It’s the time of year where the weather starts getting cooler and we can start playing with one of our favorite fashion seasons.
One of our favorite ways to challenge our creative thinking with our outfits and make the absolute most out of our wardrobes is by creating a capsule wardrobe for the season.
But, if you don’t know what a capsule wardrobe is, you might be wondering what you’re in for. Trust us, you’re going to love this budget-friendly, space saving idea.
Capsule wardrobes are smaller wardrobes of thoughtfully chosen key pieces that are often interchangeable to make different outfits. Typically, capsule wardrobes have somewhere between 12-45 articles of clothing in them, but you can make dozens of outfits with them and more than you expect.
These wardrobes generally follow a color palette to make mixing and matching simpler. We’ve chosen a neutral color palette because we’re very into the clean girl aesthetic, but you should do what makes sense for your personal style and the clothes you have.
A capsule wardrobe can both simplify and create a challenge for your day-to-day fashion. Limiting your options makes creating new looks more difficult.
So, if you’re someone who wants to have a different outfit/vibe every day, you’ve got to think a little outside the box. Which can lead to some cool looks.
But, if you’re feeling lazy, these pieces go so well together it doesn’t have to take much thinking.
Plus, capsule wardrobes are great for travel. Your packing list will just be your full autumn capsule wardrobe.
Why waste time worrying that you don’t have the right clothes for the weather, or overpacking to make sure you do? The perfect fall capsule wardrobe will have everything you need to stay cool OR stay warm.
And of course, we’ve included options for cozy days too.
Ready to take off? Here are today’s tips on creating your ideal fall travel capsule wardrobe.
15 Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Basic Long Sleeve
The goal with a capsule wardrobe is to have pieces that are easily mixable and matchable. That means there are going to be a lot of basics involved.
We love dressing up basics with accessories to create looks that are classy and timeless. One of the best basics you can have is a high quality long sleeve t-shirt (or two, or three…). Lauryn loves the tops by Eterne.
It can keep you warm on its own as the temperatures dip, or it’s a great base to pair with an outer layer.
A Basic Tee
Another great option for layering is a basic tee. Lauryn’s used a basic tee to create TONS of classy looks. You’ll want 1-2 of these.
Turtleneck
A turtleneck is basically just a fancy long sleeve t-shirt. They’re easy to swap with each other while still leaving room to create different, interesting looks.
Plus, the turtleneck will keep you even warmer. You could use 1-2 of these.
Button-Down Top
A button down is another classic that can be worn for a lot of different events.
This button-down bodysuit helps keep your silhouette slim & avoid frumpy wrinkles where it’s tucked. Include 2-3 in your capsule wardrobe.
Barn Jacket
Barn jackets are all the rage, and timeless if you ask us. You can go for a solid color or a pattern and there are so many out there to choose from right now, so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. We love this one from Mango (and heard it’s the more affordable version of the one by Toteme.)
Feel free to try a cropped shacket too.
Pullover Sweater
The best part of fall is how COZY everything is. You want a nice pullover sweater to match the vibe. Plus, pullovers can be worn over your shoulders or over a tee to change up your look.
Cardigan
Cardigans are classic fall pieces. They’re super versatile and come in a wide range of shapes & drapes. Get a couple of these to create new looks with your basics. The style right now is to wear them fitted and buttoned.
A Blazer
A blazer is a power move. You can have a fitted one, an oversized one, or both. Either way, you need one. It’ll make you feel cool and confident. Look good, feel good, right?
Classic Trench
If you don’t have a classic trench, now is the time. They’re so fun & chic, they go with so many of your basics, AND they keep you warm. Win, win.
Wide-Leg Pants
Now we’re getting into the things you can really mix & match. We love playing with silhouettes with these wide-leg cady pants. You’ll want 1-2 pairs of these.
Jeans
2-3 pairs of jeans are obviously a must. And if you haven’t heard, skinny jeans are mostly out, and wide leg, loose-fitting jeans are in. They go with everything and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Lauryn loves denim by Khaite, Dé Rococo and Saint Laurent. You can find more denim she loves here.
Matching Set
Matching sets can be worn as the set they came in, or each piece can be styled individually. They make for very comfortable travel outfits, and they’re super simple to style.
You could go with a wide leg sweatsuit set like this one from Spanx that Lauryn loves, or a more classic look, or go for a more athleisure look from Monday Body.
Long Dress
You want at least one long dress that is simple so that you can style it with different outer layers. You could go long sleeve or sleeveless, turtleneck or all.
Skirt
A skirt can help to elevate your basics! We like to have 2-3 skirts in our travel capsules so we’ve got options for date night.
Pointed Toe Pumps
These slingback pumps live rent-free in Lauryn’s clsoet. They are versatile, classy, and they make your outfit pop. They truly can go with anything in your wardrobe when styled right.
Ankle Boots
Not the ankle boots that sit below your ankle, the ones that sit above. Here are some on-trend boots we love: block heel, square toe, pointed toe.
Belt
Belts, along with shoes, jewelry, and bags, can help create interesting shapes and texture with your outfits. Lauryn and the entire team love Heaven Mayhem belts (use code SKINNY20). The quality is amazing, they’re fun and make a statement, WHILE being understated, if that makes sense. We especially love the Bean Belt.
Here’s Exactly How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe For Travel
Step 1: Organize your closet.
When’s the last time you did a big purge of all the things you don’t wear anymore? It’s probably time. Luckily, we’ve got a guide for that, too.
Step 2: Pull out the items you love.
You’ll be able to find the basics you need to support your stronger pieces once you’ve got everything you really love together. Then you can look at it, see what works together, and decide which items are going in your wardrobe.
Step 3: Sort the rest.
Do they fall into an essential category? Are they in your color palette? Are they in season? That’s what you’re looking for.
Step 4: Pick out the pieces for your capsule wardrobe.
Here’s a general guide for how much of each item you may need:
5-7 basic tees & bodysuits
3-4 button-downs & blouses
3-4 sweaters
2-3 jackets, coats, and blazers
2-3 pairs of jeans
2-3 other pants
1-2 skirts
1-2 dresses
3-5 pairs of shoes
2-3 belts
2-3 bags
Step 5: Create your outfits.
The most fun part of your capsule wardrobe is planning your outfits. Plus, it makes things way less stressful when you’re trying to get ready quickly.
And if you need something to help you pull out and organize your clothes, Lauryn loves to use a rolling rack so she can see outfits displayed from the top down to the shoes.
Making a fall travel capsule wardrobe is fun, simple, and SO WORTH IT.
Did we miss any essentials? Share your key pieces below.
If you want to stay up to date on fashion trends and what you should and shouldn’t have in your closet you have to follow Caitlin Jaymes and listen to Lauryn’s stylists on The HIM & HER Show.
We also have these blog posts you’ll love:
+ Classic fashion items every girl needs
+ How to organize your swimwear
+ Classic outfits with a twist
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Find Lauryn and Michael’s travel tips here.
++ For Lauryn’s fashion tips, read this post and listen to her episode with Liv Perez.
FALL WARDROBE:
