A Fall Capsule Wardrobe for Every Outing and Occasion

Ahhhh, fall, the season so many of us crave toward the end of the summer. The crisp and cool mornings, the changing leaves, cozy hangs at home, and soups and comfort food this time of year brings is uniquely special. After a busy few months, it’s nice to slow down and find joy in the small things — and autumn offers the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Another notable aspect of fall? The chunky sweaters, trench coats, and knee high boots that are finally added back into rotation. While I truly love styling outfits for all the seasons, there’s something about the fall that’s particularly fun to dress for. After wearing sun dresses and tank tops on repeat (and sweating in the process) it’s nice to switch things up and opt for classic pieces like denim and button down shirts.

I always look forward to testing out the new trends each season, but there are a handful of wardrobe staples I always reach for during the September through November months. Whether your cool weather closet picks need a refresh or you’re simply in the mood to shop (I feel you!) I’m sharing the ultimate fall capsule wardrobe below.

All of these picks are timeless staples you’ll have for years to come — and they’d work for a variety of outings and occasions. I’m also including some additional finds in each category so you can source the best match for your personal style.

Fall Capsule Wardrobe

Looking for a quick list of what belongs in a fall capsule wardrobe? Here’s where to start…

– Sweaters
Chunky knits, button-up cardigans, and collared or turtleneck styles all work. Tip: Opt for a good mix of neutral and patterned sweaters so each stands out a bit more.

– Denim
Opt for a variety of styles to ensure each look you put together has a different feel. Some to consider: wide leg, straight leg, barrel jeans, and cargo jeans. You can also incorporate black jeans to break up your everyday denim look.

– Boots
Knee high or ankle boots work — totally up to personal preference!

– Ballet Flats
These shoes made a big splash last season and they’ve proven that they’re here to stay. Fall into the look with metallic, mesh, or leather options.

– Leather Belt
Don’t underestimate just how much a belt can level up an outfit. They add so much dimension and texture to a look, and they’re practical to wear on an everyday basis — not to mention leather is very much “in” during the fall.

– Accessories
In order to really achieve a “styled” look rather than just wearing something, accessories are a must. Freshen up your collection with a new tote bag or purse, some tortoise shell sunnies, or gold jewelry.

– Lightweight Layers
Fall might be more brisk than summer but it’s typically not the time to break out your big winter coats. Keep things lightweight yet useful with pieces like denim or bomber jackets or a basic trench coat.

More Pieces to Shop

I know style comes down to personal preference (and what you feel comfortable in), so if any of the picks in the main capsule don’t really do it for you, I’ve rounded up several alternatives that would be equally as chic. From coffee shop outings to date night, here are some items I think are worthy of an addition to your fall lineup.

Cozy Sweaters

Sweaters are a great piece to wear from day to night because they can be styled in a way that’s both casual and more dressed up. Adding earrings and swapping out flat shoes for heels or knee-high boots are two simple ways to jazz up a basic sweater look.

You can also wear a tank or plain white tee underneath any sweater if you’re dealing with weather that’s cool in the mornings but hot come lunchtime. Plus, wrapping a knit piece around your neck always looks chic.

This season, I’m loving the fall neutrals like burnt orange, brown, light gray, and merlot red. I also love a little striped moment from time to time (like on this pick!) Pair any of these knits with jeans, trousers, or skirts for a cozy and cute end result.

p.s. All of these would roll well into the winter season!

Fall Bottoms

When a new season hits, I always like to take inventory of the pieces I wear most regularly. One item that falls into that category? Denim — and my lineup could honestly use an upgrade.

Fall is the ideal time to spruce up your pant selection because you’ll likely reach for these bottoms almost daily during the cooler months (aka well into the spring.) I’m sharing a handful of pant options below, including a leather pair, wide leg find, and relaxed trousers.

With that being said, don’t be afraid to add some skirts into the mix. Because the fall season typically brings moody temps, you might have some days that are still relatively warm, creating an ideal opportunity to wear something other than pants. Maxi or midi skirts look cute with t-shirts and sweaters, and a little mini skirt with tights and boots is a classic!

Fall Shoes

There is clearly a lot I love about fall style, but one of the major highlights in my mind is the large variety of shoes you can comfortably wear. You might be able to sport heels one day and booties the next, and I personally adore being able to switch things up that often.

Take advantage of the season by reaching for shoes that you might not typically wear, like ballet flats, mules, and loafers. Heeled booties are also a great piece to have in rotation because they can work in laid-back settings and more buttoned-up environments (like the office, for example!)

Coats and Jackets

Keep your layers light in the fall with picks like a denim jacket, trench coat, or blazer. I’d recommend going with pieces that you can easily layer come wintertime, and all of the finds below would work with an additional item layered on top or underneath.

I have to call out this specific trench coat, which so many of you bought last year and raved about. If you treat yourself to one piece from this list, I’d argue that this should be it. Wear it with jeans and a pair of white sneakers, a mini skirt and boots, or a sweater dress and mules — the options are endless!

What item do you reach for most in your fall capsule wardrobe? Let me know in the comment section below!