2025 Summer Workwear Capsule: Dark Wash Jeans Five Ways

Dark wash straight-leg jeans are a timeless essential. Flattering, versatile, and office-appropriate, this staple is perfect for petites looking to stay polished and comfortable during warmer months. In this post, I styled my favorite dark wash jeans from Quince in five professional outfits—using lightweight layers and smart footwear.

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2025 Summer Workwear Capsule: Dark Wash Jeans Five Ways

My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.

2025 Summer Workwear Capsule Wardrobe | petite-friendly capsule wardrobe for work | smart casual capsule wardrobe | summer work wardrobe

25 Capsule Items

Navy Cardigan XS: This short sleeve cardigan is from Walmart. In XS, it’s a little bit oversized on me, but still fits overall. The cardigan is lightweight and can be worn tucked in and as a layer.

Tan Cardigan XXS: In XXS, this cardigan is true to size. For comparison, the J.Crew version runs small, but this one doesn’t. It’s a perfect pairing for the sweater shell, but it’s also a great standalone layer.

Light Blue Cardigan XXS: This cardigan and its matching shell run small. I went with my true size, but I think it would be a more comfortable fit in a size up. For a less expensive option, I recommend the J.Crew Factory version.

White T-Shirt XXS: This t-shirt is double lined with light compression. The fit and fabric make this one polished for the office. It’s true to size, but if you don’t want it skin tight, I would go up a size.

White Vest XXS: This vest fits well in XXS. It’s not too low at the arms and I love that is has a high neck. To me more coverage, makes it easier to wear to work.

Light Blue Sweater Shell XXS: a perfect match to the light blue cardigan, this shell can also be worn on its own and under blazer. It runs small, I recommend a size up.

Black Sweater Shell XXS: This shell looks chic on its own, but also layers under cardigans and blazers. In XXS, it’s a perfect fit, and I find it to be true to size.

Tan Sweater Shell XXS: Another layering piece with a perfect fit. I’m wearing this sweater in Heather Mushroom, which is a soft neutral tan.

Linen Top 00: This linen top does come in petite sizing, but runs slim in petite, so I chose regular sizing instead. It’s breathable linen that is perfect for summer heat. In flax it’s a beautiful neutral that pairs well with all of the capsule pieces.

Printed Top Petite XXS: To add a little interest, I chose a printed top with complementary colors to the capsule pieces. Bonus, the top has sleeves! I’m wearing it in Petite XXS and find it to fit true to size.

Black Pants Petite 0: The Kate pants from J.Crew are a modern, straight-style pant with stretch. They run small, so I recommend a size up. The Kate pants have a 26″ inseam, but if you like a shorter inseam, the Cameron Pants are a great option with a 25.5″ inseam. If you like wide-leg pants, try this pair from Ann Taylor. Old Navy Pixie Straight Pants are a less expensive option.

Soft White Trousers Petite 00: The Palazzo Crepe Drape Pants from LOFT are made from easy to wear crepe. They have a petite-friendly 27.5″ inseam that I can wear with flats.

Blue Pants Petite 00: These ankle pants are from Ann Taylor. I love this gorgeous shade of blue and the easy-to-wear crepe. I find them to fit true to size and wear them in Petite 00. They feature a side zipper closure.

Dark Wash Jeans 24 x 26″: I chose the Bella Straight Jeans from Quince for the capsule. They’re a clean dark wash with comfortable stretch. They have a 26″ inseam and are true to size. This pair from Gap has a 25″ inseam if you prefer something shorter. The Gap jeans run small, so I recommend a size up.

White Jeans Petite 24: These wide-leg jeans from Banana Republic Factory are true to size with comfortable stretch. They don’t bag out with wear and aren’t see-through in white. They have a 27.5″ inseam in petite, which I can wear with flats.

Blue Blazer Petite 00: This crepe blazer from Ann Taylor is a gorgeous sapphire blue. I chose it for the lightweight fabric and the unique shade of blue that blends well with all of the capsule tops. It’s true to size, but it is a little long in the arms for petites. I often wear this blazer with the sleeves pushed back.

Flax Blazer Petite 00 and White Blazer Petite 00: I chose two linen blazers for the capsule, one from J.Crew Factory and J.Crew. Both blazers are almost identical in fit and come in the same colors; the J.Crew option is just better quality and construction. I wear both in Petite 00 and find them to be true to size.

Crepe Skirt Petite 00: In keeping with easy to wear and care for, I chose a crepe skirt for the capsule. This skirt is true to size, fully lined, and is a beautiful neutral that goes with all of the capsule tops.

Pleated Skirt Small in dark gray: This “dark gray” skirt is really slate blue. It’s an Amazon find I’ve worn for years. It fits me well in a size small, but it does start at XS.

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