How to Build a Fall Capsule Wardrobe

As summer starts to wind down, it’s time to start thinking about transitioning to the new fall season. For me that means gathering my soup recipes, and turning towards more comforting meals. It also means making the seasonal wardrobe switch. Are you one to put away your clothes each season, or do you have everything within easy reach? I used to proudly say that I didn’t have to put away my clothes, but could keep everything in my closet. Having been blogging for the last six years, I admit that I’ve accumulated too much. But this journey has taught me several lessons on the importance of investing in smart purchases. Today I’m sharing what I’ve learned, and tips for how to build a fall capsule wardrobe.

A capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched together. Capsule wardrobes allow you to purchase only those pieces you can wear on repeat. This not only helps in saving money, but also in saving time getting dressed. This is great for minimal lovers, but it also works for maximalists, or those who just love clothes! You can create capsule wardrobes for different seasons and purposes. I have a summer capsule wardrobe, as well as a spring capsule wardrobe that focuses on slightly different pieces. Today we are focusing on how to build a fall capsule wardrobe.

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How to Build a Fall Capsule Wardrobe

Imagine opening your closet to a collection of clothing and accessories that can be styled multiple ways. Your choices become endless with the pieces you already have. This saves you time in picking out outfits, and saves you money by not having to always buy new outfits for new occasions. Let’s talk about how fall is unique and the steps you need for how to build a fall capsule wardrobe of your own.

Benefits of A Capsule Wardrobe

Saves Time and Money

By carefully selecting pieces that can be styled multiple ways, it eliminates the need for extra clothing. This helps reduce overspending on clothing that you will never wear.

Makes Getting Dressed Easier

Less choices means less time deciding what to wear. Ideally you should be able to grab any top and any bottom and they will work together!

Promotes Sustainability

Investing in high-quality basics that can be worn season after season removes the need to buy into all the seasonal trends.

Helps in Reducing Closet Clutter

A fall capsule wardrobe forces you to declutter your closet and only keep the items that you truly love, and that serve a purpose in your daily life. This can help create a sense of calm and organization in your living space.

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe For Fall

Step 1- Start By Looking At Your Current Wardrobe

Identify pieces that you wear frequently, as well as items that no longer serve you or fit your style. In addition, take a look at what you already own that transitions well into fall. These can be basics like a button-up shirt, denim jeans, and light sweater jackets. For fall, I especially love trench coats since they are light yet can be layered with heavier sweaters if needed.

Step 2- Find Your Personal Style

Think about what your daily life looks like and the the occasions you need to dress for. Working from home versus going to an office will require different clothing choices for everyday dressing. Do you realistically need more jogger sets, or do you need tailored pants?

Step 3- Identify Your Color Palette

A capsule wardrobe relies on great a neutral color palette so that you can easily mix and match. Colors like black, white, ivory, and camel are all great foundation colors.

In addition to neutrals, choose some fall colors you love like navy blue, olive green, burgundy, or mustard yellow to add to the mix. These will help keep your wardrobe from being too boring and neutral.

Step 4- Invest In Quality Staples

Focus on investing in high-quality basics such as a tailored blazer, cozy sweaters, wide-leg jeans, ankle boots, and a classic trench coat. These timeless and versatile pieces will serve as the foundation of your fall wardrobe.

Step 5- Add Seasonal Essentials

While the benefit of a curated capsule wardrobe is having fewer but better pieces, each season has its own requirements when it comes to dressing. That’s why having an edited capsule wardrobe for each season is a great idea. Your classic white t-shirt can be worn throughout the year, but your wool coat will only be needed in winter. Choose fall staples like ankle boots, ballet flats, a classic trench coat, and go-to cozy knits.

Step 6- Mix and Match

Experiment with different combinations of clothing items to create new outfits every day. Pairing different tops with bottoms, or layering pieces together can help you maximize your capsule wardrobe.

Step 7- Edit and Purge

Donate or sell any items that do not suit your new fall capsule wardrobe. This will help streamline your closet, making it easier for you make outfit decisions each day.

Building a fall capsule wardrobe involves selecting high-quality basics, statement pieces, and seasonal essentials that reflect your personal style and can easily transition from day to night. Here are some different fall capsule wardrobe ideas to inspire you:

Fall Capsule Wardrobe Ideas

Navy Blue Fall Capsule Wardrobe

Navy is a neutral. Although blue is considered a cool color tone, navy blue can be warmed up by mixing it with camel, burnt orange, and mustard yellow for fall. Here’s how you can create a capsule wardrobe full of neutrals, navy blue, and burgundy:

The key essentials you need to build a versatile navy blue fall capsule wardrobe are: 1. white button-up shirt, 2. neutral top, 3. classic white t-shirt, 4. tan sweater, 5. navy pants, 6. navy blue skirt, 7. updated jeans, 8. burgundy Mary Janes, 9. burgundy leather bag, 10. neutral loafers, 11.tan sweatshirt, 12. tan sweatpants, 13. midi dress, 14. navy blazer (take 10% off with TARATHORSEN), 15. tan bag, 16. classic sneakers. 17. navy slingback shoes (15% off with TARAFHM15), 18. burgundy cardigan.

Here are a few more options you could add to your navy blue capsule wardrobe:

 

Black and White Fall Capsule Wardrobe Ideas

Black and white is a classic color combo. It’s probably one of the more popular capsules since it’s so versatile. You can soften it up by adding some gray and another color. For fall I love burgundy, but even olive green would be beautiful here.

The versatile pieces you need to build a black and white capsule wardrobe for fall are: 1. white button-up shirt, 2. black blazer, 3. classic white t-shirt, 4. striped top, 5. black slip skirt, 6. black boots (15% off with TARAFHM15), 7. burgundy leather bag, 8. updated jeans, 9. ivory sweater, 10. little black dress, 11. black and white cardigan, 12. classic sneakers, 13. black pumps (15% off with TARAFHM15), 14. black pants, 15. gray cardigan sweater, 16. black bag, 17. burgundy flats.

Here are a few more options you could add to this color palette:

 

All Neutral Capsule Wardrobe

A neutral color palette really sets the foundation for any capsule wardrobe. From there you can build in any color you choose. All neutral capsule wardrobes are great for minimal lovers, as well as those who love color. Having a versatile selection of neutrals lets you add in color wherever you choose.

Choose pieces that can be easily mixed and matched, and set the foundation for adding in other colors. 1. white button-up shirt, 2. camel blazer, 3. basic white tee, 4. black cardigan, 5. black pants, 6. suede camel bag, 7. wide leg jeans, 8. neutral tote, 9. leopard ballet flats, 10. black boots, 11. neutral sweatshirt, 12. neutral sweatpants, 13. going out top, 14. midi dress, 15. ivory lady jacket, 16. classic sneakers, 17. camel boots.

Here are some more neutral options:

 

Capsule Wardrobe Color Palettes

You can build a capsule wardrobe for any season that is full of colors you love. It’s important though to have a foundation of neutral colors to mix and match with. Neutrals can be ivory and whites, tan and camel, shades of gray, and even navy blue. While black is neutral too, it will give you more of a contrast with most colors. The other colors I mentioned will give you softer outfit options. I love adding ivory or white into any capsule collection.

Capsule Wardrobe List

While you need to think about your lifestyle and the clothing you need for it, there are a few basics that will help you along when building your fall capsule wardrobe. .

1. Classic white button-up shirt
2. Shoulder bag
3. Updated Jeans
4. Blazer or Lady Jacket
5. Ballet Flats, or flat shoes of choice
6. Boots
7. Tailored Pants
8. Cozy Sweater
9. Going out top
10. Smaller handbag
11. Sneakers
12. Comfy sweatshirt and sweatpants
13. Basic white t-shirt
14. Trench Coat or light jacket

Building a fall capsule wardrobe is a great way to simplify your closet and streamline your style for the season. By carefully selecting versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, you can create countless outfit combinations while minimizing decision fatigue. Remember to choose quality items that fit well and reflect your personal style, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures, colors, and patterns. With a little planning and organization, you can create a fall wardrobe that not only looks great but also makes getting dressed in the morning quick and easy.