Today I am celebrating the first day of September with a classic fall capsule wardrobe guide! I created this guide to help you start putting together wardrobe staples for fall. I’ve filmed many videos on styling wardrobe basics {here and here are two examples}, but this year I wanted to kickoff the month with a classic fall capsule wardrobe guide blog post, and I’ll follow-up video as we get closer to fall. This way, you can start gathering ideas and inspiration as we head into Autumn.
I created a FREE downloadable + shop-able Classic Fall Capsule Wardrobe Guide book sharing multiple outfit ideas using the items included in this post. Download the Guide <<<HERE>>>
When I begin preparing my closet for a new season, I always look at my layering basics first. Think cotton tees, camis, striped tees, white + chambray button-ups, and turtlenecks. Each fall, I purchase a few new pieces in this category to give my closet a refresh. This Tissue Turtleneck is one that I’ve repurchased year after year and own in several colors and prints. It’s very lightweight and soft, making it perfect for layering under cardigans and sweaters. A boatneck striped tee like this one from J.Crew is another classic must-have. Pair it with a denim jacket and sneakers for a transitional, casual day look. This lace trim camisole is good to wear under a blazer for work but also dressed down with your favorite jeans and moto jacket.
Layering Tops + Tees
Even though I live in Florida where it rarely dips below 50 degrees, I like having sweaters in my fall capsule wardrobe. I typically look for cotton, wool, and cashmere fabrics when shopping for sweaters for longevity purposes. Last year, I purchased this cashmere crew from Everlane and it still looks brand new. This cable-knit from Banana Republic is another style I love for layering. The timeless navy and ivory stripes on this pima cotton sweater is a newer find that I’m looking forward to styling this fall. I love the gold button details! And if you’re looking for the perfect casual yet work appropriate blazer, this open-front sweater blazer that I purchased last year {see it styled here} is such a great, versatile piece. It immediately dresses up a basic tee, yet still feels like you’re wearing a cozy cardigan sweater.
Sweater + Knits
Although I prefer to wear dresses year-round, I still have days where I reach for a comfy pair of jeans. I’ve mentioned these stretch denim skinny jeans time and time again in my videos. I buy each year during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and they are the most comfortable pair of jeans I own. Plus, they’re incredibly affordable and available in petite! They also make these pants which are incredibly comfortable, too. I have them in olive and dark byzantium. If you’re petite like me I highly recommend trying them out – but size down a full size for best fit! J.Crew denim is another favorite of mine because they offer a variety of styles in petite sizes. I just purchased these in the seacoast wash which I think will pair nicely with the pastel colors I tend to gravitate towards, even in the fall.
Pants + Denim
I like to have a few timeless, versatile dresses and skirts in my wardrobe for each season. I shop for classic silhouettes that aren’t too trendy, that I know I’ll be able to wear often. This scoop-neck knit dress and this classic wrap dress are two flattering styles that are incredibly versatile. A silk slip dress is another great style to have in your closet. This one from Cuyana has a beautiful relaxed A-line shape that works well under blazers, sweaters, and dressed up for date night. A silk skirt like this leopard print option is another versatile piece. It can be paired it with a sweater and casual white sneakers or a lace cami and cardigan for the office.
Skirts + Dresses
When it comes to outerwear, I like to keep it simple. While I do enjoy finding playful colors and prints from time to time, nothing outlives the classic pieces in my wardrobe. A lightweight denim jacket and raincoat are two staples for Florida weather. Another essential is a tailored trench. A sleek, fitted blazer like this one is perfect to throw on with a basic white tee and jeans. It’s also ideal on days when it’s cool outside but not yet cold enough for a coat.
Outerwear
Shopping for shoes can easily become overwhelming. Booties, boots, ankle boots, knee high boots, over the knee boots – there are so many options to choose from! To keep it simple, I like to stick to styles that work best within my wardrobe. Chelsea boots with a low block heel like these are a comfortable work-friendly option. And the sleek leather and slight pointed toe on these classic boots make them suitable to wear with pants, dresses, and skirts. I like to have at least one knee high style in my closet like these to slip on with a dress. A waterproof option is another essential for Florida weather and the high gloss quilted pattern on these Hunter boots gives the classic staple an updated, refined feel.
Shoes + Accessories
Have you started shopping for any classic fall capsule wardrobe essentials? What are some of your favorite pieces to wear during the fall season?
