Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. You’d think that since I’m from Virginia I’d be better with heat and humidity, but my ideal day is a crisp one. Fall clothes are also my favorite. I love the time of the year when you don’t need a heavy jacket and boots just yet. A well-planned fall capsule wardrobe makes getting dressed easier all season, including those early fall days when temperatures are starting to change and you think you don’t have anything to wear. I love how it makes shopping for gaps in your closet easier too. You’ll find that you end up with versatile pieces that you can mix and match all season, whether you’re drawn to bright colors of neutrals.
This outfit is an example of something that comes from my own fall wardrobe staples. I style these jeans and button up in so many different ways throughout the fall.
What Is A Fall Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe doesn’t necessarily mean you have a few tops, a few bottoms, and one pair of shoes. It means you have pieces that work together and feel practical for your life. It should definitely showcase your unique personal style and even leave room for seasonal favorites that might feel trendy. I also like to focus on pieces that are versatile – a button up you can style for work but also the weekend – for example.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe Benefits
You Have Clothes for A Range of Temperatures
When it comes to clothes, one of the hardest parts of a new season is being too hot or too cold in your outfit. When you put together a capsule wardrobe that works for your life, you won’t be left wondering what to wear on those awkward temperature days.
You Have A Foundation to Build on
Capsule wardrobes are meant to provide a foundation that make up the base of your outfit and other reliable pieces that you wear all the time. Think about pieces like black trousers for work or a trench coat for crisp mornings. You should absolutely leave room for or include fun pieces that make you feel like you. Fall is a fun time to add different textures, colors, and layers to your outfits.
How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe For Fall
Your capsule wardrobe largely depends on what you do on a daily basis. It also depends on the colors you prefer! I like to start by thinking about what I wear the most and which colors I like the best.
Step One: Think About The Clothes You Wear Every Day
A capsule wardrobe is different for everyone because we all have different daily routines. Think about your daily routines so you can focus on the pieces you really need to wear the most. For example, I used to have a lot of suits when I worked in an office, but now I just have a few pairs of trousers as alternatives for jeans. Since I typically wear jeans, I’m more willing to invest in an another pair of jeans instead of more work pants.
Step Two: Decide The Colors You Prefer to Wear
If you’ve ever had your color palette for clothing and makeup done, it’s really helpful to decide which colors you might want to prioritize. I always love neutral bases and then I use accessories to add fun pops of color or pattern that work for me. For example, if you love to wear green but need work pants, you can consider navy work pants that will go with a green sweater or green accessories.
Step Three: Prioritize What You’ll Wear The Most
Once you’re ready to shop, go back to the list of clothes you wear the most and focus on those pieces first. For me, I focus on jeans, button ups, and t-shirts that feel like they’ll hold up in the washer and dryer. I also tend to prioritize outerwear since I live in a city and walk a lot! Fall days are perfect for trench coats and leather jackets.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Work Pants
If you’re in an office, you probably need at least one pair of work pants – even if jeans are allowed. They’re nice to have for big meetings or days when you want to feel polished. I have this pair in my cart right now. I love how they come in different lengths, whether you’re petite or tall! I also love the color options.
Button up
Button ups will be a closet hero – you can wear them to work, on long travel days, and for regular weekends. There’s nothing easier than throwing on a button up with jeans or a skirt – they truly go with everything. The button up I’m wearing below is my favorite classic fit button up. You can see how it easily tucks into jeans – you can roll up the sleeves or wear them down. This option is great for work, too because it pairs perfectly with blazers.
This button up is my go-to if you like an oversized fit. Be sure to size down one size.
Don’t forget to rewear button ups for travel days. This is what I wore on our long trip home from the English countryside. If you’re looking for more fall outfit inspiration, check out my blog post on fall outfits for travel.
Jeans
Tailored jeans are always my go-to when I think about a capsule wardrobe because they work with everything. When I say tailored jeans, I just mean jeans that don’t drag the floor and aren’t ripped. A raw hem is definitely fun, but you’ll get way more use out of jeans that have a normal hem. The pair I’m wearing below are my go-to straight leg jeans. I love how I can wear them with any shoe, whether I’m wearing ballet flats or boots. It’s part of what makes them perfect for fall days. They’re true to size.
Important Basics: T-Shirts
T-shirts are no longer just boxy, oversized tops you wear around the house or to the gym. There are so many so-called elevated t-shirts now, and they can be key to building your outfits. They’re perfect for a fall capsule wardrobe but you can wear them almost anywhere, all year. I love to style mine under a button up, jacket, blazer, or sweater. Obviously, you can wear them alone too. The one I’m wearing below comes in lots of colors. It’s a great option to wear with jeans but it’s definitely one to layer under a suit too.
Ballet Flats and Loafers
Ballet flats and loafers are classic options for fall shoes. You can style them with jeans, skirts, and work pants. You’ll get a ton of use out of them, and they should be comfortable! I love how there are fun colors and neutrals in so many shoes now, so you can easily find something that works for your specific outfits. No matter what color you pick, when it comes to wardrobe staples for shoes, ballet flats and loafers are it.
Outerwear
Fall is the best season for light outerwear. Your exact jacket depends on the weather, but my go-to options are a trench coat, leather jacket, or a cotton jacket.
Classic Sweaters
Sweaters are an important part of a fall wardrobe, especially here on the East Coast. I prefer crewneck sweaters and cardigans, but v-necks, wrap sweaters, and unique necklines are also good options for a capsule wardrobe! It’s all about what makes you feel comfortable and what works for your daily schedule.
Sweaters are also perfect to help give your summer dress a fall vibe. If you’re looking for ways to transition your outfits into the new season, check out my post on how to wear summer dresses in the fall.
Accessories
I love to add a scarf with my jackets once it’s cooler. It’s an easy way to add a pop of color or pattern to your outfit. Silk scarves are also a great option for a belt or just to style around your shoulders. I also love to add a printed belt to an otherwise classic outfit of just pants and a button up, for example. These are all easy ways to add color or patterns to your outfit without needing to buy extra clothes.
A printed belt also looks so good with tonal outfits! Click here for monochromatic fall outfits – it’s one of my favorite ways to get dressed in the fall and winter.
That’s all from me today! Be sure to sign up for my email list if you’d like to hear more from me on style and travel.
