Never have anything to wear? Do you constantly try everything on in your closet and nothing ever seems to work? Trust me I’ve been there, a lot. Though it seems counterintuitive by reducing the number of clothing items, introducing a capsule wardrobe has simplified my morning routine and made getting ready so much less stressful.
Having key clothing staples for each season cuts down the decision making process and I have more time to spend accessorizing and getting out the door on time.
Scroll on to learn how to build your classic fall capsule wardrobe and shop my favorite pieces for the upcoming fall season.
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What is a capsule wardrobe?
This is your closet’s prefix menu. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing aimed to minimize decision and maximize versatility.
The goal of a capsule wardrobe is to create a variety of outfits with the least amount of pieces allowing your wardrobe to translate to any situation, from the office to after work drinks.
In a nutshell, a capsule wardrobe is created by combining closet staples and straying away from trendier pieces.
How to start a capsule wardrobe?
Your capsule wardrobe should first and foremost fit your lifestyle. Be realistic about what your daily routine consist of and fit the clothes to your life.
It wouldn’t be realistic to include 4 pairs of heels, if you’re always on your feet and moving around at work all day. I’m sure for some that would be easy, but for this girl its just a no. Comfort is essential.
Secondly, choose a color pallet that fits your aesthetic and the season. If you love bright colors, don’t create a neutral-colored capsule wardrobe. Your wardrobe should reflect your personal style.
Lastly, Invest in quality garments with high-quality materials. Since this is a limited wardrobe with the goal of getting maximum use out of each piece, you want to make sure that the items will stand the test of time.
While fast fashion is certainly cheaper, it won’t be in your closet years down the line. If you want to save a little money, don’t be afraid to hit your local consignment or thrift store. They are filled with hidden gems to round out your fall wardrobe.
Items to include in your Fall Capsule Wardrobe
When it comes to fall in New England, the weather is always a bit tricky. Some days it’s in the high 60s, and the next snow. I love having transitional pieces that can easily be worn throughout the entire season and easily accommodate the fluctuating weather.
Closet staples to include in your fall capsule wardrobe:
Outerwear
- Blazer
- Camel Coat
- Cardigan
- Trench Coat
Tops
- Oversized Sweater
- Turtleneck
- Button Down
- Bodysuit
Dresses
- Slip Dress
- Floral Dress
- Maxi Dress
- Sweater Dress
Bottoms
- Slip Skirt
- Jeans
- Mini Skirt
- Trouser
Shoes
- Loafers
- Leather Boots
- Sneakers
- Ballet Flats
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Blazer // Trench Coat // Cardigan // Camel Coat // Oversized Sweater // Button Down // Turtleneck // Bodysuit // Maxi Dress // Slip Dress // Floral Dress // Sweater Dress // Mini Skirt // Slip Skirt // Jeans // Trousers // Leather Boots // Loafers // Ballet Flats // Sneakers
Building your Fall Capsule Wardrobe
To build your capsule wardrobe, shop your closet first and then fill in the rest with quality garments. I’ve curated some of my favorite pieces from each category to give you some inspo and help guide you as you piece together your fall attire.
Blazer
Blazers come in so many different style. From oversized to fitted, to single- and double-breasted, choose a style that fits your aesthetic the most.
When it comes to color or pattern, for a classic fall wardrobe, I’d opt for something neutral like the traditional plaid or navy or black.
Pair over a dress or trousers for a more dressed up look or with jeans for a more casual outfit.
Camel Coat
Camel coats are perfect to transition from fall into winter. This classic color compliments and instantly pulls together every look.
Trench Coat
Fall in New England is warm, cold, rainy and snowy. Basically, everything in one season. Having this classic staple in your closet is perfect to get you through this ever-changing season.
The neutral color easily allows this garment to be worn over pretty much every outfit. Dress it up for work or pair with jean for a casual day out.
Trench coats are a timeless staple that easily elevates your closet.
Cardigan
It’s all about layers in the fall. Cardigans are the perfect in-between season piece that will take you from summer to fall. All my office girls know that cardigans save lives.
Pair with jeans or trousers or over a dress and cinch with a belt.
Oversized Sweater
It’s called sweater weather for a reason. From a boat neck to a mock neck, there are so many styles to choose from. Oversized sweaters are both comfy and stylish. For fall, comforts is always key.
Sweaters are a fall closet essentials. Pair over a slip dress, with trousers, jeans, or skirt to create an endless combo of outfits perfect for the season.
Turtleneck
Turtlenecks are both stylish yet a classic closet staple for the fall. Layer under a blazer for a traditional look or with a slip skirt for something more chic.
Button Down Shirt
A good button down shirt is always in style and will be able to be worn throughout every season and last year after year. For a more put other look, pair with a skirt. If you’re looking for something relaxed and casual, just pair with your favorite jeans.
Bodysuit
Bodysuits are great for layering under jeans, skirts, and trousers. Add layers with a blazer or cardigan for extra warmth.
Slip Dress
Slip dresses are the ultimate wardrobe chameleon. They can be worn as is or layered with an oversized sweater or blazer to create a variety of looks.
Floral Dress
Adding a printed dress to your fall wardrobe will help add some much needed visual interest.
Fall florals are my favorite. Transition your floral, summer midi and maxi dresses to fall with leather boots or warmed toned ballet flats. Add some layers on colder days as needed.
Maxi Dress
Though I’m a sucker for a midi dress, maxi dresses are the perfect fall staple to carry you through the entire season.
Pair with leather boots or ballet flats and add a blazer or cardigan to add interest with layers.
Sweater Dress
Sweaters and dresses: two fall staples. But a sweater dress? The ultimate fall essential.
Pair with leather knee high boots or ankle booties and tights.
Slip Skirt
Like it’s dress version, the slip skirt is great for layering but also have the ability to wear more fitted or tucked shirts or sweaters and tucked in bodysuits.
Jeans
Jeans are a year-round closet staple. A great pair of jeans compliment every style and are one of the most versatile pieces.
Be sure to pick a fit and wash that fits your style the best. From mom jeans to boyfriend jeans, skinny jeans and more, the fit is important to consider to create a cohesive capsule wardrobe.
My go to is a high waisted, straight leg jeans with a light wash. I also prefer to have my jeans hit right above the ankle.
Mini Skirt
You might be asking, why a mini skirt? Okay, well the word mini is subjective. It all goes back to my point about choosing clothes that fit your lifestyle. For me, I love incorporating shorter skirts and pairing with a knee high boot and tights.
Trouser
Nothing beats a classic trouser. Perfect for the office . Perfect for a causal night out.
Like jeans, there are so many styles of trousers to consider. Wide leg, straight leg, or skinny? Choosing a fit that is comfortable while moving is the number one thing I look for when purchasing.
Color is another thing to consider. For a fall wardrobe, I suggest trousers in black, brown, grey, or navy.
However, remember to keep it to your personal style. Want a print? go for it! Just make sure it pairs well with your other capsule items.
Loafers
Loafers are my favorite cold weather shoe. Pair with trousers for a classic look or jeans for something more casual.
Leather Boots
Leather boots are my go-to shoe in the fall. I love pairing my knee high boots with dresses to extend their wear into the colder months.
These are my go-to Steve Madden knee high leather boots. I tend to stick to a dark or medium brown leather. In my closet, I find brown to be more versatile than black.
Sneakers
Sneakers are a must for everyone. My favorite way to style during the warmer weather? Of course is with my favorite dress.
If you’ve never tried the dress and sneaker combo, you’re missing out BIG TIME.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats combine style and comfort. Wear with jeans for a dressed down look or with dresses and trousers for something more polished.
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How to Style your Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Styling your capsule wardrobe should be easy because you’ve selected colors you love and clothes that fit your lifestyle. All there is left to do is mix and match.
Here are some examples of fall outfits I would pick from my fall capsule wardrobe.
Cardigan // Slip Dress // Sneakers
Dress it up or keep this look casual by playing around with your footwear. Complete the look by layering your favorite cardigan or simply tying it around your shoulders.
Oversized Sweater // Slip Skirt // Sneakers
Tuck the front of the oversized sweater or go untucked and add a belt to give your look more shape. Finish the with sneakers for maximum comfortability.
Button Down // Mini Skirt // Turtleneck // Ballet Flats
This leather skirt is a great base to dress up or down. For an office look, pair with a button down or sweater and ballet flats. Leather boots would also be a great choice for this look.
This is a super chic option for a night out. Pair the slip skirt with a turtleneck or bodysuit and add leather heeled boots to complete the look.
Camel Coat // Floral Dress // Sweater Dress // Leather Boots
Add a camel coat to create a monochromatic and timeless look. Switch out the sweater dress with a fresh floral print for a pop of color and visual interest.
Oversized Sweater // Jeans // Loafers
I love pairing loafers with a straight leg jean that hit right about the ankle and a comfy oversized sweater. This effortless look is perfect for everything from a casual office setting to weekend errands.
Blazer // Camel Coat // Turtleneck // Jeans // Loafers
Casual Friday at the office is calling. Adding a blazer or camel coat and loafers to this look adds structure and evaluates it from causal to work appropriate.
Cardigan // Bodysuit // Trousers // Ballet Flats
These wide-leg trousers pair perfectly with a bodysuit to create a dramatic look. Pair with your favorite comfy heels or ballet flats. Layer a cardigan or blazer for extra warmth on colder autumn days.
Trench Coat // Maxi Dress // Leather Boots // Ballet Flats
Date night has never looked this good. Fall florals have always been a favorite of mine. My go-to look is always a maxi dress and heeled leather boots.
Add a trench coat for extra layers and a timeless pulled together look.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
Now that you know the basics, here is a downloadable check list with your my capsule items.
There you go! Now you too can start to implement with timesaving wardrobe hack into your life and never have to stare blankly at your closet and question every purchase you’ve ever mad. Oh just me?
What is your favorite fashion garment to wear in the fall? Have you ever implemented a capsule wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below!
This post How to Build the Best 2022 Fall Capsule Wardrobe on sophiemarini.com
some awesome staple items here! def referencing this when i go shopping next!
This is such a great guide for starting a capsule wardrobe this fall. I’m going to use this as I start thrifting clothes to build a closet that I love!
Very good blog post. I absolutely love this website. Keep writing!