When I work with clients who are still trying to figure out their personal style, I often have to explain that people generally don’t fall under one category of styles when it comes to fashion.
It’s not like years ago where you would pick one and basically that became your persona like in high school when you had the preps, the jocks, the skaters, the goths…
These all affected the way they dressed and that’s just not how it has to work anymore.
We are often a mixture of styles falling under several, or more than several categories that we mix and match in different ways depending on how we feel that day.
As per any style, how you feel like dressing falls onto a sliding scale which will move back and forth each day based on your mood.
For example, you may feel more bohemian one day with a bit of edgy, while the next the bohemian may be much less and confined to a fringe back but the rest of your outfit is sporty.
So when it comes to eclectic wardrobes, you like a lot of everything and how you present that in your outfit will change daily.
People like labels though so I like to tell them that they are eclectic dressers which resonates with them.
There always seems to be an aha moment when I say that as everything suddenly clicks and makes sense.
What is an Eclectic Wardrobe?
An eclectic wardrobe is a collection of clothing that combines a variety of styles, colours, patterns, and even eras, to make a unique and diverse fashion mix.
Generally, people who have an eclectic wardrobe will often blend different influences, such as vintage, bohemian, modern, and streetwear, into their outfits.
Many days I feel like I fall under the eclectic category, and by my explanation I do but I still tend to use my three style adjectives as my descriptors.
The eclectic approach to fashion tends showcase a person’s individuality, creativity, and freedom, since there is no strict adherence to a single style or trend.
For example, someone with an eclectic wardrobe might pair a retro blouse with modern sneakers and a statement piece of jewellery, creating a bold and unconventional look.
The key is the artful combination of contrasting elements in a cohesive way. It should flow and make sense, not be overwhelming or confusing to you.
A 12 Piece Eclectic Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Tie Neck Blouse | Vintage Jeans | Red Bag | High Boots | Coat | Heels | Black Turtleneck | Cardigan | Loafers | Blue Clutch | Dress | Brown Trousers | Green Long Sleeve | Socks | Striped Sweater | Grey Trousers | Brown Sweater | Necklace | Shortie Boots | Belt | Black Tie Front Blouse | Sneakers | Sunglasses | Brown Handbag
I love the transitional weather and fall is a season of transition—both in weather and in fashion.
When the temperature starts to cool (I’m still waiting) and the leaves change, wardrobes naturally start to shift towards cosier fabrics and deeper colours.
But, for those who lean into eclectic style, fall is an opportunity to experiment, layering unexpected textures and styles to create unique, personal outfits.
An eclectic wardrobe is not about following trends; it’s about drawing from different influences and embracing the mix-and-match spirit, letting your creativity guide you.
Start with Your Core Pieces: The Foundation
Eclectic fashion is all about contrasts, so while the mix is important, the foundation of your wardrobe should consist of versatile, classic fall pieces that can be paired with more daring items.
Think of these pieces as your canvas, like a blank slate that can be layered upon.
Classic Trench Coat: Timeless, elegant, and perfect for fall. Opt for neutral shades like beige, olive, or black, but don’t be afraid to find one with a quirky detail, such as an unusual lining or a belt with a pop of colour.
I chose a trench that is a-line like a car coat in a deep chocolate brown.
Chunky Knit Sweater: This will be the base for layering with more colourful or textured pieces.
Tailored Pants or Jeans: Straight-leg or wide-leg pants in denim or wool will serve as an excellent neutral base. Go for classic hues that can complement eclectic tops and accessories.
Explore Different Textures
Eclectic wardrobes thrive on combining different fabrics and textures and fall is a great time to experiment with these since there are so many different fabrics available.
Velvet: Soft, luxurious, and a perfect match for the richness of fall. A velvet blazer or a pair of velvet loafers can elevate even the simplest outfit. For even more impact make it a rich or vibrant colour.
Corduroy: This fabric goes hand in hand with fall and works well in a variety of forms, so try it in skirts, pants, jackets and blazers. Its retro feel makes it a fun addition to an eclectic look.
For even more authenticity pick up a vintage 70s corduroy blazer. Big win.
Leather or Faux Leather: This fabric adds a touch of edge and this season it is everywhere and in a variety of colours. For something less expected, veer from black and try coloured leather, like burgundy, brown, grey, navy, or green.
Tweed and Plaid: Both fabrics are fall staples with a British countryside feel. Incorporating these into your wardrobe in blazers, skirts, or trousers adds sophistication with an eclectic twist.
By mixing textures and pairing something soft like velvet with something structured like tweed you add depth and visual interest to your outfits.
Experiment with Patterns and Prints
Try to be a bit fearless with patterns and prints.
Mixing Prints: Don’t be afraid to mix stripes with florals, plaids with polka dots, or animal prints with abstract designs. The key to success is keeping the colour palette cohesive.
For instance, try mixing a navy floral dress with a brown plaid scarf or short cape—they may seem unrelated, but the complementary colours tie them together.
Layering Patterns: Fall is all about layering, and eclectic fashion gives you the freedom to layer prints in unexpected ways.
Wear a patterned turtleneck under a solid-coloured dress and top it off with a floral scarf or printed blazer.
Vintage Finds: Vintage stores are goldmines for eclectic wardrobes, offering unique prints and designs you won’t find in modern shops.
A 1970s bohemian dress or a retro patterned sweater can be the perfect eclectic touch for your fall wardrobe.
Play with Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Accessories are an easy way to allow you to inject personality into any outfit and experiment with different styles on a smaller scale.
Bold Scarves: A patterned or brightly coloured scarf can transform even the simplest outfit. Try an oversized plaid scarf, a silk paisley print, or even a knitted piece with a unique texture.
Hats: Wide-brimmed fedoras, vintage berets, or knit beanies can add instant character to your look. Don’t be afraid to play with bold colours or unusual shapes.
Statement Jewelry: When we have an eclectic wardrobe we often thrive on unexpected details, so opt for large, dramatic pieces of jewellery like chunky necklaces, oversized rings, or eclectic earrings.
These accessories help to pull together different elements of your outfit, creating a unified yet unique look.
Patterned Tights: With skirts and dresses still wearable through fall, add some patterned tights. Try polka dots, lace designs, or bold, coloured tights for an unexpected twist.
Incorporate Vintage and Thrift Finds
Thrifting is a fantastic way to add unique, one-of-a-kind items to an eclectic wardrobe. It’s actually one of my favourite ways and I literally search vintage pieces every single day. A few ideas to try are:
Retro Blouses: Printed silk or polyester blouses from the 1960s or 1970s can bring a pop of unexpected colour and charm to modern outfits by layering them underneath sweaters, cardigans, dresses, and blazers.
Unique Coats: Vintage coats, especially those from the 1970s and 1980s, can have interesting cuts, buttons, or patterns that make them stand out. A statement coat is the perfect addition to any wardrobe.
Unusual Bags: A vintage purse or handbag can add a touch of quirkiness. Look for styles that are no longer in production, like box bags or beaded clutches. or even searching consignment for vintage versions of modern companies because they are often better quality than the new ones made by the same people.
Colour Play: Go Beyond Neutrals
While fall often leans into neutral tones, as do most capsule wardrobes that we see. Let’s step outside the box and add some vibrant colours.
You can still use your traditional autumn shades like brown, mustard, and burgundy, but let’s pair them with more. Something to give your outfit a punch.
Bright Jewel Tones: Deep emeralds, sapphire blues, and ruby reds can add richness to your fall palette while maintaining a seasonal feel.
Unexpected Pops: Like neon accents, such as a bright pink sweater or cobalt blue shoes, to liven up your outfit. It is all about the surprise factor, something unexpected yet cohesive.
Monochrome Mix: You can create an eclectic look by sticking to one colour but mixing different shades and textures. For example, wear an all-grey outfit with various tones and fabrics like velvet, wool, and leather for a unique yet subtle twist.
There’s no right or wrong way to mix and match, as long as you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what combinations reflect your personal style.
I like to tell my clients that it is all about trial and error, you won’t know if you like it unless you try.
But most importantly you really need to wear your choices with confidence.
Eclectic fashion works because it pushes boundaries, and doing so unapologetically is key to making these outfits work.
Eclectic Outfit Ideas for Fall
Tie Neck Blouse | Vintage Jeans | Red Bag | High Boots | Coat | Heels | Black Turtleneck | Cardigan | Loafers | Blue Clutch | Dress | Brown Trousers | Green Long Sleeve | Socks | Striped Sweater | Grey Trousers | Brown Sweater | Necklace | Shortie Boots | Belt | Black Tie Front Blouse | Sneakers | Sunglasses | Brown Handbag
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