There’s no debating that of all the seasons, the transition to fall is always the most invigorating. Sandals are swapped out for boots in gorgeous leathers and suedes, tees are exchanged for cozy cashmere sweaters, and days are filled with a sense of newness and optimism that only this fleeting season manages to hold. There’s nothing that compares to that first sub-65 degree morning that allows you to wake up, break out your favorite sweater for the first time since March, and head out the door into a crisp autumn day.
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Be it the nostalgia that naturally comes in with the first days of September or the ability to walk outside without beginning to sweat, fall has a reputation for being the best season of the year for fashion—and that’s no accident. Airy dresses and the sea of linen bottoms that own the months of summer pale in comparison to the moody, deep shades of autumn paired with the luxe textures that cooler weather allows.
As our calendars turned to September, our minds changed channels to have fall on the brain, and our 2024 fall capsule wardrobe is here to usher in the new season in style.
What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
The simple definition is that it’s a curated wardrobe made up of versatile pieces that you love to wear. Your capsule wardrobe should be a testament to your personal style.
A capsule wardrobe consists of a set of tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched together to be dressed up, down, and anywhere in between. For example, denim jackets are a versatile piece that can transition between seasons, offering both warmth and style. It consists of high-quality pieces that stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
The first step to building a capsule wardrobe is taking a good, hard look at what you already own, then figuring out what needs to go—and what holes your closet has that need filling. Don’t forget to take a look at your shoes and accessories, too. Consider adding faux leather jackets as a stylish and sustainable option to fill those gaps in your wardrobe.
Sort each item into one of four piles:
- I love it and would wear it tomorrow: These pieces fit your body and your lifestyle, and you’re confident wearing them. Put these back first.
- Maybe: These pieces might not fit perfectly, have sentimental value, or just haven’t been worn in a while. (If you haven’t reached for a piece more than once, it belongs in this pile too). Put all of these items in a box and store them in a place that’s easily accessible. If you find yourself reaching for an item, put it back in your closet after; if you haven’t reached for it by the end of the season, keep it in the box to take to donate. This is noncommittal (for now) and allows you to change your mind later.
- Hard no: Whether it’s because it doesn’t fit or you just decided you don’t like it, pack these pieces up to donate them.
- Seasonal: There’s no need to keep a chunky sweater next to your summer tank tops. Move all of your seasonal pieces into a storage location that will be easy for you to swap out once the time is right.
One of the biggest misconceptions about capsule wardrobes is that they don’t apply to people with trendy or maximalist-leaning style. A good capsule wardrobe doesn’t need to be a pattern-free collection of neutral pieces, and my goal was to showcase that with this fall’s edition.
You don’t have to add every trend of the season to your closet in order to feel cool and well-dressed; all it takes is a few, strategically chosen pieces that can work a little styling magic. With the help of pops of cherry red, stripes, leopard print, and gorgeous fall textures, this year’s fall capsule wardrobe incorporates some of the most anticipated elements of the season—red and leopard, I’m looking at you—but takes a timeless approach to them.
TL;DR: It includes pieces that will ensure your outfits feel far from boring, but all of those pieces will still be in style next year, and the year after that.
Understanding Your Personal Style
Understanding your personal style is the cornerstone of building a fall capsule wardrobe that truly resonates with you. It’s all about identifying what makes you feel confident and comfortable in your clothes. Start by taking a closer look at your current wardrobe. Which pieces do you reach for time and time again? These are likely the items that align most with your personal style.
Consider your lifestyle, body shape, and personal preferences. Ask yourself questions like: What are my favorite colors? Do I lean towards classic styles or do I prefer trendy pieces? What fabrics do I find most comfortable? What cuts and silhouettes make me feel my best? By answering these questions, you can start to see patterns in your preferences.
For instance, if you find yourself gravitating towards neutral tones and timeless cuts, your personal style might be more classic. On the other hand, if you love bold colors and unique patterns, you might have a more eclectic or trendy style. Understanding these nuances will help you curate a fall capsule wardrobe that not only looks great but also feels authentically you.
Creating a Color Palette
Creating a color palette is a vital step in building a cohesive and stylish fall capsule wardrobe. A well-thought-out color palette ensures that all your pieces can be mixed and matched effortlessly, giving you endless outfit possibilities.
Start by considering the colors that compliment your skin tone, hair color, and personal style. Neutral colors like black, white, beige, and navy are excellent foundation colors. They provide a versatile base that can be paired with almost anything. For a fall capsule wardrobe, think about incorporating warm and rich colors like olive green, burgundy, and mustard yellow. These hues not only evoke the essence of fall but also add depth and interest to your outfits.
Don’t shy away from adding a few metallics like gold and silver. These can bring a touch of sophistication and can be used in accessories to elevate your look. By creating a cohesive color palette, you’ll find it much easier to put together stylish outfits that feel harmonious and well-coordinated.
Essential Pieces for a Capsule Wardrobe
A well-rounded fall capsule wardrobe is built around essential pieces that are timeless, versatile, and high-quality. These are the items that will form the backbone of your wardrobe, allowing you to create a multitude of outfits with ease.
Start with a classic trench coat. It’s a staple that never goes out of style and can be dressed up or down. A denim jacket is another must-have; it’s perfect for layering and adds a casual, cool vibe to any outfit. For a bit of edge, include a faux leather jacket. It’s a versatile piece that can be paired with everything from dresses to jeans.
Speaking of jeans, a pair of straight-leg jeans is a fall essential. They offer a flattering fit and can be styled in countless ways. An oversized sweater is another key piece. It’s cozy, comfortable, and perfect for those crisp fall days.
To add some personality to your wardrobe, include a few statement pieces like a leopard print blouse or a pair of ballet flats. These items can inject some fun and flair into your outfits, ensuring your fall capsule wardrobe is anything but boring.
The Everygirl’s
Fall 2024 Capsule Wardrobe
How to Style Your Fall Capsule Wardrobe
To work from a coffee shop
Cardigan (Plus) | Slouch Bag | Jeans (Plus) | Sunglasses | Sneakers
There are few things as easy to romanticize as a fall trip to a coffee shop. For a day you’re toting your laptop to your favorite local cafe to sit and work for the day, a cozy, oversized sweater, relaxed pair of jeans, and leopard sneakers are your ticket. The relaxed ensemble will give you that main-character-in-a-TV-show feeling—that’s, of course, set in a town that’s inexplicably always in the throes of fall—while remaining comfortable enough to click away on your computer all afternoon.
Out to dinner
Mary Janes | Two-Tone Earrings | Shoulder Bag | Tailored Vest (Plus) | Sunglasses | Jeans (Plus)
In a perfect world, every fall day would be 60 degrees and sunny, but in reality, it’s usually warmer than you’d expect through most of October. Having a few pieces that feel like fall, but aren’t going to make you sweat the second you leave the house is an underrated key of fall dressing—and that’s where a tailored vest comes in. The silhouette and tailoring is reminiscent of your favorite blazer, but its lack of sleeves means you’ll feel comfortable in it even when the temperatures are stubbornly sticking in the 70s. Paired with relaxed denim and red Mary Janes, you have an outfit worthy of your next Saturday night dinner reservation.
Out to brunch
Ballet Flats | Belt | Denim Jacket (Plus) | White Tee (Plus) | Sunglasses | Jeans (Plus) | Shoulder Bag
For a stylish brunch outfit, consider incorporating denim jackets as a key piece. When in doubt, denim on denim is always the answer. Modernize the denim jacket look by opting for a relaxed denim chore jacket and pairing it with a pair of jeans in a similar shade of blue. The key to this look is accessorizing to your heart’s desire. The “take one thing off before you leave the house” rule? Never heard of it.
To the office
Oversized Blazer (Plus) | Shoulder Bag | Midi Dress (Plus) | Sunglasses | Ballet Flats
Fall dressing comes with the classic “chilly in the morning, hot in the afternoon” conundrum that transitional weather can bring. Cover your bases with a ready-for-all-weather look that consists of layers you can add and remove as needed. A comfortable midi dress will only look better with an oversized blazer layered over top—regardless of if it’s actually worn or just draped over your shoulders—and can be turned work-ready with a pair of walkable ballet flats.
For a Saturday in the city
Trench Coat (Plus) | Shirt Dress (Additional Option) (Plus) | Sunglasses | Mary Janes
Fall can’t pass by without a few trench coat-focused outfits, and often, when it comes to styling them, the simpler, the better. A trench coat paired with a white shirt dress and red Mary Janes will emulate the uncomplicated je ne sais quoi of French dressing, and is a combination you can rely on as long as the weather allows you to show a little leg.
Tips for Maintaining a Capsule Wardrobe
Maintaining a capsule wardrobe requires a bit of effort, but the payoff is a streamlined, stylish closet that makes getting dressed a breeze. Here are some tips to help you keep your capsule wardrobe fresh and functional:
- Edit regularly: Periodically go through your wardrobe to remove pieces that no longer fit or that you no longer wear. This keeps your wardrobe relevant and ensures you’re only keeping items you love.
- Shop intentionally: When adding new pieces, make sure they fit within your color palette and personal style. Avoid impulse buys that might not work with your existing wardrobe.
- Care for your clothes: Proper care extends the life of your clothes. Follow care instructions, wash them regularly, and store them properly to keep them looking their best.
- Mix and match: Experiment with different combinations of pieces to create new outfits. This keeps your wardrobe feeling fresh and prevents outfit fatigue.
Follow these tips, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look back.
Madeline Galassi, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Madeline Galassi is the Fashion & Beauty Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the fashion and beauty categories of the site. She brainstorms, writes, and edits stories across a broad range of topics including trend reports, product reviews, celebrity style, and more. She’s always keeping a pulse on the latest trends to create timely, exciting content for our readers.