Our Editors Share Their Favorite Capsule-Friendly Staples For Fall From ABLE’s New Collection
Fall Fashion Is Our Favorite
Are we wrong? Denim jackets, cozy midi dresses, dressed-up sweatshirts, boots, bags—and don’t forget the ever-versatile blue jeans. Once the calendar hits September, we’re pulling out the autumnal layers from the back of our closets and wearing them despite summer’s lingering heat.
Which is why we were thrilled to learn that one of our favorite responsibly-made fashion brands, ABLE, is expanding their ethical fashion line just in time for fall. These new capsule-friendly releases include leather jackets we’ll wear for a lifetime, sweatshirts that will be on heavy rotation all through the fall and winter, boots that are (seriously) made for walking, and denim for days. To top it all off? Delicate minimalist jewelry for a subtle statement, and patterned vintage-inspired scarves that speak volumes.
“We were inspired by the city streets of New York. The warm tones, the blissful feeling of exploration and creativity, the meeting of old buildings and modern design.”
“Amidst uncertainty in our world, and an ‘anything goes’ attitude amongst our fashion peers, we embrace stability by putting our modern edge on vintage styles,” says Jordan Soderholm, the Fashion Director at ABLE. “We create balance throughout the collection thanks to sleek leather in warm tones, and sophisticated looks with soft edges.”
As for the inspiration behind these essentials? “We were inspired by the city streets of New York, especially at night or after the rain. The warm tones, the blissful feeling of exploration and creativity, the meeting of old buildings and modern design.”
ABLE is on a mission to challenge the culture of the fashion industry by creating transformative opportunities for women around the world. Crafting products in Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, India, and locally in Nashville, TN, they prioritize creating a safe and healthy workplace for the women they work with. One of the things we love most is that they’re pioneering transparency in the the ethical fashion space through their ACCOUNTABLE initiative—they publish wages, social impact information, and manufacturing information, and are creating a platform for other brands to do the same.
Plus, this collection celebrates ABLE’s slow and thoughtful process in the face of an ever-accelerating fashion industry. “A part of sustainability is simply designing pieces that will be relevant in people’s wardrobes for years to come,” says Soderholm. “That means not fully diving into trend silhouettes—but taking on trends in a thoughtful way.”
We tried out our favorite pieces from ABLE’s new fall collection, and styled them in ways that both fit our style, and in ways that push our style boundaries to their limits. Soderholm says it perfectly: “When a woman wears ABLE, I want her to feel empowered, confident, and inspired to make change.” We certainly felt that way in these garments.
Be sure to share your favorite outfits—and what you’re most excited to wear this fall—in the comments below!
“When a woman wears ABLE, I want her to feel empowered, confident, and inspired to make change.”
Use code TheGoodTrade15 for 15% off through October 4th.
CELESTE
— OUTFIT ONE —
One Tank To Rule Them All
Celeste is Wearing
Delta Button Front Denim
Maha Leather Jacket
Anika Tank
Sarai D’Orsay Heels
Emerson Scarf
Virgil Earrings
“A reliable tank top, much like a reliable romantic partner when you’re dating in your early 20s, is hard to come by!”
Call me basic, but my favorite piece of this outfit by far was this simple black tank top. For me, a good tank top is an absolute must in my wardrobe. And yet, a reliable tank top, much like a reliable romantic partner when you’re dating in your early 20s, is hard to come by! This tank, however, meets all of my requirements. It’s sturdy, but loose enough to billow a bit when tucked into a pair of denim. It offers all the freedom of any normal tank top, but feels sophisticated enough to wear to work, or on a candle-lit dinner date (I can dream, can’t I?!)
For this outfit I paired the beloved tank top with a pair of dark-wash denim jeans, a brown leather jacket, a very Nashville neck scarf, and the cutest pair of snakeskin heels. Honestly, this outfit had me ready to hop on the back of a vespa like Hilary Duff in the Lizzie McGuire movie. Unfortunately, I am not Lizzie McGuire, and I still haven’t really figured out how to walk in heels. On a regular day, I’d probably swap out the heels for a pair of tennis shoes, and the jeans for a wider-legged pant. The tank top, of course, is here to stay.
CELESTE
— OUTFIT TWO —
Bell (Sleeve) Of The Ball
Celeste is Wearing
Sonu Feminine Sweatshirt
Martha Permanent Cuff Denim
Rojas Mule
Fozi Backpack
Gio Ring
In this outfit I’m serving you Forbes 30 Under 30 cover shoot vibes, with a super soft sweatshirt, a pair of wide-legged jeans, snake-skin mules and a very mature-looking brown backpack. To me, this outfit says, “She’s young! She’s hip! But she’s also sophisticated and smart.” I can see myself wearing this sweater and jean combo at a work event or a holiday party. As someone whose pant legs seem to get wider and wider the older I get, these jeans are pretty ideal. I love how they fit me like a glove, but aren’t too restricting while I’m on the go.
“Wearing bell sleeves automatically makes you the most interesting person in the room—I don’t make the rules.”
My second favorite piece in this outfit is the sweater for the bell sleeves alone. I love the way these sleeves allow you to, as my favorite writer, Durga Chew-Bose, would say, “sail around the corner.” Wearing bell sleeves automatically makes you the most interesting person in the room—I don’t make the rules.
COURTNEY
— OUTFIT ONE —
The Sole Connection
Courtney is Wearing
Charvee Relaxed Jumpsuit
Emerson Scarf
Marlene Ruffle Shoes
This jumpsuit is incredibly versatile—there are so many ways I can wear it and so many looks I can transform it into. For a sweet nod to fall, I chose to layer a turtleneck underneath, giving it a more seasonally-inspired feel. I love the looser fit of the jumpsuit, but with the turtleneck I wanted to create a more buttoned-up silhouette, so I added a cream belt at the waist. I also love the green moss color that offers a soothing addition to my wardrobe for virtually any season.
“The cream Marlene Ruffle heel is basically my soul shoe and instantly adds subtle sophistication to any look.”
The cream Marlene Ruffle heel is basically my soul shoe and instantly adds subtle sophistication to any look. I loved how the cream color tied the turtleneck and belt together. The finishing touch for this look was the lovely silk scarf that I tied into my hair. I love the pop of print that it adds to the whole outfit.
COURTNEY
— OUTFIT TWO —
Denim For Dancing
Courtney is Wearing
Delta Button Front Denim
Maha Leather Jacket
The Shriya Crew
Celina Ankle Boot
Emerson Scarf
My typical go-to denim is more of a vintage 90s “mom jean” style. Rarely do I reach for the skinnies, so these were are a new frontier for me. However, I love that they are high-waisted and the copper button closure makes them feel structured and secure. Another bonus is that they are stretchy but also durable.
“I absolutely love the way this gorgeous silk neck scarf adds a pop of color and a hint of poise.”
I wanted this look to feel sophisticated, but with a little edgy mix of Sandy from Grease vibes—so I started with a simple white tee paired under this stunning leather jacket. I absolutely love the way this gorgeous silk neck scarf adds a pop of color and a hint of poise. The finishing touch is these amazing snakeskin boots—a bold, yet understated print that brings the whole look together.
EMILY
— OUTFIT ONE —
Best Dressed, Class Of 2019
Emily is Wearing
Srishti Knot Front Dress
Sarai D’Orsay Heels
Meron Work Bag
Heirloom Necklace
I look like the young city-dwelling lawyer who just won the big case—and I love it. (I’m not a regular lawyer, I’m a cool lawyer). This black dress makes me feel confident, unstoppable even. The fact that it’s also divinely soft and breathable means perfect for transitioning into the fall (even while the heat of summer is still clinging on.) Definitely a work-to-date-night piece.
“I look like the young city-dwelling lawyer who just won the big case—and I love it. (I’m not a regular lawyer, I’m a cool lawyer)”
This bag—oh, this bag—such a sweet neutral. It’s something I envision carrying for years, no matter what form my personal style takes. I’m generally a pretty colorful person, so the lighter leather is perfect to pair with my more vibrant outfits. Plus, it has a sleeve that fits my work laptop perfectly. I adore the look of these snakeskin pumps, but I’ll need to spend a little more time wearing them in; if I had to commute on foot, I’d definitely bring a pair of sneakers to swap out while I break in the heels.
EMILY
— OUTFIT TWO —
All That Racket About A Jacket
Emily is Wearing
Shilpa Midi Tank Dress
Merly Jacket
Rojas Western Boots (not pictured)
Maria Tassel Crossbody
“[This denim jacket is] already worn-in in the best way; it felt like catching up with an old friend who you haven’t skipped a beat with.”
This is the Emily I’m used to seeing in the mirror! I’ve gone most of my life without a proper denim jacket, and the minute I put this one on, I didn’t want to take it off. It’s so soft and already worn-in in the best way; it felt like catching up with an old friend who you haven’t skipped a beat with. I wore it on a weekend trip in Seattle and it was the absolute perfect piece to slip on over dark jeans and a tee, over a dress, or even to tie around my waist when the sun came out (it’s seriously that soft!). The fit is perfect, too: it’s slightly long and a bit boxy, making it feel super vintage.
A smaller crossbody bag is more my pace (versus a larger tote), and this little buddy has a sweet tassel that adds a touch of playfulness. It’s perfect for sunglasses, a phone, and a wallet—my go-to minimalist out-on-the-town accessories. Although you can’t quite see it, this dress is the same texture as Celeste’s beloved black tank top, and I have to second her enthusiasm. It’s a thick cotton blend that feels sturdy and reliable, and I don’t have to worry about lighter bras showing through.
