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As the weather starts to cool and summer makes its graceful exit, it’s time to trade in our airy summer dresses for something more snug. With the start of the autumn cool weather, we seek to comfortably cocoon ourselves amidst cosy layers of soft material and gravitate towards warmer, earthier colours (it doesn’t hurt that cocooning is also a top 2021 fall trend according to Pinterest Predicts!).
Just in time for this seasonable reset, here’s everything you need to know about curating your very own fall/autumn capsule wardrobe, one that you’ll be able to use for years to come!
Despite the constant changes in the fashion world, some pieces retain their timelessness. Rather than purchasing trend-led pieces which might only last a season or two, the idea of a capsule wardrobe is to invest in a select number of high-quality pieces which can be styled together to achieve multiple looks. This effectively limits the number of purchases you’ll need to make and encourages shoppers to invest in longer-lasting, high-quality staples as opposed to fast fashion pieces.
Autumn is all about cosy, comfortable yet chic clothing that you can easily wear from the office to dinner dates, to rolling around in the leaves. Our ideal sustainable autumn capsule wardrobe features plenty of items in easy to pair, neutral colours; pieces that will make it easy to stylishly layer your outfits for optimum comfort, for both indoors and out.
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The Outer Layer
We’re kicking off with the top most layer of your autumn capsule wardrobe. When planning your wardrobe, you’ll want to make sure that you’re comfortable whether outside in the cold or sheltered indoors with a steaming cup of coffee. With sudden temperature changes during the autumn months, layering becomes a crucial styling feature. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of must-have timeless outer layers to match with the rest of your items, from blazers to trenches!
A Classic Quilted Jacket
Jackets and coats – for a complete capsule wardrobe you’ll need at least one of each. This year, quilted and patchwork are both trending styles. Whilst we’re still coming to terms with this year’s patchwork trend, we’re happy to add this Burberry quilted classic to our autumn capsule wardrobe.
A Checked Tweed Jacket
The right tweed jacket can be a glamourous statement piece that adds flare to your wardrobe. Its thick material keeps you warm, whilst its distinctive style gives you a polished look.
A Beige Trench Coat
Buying a high-quality trench coat in a classic cut is an investment piece you’ll own for years to come. With proper care, it will last for decades and never be out of style.
Oversized Blazers
The oversized boyfriend blazer has been enjoying its time in the limelight since 2019 and its easy to see why! It is a comfortable item to wear and can easily be styled over a pair of jeans or plain trousers. We recommend investing in a neutral colour like black, beige, grey or navy that can be paired with practically anything!
A Navy Wool Poncho
The poncho may be the most comfortable and versatile item you can purchase this autumn. Wear it over trousers, a skirt or your favourite dress and you’ll always feel warm and elegant.
A Timeless Cape
The cape is a timeless piece of clothing that can make any woman feel elegant whilst protecting her from harsher temperatures. Despite being at the higher end of the price range, this is an item that can last for years and retain its classic appeal.
Cosy Knits
Having equipped yourself with suitable outerwear, you’ll need a few additional items to bundle yourself in – and what could be more perfect to snuggle up in than a cosy cashmere sweater. for the optimum level of warmth and comfort. Here are some of our favourites.
Patchwork Cardigan
The patchwork trend takes the stage once again. This item can easily be styled with neutral base layers, and its colourful composition adds a touch of vibrancy to your overall look. Its cosy feel and autumnal palate makes it a perfect addition to your autumn capsule wardrobe.
Bright and Colourful Sweater Vest
Sweater vests have secured their place in the fashion world and this trend looks like its here to stay. A cosy sweater vest can be effortlessly styled over a plain shirt and adds another layer to help you fight against autumnal cold weather.
Beige Cashmere Cardigan
Cashmere has it all: it is incredibly soft, a comfortable, lightweight material and provides superior insulation. Wearing a cashmere cardigan in autumn feels like the ultimate luxury, which is why this neutral coloured, cashmere cardigan makes it on our list of absolute must haves.
Recycled Wood Blend Rib Knit Sweater Vest
This sweater vest is adds a stylish twist to your wardrobe and its neutral colour does not make it difficult to match with other items in your autumn capsule wardrobe.
Classic Off-the-Shoulder Knit
A knitted, off-the-shoulder jumper is another source of stylish warmth. The off-the-shoulder cut flatters and accentuates the neckline without exposing enough skin to leave us shivering against the cold. It is a cosy and attractive addition to your minimalistic wardrobe.
A Colourful Fine Knit Jumper
Every wardrobe needs a splash of colour for when the rainy days come to brighten up the mood, and this sweater does just that.
Base Layers
Base layers are the foundation for any great outfit, and an essential part of any capsule wardrobe. The key to picking up the perfect base layer is to go for neutral tones that match well with whatever outer layer you choose to pair them with, and that can easily transition from warmer to cooler months.
White T-Shirt
A white t-shirt is an absolute must-have. It looks stylish with a pair of jeans, can be smartly styled with an office blazer and even match your favourite pencil skirt for a more chic look. It’s a versatile item which you’ll find you cannot do without.
Black Classic Turtle Neck
The basic black turtle neck is an essential, capsule wardrobe item. Most things can be styled over it and its classic cut is eternally chic.
Black Short Sleeved Bodysuit
With a bodysuit you won’t have to worry about keeping your top nicely tucked in. It remains effortlessly tucked in and maintain a smooth base layer. This short sleeved, black bodysuit is versatile, easy to style and adds your look with sophisticated elegance.
Neutral Long Sleeved Body Suit
It is always important to have plenty of neutrals in you capsule wardrobe. This neutral, bodysuit acts like a second skin and matches effortlessly with any middle and outer layers you own.
Classic Paisley Shirt
The paisley pattern has traversed the world of fashion. This classic paisley shirt will never go out of style and goes beautifully with a flattering pair of jeans.
Classic White Shirt
Everyone needs a classic white shirt. Whether you’re going to the office or styling it underneath a cosy sweater vest, this white shirt remains a fashion essential every autumn capsule wardrobe must include.
Jeans, Trousers & Leggings
No autumn capsule wardrobe is complete without the right selection of bottoms! With just a few neutral coloured trousers, some classic denim jeans and a good pair of basic leggings, you’ll manage to create stylish outfits for all occasions.
Cream Wide-Leg Pants
Wide, flowy pant legs are just want you’ll want this autumn. They’re comfortable to wear and alluring at the same time, in addition to being the perfect example of an athflow staple.
Black Wide-Leg Pants
You can never go wrong with a pair of black pants. Black is the timeless colour that goes with everything and makes practically everyone look and feel fabulous. Wide-leg pants also add that element of comfort to what is a super smart outfit!
High-Rise Straight Leg Jeans
The age of hipster jeans is long past and high-rise straight jeans are our new best friends. A wardrobe without a good pair of jeans is like an incomplete masterpiece and these classic pair can be dressed up or down. You can’t ask for a more versatile item than this.
Tapered High-Rise Jeans
This pair of jeans are loosely comfortable at the top, whilst the tapered legs provide a clean and elegant silhouette. Tapered jeans add easy elegance and sophistication to any outfit and work with pretty much any kind of shoes, whether that’s heels, boots or trainers.
Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans
Who doesn’t like a beautiful pair of white skinny jeans? Its neutral colour and classic cut complements most clothing items.
Basic Black Leggings
Leggings are the ultimate comfort. They feel like a second skin and pair well with a pair of lug-sole boots and an oversized blazer.
Skirts & Dresses
The right kind of skirt or dress can be dressed up as well as down, and can fit any occasion. Here are our top picks for this autumn.
Leather Pencil Skirt in Soft Berry
Pencil skirts are the epitome of femininity. This leather pencil skirt is an alluring garment that subtly combines sophistication with sensuality. It also comes in a soft berry shade that gorgeously compliments the neutral shades that dominate our autumn capsule wardrobe.
Jacquard Button A-Line Skirt
An A-line skirt is an elegantly slimming cut that flatters most body types. This detailed jacquard button mini is beautifully detailed, perfect when paired with black tights and pumps for the office, or killer boots for cocktails with friends.
Check Boucle Co-Ord Skirt
This thick, black mini skirt is just what autumn is all about: warmth, style and comfort. You’ll find you can’t do without a versatile mini-skirt in timeless black, especially when made with bouclé fabric.
Light-Pink Ribbed Knit Dress
We all love a simple knit dress. Choosing one in a neutral shade, like this light-pink ribbed knit dress, will compliment most pieces in your wardrobe and make for a graceful and polished ensemble.
Paisley-Embroidered Belted Dress
This belted dress stunningly accentuates the waist and its paisley pattern makes it a classic item to add to your wardrobe. Again, it’s another piece that could easily transition from summer to autumn, as well as winter to spring.
Belted & Striped Shirt Dress
The shirt dress is the height of comfort. It is flowy for ease and freedom of movement, whilst the belt and stripes bring out the soft curves of your body. This dress matches nicely with a pair of fashion sneakers and one of your cosiest cardigans for a chilled dressed-down look, yet gorgeous with an oversized blazer with high heeled-pumps.
Autumn Wardrobe Essential Accessories
You’re never fully dressed without the right accessories (or a smile!). Accessories are as much a fashion statement as they are functional additions, and the right accessories allow you to add your own unique flare to any outfit whilst making you feel well-dressed and put together. You don’t need an abundance of accessories to complete your looks, a few choice items are plenty and will give you an excuse to buy higher quality pieces you can enjoy for longer.
Blanket Scarves
Imagine wrapping yourself up in your favourite blanket and leaving the house with it. Such a thing is indeed possible if you invest in a quality blanket scarf! Stylish, versatile and oh so cosy!
Black Tights
Every woman needs a pair of sheer black tights in colder climates. They don’t just serve to protect you from the cold but also make a pretty neat addition to autumn outfits.
A Black Shoulder Bag
We’ve picked this beautiful black shoulder bag as one of our must-have accessories. It fulfils our practical needs and complements the quiet sophistication of our capsule wardrobe.
A Nude Bag
This nude bag is large enough to hold your daily essentials and blends in nicely with this capsule wardrobe’s neutral colour scheme.
A Chunky Gold Necklace
This tasteful gold necklace is understated, yet stunning. We love how it effortlessly fits in with the rest of our capsule wardrobe, adding elegance to each look.
A Chanel Brooch
This Chanel brooch is simple enough to blend with most autumn looks and striking enough to become your favourite statement piece – especially when paired with a blanket scarf! It’s also pre-owned and available on Vestiaire, which we’re totally here for!
Shoes
Some say that shoes can make or break your outfit and we’re inclined to agree. It sets the tone for your look; elevating it or toning it down according to your needs. Yet, the most carefully styled outfit can be let down with unsuitable footwear and this is why we’re placing shoes in a category of their own. Here’s our list of must-have shoes that will officially complete your fall/autumn capsule wardrobe.
White Sneakers
A pair of good quality sneakers are essential! Not only are they smart yet casual, they are also irresistibly comfy. You can wear them with virtually anything without compromising style or comfort.
Classic Black Long Boots
A pair of classic long boots are a staple of any capsule wardrobe. Whether you pair them with trousers, skirts or dresses, a pair of long boots will make you feel beautifully put together. They’re definitely worth investing in, as a pair of high-quality long boots can last you for years without going out of style.
Black Knee-High Lug-Sole Boots
Lug-sole shoes are everywhere this season and we can understand why. Their chunky, rubbery sole makes them a comfortable pair of shoes to own and provide extra grip for extra slippery surfaces this autumn and winter. They’re also easy to match with the rest of your wardrobe which is why we’ve included a pair of knee-high, lug sole boots and a pair of ankle boots to our fall/autumn capsule wardrobe.
Beige Lug-Sole Ankle Boots
You might ask, but why do I need ankle boots as well? Simple, they’re comfortable, cool and ideal for that summer to winter transition. Style them with a dress for a daring edgy look!
Comfortable Leather Loafers
Sometimes you just need a pair of comfortable shoes to run around in that are a little smarter than trainers. These leather loafers will match the rest of your clothes and look great – all without tiring out your feet!
Timeless Jimmy Choo Pumps
All we need now for a fully stocked, autumn capsule wardrobe is a pair of classic Jimmy Choos. We couldn’t resist this stunning pair of classic pumps, in a heel that’s not too high for daily office wear and in a shade that matches pretty much everything (but that isn’t black!).
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Sarah is a syndicated freelance writer and editor of Dukes Avenue. She founded Dukes Avenue in 2018 as a creative outlet while working at a London hedge fund. What initially started as a small blog has become a widely read luxury lifestyle online publication targeted at the modern woman, with content curated to inspire readers to live their best and most fulfilled lives. Sarah has lived in London, Malta, and, most recently, the United Arab Emirates and uses her travels and experiences to inspire much of the content.
