Huddle up, everyone. I know we’re a scrappy bunch of resourceful shoppers. You want to spend smarter, not harder, which means a fall capsule wardrobe is just what the doctor fashion editor ordered. And here’s your prescription: You’ll need a reliable sweater, a great bag, and quality denim, among a few other things.
In case you need a refresher, the idea behind capsule closets is that every piece is multipurpose; everything goes with everything. This maximizes the potential number of outfit combinations. Below, you’ll find 15 items that are essential to building a solid fall wardrobe, along with shoppable options that I’ve pre-vetted as timeless and versatile investments that will serve you this season and for many autumns to come.
The Trench Coat
Great for sneaking candy into the movie theater, pretending to be Parisian, or living out your detective fantasy, a trench coat is something everyone needs for fall. And that’s a direct order. We’re having an unusually warm season, so it will probably be quite some time before you need to break out more heavy-duty layers, anyway.
The White T-Shirt
The white tee giveth, and the white tee taketh away. The wrong one can really screw up an outfit, what with bra lines, cheap fabric, or a sloppy fit. Fortunately, as a fashion editor, I have been through the T-shirt gauntlet, so you can really trust these recommendations. Without my tried-and-true tees, I think I might wither away.
The Classic Jeans
Let’s face it, jeans are integral to any and every type of capsule wardrobe. Where would we be without denim? The most important thing here is the fit. Don’t settle for jeans that don’t fit you well. Quality is also important, of course, because you want your jeans to last for many years to come. As for me, I’m obsessed with barrel jeans this season.
The Suede Bag
Suede reigns supreme this fall. I don’t make the rules! Namely, I think this is your chance to invest in a bag that isn’t black. Brave, I know, but your purse collection really should have some neutral variety.
The Leather Boot
I mean, obviously. This goes without saying, right? Breaking out my favorite fall boots is how I console myself as we say goodbye to summer. (I really do hate to see it go.) There’s nothing like a boot, and nothing can take its place, which is why it deserves a spot in your capsule. There’s just no substitute. I like a flat black boot for day-to-day running around, but I also recommend a neutral- heeled boot that comes up to the knee for dressier looks.
The Barn Jacket
At last, an outerwear trend that feels truly fresh! And it’s about damn time for barn jackets, or chore coats if you will, to have a moment in the autumnal sun. Personally, I can’t remember how I ever got through the cool-but-not-cold months before I had one of these. It’s a casual item, for sure, but an absolute necessity as far as I’m concerned.
The Blazer
I was intimidated by blazers for a very long time, until recently, in fact. But I’ve come to realize this light layer isn’t just for the preppy set. Leather styles, in particular, offer a great hybrid. I’ve been loving an oversized black menswear blazer as my go-to outerwear for many of my looks this fall.
The Loafer
Ah, yes, ’tis the season to pretend I work in academia. Is that even a proper usage of “academia?” (Editor’s note: It is.) My imposter syndrome is showing, but the point remains: Fall is prime loafer time. Be it heeled or flat, paired with ankle socks or worn with bare feet, there’s really no wrong way to do it. The beauty of a loafer is that it wears well with everything from jeans to dresses and slacks to mini skirts.
The Anytime Dress
I’ve affectionately titled those frocks—the ones that can be worn for just about any outing—“anytime” dresses. Your capsule simply isn’t complete without a dress that you can for work days, date nights, and beyond. It gets bonus points if it transcends seasonality. Most little black dresses fall into this category, too.
The Knit
It’s called sweater weather for a reason, folks. Transitional dressing is all about layers, and knits make for the perfect ones. Sling a cardigan over your shoulders, wear it open-faced, or button it all the way to the top to style as a shirt. There are so many ways to stay cozy while playing with your style.
The Sneaker
As someone with back problems, I can’t be frivolous with my footwear (much to my dismay). Sneakers are a mainstay in my daily uniform, and I’m not alone in that. Even for many of the most fashionable women, practical shoes are just a part of life. While this might feel like style doom at first, you’d be surprised by the caliber of fall sneakers just waiting to be found.
The Trouser
I’m leaving this one open to interpretation because a capsule trouser could be almost anything. Perhaps you already have a versatile carpenter pant in your wardrobe, or a trusted brand of slacks that fit you like a glove. If it’s neutral and stylistically versatile, it works for me. If you’re looking for a trending silhouette, try out a kick flare.
The Kitten Heel
Working women bow to the kitten heel. If you want to feel feminine without giving yourself a muscle spasm, a short heel is the way to go. Plus, these are so much more office-appropriate than those peep-toe stilettos collecting dust under your bed.
The Shoulder Bag
It’s for day-to-day life; it’s for an evening out—what can’t a good shoulder bag do? Answer: Nothing. Feel free to trend stack by opting for a suede shoulder bag, or add some variance to your collection with leather, canvas, netting, or even nylon.
Meg (she/her) is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she specializes in shopping stories spanning the fashion, home, and lifestyle categories. Over the past three years, she has devoted countless hours to researching brands, testing hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of products, and deep-diving into market and consumer trends. Her favorite job responsibilities consist of co-writing the monthly series Same Same But Different and curating the fashion market for ELLE Escapes. Meg graduated magna cum laude from the Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis on magazine editing. In 2020, one of her feature stories in the service article category was recognized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The year prior, the Society of Professional Journalists named voxmagazine.com “Best Affiliated Magazine” in its Mark of Excellence Awards, when she was on staff. Meg’s stories have appeared on Cosmopolitan, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar, and Good Housekeeping, among many other outlets. Her personal passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and gardening. You can find her in New York, where she lives, or on Instagram, where she also lives. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
