A 12 Piece Fall Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget

Sometimes I feel like it would be better to avoid looking at all.

However, we don’t need to break the bank to update our fall wardrobe. With some patience and determination, we can create a budget-friendly wardrobe that’s versatile, chic, and perfect for cooler weather.

I haven’t done a budget wardrobe post in a while, which surprised me when I looked back because in this economy it should have been at the forefront of my mind, so I apologize.

Remember that budget isn’t a particular number that I am going to give you, it is subjective and varies based on each person and their life. What I consider a good deal, you might not, and vice versa.

I once followed an influencer who would often share “budget-friendly” options for the pricier pieces she had and many times I would still cringe when I saw the price.

A $650 sweater isn’t budget-friendly for me personally, but for her, it was since the original was $3000. So while her lifestyle and shopping suggestion were out of the scope of my personal reality, obviously it wasn’t for others since she still has a massive following who buy what she shares.

So with this, I wanted to include less expensive retailers with frequent sales that allow you to stack coupons.

Note that all countries might not offer the same sales so the price might be higher or lower in different areas.

I recently bought the brown cardigan in this capsule wardrobe that I did not want to pay full price for, but this past weekend it was on sale and I was able to use two coupon codes with it, and free shipping which ended up being a great deal.

I was searching for an oversized cardigan in this colour so when I came across it, I was aware that this was a wish list item and noticed it.

To me, it comes down to making a list and then shopping for the best pieces you can afford within the parameters of that list.

It keeps you on track to prevent impulse buys and helps you to remember what you are looking for when you come across a sale.

Let’s jump in.

This will prevent unnecessary purchases and help you identify what key items might be missing.

Pro tip: Try on everything to ensure it still fits and is in good condition. If it needs repairs (like mending a loose button or fixing a zipper), consider whether it’s worth it to repair it or donate it and replace it.

You don’t want to have a repair pile that sits there for the next year.

Be realistic about what you will and will not do.

And also remember that you probably need less than you think you do.

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Don’t be wishy-washy, but it is okay to give yourself leeway. For instance, you may have a certain price set for jeans, but then come across a pair you have wanted forever which were out of your price range and are now on sale, but are a bit higher than your budget.

Do you walk, or do you give yourself some leeway and maybe readjust your budget?

It all depends, and often if this situation arises I will sell some of my clothes on Poshmark to counterbalance the extra costs.

In general setting a clear budget is essential when you want to build your fall wardrobe without overspending, but give yourself some grace.

Determine how much you can realistically afford to spend, and break that amount down into different categories like outerwear, accessories, and shoes.

Allocating funds to specific items will keep your spending in check and prevent impulse buys, but you may find yourself shifting things around if you overspend and underspend in categories and this is okay too.

Pro tip: If you feel overwhelmed, start with the essentials, and as your budget allows, add trendy or statement pieces over time.

Prioritize Versatile Pieces

The key to building a cost-effective wardrobe is investing in versatile items that you can style in multiple ways.

In the beginning think about staple pieces that can be mixed and matched with everything you own, such as a great pair of jeans, a classic coat, or an oversized sweater.

As you get better at this you can expand into pieces that are still versatile but take more creativity to wear. They are the pieces that are going to add visual interest to your wardrobe like the fringe sweatshirt which is so much fun.

When each piece can be styled in a variety of ways, it maximizes your wardrobe’s potential without having to buy a lot of clothes.

So before you make any purchase try to think of a minimum of 3 different ways you can wear that piece with things that you already own.

That will give you a good idea of how versatile it is.

Pro tip: Opt for a collection of pieces in neutral or muted tones, as these colours will pair well with nearly everything and stay stylish throughout the years. A step up from the neutrals are the ish colours that are regular hues but have undertones of brown or grey.

Blue-ish, or green-ish are colours that add more than neutrals but are still as versatile as neutrals. Remember the “ish”.

You can find unique items that reflect your style, including brand-name clothing and trendy pieces, for much less than retail prices.

Secondhand shopping opened up a whole new world to me that I would never have been able to afford.

Pro tip: When thrifting, look for classic fall staples like oversized blazers, wool coats, and leather boots, which can often be found in great condition. Do not forget to shop in the men’s section. Seriously, you will be shocked what you can find in there.

I seek out men’s jeans, sweaters, and button-ups every time I go. I have a great balance of men’s and women’s clothing in my wardrobe.

Many people get turned off by secondhand shoes but you would be surprised by how many people sell footwear that hasn’t been worn more than once.

It’s basically the same as buying a pair of shoes at a shoe store that people have tried on.

I bought a Coach Soho bag similar to the one I included today that is from 2007. Coach is having a resurgence and while people are loving the new bags, their 90s and Y2K bags are highly sought after and the prices are starting to reflect that.

This is one of those jump in early situations.

Shop End-of-Season Sales

Retailers often discount fall pieces toward the end of the season to make way for new collections. Take advantage of these end-of-season sales to stock up on outerwear, boots, and sweaters at a fraction of the original price.

Many retailers also offer big sales, especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where you can find significant markdowns.

Search for coupons and discount codes before making purchases.

Pro tip: Sign up for newsletters from your favourite brands to receive notifications about upcoming sales and exclusive discounts. I clean out and unsubscribe regularly but often these are helpful if they are from retailers that you shop from often.

Embrace Layering

Layering is the foundation of fall fashion, and it allows you to get more mileage out of the pieces you already have. You use it to build your outfit which is probably one of the reasons why I dislike summer, since you can’t really layer.

Lightweight layers like turtlenecks, camisoles, and button-up shirts can be worn underneath thicker layers such as cardigans, jackets, and coats.

It allows you to play with different fabrics and textures which give depth and dimension to your outfits.

Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, buy a few basic layering pieces that can be worn in different ways. For example, a fitted turtleneck can be styled under a sweater, a blazer, a dress, or on its own.

Transition Summer Pieces into Fall

Instead of buying an entirely new wardrobe for fall, make the most of your summer pieces by transitioning them into the cooler months.

For example, layer a chunky sweater over your favourite summer dress or wear a turtleneck underneath a sleeveless top.

Lightweight jackets or cardigans can also help transition your wardrobe as temperatures begin to drop.

Layer it up. Dress and skirts over jeans/pants are big again and will give some longevity to unseasonal pieces.

This is why I don’t box up my pieces each season, because you never know what you can make work for the season you are in.

Pro tip: Pair lighter fabrics with fall-appropriate textures, such as leather or suede, to create a cozy look while still utilizing summer pieces.

Create a Colour Palette

Building a wardrobe around a cohesive colour palette helps ensure that your clothes mix and match easily, which ultimately means you’ll need fewer pieces.

While I am not one who completely sticks to a colour palette, I do have specific colours that I gravitate towards that build a great foundation in my wardrobe.

Stick to a palette that includes fall-friendly colours like camel, burgundy, olive green, navy, and cream. Once you establish a palette, it becomes much easier to put together outfits without feeling like you’re missing something.

Pro tip: Neutrals are your friend! They form the foundation of any capsule wardrobe and can be paired with seasonal colours and prints. Plus, all of these colours mix well with traditional out of season colours like pastels mixed with browns.

Plan Ahead and Shop with a List

This is what I was talking about way at the beginning, impulse buys can quickly blow your budget, so it’s important to plan your shopping trips and make a list of what you truly need.

By sticking to a pre-planned list, you’ll avoid unnecessary purchases and stay focused on acquiring the essential pieces that you’ll actually wear.

Pro tip: Try making a list based on your lifestyle and the climate where you live. If you don’t need heavy winter coats, focus on lighter jackets or layering options.

It is important to note that these tips are meant to help guide you to shop within a budget, but you must also not lose track of your style.

Remember not to just buy something because it is a good deal. That is wasted money that could be put towards something that you really want and would enhance your wardrobe.

The goal is to build a wardrobe that is within your budget but also retains the core of who you are style-wise. It is about breaking bad shopping habits and staying true to yourself.

Happy shopping, and enjoy your new fall wardrobe!

I am now offering digital styling guides, and personal styling services. If you are looking for some styling help that is inexpensive and easy, check out my digital styling guides. If you want some one-on-one help shopping, building and editing your wardrobe, or packing for a trip, I can also assist. Check out all the styling services that I offer here.

This post contains affiliate links. By using my links to shop I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks for supporting what I do 

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