Sweater weather is officially here in Virginia! Last week, I spent some time organizing my closet and stored away the remaining summer pieces in my wardrobe. As I started hanging up the heavier sweaters and swapping linen pants for dark wash denim, I thought about some of my most-worn pieces and what I would purchase if I were starting my fall wardrobe from scratch. In today’s post, I thought it would be fun to share my own personal take on a fall “capsule wardrobe” – a collection of some classic & timeless wardrobe essentials that I would recommend to anyone looking for some new staples in their rotation! This is by no means an exhaustive list, but rather a foundation you can build upon with different pieces as you go! I will have everything linked on LTK and throughout the post if anything catches your eye – I hope you enjoy!
Outerwear
Outerwear is very important in the fall & winter seasons! It’s important for your coats and jackets to be practical and warm, but they can be stylish as well! A piece of outerwear can completely change the overall feel of an outfit, so I’ve rounded up some of my favorite classic staples that are seasonally appropriate but add the perfect sophisticated touch to any look.
I would definitely start with a barn jacket or quilted jacket. These are my go-to everyday pieces that I throw on to run out the door. They are perfect for early fall, but can also be worn throughout the season with heavier layers underneath. The same goes for a classic trench. This is a great choice for rainy days or to throw on over an athleisure look when running out for coffee, errands, etc. One of my favorite ways to spice up an outfit is to add a blazer. I don’t have a job that requires me to wear business professional, but wearing it as a jacket adds that polished touch and still lets me get some use of out of it, haha! As the weather continues to get cooler, it’s also important to have a puffer jacket on hand. I purchased mine years ago at J.Crew Factory during a Black Friday sale and I absolutely love it! I also like to have a wool coat in the rotation that serves as a dressier option.
Tops & Sweaters
Tops and sweaters are arguably my favorite things to shop for since you can never have enough! The list of options in this category could very easily become a mile long, so in the spirit of creating a “capsule wardrobe” I tried my best to focus on the bare bones essentials, starting with a classic white button down. This might just be one of the most versatile four-season pieces in your classic, timeless wardrobe. The styling opportunities are virtually endless. I love to wear mine alone, but it can also be paired under a sweater as an additional layer. The preppy, equestrian look is definitely trending this year so this piece along with a cozy polo sweater are perfect for this! Another closet staple is a good quality rollneck or cable knit sweater. This is likely the first piece of clothing I’ll reach for when I don’t know what to wear. Layer a white t-shirt underneath to add an elevated yet effortless look with the collar peeking out. Another go-to piece in my rotation is any type of lady jacket or button front cardigan – dress it up, dress it down, layer with it or wear by itself, again the versatility is unmatched!
Bottoms
This was another tough category to narrow down as there are so many great options to choose from! In reflecting on my own wardrobe, I have found that three styles of denim in particular are the ones I reach for most often and help me create various different looks. I recently purchased these ecru pants from J.Crew and have loved styling them so far! They have a very slight wide leg and are the perfect off-white color to style into the winter months. I also love a flare crop style that you can wear with loafers or ankle boots, as well as a pair of straight leg jeans which is a must for casual outfits!
Shoes
I have never considered myself to be a “shoe girl” with a robust shoe collection, but I have accumulated some new pairs that I think are perfect for your autumn wardrobe! Everyone needs a good pair of white sneakers and these Vejas are the ones I always recommend when they pop up in my Friday Finds question box on Instagram stories. They have never given me blisters (which says a lot) and are comfortable enough to walk around in all day long. A classic loafer or mule is always my preferred option since you can easily dress them up or down! If you wanted to expand on that further, you can never go wrong with a pair of classic ballet flats or Mary Jane’s, riding boots, or Chelsea boots for some additional variety. This season I also added these Birkenstock Boston Clog dupes to my collection! They are trendy and fun but nice to have when you want something to throw on and go!
Accessories
Just like outerwear, accessories can dress up an outfit and add an elevated touch to your overall look. My number one used accessory for years is without a doubt my Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Shoulder Bag. These bags are waterproof, timeless, and virtually indestructible. I have used mine for years and it still looks brand new. They are definitely worth the investment! I have also been using my suede bags from target non-stop this year! A suede handbag is the perfect accessory to carry throughout the fall and winter months and this option is only $35!! When it comes to jewelry, I am loving all of the statement pieces we’re seeing this year – I love a mixed metal moment and have loved pairing these pieces with different outfits. On any given day, you can find me in my tank watch and my new favorite statement earrings from Amazon!
Thank you so much for reading!
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