Is it possible to have a minimalist fall capsule wardrobe without sacrificing style and personality? The simple answer is yes.
But it is much more nuanced when you are just starting out, and your default is often to get a bunch of basics and work within that scope.
This is a reason why many people fail when it comes to building small wardrobes and end up continuing bad shopping habits to add some temporary excitement to basic wardrobe.
But if you start with a wardrobe that reflects your style personality you are arming yourself with the tools for success.
Creating a minimalist style capsule wardrobe without having just basic and generic pieces is not only possible but can also be an exciting challenge that allows you to express your unique style.
We all know when we search online for capsule wardrobe examples, what is usually generated are the very check the box orientated basic styles.
One white tee, one black tee, one pair of jeans, a striped shirt, and sneakers.
You get the idea.
My personal goal is always to show you how to view to through a different lens.
The concept of a capsule wardrobe is the same regardless of your personal style.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of versatile, timeless clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. The concept aims to simplify your wardrobe while maximizing its functionality.
That’s the gist.
It doesn’t have to contain a specific number of items, or certain pieces and styles. It’s about personal style, versatility, cohesiveness, and being creative.
It typically does includes basics, but they’re your kind of basics.
I have a post regarding some not-so-basic basics, because if you are going to have only a few items don’t you want them to be interesting?
They should reflect your personal style and lifestyle.
The goal is to simplify your life and reduce decision fatigue. No more staring at a packed closet thinking “I have nothing to wear!” because that sucks, especially when it is full to bursting.
You often feel shame that you have so much but feel so lost when it comes to dressing.
But it is not about deprivation, it is about having a wardrobe that truly works for you.
Capsule wardrobes change with the seasons, carrying over pieces that will work, and adding items more seasonally appropriate.
This means you’re not stuck wearing the same thing year-round, and is a great way to discover your personal style and what really makes you feel like you.
Creating a capsule wardrobe is about crafting a wardrobe that tells your story, fits your life, and makes you feel confident every single day.
A 12 Piece Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Sleeveless Turtleneck | Light Denim | Cream Boots | Grey-Blue Bag | Trench | Kitten Heels | Circle Skirt | Sweatshirt | Ballet Flats | Snake Print Bag | Black Jeans | Skinny Scarf | Grey Trousers | Earrings | Necklace | Cardigan | Track Pants | Blue Button Up | Fringe Bag | Flat Boots | Bracelet | Grey Sweater | White Tee | Sneakers | Sunglasses
How does a minimalist style aesthetic work in a fall capsule wardrobe?
A minimalist aesthetic focuses on a more subdued colour palette, clean lines, no overt logos or flashy prints. It’s calmer and leans towards simplicity without being simple.
This fall capsule wardrobe focuses on a cool colour palette which isn’t traditionally fall, but if you like a warmer palette then last week’s 90s minimalist fall capsule might suit your tastes better.
I am going to break it down by the key pieces that I think are important to ensure you have a well-rounded, versatile wardrobe, while still keeping it modern and fresh.
You need to look with an open mind so you can see how you can tweak ideas so that it will work for you.
Many capsule wardrobe checklists exist but it is not as simple as checking a box.
You need to view each suggestion within a broad scope and pick wardrobe pieces that work to check the box while still remaining authentic to you.
There are so many options out there, and the idea is to find the one that speaks to your style.
Because if we just buy to check a box we will end up circling back to the closet full of clothes with nothing to wear problem.
The Trench
It’s fall, so a trench makes sense universally but look at this as a generic coat category. Maybe you prefer a leather trench or a moto jacket.
What about a shorter style in a tweed?
This trench is pretty basic when you first look, but it has some details that make it interesting. Do you see how the belt is fitted over the panels and give it a peplum look when cinched?
That is a great little touch that makes it more elevated. Don’t sleep on the secondhand options either.
Source out an 80’s or 90s vintage trench coat. They are often great quality, and have interesting oversized fits, and come in a variety of colours.
Maybe you want a grey or black one. Is the 70s one of the styles you like to reflect? Try a long belted leather jacket instead.
A Great Pair of Jeans
There is truly nothing like a great pair of jeans. The Citizens of Humanity Ayla jeans have been popular for a several seasons now, and are a good example of quality denim in great and non-traditional shape.
But nice denim doesn’t have to costs hundreds of dollars either.
Aritzia’s house brand Denim Forum has a great selection of denim in different washes and styles.
The light wash pair I included are a relaxed 90s style. I like the contrast of a light wash denim in the fall months when we usually see a lean towards dark washes.
Another no-fail style of jeans is a pair of vintage Levi’s.
Honestly, you only need one or two pairs of jeans that you love and can wear on rotation.
I also suggest giving a men’s pair a try.
Not only do they come in a larger variety of inseams, but they also are very standard in sizing. Once you figure out your women’s to men’s jeans size you can pretty much buy them with accuracy, unlike women’s jeans with inconsistent sizing.
The Midi Skirt
A midi circle skirt is a very versatile piece that you can dress up or dress down, and has been a classic style for decades.
It doesn’t have to be this style though, you can try a pencil skirt, wrap, a-line, pleated, or maxi skirt. There is a skirt style in any fabric for everyone’s tastes.
Want to make it a bit something more?
Try one in leather or faux leather. It adds the right kind of look and texture to an outfit, and is perfect for fall and winter weather.
When you have a small wardrobe it is a good idea to have a quick dressy outfit for those times you need one.
But because the wardrobe is small, it is also important that the dressy piece is also able to be worn casually for everyday wear.
Track Pants
The sporty look is very popular right now, but not sporty like you are heading out for a run, or to join a team.
Sporty in a way to make it seem not like you are doing any of those activities. Does that make sense?
We want to be able to wear some track pants in a similar manner as we do our favourite jeans. Like these navy pair (which are available Monday), they also come in a bold red.
The key is to combine it with other styles.
We are borrowing from the boys in fashion at the moment, lots of androgynous looks, so try a menswear-inspired top like a relaxed button-up layered under a sweater, paired with a feminine ballet flat.
Or try a dressy top with a heel. It is the juxtaposition that is what makes the look.
The White T-shirt
A white tee is a very generic, run of the mill capsule wardrobe item. Yes, it is basic, but it can also be interesting. So look at the white tee as a generic placeholder then choose a t-shirt that suits your style instead.
For example, I used one a plain white in this fall capsule but the shape of it is a bit more oversized with a dolman sleeve.
A white t-shirt can also be a graphic tee, a band t-shirt, an oversized or slim fit tee, or a really interesting deconstructed style tee.
It doesn’t even have to be a white t-shirt. Pick a colour, any colour that will work with the wardrobe you are building.
The Cardigan
A cardigan is a standard wardrobe staple and there are a lot of styles that you can choose from. I opted for a more fitted, waist-length style that can also be worn as a shirt.
You could also go for a longer grandpa or boyfriend fit, a thinner, more cropped 90s version, or a lady’s cardigan style.
I would avoid the waterfall cardigan and its ilk. They look quite dated.
Remember that you can make them your own by updating the buttons as well.
A Classic and Not Classic Boot
Having a couple of boot options as the weather starts to shift is nice. A classic black flat boot is the perfect everyday goto style.
It pairs with everything and is simple to wear.
But I also think that when you have a small wardrobe being more adventurous with your footwear and accessories is a good way to as visual interest and personality to a look.
The off-white suede kitten heel boot has such an 80s feel that they really make a statement with any outfit.
Don’t be scared to pick something a little out of your comfort zone, this is how we grow into our style.
Sneakers
Every wardrobe needs a comfortable pair of sneakers. Sambas have ruled the sneaker world for many seasons, but the Adidas SL 72s are coming in strong with a huge variety of fun colours.
If you are looking for something more minimalist stick to a black, white, grey, or navy. The pair I included have ribbons for laces which adds a bit of something extra.
A Dressy Shoe
Please keep in mind that a dressy shoe does not have to be a heel. You can absolutely wear flats and still be dressed up.
I cannot wear a high heel. Not only can I not walk in them, but they also cause me foot issues. What I can wear is a kitten heel because it feels like a non-heel to me.
I have these black wrap heels, but in the red version. They are a great quality shoe by a small women-owned brand.
When I bought them I saw their potential to be worn through different seasons with the addition of a sock.
Yes, you can wear socks with heels. Miu Miu has been doing it since the 90s.
Handbags and Accessories
Remember where I said to use your accessories to add some fun to your wardrobe? Choosing a handbag in a print, colour or style is such an easy way to tie your look together.
The handbags I chose to serve different looks.
First, we have a snake skin print in grey-blue and black. The matches the colour palette but the snake print brings texture and visual interest.
Fringe is another trend and if you are scared to wear fringe, then incorporating it into your accessories is a great way to dip your toe in and enjoy the trend without diving head first.
I opted for black to play with the minimalist aesthetic.
The third bag is a very minimalist in shape and colour, because it is important to have a basic option as well.
As for other accessories, you can still keep it simple while maintaining a unique look.
Pendant necklaces are very in at the moment, so try an inexpensive version, or search vintage. You could probably find lots of pendant necklaces in a thrift store as well.
Skinny scarves are also an easy way to add some finishing touches to your outfit. Something in a subtle print, or try green to add the season’s trendiest colour.
The goal of a capsule wardrobe is to simplify your life, reduce clutter, and save you money by reducing impulse shopping.
Remember, creating a capsule wardrobe is not a one-size-fits-all all concept. The most important thing is that your wardrobe reflects your personal style and makes getting dressed each day effortless and enjoyable.
It’s about being more intentional with your clothing choices and consumption. So embrace the minimalist approach, and discover the beauty of doing more with less in your fashion journey.
Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe Outfits
Sleeveless Turtleneck | Light Denim | Cream Boots | Grey-Blue Bag | Trench | Kitten Heels | Circle Skirt | Sweatshirt | Ballet Flats | Snake Print Bag | Black Jeans | Skinny Scarf | Grey Trousers | Earrings | Necklace | Cardigan | Track Pants | Blue Button Up | Fringe Bag | Flat Boots | Bracelet | Grey Sweater | White Tee | Sneakers | Sunglasses
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