Hello friends! I am beyond excited to share this season’s capsule wardrobe with you. I’ve certainly enjoyed piecing together the planners and weekly style guides this year, but there’s something about a capsule build that draws me in. I purposely set aside other projects and time to process, research, create, and structure each capsule. They truly are a labor of love; The process may be lengthy, but the reward is always worth it.
I approach capsule wardrobe builds a bit different from our monthly outfit planners and weekly style guides. I’ve found they both provide us the opportunity to discover our style, as there’s more leniency in item count and experimental styling. Capsule wardrobes are more structured and a reflection of that very discovery.
That said, capsule building is definitely a structured process. Just as our style evolves so do our capsules. Over the years capsule building has really become a collection of investment pieces and thus a true reflection of my own style. You’ll notice several pieces within this Fall capsule that have shown up before, and a few new pieces I’ve added since my last Fall-inspired build.
When choosing pieces for a capsule wardrobe, I naturally start with the basics that I love, and then ensure that anything new aligns with words I’ve determined my style to be. The words classic, feminine, chic, and tailored are those I’ve come to list in my own style description. I also mentally visualize at least three ways to wear these new ‘prospects’ and determine if they fit within my wardrobe.
I realize the capsules I share here are a reflection of my own style and that it may be entirely different from yours. What’s important to know is that your capsule should really reflect what you love and feel your best in. Determining words to define my style has really helped this seasonal build and I feel it’s a great place to start in general if you’re new to capsule building or developing your own style.
By no means do I suggest grabbing all of these items. The intent in building a capsule is to start with the items you have beforehand and progress from there. If you have some of these items, yay! We’ve similar style! If you have similar items, go ahead and replace my example for your own. If you love my color palette, or any of the outfits pieced together, please use the inspiration! My hope in sharing this capsule is to shed light on the functional benefit of a minimal wardrobe, see the versatility in each chosen piece, and ease any doubt in the ability to create your own!
tanks
white tank | black tank
Tanks are always good to have on hand. These layer-able cotton tanks remain and will remain in my closet until they need replacing! You’ll see them as the base for several of the looks shown throughout this post.
tees
grey tee | graphic tee (similar) | white cropped tee (similar)
Basic tees always make the capsule cut. They’re classic and truly go with anything. I typically stick with neutral tones, as they serve a purpose alone or when layering. For this build, I chose my favorite Madewell cotton whisper tee in grey and a white cropped tee for style variance. I also love to include at least one graphic tee in the mix, so I went with an all-time favorite band tee.
polo sweater
polo sweater
I discovered this adorable Mango sweater in one of my recent style hauls and fell in love with it. It gives my wardrobe the preppy classic vibe I love.
White blouse
white blouse (similar)
A wardrobe is not complete without at least one dressier option up top. This gorgeous Jazz shirt is older from Sezane, but I’ve linked one similar they’ve in their newest Fall collection. It has the subtle feminine touch I need.
long sleeve tees
striped turtleneck (similar) | heathered grey tee
With Fall weather, it’s always good to have the basic long-sleeve tees on hand. This season I went with a heathered ribbed tee and a striped tissue turtleneck. I love the neutrality of the grey, providing a layer whenever needed. And the subtle striped print brings contrast to any day’s fit. Both are highly versatile.
button up tops
plaid flannel | white | chambray
Just as basic tees are essential, button-up tops have similar versatility and purpose. I included the classics – a simple white button-up and chambray for versatility. I also added a seasonal plaid flannel to add a little color to my everyday wear.
cardigans
cropped cardigan (similar) | cashmere cardigan
For layers, a cardigan is always on the list. I wanted a few different length options for Fall and this cropped cardigan is perfect. It’s thicker in texture so I love to wear it alone buttoned up. This luxurious oversized boyfriend cashmere cardigan from Quince is my all-time favorite for layering.
Sweaters
navy crewneck (similar) | striped pullover (similar) | grey pullover (similar)
My love for sweaters runs deep, so this portion of the build is always difficult. I stuck to the classics this season and went with a striped pullover, navy crewneck, and grey half zip. They’re all extremely versatile and give me that cozy Fall vibe. This striped pullover has been a staple in my closet for a few years and it continues to be a favorite. The blue crewneck is from Sezane and the half zip is from Everlane.
Sweatshirts
graphic sweatshirt | chocolate hoodie
This graphic sweatshirt is new to me, but oh do I love it. I plan to wear both sweatshirts, including this comfy hoodie, with casual outfits on weekends or days when I don’t feel like dressing up.
wide leg jean
Full-length wide-leg jeans have held a permanent spot in my capsule wardrobes for quite some time. I love the look and feel of them. The wash gives the capsule variety and I cannot wait to style them!
straight leg jeans
black wash straight jean | 90s Pinch straight jean
I’ll forever be a jean girl, so including several washes in the mix is inevitable. I love the ankle fit on the black wash jeans, as they pair nicely with nearly any shoe. The 90s jeans are comfortable, relaxed, and can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the day and mood!
slim fit jean
Levis 501 crop jean
I recently discovered these, and wish I would have years ago! They’ve a bit of a tapered, Mom style fit to them, and are so comfortable. They’ve also a cropped length to them and go extremely well with boots!
trouser pant
Mason trouser pant
While tailored menswear is making a huge comeback, my love for trouser pants has always remained true. The Mason trouser pant is by far, my favorite trouser of all time. Its construction, comfort, and versatility are unmatched.
pull-on Dream pant
black pull-on pant
Made of soft double-knit fabric, Everlane’s Dream pant features an elastic waist, pintuck detailing, and a sleek tapered leg. It looks polished but comfortable enough to nap in. These made their debut in 2022 and have become a top pick. They truly live up to their name and allow you to feel put together, with minimal effort.
Maxi + midi skirt
smocked maxi dress | black denim midi skirt
My 2023 Fall capsule wouldn’t be complete without a dress and skirt. This brown print maxi dress won me over last Fall and its return was inevitable. And while I know the denim skirt trend isn’t for everyone, styling it today brings a dreamy nostalgia I am just not ready to give up. I cannot wait to dress them both up with boots or down with sneakers the entire season.
trench coat
neutral khaki trench coat (similar)
A trench coat is the classic outerwear piece every girl needs in her Fall closet. It’s rain-resistant, lightweight, and versatile.
Olive long coat
Olive long coat
This extra soft layer doubles as a long cardigan and coat. It’s warm, has pockets, and has served well transitioning into Fall. I also love the rich olive tone it brings to the capsule.
denim shacket
Denim shacket
A denim jacket always takes spot in Fall’s outerwear lineup. I love this oversized style from Pistola.
Ecru chore jacket
Ecru chore jacket
I’ve had my eye on this jacket from Sezane for a while and finally added it to my closet for Fall. It’s dreamy, warm, and unlike the photo I have in place, mine has a classic velvet collar that fits the Fall vibe in the best way.
My next post will feature outfit ideas I created with these pieces! Follow along with me this month as I create outfits using this capsule. Until then, you can check out more Fall capsule wardrobes here and here. Happy styling!
