If you’re new around here, you probably don’t know that I used to do quite a few capsule wardrobe posts way back when. They were some of my most popular posts, but they are also the most time consuming (more time consuming than you can imagine to source/choose/style/photograph) to create! Life happened–and I haven’t done one in a LONG time, but then a brand I hadn’t heard of called American Giant reached out and asked if I would be interested in working with them!
At first, I didn’t think it was a fit, because I had never heard of the brand (I rarely take on partnerships with brands I don’t already purchase with my own money unless it’s a REALLY good fit and I’ve had plenty of time to try out the product!) But upon learning their story and trying out some of their clothes, I changed my tune. “This is a brand my girls will LOVE” I told my manager, Molly! (She’s the one who handles all my partnership communications/negotiations!) They also make some great basics for the guys in your life, too.
More about the brand: American Giant is a local, made-in-the-USA company. They are committed to keeping their production in the U.S. so they can have a handle on their entire supply chain and additionally, so they can support local businesses, companies, and workers–bringing communities together and making a difference in local economies! They use 100% American-grown cotton to make all of their garments, and they stand behind quality because they want your pieces to last a long time, with designs that are stylish but not trendy–they’ll always be in style. (Has “Jess” written all over it, right?)
Because they make a small, but well-curated selection of items that can be worn lots of ways, my mind was immediately drawn to a capsule wardrobe. A “Back to Basics” Barefoot Contessa-inspired Spring capsule, if you will. From your Saturday morning coffee run to your Monday office meeting, and wherever your travels happen to take you (also a great travel capsule wardrobe!)–here’s how to style these great basics multiple ways!
Plus, right now, you can save 20% off your order with code JESSKEYS!
Cotton stretch leggings + tank: (Save 20% with code JESSKEYS)
This matching set is so comfy and cute and perfect for warmer temperatures. It’s what I would call an “athleisure” set–it’s stretchy cotton, great for working from home, walking the dog, school drop-off, light workouts like yoga, or a cute but comfy travel outfit!
Sizing: I went with the small on top and I’d say it’s TTS. I went with size 4 in the leggings, tried the 6’s and they were too loose, so I would go with your smaller size if you’re a range!
Remix the leggings with…
A white popover button down, sneakers, and a fanny pack if you want to dress the look up a bit but still keep things casual! Great for a coffee date with a friend, a zoom meeting, or casual weekend breakfast!
Remix the top with…
The amazing stretchy kick-crop pants (more details on those below!), leather jacket, hair scarf, and sneakers! This is a great outfit to wear to many different casual occasions–night out at your favorite bar or concert (the black dresses things up a bit!), and it would be a great outfit to wear on a trip for sightseeing!
Stretchy kick-flare pant: (Save 20% with code JESSKEYS)
THESE PANTS! For those of you who have been requesting “non hard pants that I can wear to the office”–I bring you, non hard pants that you can wear to the office!!
They’re stretchy–they’re thick (think Ponte material), but they’re NOT leggings–they’re cropped with a little bit of a flare, with a mid-rise fit. They are very cute and very easy to style. So much so that you can bring them in your bag for a work trip, but I bet you’ll wear them every day outside of work, too!
Sizing: I ordered both the 4 and the 6 and much prefer the 6, so I’d go with your larger size if you’re typically within a range.
Wear it for work: with a white popover or button down and chic flats for the office
Wear it for a day of sightseeing: with sneakers and a neck scarf
Wear it for a concert: Remember the tank from the matching legging set? I’ve remixed it here with these pants and sneakers for a casual night out! This would be a great casual but cute look for something like a concert where you wanted to be stylish but low key! This is totally another example of a look that would be great for a travel capsule wardrobe–I’d definitely wear it out exploring during the day, and then to a show or dinner at night!
The cotton tank dress: (Save 20% with code JESSKEYS)
I LOVE this dress. It’s perfect for summer, it’s so comfortable, so versatile. You can wear it ANYWHERE. It’s also not too short and not too long. (But if you want a midi version, they make a t-shirt midi dress too!) It’s perfect for work, travel, weekend–wherever you find yourself in warm weather. You can even wear it with tights and layer a sweater and coat over it in the winter. You’ll never run out of ways to wear this gem!
Wear it for a day exploring: with sneakers and a hair scarf! This is a great example of the kind of outfit I live in whenever I travel in warmer weather. Simple, practical, but still stylish–you’ll be able to look back at all your photos and say, “I looked cute!” instead of, “what was I wearing?!” 😂
Wear it for a meeting: with chic flats and a belt to define the waist and to dress it up a bit! Honestly, I think this look is cute enough to wear out for dinner, too!
That’s it! I hope you enjoyed this “back to basics” capsule and it gave you some great ideas if you’re in need of some new basics!
Huge thanks to American Giant for sponsoring this blog post! Excited to have found a new-to-me brand that delivers quality wardrobe staples and for the opportunity to be able to share them with you all!
