How to Build a Fall Capsule Wardrobe
T-shirt | Turtleneck | Blue Button Up | Striped Button Up | Sweatshirt | Cashmere Sweater | Oversized Sweater | Blazer | Slip Dress | Sweater Dress | Straight Leg Denim | Wide Leg Denim | Trousers | Leather Pants | Raincoat | Quilted Jacket | Earrings | Necklace | Sunglasses | Crossbody | Shoulder Bag | Tote | Knee High Boots | Black Boots | Loafers | Sneakers |
A lot of times when you see capsule wardrobes online it is a selection of clothes that they suggest that you add to your core items for the season in order to have a complete wardrobe.
That usually works well for those that have been doing the capsule wardrobe thing for years. But if you are new to it and do not know where to begin and feel overwhelmed or confused then this capsule has everything you will need for fall and even winter if you add a winter boot and warmer jacket (your needs will differ depending on the weather where you live).
I was going to do some fall outfits this week based on trends but then I was thinking about my own wardrobe and what pieces I was really excited to be able to wear more often as the weather cools.
I based this on the key pieces in my wardrobe that I feel are going to make the basis of what I wear this fall and even throughout winter and spring.
It contains enough pieces that you can get A LOT of different outfit variations by mixing and matching everything that you see here.
Does that mean that you can’t include your favourite collection of tees or your go-to leopard satin skirt?
Absolutely not.
It just means that you don’t have to in order to have a complete wardrobe.
Admittedly my wardrobe is larger than this, but also much smaller compared to many others who share their daily outfits online as I do.
That being said, I could go into my closet and set aside these pieces (or similar ones) and have an entire season worth of outfits.
It would also allow me to wear them into the winter as well as the spring and fall, because my winter and spring wardrobes are basically the same with the addition of some warmer coats, boots, and winter accessories.
Here is my list of items that are going to be the heavy hitters of my fall wardrobe this year.
My Top 10 Items in my Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Oversized Button Up – They go with everything. Layer over, under, tuck in or out. I have them in multiple colours. They can be casual or dressy depending on the mood, but even when they are paired with casual items they always give an elevated look.
Sweatshirt – I am a huge sweatshirt person. I love a bold colour or great graphic on them and I am a huge fan of Anine Bing sweatshirts. BUT I know she is pricey and I found this guy on Etsy who prints some obscure and early 90s bands on a Gildan sweatshirt. I have this one, and currently have a few in my basket.
Cashmere Sweater – Nothing quite says classic or wardrobe staple like a cashmere sweater. They can be pricey so I know that it is an investment. I bought this one from H&M when they had a 25% off plus free shipping weekend.
I have a fitted cashmere sweater that I never wear (I am selling it on Poshmark now) because I prefer my cashmere sweaters more oversized and this checks the boxes.
Straight Leg Jeans – Now that skinny jeans are no longer the top style of jeans we are venturing out into new territories.
Some of us haven’t worn a straight leg in a REALLY long time if ever depending on your age. The straight leg is a classic cut and if find that is much more universally flattering than the skinny jean.
Faux Leather Trousers – What can I say? I am a huge leather fan and this season leather everything is having a moment. But if you just want to go for one piece then I suggest the trouser.
Either a nice straight leg cut or wide leg. I have both and they both serve different purposes. I am really digging the wide-leg right now though.
Suit Trousers – You can’t go wrong with a great pair of trousers, especially if they have a looser, wider leg and come in a great brown check or grey. Both longer and ankle-skimming styles will work well.
Puffer Coat – This is the coat style of the season and everyone is flocking to The Frankie Shop Quilted Puffer.
That coat is definitely not for everyone though because it is extremely oversized and can be very hard to wear.
Something more subtle or understated in a longer, less oversized version that will be easier to wear. It gives a more sophisticated vibe than trendy, cool girl.
Lug Sole Loafers – Or lug sole anything. I chose the loafer version because I already had two pairs of boots in this fall capsule wardrobe, but if you are looking for lug sole boots then these are a great version.
There are a lot of different loafer styles out at the moment, and since they are a classic wardrobe piece it won’t be one of those trendy purchases that you regret when the season is over.
Slip Dress -I have been a slip dress lover since the 90s. I find them to be so versatile and will work throughout the whole year.
For fall you can layer a turtleneck bodysuit underneath, or wear a sweater/sweatshirt over the top to make it look like a skirt.
An easy fashion tip for pulling off this look is to put a belt on over the dress around your upper waist and tuck part of the sweater or sweatshirt under the belt to give it a more fitted look like I did here.
Knee High Boots – The tall brown boots I included are bringing back a renewed excitement to wear my Everlane tall brown boots.
This style has a little big taller heel than mine which I think I prefer.
But I am looking forward to wearing these under dresses and wide-leg pants as well as over pants with a slimmer leg for that Three’s Company look (p.s. I would totally wear her outfit).
I put together a bunch of different looks from the fall capsule wardrobe selections at the top of the page which you can see as you scroll down below.
I hope that it inspires you to streamline your own fall wardrobe.
Stay safe.
Easy Fall Outfit Ideas
Fall Capsule Wardrobe Outfits
T-shirt | Turtleneck | Blue Button Up | Striped Button Up | Sweatshirt | Cashmere Sweater | Oversized Sweater | Blazer | Slip Dress | Sweater Dress | Straight Leg Denim | Wide Leg Denim | Trousers | Leather Pants | Raincoat | Quilted Jacket | Earrings | Necklace | Sunglasses | Crossbody | Shoulder Bag | Tote | Knee High Boots | Black Boots | Loafers | Sneakers |
You might also like:
How to Build a Fall Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget
The Ultimate Fall Capsule Wardrobe
How to Build a Casual Fall Capsule Wardrobe
How to Build a Fall Capsule Wardrobe with Neutral
How to Build a Fall Work Capsule Wardrobe
Fall Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
How to Build a Retro Inspired Fall Capsule Wardrobe
How to Build a Rock Chic Fall Capsule Wardrobe
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Black Purse | Raincoat | T-shirt | Blue Button Up | Black Sweater | Striped Blouse |
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Sara this is super helpful. I’ve been reducing my clothes monthly for some time but the underlying way to think about creating or developing a capsule has been missing. Thanks much!
Can you share what you use to create your outfit images? Do you use an app of some kind?
Thanks Colleen! I’m glad you find it helpful. I use photoshop to do these which costs me 9.99 a month. There are apps like Canva and picmonkey that do similar things though 🙂