Fall Capsule Wardrobe

First and foremost, what is a capsule wardrobe? It’s certainly a word that’s currently flying around the fashion world and maybe you don’t know what it means. A capsule wardrobe is your essential items for that season. The basics that you can mix or match with each other and then pair with a seasonal or trendy item. I’m going to share what capsule items are in my fall wardrobe as the foundation of all of my outfits.

When you create your wardrobe with the capsule mentality in mind, you are giving yourself hundreds of outfits with a set number of items. For me, it’s about ten items {for the fall season}. With these ten pieces, I can dress up if needed, or be really casual. Capsule items should be neutral in color. Neutral colors are black, tan, grey, navy, burgundy, cream, white, olive, even a blush pink. All of these colors can be worn with one another. Remember, a neutral can always pair with a neutral {that’s what makes it a neutral}.

There are even some prints that are considered neutral, and for me, those are camouflage prints and animal prints. Not all versions of these prints are created equal, but the right versions of these prints can easily be paired with all of the other neutral colors.

Here are my ten clothing items that are part of my fall capsule wardrobe. Truly the foundations to any outfit.

Capsule Item #1 – Faux Leather Black Skirt

This black skirt is a beautiful length. It can be made super casual with a t-shirt and sneakers or dressed up paired with a blazer, and really everything in between.

Capsule Item #2 – Ponte Black Pant

This is a year-round capsule item. One great pair of great fitting black pants are a wardrobe must-have. A capsule pair would be a cigarette style. A more trendy black pant {not a capsule item} would be a wide leg crop pair of black pants, as an example. The ponte pant can be dressed up for work, church or any event yet styled very casually with a t-shirt and jean jacket. JCrew always has a great version of these pants.

Capsule Item #3 – Jeans

Honestly, all you need is one great pair of jeans. I personally am a huge fan of finding the most amazing fit and investing in them. Yes, it will take trying on a 100 pair but the perfect pair of jeans will go with everything! I am currently obsessed with the fit of these Paige jeans. A capsule pair of jeans are not distressed….think classic and timeless. The distressed is definitely a current trend.

Capsule Item #4 – Cardigan Sweater

You can pretty much throw on a cardigan over everything, even a dress! Invest in a fabulous cardigan in a neutral color and you’ll have it for years. This is my current capsule cardigan. It’s so soft and I love the slits on the sides. Plus, the quality is great for the price.

Capsule Item #5 – Black Moto Jacket

In fall, I love the look a leather jacket gives! It’s a little edgy, but most definitely a classic. It’s the perfect extra layer that goes with so much! My absolute favorite black leather jacket is this one that I’ve had for three years and still reach for consistently. I love that the hood is removable – allowing for a casual or more refined look. Plus, the gold hardware is perfection.

Capsule Item #6 – Blazer

If you’ve been following me, you know I LOVE a blazer. I have a trusty black one that I wear frequently and this year I added a beautiful plaid double-breasted blazer to my closet. I am SO excited to incorporate it into my fall capsule. Herringbone plaid is most definitely classic. This particular plaid consists of both brown and black so I can easily mix and match this it with any other piece. Imagine this blazer with jeans, ponte pants or even the black leather skirt – all great outfits.

Capsule Item – #7 – Black Bodysuit

Simple items to layer are essential to every closet. I need something reliable to pull out when reaching for the blazer, cardigan, or moto jacket. I am on a huge kick with bodysuits as they stay tucked in and don’t create extra bulk. I really love the square neck on this particular one.

Capsule Item #8 – White Bodysuit

Well, not too much else to say other than what I said above. Great to have a black and white layering top! This bodysuit is a little dressier of fabric than the black mentioned above.

Capsule Item #9 – T-Shirt

A great t-shirt is essential for any closet. For some, it may be a plain white, or perhaps a stripe {always a classic}. For me, this fall, it’s a tee with a little edge, known as a band tee. I love wearing this t-shirt alone, under my blazer, or under my grey cardigan.

Capsule Item #10 – Trench/Jacket/Duster

My plaid duster jacket is a great layering piece that can go over any of the tops I mentioned above. It’s perfect to add some interest or an extra layer of warmth to an outfit. While this particular one is sold out, I am kind of really liking this version. Despite the print, it’s neutral!

Once you have your capsule clothing items, then it’s about the shoes and accessories. If I add a fun scarf to my moto jacket and black pants that creates another look. If I wear my moto jacket with jeans but pair my nude sandals or a heel with that outfit, it’s a dressy look, if I change my shoe to a sneaker it’s casual. Do you see how this is all mixed and matched? Your wardrobe is all about getting some great key players and working from there.

Yes, I am a style blogger and love fashion, clothes and all of that…but honestly, I don’t have a TON of shoes or clothes. I like to curate a cohesive closet of items that go together. This makes getting dressed so much easier, it’s better for our wallet, and overall just smart. You may need to invest a little in these capsule items to ensure longevity. Make sure these classic items fit properly and you feel amazing in them. When that’s the case you’ll more than get your wear and investment out them.

**Bits of information on a capsule wardrobe was obtained from my most recent event with Krystel Marx, founder of Lev Apparel.

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