Fall Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

 

With Fall quickly approaching I have been feeling so refreshed when it comes to fashion. Fall is my favorite season to dress for, I love all the layers, earth tones, and shoe options. In this blog I am listing my must have fall basics. These items are staples in my fall wardrobe and can be remixed over and over again for fresh looks!

I’ve broken things down into 4 main categories: tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories. And for each item, I’ll be breaking down why I am including them in this list and giving my top picks for each item. Grab a snack, because it’s a long one!

Tops

First up, let’s talk about essential tops that’ll make up the foundation for your capsule fall wardrobe. We’ve got a few basic essentials and then I’m suggesting a
few fun trendier options as well.

White Tee
If you don’t already have a white tee that you love, get one! They are a no-brainer and a go-to when you are in a jam. It can be worn alone, front-tucked into your bottoms, and layered with just about anything. I personally have two different styles in my closet; crew-neck and V-neck.
My Picks:
The Madewell Whisper Tees are my (hands down) all-time favorite. Check them out here. They run TTS (Size: Medium)

Stripe Tee
These work well for adding a pattern to a look. Stick to neutral colors, like black and white, it makes it easy to mix and match with. These are perfect to layer under jackets and cardigans, or like the basic white tee, front tucked into your bottoms.
My Picks:
I got this BP one from the Nordstrom Sale. I sized up one size because I like to tied-up these in the front. This one is also great!

Detailed Cami
These work like any basic tee, perfect by themselves for a night out, or layered with a shirt or cardigan for a day at the office. These are an easy way to add color and texture to your look so If you are looking to add a fun pattern or color to your closet, this is the perfect item for that.
My Picks:
I recently got this one from Abercrombie in white and I love it. It double lined and the straps are adjustable! I got my TTS (Size Medium). This one is also so pretty!

Chambray Shirt
Everyone NEEDS at least one good chambray shirt in their closet. It is so easy to style with different looks. They are great to layer with, tie around your waist for some added interest, and they go great with black denim or leggings.
My Picks:
This J-crew one has been a staple in my closet. I sized up for a looser fit when layering over tees and tanks (Normally an 8, have size 10).

Plaid or Checkered Top
Plaid tops just scream pumpkin patches and apple cider, so it’s a definite must for a fall wardrobe. These, like the chambray shirt, can be easily layered, mixed and matched, and add a fun pattern to your look. The key with these is to stick to neutral colors so they intermix with your closet well.
My Picks:
I have an old black and white one from Madewell, but I am on the hunt for a red version and possibly an emerald green. I am loving this one (on my wishlist!) and this one.

Cardigan
Cardigans make great layering pieces for the cooler temps ahead, they are so versatile. They can be worn to work and then with an athleisure look on the weekends! Choose either oatmeal, gray, or cream for fall so it goes with everything.
My Picks:
I am a cardigan collector…. but my Mom puts me to shame (they are just such a great staple, you can never have too many, am I right?) I have a large section in my closet dedicated to cardigans because I wear them year-round. I stocked up on these and these during the Nordstrom sale and I love them. They are so soft and the perfect weight. The Madewell Ryder Cardigan is another favorite of mine, they hold up SO well, and are so comfortable. Loft + Old Navy are other great retailers for cardigans (plus, they are always having a sale. Score!)
I find myself sizing down to a size small in most cardigans. If they are longer, I will always get petite if I can (I am 5’ 3” for reference)

Denim Jacket
Because #duh, let’s be honest… this is a year-round staple! But for fall, I love to pair my denim jackets with leggings and a tied-up tee for a cute but casual look.
My Picks:
My top two favorites in my closet are: this Anthropology one and this Old Navy one. (Both run TTS- I own both in a size medium)

Utility Jacket
This is a personal favorite in my closet. As soon as the temps drop, I find myself reaching for these. They are a great way to add some color to your wardrobe and are so comfortable. These typically come in ‘earth tones’ making them so versatile. I will be doing a blog post soon on how to style these different ways, so be on the lookout for that!
My Picks:
I own four of these: Hunter Green: Madewell, Blush: Old Navy, Camo: Old Navy, and Maroon: Old Navy. I have an X-Small in the Madewell jacket (they run VERY large) and size small in all of my Old Navy Jackets.

Cream Sweater
Living in Wisconsin, you need all the layers you can get! A basic cream sweater is a great way to add warmth without sacrificing looks. These can we worn as a stand-alone piece, layered over collared shirts, or even over a denim dress.
My Picks:
I snagged this one from Madewell a few weeks back. I sized down to a small in this sweater.

Bottoms

When it comes to my fall go-to bottoms, I’d say I usually end up circulating a few favorites all season. I tend to stick to the basics here, and use the other categories to switch things up.

High Waisted Skinny Jeans
Everyone needs a pair of these! They are so flattering and come in so many styles. Stick with a classic denim color as they will go with just about anything and everything in your closet.
My Picks:
My favorite ones are these from Madewell. Go try them on, NOW! The button detail and raw hem is so fun. They are also so flattering and super comfortable, the denim quality is amazing and will not stretch out or lose its shape. Size down one size in Madewell Denim.

Black Denim
It took me a bit to jump on the black denim bandwagon. My sister got a pair from Madewell and I just loved them on her, so much so, that I needed my own pair.
My Picks:
I ended up getting these AG Jeans from Twigs and boy oh boy, these puppies are the softest pair of jeans I own. I cannot wait to style these this fall.
AG Denim runs TTS, if you are in between sizes, go with the smaller size.

Leggings
I mean #duh!! How can you not love leggings? A.) They go with everything B.) You can dress them up or down C.) They are SO dang comfortable. Need I say more? Didn’t think so… so, onto my favorites.
My Picks:
Lululemon, Loft, and Spanx take the cake here.

If you haven’t tried the Lululemon Align legging, then RUN. They are the BEST legging known to man (not being dramatic). They feel like you have no pants on, that’s how comfortable they are. Lululemon leggings run TTS.

Loft carries a brand called Lou & Gray and their cotton leggings are amazing. Every year I stock up on these when they are having a sale. These also run TTS (I have the medium)

I grabbed these Spanx faux leather leggings during the Nordstrom sale and I LOVE them, they are a perfect way to add a little ‘something’ to any look you would normally wear with leggings. They feel like an athletic legging, so they are very comfortable. These are meant to suck you in, so I sized up to the large (if you are wanting them to really suck you in, then go with your TTS).

Denim Skirt
Fall temps can very, so this is a great option for warmer fall days. To style, tuck in a basic tee, add your layering piece of choice, pop on some jewelry, slip on your favorite mules or booties, and DONE. Black, white, and denim colors would all be functional.
My Picks:
This Madewell skirt is my favorite, I also have it in white. This one is also super cute.

Shoes

Shoes… oh my weakness! For a fall capsule wardrobe, you are going to want to stick to neutrals, which for fall, is pretty easy! Black, tan, leopard, and blush fit very well into my wardrobe. And yes, in my book, leopard is a neutral.

Slip On Sneakers
I love these types of shoes because they can literally go with anything, from a dressy top to a cute athleisure outfit. Get a basic color in these, like black, gray, or white.
My Picks:
These Vince ones are my favorite. I have them in black and I’m obsessed with them. I got these in size 8.5 (go up a half size)
These and these are also SO cute.

Leopard Mules
Leopard is a great neutral, and is perfect for fall because it pairs so nicely with all the earth tones. Add this to any outfit for an elevated look.
My Picks:
These ones from Madewell are perfect. They are so comfortable and the calf hair makes them look so authentic. I got my TTS in these- Size 8
I also really love these!

Booties
What are the top items that come to mind when you think of fall? I am sure booties are at the top of that list, and for good reason, they are so cute! Stick to neutral tones so you can mix and match them with your fall wardrobe.
My picks:
These ones from Evereve are the perfect bone color. I also just ordered these black leather ones from Madewell and cannot wait for them to come! I got both in a size 8.
These and these are other good options!
I also posted a big round up of shoes I am loving for fall, you can check it out here.

Accessories 

I call accessories “outfit completers” because I think that’s totally the case. Plus, I’m able to create different looks with the same pieces by simply switching up my accessories. I tend to keep my accessories simple + dainty.

Bandanas
Bandanas are a great way to add a pattern or pop of color into your outfit. I’ve worn them in my hair, around my wrist, tied onto my bag, around my belt loop, and styled it a few different ways around my neck too!
My Picks:
The best + least expensive ones I’ve found are at Madewell. I own this one.

Neutral Sunglasses:
A good pair of neutral colored sunglasses are a must year-round. Find a few that you love and switch them out as the seasons change.
My picks:
I have this pair, which I love and are so comfortable on the face and ears!

Leather Bag
You can never go wrong with a good leather bag, it’s such a classic piece that will truly never go out of style. My favorite colors are black and cognac.
My Picks:
This bucket bag! My Mom ordered two of these during the Nordstrom sale and I ended up taking one of them because it was just too beautiful to pass up. The leather is so good and the coloring is beautiful. We both have the cognac color. I also am crushing on this one!

Everyday Jewelry
Keep it simple here, find versatile pieces that go with anything. Studded earrings (diamond or pearl), simple metal rings, and dainty necklaces are the best place to start. Remember your jewelry is meant to complement your outfit, not be the outfit.
My Picks:
Everyone has different taste in jewelry, so I am including my favorite places to find jewelry: Loft, Banana Republic, Shop Twigs, Kendra Scott & Evereve.

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I will be sharing several ways to style these items throughout the Fall, so be sure to tune in. Hope y’all love these items as much as I do!

Xo,
Taylor