Take one look at my "Outfit Inspiration" folder on Instagram and you'll find endless Reels of women showcasing their "capsule wardrobes" and "versatile wardrobe essentials." At this point, those two phrases have been ingrained in my brain as the smartest ways to shop, but no matter how many videos I save, I still have more on-trend items than I do staples. If you're like me and staring at your fall wardrobe wondering how to create that capsule effect, I think I've found our ticket to success. Express has been on the scene for years now, and while the retailer carries of-the-moment items, its selection of wardrobe classics should not be overlooked. Express has workwear essentials like pinstriped trousers, tailored blazers, and blouses, as well as chic date night looks that can be mixed and matched with fun pops of color—as exemplified by content creator Lauren Maile Crane below. Lauren, along with content creator Sarah Najafi, and Who What Wear editor Aniyah Morinia, put these Express essentials to the test, and let's just say you won't have to worry about what to wear ever again. From the office to a dinner date, you can copy their three looks below.
"When dressing for the office, I always make sure to find pieces that fit the corporate-cool dress code while still prioritizing my personal style. Slacks and a blouse can feel a bit stuffy, but I can always find something on-trend and comfortable at Express. I opted for a lightweight green V-neck sweater and a pair of trousers that are so comfortable and fall perfectly over my snakeskin booties. I love that the sweater can also be worn off the shoulder if I have any plans after work and want to appear more casual!" — Aniyah Morinia, fashion and beauty editor
"My personal shopping list for fall has me dreaming of an ultra-chic fall night. I am loving the effortless look of a flattering black midi dress [with] a black sweater layered over top. The monochromatic look has my heart for fall, especially when you can then have fun with color in the accessories. I put this outfit on and immediately called my husband to take me on date night. Of course, once he saw me in the outfit he agreed! My favorite detail of the look is the silhouette of the dress. It is so timeless, fitting for fall with the length, and striking for how minimal a black dress may sound. There is something to the perfect fit that elevates a look and brings on more confidence, [especially] when the design is spot-on with your vision." — Lauren Maile Crane, content creator
"The sleek and classic design of this outfit makes it a go-to for me this fall. I can easily layer it with other items from my closet to dress it up or down and also add a personal touch. For instance, I could pair this skirt with a chocolate brown suede blazer or a grey coat and loafers for a super chic look. Adding a lace top or even tights will easily add a personal style touch and transform it into an evening look. Express is a great choice for wardrobe staples because it offers a blend of classic styles with a modern twist, making it easy to find pieces that feel both timeless and on-trend. [Its] clothing is often designed with versatility in mind, allowing you to mix and match pieces effortlessly, whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or keeping it casual." — Sarah Najafi, content creator
