leopard print?”
Well, you know how I am when it comes to leopard… 😉 🐆
This cashmere v-neck sweater would look great with the jeans, of course, but I wanted to try dressing it up a bit. The cashmere is lightweight and really soft, but doesn’t feel flimsy. Above, I’m wearing with the Madewell trousers (shown previously here) and Dolce Vita metallic loafers. With a slim pant, I’d probably wear the sweater untucked; it hits at mid-hip length.
A few more pieces that caught my eye (and all 25% off)
Double breasted duster cardigan
Also available in Navy, in Misses, Petite, Plus, & Plus Petite sizes.
That tote is pretty cute too…
Leopard print never goes “out,” but is back on trend this fall. I find both leopard print and metallic shoes to be perennials, and easy to style.
A great transitional season piece. Wear on its own or over another layer.
Available in Moss, Navy, and “Toasted Coconut” (Camel).
Travel-friendly ponte knit gets a polished boost from the front pintuck detail.
Available in Misses, Petite, and Plus sizes, in black, dark navy, and this Burgundy (great for Winters and Summers, a nice black alternative).
Those of you who love teal will find plenty of styles in this color. This v-neck cardigan has a nice bit of textural interest too.
If you’re looking for classic styles, or versatile, pieces that will have staying power in your wardrobe, you should definitely check out Talbot’s, especially while the sale is on and size/color availability is still good. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when styling “classic” pieces, and add your favorite accessories to personalize the look.
What’s on your wardrobe wish list for fall? Let me know and I’ll keep an eye out.
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would love a pair of barrel jeans in tall lengths, have been unable to find so far
Try these from Madewell: https://bit.ly/3XjU20M
I know you love your barrel leg and wide leg trousers but they are not for me at 5’1”. Perhaps you have a longer leg and shorter torso? I have a long torso with shorter leg when I tried on the barrel leg my legs looked like two barrels…wide legged trousers in a more fitted from hip to waist do work for me as there is less material over the tummy. The fit of the Talbots ponte pant looks good and I love the waist band which I wish more manufacturers would use. Nygard had this set in band in their ponte pants but I cleared out his stuff from my closet after his arrest. Don’t support men who prey on women…
Different topic: Susan do you still follow Faster Way? You’ve managed to keep yourself in such good form!
Thanks, A! While I don’t track my food consistently, I do try to avoid processed foods. And yes, I still do the FW workouts several times a week.
I ordered the print cashmere sweater a few days ago! I love animal prints and my old sweater is worn out. Great to see it on you.
Back in the day, I shopped at Talbots ALL the time for my work wardrobe. They used to have beautiful silk blouses and scarves, Italian wool sweaters and blazers. Now, not so much. Agree with your comment about eye-searing prints and frumpy styles, and I’ll add garish colors. Having said that, I do still shop there; they have consistently good jeans and classic pants, tees, and (for those of us in hot climates) shorts. Their activewear line has some good pieces as well. And I did see several interesting items in the latest catalog, such as your beautiful suede jacket! Am a bit worried about their long term viability, as they’ve closed several stores in my area in the past couple of years. I hope they hang in there!
I am a long time Talbot’s shopper (avoiding the scary-preppy stuff!) , despite their sale to a women’s conglomerate retailer some years ago (that bought Chico’s just this year, I think). While their overall quality has been reduced (now, only a few silk, wool and leather pieces), they offer almost all items in a FULL range of sizes, which is very rare these days! If you are a petite with a short waist or sleeve length, petite sizing is essential. Most retailers dropped MUCH of their petite line during/after COVID…
I agree about Talbots. There are gems to be found that are certainly worth adding into a wardrobe. I am frustrated when purchasing though, as it’s hard to estimate when further reductions will happen.
Love that suede jacket! Wish they had it in navy. I like Talbots for some things especially their relaxed chinos and other basics that can be hard to find elsewhere. Some of their prints are too much for me, but I appreciate that they at least try to appeal to women over 22. Love the leopard print on you; definitely one of your signature looks!
Hi- what size are you wearing in the Talbot’s jacket and the striped t shirt?
Hi Lizzy, I’m wearing Petite Small in both.
Would you please share where you got the acorn necklace? Thanks.
Hi Susan, the necklace itself is a custom piece from Tarra Rosenbaum; here’s the acorn charm: https://tarrarosenbaum.com/products/acorn-treasure
I shop (online) at Talbots for one reason: They carry an amazing number of impossible-to-find size 10.5 shoes, including fairly good quality leather ankle boots. The stores do not carry shoes larger than 9 — but the website does, and it’s a pleasure to be able to order them.
Hi Susan
We don’t have a Talbots within miles so I tend to forget about them. That longline double breasted cardigan sure is pretty, and I love anything leopard!
I am a 40+ year shopper at Talbots and during my work life, starting when in law school when I needed to purchase my first “suit” on a budget. Also lots of Nordstrom (they are local here in Seattle area). Time and again, young women engineers would tell me that they admired my version of business casual.
But in retirement? and a rounder figure? Having a difficult time finding things that don’t cling in all the wrong places and colors that are more muted. Having said this, I purchased a faux leather moto jacket (color “rattan”) that is beautiful and will be traveling with me to South Korea in a few weeks. Other prior Talbots purchases that will be traveling? Skinny jeans; substantive knit tank; a couple of t-shirts; always classic chinos. And I’m considering purchasing a pair of lovely cashmere travel slippers for the 12 hour flight.
Susan, thank you for looking beyond the “brand” nonsense and looking for a variety of style and value.
Gosh, you did so well. These pieces seem tailored to your figure. And they are so versatile.
I love the leopard top with the brown trousers. And the champagne coloured shoes.
Greetje
Thanks so much, Greetje! I think I’ll be wearing that leopard sweater quite often once the weather cools down.
That suede jacket outfit looks amazing on you!
Thanks so much, Lane!
I’m a big fan of Talbots, especially their selection of work pants in petites.
I’ve been impressed with their fall selection, it’s modern and dressy casual. I love the fall colors and monochromatic themes. They’ve also upgraded their jeans styles. I ordered the Travel-friendly ponte knit set during their 25% off.
Thank you Susan for all your postings. I really enjoy your styles, travel and color advice.
Hi Patricia, thanks and I’m glad you find it helpful!
I loved the suede jacket the moment I saw it, but hesitated to purchase. Next time I looked it was completely sold out. I am so sad.
Next time, I will listen to you. It looks great on you!