The Perfect Fall Capsule Wardrobe for 2022

The leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler, and pumpkin spice everything is back in season! That can only mean one thing: fall is coming (not said with a Game of Thrones emphasis, but like an excited one😉). As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it’s time to start thinking about what you will wear for fall. A capsule wardrobe is a great way to prepare for the fall season, and keep your wardrobe streamlined and chic for the changing of the seasons.

I don’t know about you, but I hate closet overwhelm and I can’t stand feeling like I have nothing to wear while gazing up an overstuffed closet. So what’s the fix? One exceptionally great method for creating an easy-to-manage closet, that mixes and matches seamlessly, and looks chic, is developing a seasonal capsule wardrobe.

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What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks.

A seasonal capsule wardrobe is a small, limited collection of clothes for a particular time frame. A fall capsule wardrobe typically consists of transitional pieces that will take you from summer, through fall, and into early winter. Some pieces should even fully transition over to your winter capsule wardrobe, as well.

Why do capsule wardrobes work?

Having fewer clothes can actually make getting dressed easier because you have a smaller pool of choices to sort through. And you must be more strategic in choosing these pieces, which creates a balanced closet. If you want more wardrobe strategies on closet balance, check out my video on that here.

Capsule wardrobes ensure that key pieces in your wardrobe will be more versatile and go with several different items.

Another benefit of capsule wardrobes is that they help keep you on track with your style goals for the season because you can create a more refined approach and have more strategy behind your fall aesthetic. Having a capsule wardrobe does not mean you are a serial outfit repeater, so don’t worry!

How do I build a fall capsule wardrobe?

Here are some tips to get you started on building your fall capsule wardrobe:

Start with the basics! A good pair of jeans, a white tee, a staple knitwear piece, and a blazer are always great staples to have in your closet. We want to make sure you have “outfit basics”- which I define as the following…

True Closet Basic: Simple, streamlined piece with minimal design elements. Able to be mixed and matched easily.

Your capsule wardrobe will be mostly basics and non-basic interest pieces (see image above). It can have one or two “costume” pieces, but if you opt for too many costume pieces, your capsule wardrobe will have to consist of more pieces in general.

• Add in some key pieces that represent fall trends that you want to try. I like to keep this to 2-4 items generally within a 20-25 piece capsule. And you have to recognize that the trendier pieces or costume pieces may have less flexibility to carry over to the next season. I encourage you to still include them, but to be wary of your budgeting around those items. Make sure you are proportionately spending on your quality staples, and not blowing your budget on one realllyyy cool blouse.
• Include a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, like a pair of well-fitted trousers, or a nice cashmere sweater.
• Make sure you have the right outerwear for the fall weather in your area! A coat is essential for colder climates, while a light jacket may be all you need in a milder climate. Nothing is less chic than turning blue because you’re not dressed for your lifestyle.
• And last but not least, don’t forget the accessories! A great pair of boots or booties, a scarf, and some jewelry can really pull an outfit together.

How do I choose what to put into my fall capsule wardrobe?

I am a firm believer in embracing a personal style, and wardrobe that reflects your lifestyle. I find when people hit fashion frustration it’s often because they are weighting their “dream style” too heavily and missing how to properly integrate that style into their lifestyles.

So, if you have to commute on the train, or chase a toddler, having a closet full of 5-inch spike heels is going to create a disconnect.

I’ve put together this 2022 fall capsule wardrobe for you to help inspire you and give you a basic outline. You’ll have to tweak this list based on your own personal style goals, your lifestyle needs, and your budget.

Here are some general categories you should plan for:

• Outerwear: Depending on your climate, I recommend at least 2 outerwear pieces for fall
• Layering pieces: These are items like sweaters, cardigans, and jackets that can be worn on their own or layered over another piece, and they really help you with transitional weather
• A neutral go-to bag: Having a staple bag that is chic and functional is the best gift you can give your style. It makes any outfit look elevated, and it MUST be able to hold all your daily necessities. We want to avoid the bag switch frustration as much as possible.
• Neutral items: Now, neutral items may shift for your personally depending on your wardrobe color palette, but make sure you have some base color pieces (whatever that means to you) so that you can mix and match easily
• Weather-friendly shoes: You’ll want to make sure you have a few options for fall weather, whether that’s rain boots and a nice leather boot, or just a great pair of sneakers. I love my loafers and ballet flats for fall, but we need something for the slushy or chilly days.
• Proper supporting garments: Depending on how your full wardrobe progresses, you may find that tights are a necessity within your closet if you like to wear skirts. Scarves and beanies are essential if you live in a wind-heavy local. And that light base pieces need to be integrated towards the tail end of fall. Just be sure you’ve properly supported your wardrobe!

I create capsule wardrobes 4 times a year, full of pieces you probably already own, and then include pieces that might help you round out your seasonal capsule. I often include pieces from the last capsule wardrobe, as I consider them to be wardrobe staples.

I’m not suggesting that you go out and buy everything on this fall capsule wardrobe checklist, but rather that you do a wardrobe audit and determine where some of these items might fit into your current setup or fill a clothing gap.

In addition to this post, I create a chic capsule wardrobe outfit guide for my email list. It is full of new ways to style these fall pieces. Fall outfit ideas for dressy, casual, and work events, and new ways to layer the pieces you might not have tried yet. So, be sure to sign up below to get the free capsule wardrobe outfit guide. You’ll receive a new one each season!

Fall Capsule Wardrobe 2022 Essentials

Here are the items I find most versatile for the fall season. Remember we are aiming for maximum outfit flexibility AND chicness.

• Coat/Trench
• Lightweight wool coat
• Quilted Jacket or Puffer Vest
• Blazer
• Men’s classic button-down
• Turtleneck
• Bodysuit
• Classic tee
• Sweatshirt
• Knit sweater
• Knit cardigan
• Silk blouse
• Straight-leg jean
• Bootcut jean
• Leggings/lounge pant
• Daytime dress
• Elevated dress
• Skirt
• Knee-high boots
• Classic sneakers
• Loafer
• Heel
• Ballet flat
• Beret
• Tote
• Small handbag
• Simple everyday earring
• Go-to necklace

optional: silk scarf, baseball hat, tights, wool scarf, and beanie

Can I still implement trends in a capsule wardrobe?

Absolutely. As I mentioned previously, I like to include anywhere from 2-4 trendy items in each of my seasonal capsules. And implementing trends doesn’t always need to revolve around “new” pieces. In fact, a lot of trends center around styling shifts or layering techniques.

The majority of the components on this fall capsule wardrobe list are things you can already find in your own closet, and if you purchase new, they’ll be able to wear for seasons and years to come.

In my opinion, it’s all about honing foundational pieces and combinations that you know work. It’s not about suppressing YOUR own personal style or fitting yourself into a lifelong uniform.

With fall 2022 around the corner, use this capsule wardrobe checklist to help you decide what items in your closet you should keep and what needs to go.

Fall Capsule Wardrobe 2022 Checklist:

Fall 2022 Capsule Breakdown

Leather Trench

Longer coats are going to continue to climb the fashion curve. Blame the resurgence of the 90’s or 2000s or just a love of the movie the Matrix, but they will be a go-to coat for another year or two.

I love this iteration of the long leather coat because while it still hits a lot of the trendy elements, the actual cut and silhouette have a bit more staying power. Plus, it’s on sale!

I actually thrifted my longer leather coat and while it was a very good buy, I think it will phase out more quickly than the one listed above.

Either way, it’s a great neutral piece that has a little bit of edge to spice up your wardrobe. Great for day or evening.

Quilted Coat

I love a quilted coat for fall or spring. It allows for adverse weather conditions, looks chic, and allows for layering pieces to be worn underneath.

While my specific quilted coat is from a few seasons ago (and I still wear it regularly!), this one is similar and comes with a removable belt (which expands its styling options).

Puffer Vest

If you’re not a fan of the quilted coat or just want a few more layering options, the puffer vest will continue to be popular this season. In terms of trends, we are looking at more “fuller” puffer vests this season.

While the tighter-seamed, flatter puffer vests are a classic, the one I’m wearing might appeal more to the current trend cycle. I also prefer this style of vest because it has less of an athletic/outdoor vibe.

Blazer

A fall wardrobe staple, the blazer will continue its reign as a fall favorite. And while we are seeing a variety of silhouettes for blazers pop in and out of fashion over the past couple of years, I love this classic plaid blazer for 2022.

Blazers are one of the easiest ways to make an outfit more polished, so make sure you find one that works for your closet.

Boyfriend Shirt or Men’s Classic Button-Down

Oversized shirts are nothing new, but they have been a fall closet favorite for the past few years. And it doesn’t look like that is going to change anytime soon.

I love an oversized button-down shirt because it can be worn as a layering piece or on its own. It adds a relaxed but polished vibe to your look.

Don’t know how to style menswear pieces? Check out this article for some tips.

Turtleneck

I absolutely adore a turtleneck. I find it the perfect layering piece and an easy, comfortable closet staple.

Now I recommended this white option because I think it is a flexible basic. However, if you already love and embrace the turtleneck don’t be afraid to add some other color options as a closet upgrade.

Bodysuit

Bodysuits are a fall favorite for me because they make layering so easy. You don’t have to worry about tucking in a shirt or having it ride up throughout the day.

They also look great with high-waisted pants or skirts, which makes them an easy flex piece.

( I know going to the bathroom in them stinks, but I still think they are worth it!)

Classic Tee

It doesn’t matter what body type you have, or what lifestyle necessities you require, everyone needs a good classic tee. I consistently recommend this one because I love the easy-going, relaxed fit. I find it can be easily dressed up or down.

Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts don’t have to be relegated to your “off” days. Instead, they can look insanely chic with the right layering and accessories.

I love that this sweatshirt pays homage to my city (New York), but any crewneck sweatshirt that works for your color palette, and has a simple design should do well as a wardrobe basic.

Knit Sweater and Cardigan

It’s fall, and you can finally wear all the knit pieces. I like having one go-to cardigan and a go-to sweater to round out my sweater options.

Stripes are going to be a big trend this season, which is why I opted to include this one. It feels on-trend and classic, which is hard to find!

But if you want a solid sweater option, that is insanely affordable, check out the one I’m wearing below. It’s warm, chic, and comes in a variety of colors.

Jeans

Most of your jeans should be able to carry over from season to season, so they are worth investing in. Both in terms of quality and fit.

We will see bootcut and straight-leg jeans continue to be mainstays this season, with skinny jeans being less popular. However, if you like skinny jeans, wear them! Don’t let a trend cycle overrun your personal style!

I love the Levis 501 originals. I have them in both the “indigo” and “deep breath” colors.

And I love the ribcage bootcut jeans from Levis, as well. They aren’t as dramatic as a flare, but still have some body and are extremely flattering.

Knit Pant, Legging, or Loung Pant

You need a great go-to comfy pant. Giving yourself this option will keep you looking polished, even when you’re just dressing for comfort or running errands.

This piece will depend on personal preference. Some people will go with great leggings, others will want something more relaxed.

This season, I’m loving knit pants. And they look fantastic paired with some of the other pieces in this capsule. This style of pants can also be dressed more classic or more trendy, depending on how you craft your head-to-toe look.

Denim Midi Skirt

I love a skirt look for fall. Whether you opt for a cute mini skirt or a midi option, you’ll find this vastly expands your outfit pairings.

I’m really embracing a black denim midi skirt for my fall capsule. It looks so chic with knee-high boots, or with tights and flats.

It’s polished enough for business casual, but still can be dressed down for weekend outings. And the material is warm enough and doesn’t look disheveled with wear (like some more delicate fabrics).

Turtleneck Dress

Maybe it’s just me, but the more turtlenecks the better! I love this long sleeve dress option. It can be dressed up for a date or worn with a blazer for a business casual environment.

Fall Capsule Wardrobe Shoes

Now, every lifestyle will require different shoe options. But I find this collection of shoes to be my most worn style, and are very versatile.

• Knee-high boots
• Weather-appropriate boot (but chic!)
• Classic Sneaker
• Slingback– We will be seeing a lot of slingbacks and mules rise in popularity this year
• Loafer
• Ballet flat– They never really went out of style, but they are definitely trending this year, and this pair is so affordable AND comfortable.

Fall Capsule Wardrobe Accessories

• Rectangular Hoop Set: I love this set, and have worn these earrings non-stop for the past year
• Trio earring set: I love this affordable, trendy set for a great pair of studs and a chic statement earring to add some flair to your look
• Faux Tennis Necklace: Preppy/Classic jewelry is definitely seeing an uptick. And if you want the look for less, my tennis necklace was a steal!

• Beret: While I always love a classic beanie, I decided to switch it up this year and opt for a beret as my go-to choice. It’s chic and polished and adds a bit of punch to your look.

• Shoulder Bag: I love this option because it’s affordable and on-trend. While the Balenciaga Cagole might be out of most people’s price range, this has a similar vibe without the crazy price tag.
• LL Bean Boat Tote: If you haven’t heard of the ironic LL Bean Boat Tote trend, you should read this article. But even if you don’t want to opt for an ironic monogram (like I did), this tote is so well made and an excellent canvas bag option. I absolutely love it.

For my bag, I went with the small size, which can fit my 15-inch MacBook (although it sticks out a bit). I opted for regular handles, and canvas-colored straps (as opposed to the contrast color straps that are available). And the font I chose was the “butler” typeface. Please note, that you are limited to only 10 characters for your monogram, so some adjustments may need to be made. Instead of “high strung” it became “highstrung”. 😉

Shop the Fall Capsule

Please note, that I do my best to replace items that have sold out. So if you don’t see the exact piece, that is why. Also, sometimes it displays a different colorway than I suggested in this capsule, so check the individual item on their respective sites to see all the colorways.

A capsule wardrobe is a fantastic method for a variety of reasons. Aside from making your life simpler, it also helps you save money by not purchasing clothes that don’t fit you and just sit in the back of the closet!

Furthermore, I have found that my fashion sense has evolved and improved with each season and year. By getting rid of clothes that I never wear and focusing on a specific style goal, my wardrobe has become more efficient.

Having a well-curated wardrobe also makes getting dressed in the morning easier and stress-free! With this method, you no longer have to guess which items go together. Instead, grab one or two key pieces that can be worn with all the other items you own.

Remember to sign up for the outfit guide below to get 40+ outfit ideas using these capsule wardrobe staples.

And Happy Fall!

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