What to wear this autumn? What items do I need for a good fall capsule wardrobe? Just a couple of the typical questions I get around this time of year. In today’s post you will learn how to curate a sustainable autumn capsule wardrobe with stylish versatile essentials that will carry you through fall, year after year. By the end of this post you’ll have all the tools you need to rock autumn 2021 like your favourite minimalist fashion bloggers on the gram.
When it comes to clothes, I’m all about comfort, simplicity and convenience. I mean, life is hard enough without needing to overcomplicate things in the one area that we have full control over – our closet.
Curating a fall capsule wardrobe with a small collection of versatile items that you can always rely on is a great way to simplify your life and become more intentional. At least when it comes to your daily style choices.
{ New to the concept of capsule wardrobe? Check out this post. }
Now, let’s dive in! Below I’m sharing exactly what will go into my autumn capsule wardrobe 2021. These are my must-have fundamental basics that make it so much easier to create effortless minimal outfits, so I recommend you add them to your wardrobe too. That is if you don’t have them already.
FALL CAPSULE WARDROBE: WHAT TO WEAR THIS AUTUMN
I split my staples into categories for an easier navigation.
TOPS
- Basic White Tee
- White Turtleneck
- Black Sleeveless Bodysuit
- Grey Short Sleeve Bodysuit
- White Button Down Shirt
- White & Blue Stripe Shirt
1. Basic White Tee
Everybody needs at least couple of good white basic tees. When I say good, I’m talking about both the quality and the fit. For autumn, my advice is to get a heavyweight one. Arket have a great selection.
2. White Turtleneck
The white turtleneck is an absolute autumn must-have. Great basic that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I love wearing turtlenecks under blazers, paired with jeans and chunky trainers. They make for fantastic fall capsule wardrobe outfits. You can find beautiful sustainable turtlenecks at Everlane
3. Black Sleeveless Bodysuit
Bodysuits are so underrated but they are an essential garment for our fall closets! Keeping our kidneys warm is so important for us women and bodysuits are here to help us do that. I’m obsessed with this one from AGOLDE and I’ll definitely be adding it to my fall winter capsule wardrobe.
4. Grey Short Sleeve Bodysuit
This gray 3/4 sleeve bodysuit from one of my favourite minimalist fashion brands ADAY is my last winter’s discovery. It’s made from eco-friendly materials, and it’s super warm. I was wearing it ALL THE TIME last winer, and I’m bringing it back this fall too. It’s a little on the pricey side, but trust me, it’s a really good investment because you will get so much use of it.
5. White Button Down Shirt
I doubt that you don’t have a classy white shirt in your wardrobe already, that’s the staple of the staples. My favourite places for good quality affordable white shirts are Everlane, COS and & Other Stories. These kinds of shirts give you that Parisian style found in a French fall capsule wardrobe.
6. White & Blue Stripe Shirt
Adding a stripe shirt to your autumn capsule wardrobe 2021 is optional. But stripes are in fashion this year and you can create so many beautiful classy outfits with it. I’ve got this exact one and it’s so soft and comfy.
Related Post: Winter Capsule Wardrobe: What To Wear In Winter 2022
SWEATERS
10. White Sweatshirt
12. Stripe Sweater
7. Camel Sweater
Wool sweater in a camel color easily makes it onto the fall capsule wardrobe checklist. You probably have one already, but if you don’t – here is my recommendation. It’s a wool & cashmere blend, and it feels and looks so luxurious. You can style it in so many outfits again and again, and it’s a staple worth the money.
8. Cream Sweater
Sustainability is not about buying items from slow fashion brands only, but it’s about wearing what you already have in your own wardrobe. I’ve had this cream sweater from ASOS for four years now, and I keep brining it back to my fall/winter closet every year. A cream sweater is a must because of its versatility. Here is a more sustainable option.
9. Black Sweater
Similar to my cream sweater, I’ve got my black one from a fast fashion brand many years ago and keep wearing it to this date. Once it wears off, I’m planning to replace it with this one which is made from organic cotton.
10. White Sweatshirt
For the beginning of autumn, when it’s not cold enough to tuck in knitwear, I love styling my plain white sweaters with mom jeans and white trainers, or black leggings and Converse. & Other Stories have some really good minimalist white sweatshirts made of organic cotton (great for the environment and our bodies!).
11. Gray Knitted Turtle Neck
I have this oversized gray knitted roll-neck jumper that I wear all the time! I swear, it’s my savior for when I’ve got nothing to wear because I feel bloated or not in a mood to put in any effort. It just works so well with black leggings and chunky trainers, I can’t help it. I couldn’t find a link for the exact one I have, but here is a very similar alternative.
12. Stripe Sweater
I’ve had my eyes on this relaxed stripe sweater for ages, and I’m thinking of adopting it into my fall capsule wardrobe 2021. It’s just beautiful, and it can be styled in so many different looks. It’s also an item that can be worn in winter (under coats) and in spring paired with shorts. Did I mention that I love practical clothes?! Update – as the & Other Stories one is sold out now, here’s a similar alternative from Mango.
You’ll Love This: 19 Basic Pieces You Must Have In Your Closet
OUTERWEAR
14. Cream Cardigan
15. Beige Blazer
16. Black Blazer
17. Trench Coat
18. Long Coat
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13. Neutral Overshirt
Overshirts (or shackets) are another underrated garment that is actually a really good addition to your fall closet. You can wear them instead of a jacket when the weather is mild and sunny, or under your coat when it gets colder. The best place for classy overshirts are Arket and & Other Stories
14. Cream Cardigan
The cardigan is another great fall essential. The style, the length, the fit and the color is up to you. I like slightly oversized, boxy, cropped cardigans as they go perfectly with high-waisted trousers and jeans.
15 + 16. Beige & Black Blazers
Blazers are an all-year wardrobe staple, and I’ve found some fabulous ones that have passed the test of time at Everlane and & Other Stories
17. Trench Coat
A style tip when it comes to trench coats – if you can, get one with a removable hood. It will be your best friend in autumn! (Especially if you live in London or somewhere where it rains a lot). I’m obsessed with this Burberry one.
18. Long Coat
A classy long coat or a puffer, this is an item that you can’t miss brining to your fall capsule. Make sure you get a warm one like this or this
BOTTOMS
19. Black Trousers
20. Cream Trousers
21. Gray Trousers
24. Black Leggings
19 + 20 + 21. Black Trousers + Cream Trousers + Gray Trousers
I’m definitely a “grandpa pants” kinda gal, and I can’t live without my high-waisted trousers. Although they’re making an appearance in my fall capsule, they’re actually an all-year wardrobe staple for me. You can see me wearing them in the summer with cami tops, as well as during winter with knitted turtlenecks. They are just so easy to style, and you can dress them up or down according to the event. For example, going somewhere fancy and need a smart outfit? Wear a black pair of trousers like this with white button down, black loafers, and a long neutral coat. Or alternatively, for a more casual setup, throw on a cream sweater over the shirt and replace the loafers with trainers. It’s an item you need in both your formal and casual fall capsule wardrobe.
22. Cream Wide Leg Jeans
Earlier this year, I found the best pair of neutral wide leg jeans, and they turned into another one of my all-year must-haves. They would be so perfect for autumn styled with blazers and trainers or ankle boots.
23. Straight Blue Jeans
We all have blue jeans in our closets, but if you need any advice where to get the best ones from and how to style them properly, check this post about 6 Minimalist Outfits That Show How Blue Jeans Are Meant To Be Worn.
24. Black Leggings
This year I replaced the faux leather leggings and the joggers with a pair of classy black sport leggings. They are comfy, practical and make for gorgeous outfits when you use your imagination. Personally, I love them in a combination with blazers and ankle boots or chunky trainers.
SHOES
25. Vans
Let’s talk about footwear. It’s really up to your personal taste and there is no right or wrong option for your own capsule wardrobe. What’s important is to pick shoes that are comfortable and also practical. For me, these 5 pairs tick all the boxes. I’m not a fan of pumps or mules, but if you are, and they are something you can see yourself style a lot in the fall, then just add them to your capsule. I am not your guru, just your bestie.
Creating a seasonal capsule wardrobe is all about gathering the items that will serve you the best through the season and allow you to style limitless outfits with ease. If you’re into minimalist fashion and love neutrals, this checklist has got you covered. And if you’re not, but you like experimenting more with colors and patterns, use this guide as a foundation to build your very own perfect fall capsule wardrobe 2021 checklist.
This post was all about fall capsule wardrobe: what to wear this autumn.
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