There’s something about that first crisp fall morning that makes me want to reorganize my entire closet (and perhaps my life as well – but that’s a story for another day). I’m not normally too into fashion, but something about fall style awakens something in me and has me itching to add to cart all season long. Between the cozy knits, classic layers, and rich tones that make even a quick coffee run feel chic, I just can’t help myself.
This year, though, I’m channeling that energy into something more intentional: building a fall capsule wardrobe filled with versatile, high-quality basics that mix, match, and last, without totally breaking the bank.
The Capsule Wardrobe Formula
When it comes to fall fashion, I’m keeping it simple: pieces that work together, feel elevated, and can be styled multiple ways. The idea is to invest in items that make getting dressed easier, not harder. And I’m very happy with the items I’ve curated, so I thought I’d share my non-negotiable picks for building a go-to wardrobe from the ground up this season.
My Fall Capsule Checklist:
- An oversized leather jacket – The perfect layer to dress an outfit up or down. I’ve been loving this one from Oak + Fort for instantly adding edge to a casual look.
- Perfectly fitted denim – A medium-wash straight leg jean is timeless and easy to style. This pair has become my everyday go-to, and they’re under $30. But denim isn’t just limited to jeans these days – I’ve also been grabbing for an oversized denim shirt all season long.
- Chunky knit sweaters – Neutrals like camel, gray, or ivory never go out of style. I can’t resist a good sweater – whether short-sleeve, oversized, or cardigan.
- A few basic tees and tanks – The foundation of any capsule wardrobe and perfect for layering under jackets or knits. Brands like Skims and Cuts are great for these, but I also found options from Hollister and Quince that are more affordable and still get the job done.
- Shoes, simplified – Three staples are all you need: a pair of elevated sneakers, a classic neutral bootie that can take you from daytime errands to dinner plans, and a tall black heeled boot to dress up any look.
- Silk pieces – Whether it’s a tank, pants, or skirt, silk instantly adds a layer of elegance while also being extremely comfortable.
- Skirts – Once overlooked in my closet, skirts have become my secret weapon this season. Denim, leather, silk, patterned, neutral… pair any with an oversized sweater and boots, and you’ve got the quintessential fall look.
Mix and match these and suddenly you have weeks’ worth of looks that feel intentional, not impulsive.
Style Without the Sticker Shock
The key to curating a fall wardrobe you’ll actually wear is finding quality pieces that don’t cost a fortune. I’m all for timeless silhouettes and elevated fabrics, but that doesn’t mean every sweater has to come with a designer price tag.
A few of my favorite affordable-but-luxe brands right now:
- Abercrombie – They have the perfect mix of high quality basics mixed with seasonal trends, and they’ve had great sales all season long. Pro tip: if the style you’ve been eyeing is sold out or you want an even better price, Hollister often carries nearly identical looks for less.
- Quince – Cashmere sweaters under $100? Say less. Quince has built a brand for providing high-quality looks at accessible price points, and for that reason, they have quickly become my go-to destination for building a capsule wardrobe.
- Oak + Fort – A newer discovery for me, with an Aritzia-esque aesthetic and far friendlier price point. Their vegan leather bomber jacket and minimal shoulder bag instantly became staples this year.
- Old Navy – Yes, Old Navy! They’ve made such a comeback lately. While this is more of a budget-friendly option, they have some high quality and versatile pieces that should not be ignored!
These brands make it easy to find that sweet spot between quality and cost, making it easy to build a closet that feels elevated without breaking the bank.
The Trick: Keep it Cohesive
Here’s the thing about capsule wardrobes: the magic is in the mix. Choose a color palette (I gravitate toward soft neutrals, camel, denim, and black) and stick to it. That way, everything pairs effortlessly, and you spend less time wondering what to pair together.
And don’t be afraid to re-wear or restyle your favorites. The beauty of well-chosen basics is that no one notices you’re repeating pieces – they just notice how put-together you look.
Fall Fashion for All
Fall fashion doesn’t have to mean a complete wardrobe overhaul. With the right capsule pieces, you can create a foundation that works for everything – from coffee runs to date nights – polished, comfortable, and 100% you. You can browse all of my picks here, or use this as a starting point to curate a mix of your own. At the end of the day, the best outfit isn’t the trendiest one; it’s the one that makes you feel like your most confident self. And if we can accomplish that while buying less, it’s a win for everyone. Happy shopping! ☼
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