Fall Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
The weather in Northern California isn’t quite ready to commit, but Fall is coming!! Mornings are cooler and, boy, are the leaves falling. Just like my summer capsule wardrobe essentials focused on a core set of items everyone can use, this fall capsule wardrobe has the basics covered, no matter what your day to day looks like! And since I’m all about investing in clothing to wear again and again, let’s get to the necessities…
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Fall Capsule Wardrobe
As a toddler mom, someone who works from home, and someone who likes to get outside throughout the day, my style tends to rock between functional, comfortably stylish, and functionally functional! Living in northern California, styles are more relaxed as well. Whether you prefer to dress more casually and comfortably, or need to dress up for work, let these items be a guide to get you started!
Remember with any capsule wardrobe – summer, fall, or winter – you need to make it work for you – not just what the store or blogger is saying!
See autumn blazers for some good inspiration! And look at these winter capsule wardrobe essentials to see which pieces you can plan to wear through the next few months.
Button Down Shirts
Button down shirts are the perfect wardrobe basic. Linen or cotton, loose fitting or structured, you can buy the perfect ones to fit your needs. See how I style a linen shirt in cold weather.
Long Sleeve Shirts
Whether they’re solid or printed, long sleeve t-shirts are a must. Opt for ones to wear on their own and to layer over as the weather continues to cool. These striped tees are divine!
Frank & Eileen (a B Corp) makes the quintessential button up for women. Available in a slew of materials, colors, and prints! ABLE also makes great black and white options with a beautiful chunky cuff as well.
Crew Neck Sweater
Crew neck sweaters are a favorite. I like to pick ones that aren’t right up against my neck for some breathing room, and because then there’s room for some good layering. See my favorite layered sweater outfit!
Turtleneck Sweater
Turtleneck sweaters can be a divisive topic, but I just generally try to avoid the tight-neck options. And be sure to check out my tips for rolling your turtlenecks down! When it gets really cold, I love layering turtlenecks under my leather jacket too!
This ivory and tan striped sweater is a beautiful piece – perfect with denim, black, and navy hues! This recycled cashmere sweater one comes in a variety of solid colors, but you know I love the black! And you know I’m always down for some recycled products in fashion!!
Hat
Whether you consider yourself to be a hat person or not, put one in your wardrobe!! Straw, beanie, or a fedora – find one for your style and keep your adorable head warm. Check out these ideas for how to wear a beret!
Fall Dress
I recently shared a bunch of Fall dresses. The silhouettes and lengths of your dress are totally up to you. The real trick is learning to layer under dresses to handle the changing weather!
You’ll see hats in each of my recommended wardrobe lists, including my spring capsule wardrobe!
Light & Dark Jeans
I really want to say skinny jeans here, but I understand that everybody has their own needs, but I will encourage you to get a pair of black jeans and a lighter pair of jeans (blue, cream, or otherwise).
Boots
Another dual category here…I feel as though you need a pair of low boots and a pair of taller boots. The heel on each is up to you, though I’m a fan of one of them having a bit of a heel – to more easily dress up.
Black jeans are so versatile. Check out this brown boots and black jeans look to dress up a bit and see how I wear them to style a sweatshirt! Get inspired by what to wear on black jeans!
Looking for a lighter pant? Try these cropped, straight leg pants! Need some outfit inspiration? Try this dark washed jeans outfit and what to wear with grey jeans!
These sustainable leather boots are super comfortable and made to order! I wore them throughout our trip to Scotland (the one where we didn’t get our luggage for a week)!
Shopping with Sarah Flint? Read my Sarah Flint Shoes Review and don’t forget to use discount code SARAHFLINT-CCLUCI for 15% off your first order.
Structured Bag
I’m going to leave the size and color on this one open to you, but I think fall begs for a structured bag. Tote, crossbody, or what have you – a classic color in a finite silhouette! O My Bag has some GORGEOUS sustainable leather purses, including this one!*
Scarf
And, possibly the most obvious, a scarf. No surprise, that I swear by my black scarf! I actually own a number of scarves. As the weather cools, scarves are a great way to switch up wardrobe staples without a clunky wardrobe!
*O My Bag makes my sling bag that I (and you!) all love. See it here in how to wear a sling bag!
And not listed above, is to get a necklace that’s a bit of a statement. You can read more about sustainable jewelry here. This beaded necklace has been on my wishlist for my fall capsule wardrobe – for this and years to come!
Fall Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
- hat
- mules
- high & low boots
- light & dark jeans
- long sleeve layering
- crew neck sweater
- turtleneck sweater
- structured bag
- scarf
- button down shirt
Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Fall
When shopping for any pieces your current wardrobe is missing (remember to keep your closet size in check), aim for items you can see wearing casually, dressed up, and while traveling! This makes incorporating them into a Fall weekend packing list all the more easy!
Fall Outfit Inspiration
You must use the category slug, not a URL, in the category field.A few key things. Be sure to read how to find your style and what to wear to a Fall family photoshoot. And get these must haves from dry weather skincare!
Sustainable Fashion
Want more sustainable fashion? One of the best ways to live sustainably is to rewear pieces again and again!
Check out these black leather jacket outfits, poncho outfits, what to wear with linen pants for day to night, and 4 ways to wear a black button down!
You’ll also want to check out this list of second hand clothing from brands you love, my tips for creating (and maintaining) a minimalist wardrobe, why you should always buy quality clothes (because then you’ll always have something to wear), and these stylish and sustainable shoe companies!
