Fall is a season of change, not just for the weather but for our wardrobes too. As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s time to swap out those breezy summer outfits for cozy layers. If you’ve been looking to simplify your wardrobe and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle, there’s no better time than now to build a minimalist fall capsule wardrobe. It’ll save you time, keep you organized, and, honestly, make dressing stylishly a breeze.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to create a fall capsule wardrobe that’s practical, stylish, and—most importantly—minimalist. Whether you’re already a minimalism pro or just starting to dip your toes in, this guide will help you create a wardrobe you’ll love all season long.
SHOP THE LOOK
1. PAVOI 14K Gold Plated Lightweight Gold Hoop Earring(amazon)
2. Oversized Square Sunglasses(amazon)
3. State Cashmere Unisex Long Jersey Knit Scarf(amazon)
4. Coach Quilted Tabby Shoulder Bag With Chain(amazon)
5. Soft Turtleneck Sweater(amazon)
6. GRACE KARIN High Waist Pencil Cropped Paper Bag Pants with Bow-Knot (amazon)
7. Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic-Fit Long-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt(amazon)
8. Levi’s Women’s 721 High Rise Skinny Jeans(amazon)
9. Levi’s Women’s Belted Faux Leather Moto Jacket(amazon)
10. Dr. Martens Unisex 2976 Chelsea Boot in Black Smooth(amazon)
11. Dr. Martens Unisex 2976 Chelsea Boot in Dark Tan(amazon)
Table of Contents
What Exactly is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that mix and match perfectly to create multiple outfits. Instead of owning a closet full of stuff you barely wear, you curate fewer pieces—better-quality ones that can easily work together. This is especially helpful in the fall when layering is key and you need items that can work in all kinds of weather.
RELATED POST: How To Curate A Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe Effortlessly!
Why Build a Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe?
There are tons of benefits to creating a fall capsule wardrobe, and they go beyond just having a tidy closet. Here are a few:
- Less clutter: With fewer clothes, your closet won’t be bursting at the seams. You’ll know exactly where everything is.
- Save money: By investing in timeless, quality pieces, you won’t have to keep buying new stuff every season.
- Sustainability: A capsule wardrobe encourages thoughtful shopping and helps you avoid fast fashion trends.
- Easy styling: With a smaller wardrobe, it’s a no-brainer to mix and match pieces. You won’t be standing in front of the closet struggling to pick an outfit.
How To Build A Stylish Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe!
Step 1: Declutter First!
Before you can start building your fall capsule wardrobe, it’s time to do a closet purge. Go through everything you own and ask yourself these questions:
- Do I really love this?
- Does it fit my current lifestyle?
- Can I wear it in multiple ways?
- Is it appropriate for fall?
If you answer “no” to any of these, it might be time to let go. Donate, sell, or pass them on to someone who could use them. When you pare down, you’ll have a clearer foundation to build your capsule wardrobe.
Need help decluttering? Check out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo(amazon). It’s packed with great advice on how to simplify and organize your space.
Step 2: Pick Your Fall Color Palette
Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to have some fun. Fall fashion is all about earthy tones, warm hues, and muted colors. When building a minimalist fall capsule wardrobe, it’s important to pick a color palette that works with your style and can be easily mixed and matched. Here are some go-to fall colors:
- Neutrals: Beige, cream, black, white, and gray are the foundation of any minimalist wardrobe.
- Earth tones: Think rust, olive green, mustard yellow, and deep browns.
- Accent colors: If you want to add a pop of color, burgundy, forest green, and deep red work beautifully for fall.
Sticking to a few colors ensures all your pieces work together, making it easier to create more outfits with fewer items.
Step 3: Choose Your Key Capsule Wardrobe Pieces
With your color palette in mind, it’s time to build the heart of your capsule wardrobe. The items you pick should be versatile, timeless, and high-quality, so they can last you through many fall seasons. Here are the essentials you’ll want to consider:
1. Cozy Sweaters
A good sweater is a must for fall. Stick to neutral colors like beige, gray, or black to keep it versatile. Go for classic crewnecks, turtlenecks, or cardigans that can be layered for warmth. Cashmere or merino wool is ideal because they’re both cozy and lightweight.
Check this out: Amazon Essentials Women’s Soft Touch Crewneck Sweater or this luxe Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater(amazon).
2. Layering Tops
You’ll want a few basic long-sleeve tees and lightweight tops for layering under sweaters or jackets. Go for neutral colors again, like white, black, or navy, so you can mix and match them with everything else in your wardrobe.
Try this one: Amazon Essentials Long-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt. It’s a classic and comes in multiple neutral tones.
3. Outerwear
A stylish coat is non-negotiable in fall. A trench coat or wool-blend coat in a neutral shade can be dressed up or down. You could also go for a leather jacket for an edgier look.
Here are some options: Allegra K Women’s Classic Double-Breasted Trench Coat(amazon) for a classic vibe, or Levi’s Faux Leather Jacket(amazon) for a bit of attitude.
4. Jeans and Trousers
A great pair of jeans is the backbone of any fall wardrobe. Whether you prefer skinny jeans or straight-leg, dark-wash denim is super versatile. You might also want a pair of tailored trousers for days when you want a more polished look.
Go for: Levi’s Women’s 721 High Rise Skinny Jeans(amazon) or GRACE KARIN Women’s Paperbag Waist Pants(amazon) for a more dressed-up option.
5. Dresses for Layering
Dresses aren’t just for summer! A simple, long-sleeve dress in a neutral tone can be dressed up with boots or layered under a coat for a cozy, put-together look.
Here’s one to try: MEROKEETY Women’s Long Sleeve Sweater Dress(amazon). It’s perfect for a fall day out.
6. Shoes
Fall wouldn’t be fall without a good pair of ankle boots. Stick with black or brown leather or suede for versatility. Loafers or simple white sneakers(amazon) are great for days when you’re looking for something more casual.
Try these: Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea Boots(amazon) for durability and style or Sam Edelman Women’s Loafers(amazon) for a minimalist, polished look.
7. Accessories
Just because you’re embracing minimalism doesn’t mean you have to skip accessories. A few key pieces can elevate your entire look—think a cozy scarf, a structured handbag, or simple gold jewelry.
Try these: State Cashmere Scarf(amazon) for extra warmth and style, or PAVOI 14K Gold Plated Hoop Earrings(amazon) for a simple, elegant touch.
Step 4: Maximize Versatility
The key to a great capsule wardrobe is versatility. Every piece you choose should be able to work in multiple outfits. For example:
- A neutral turtleneck can be layered under a dress, paired with jeans, or worn with trousers.
- Your favorite ankle boots can be dressed up with a skirt or down with jeans for a casual weekend look.
When shopping, ask yourself: “Can I wear this at least three different ways?” If the answer is yes, it’s a winner!
Step 5: Don’t Forget Skincare Essentials
While you’re updating your wardrobe, let’s not forget that your skin also needs a little extra care in the fall. The change in weather can leave your skin feeling dry and dull, so incorporating a few skincare essentials into your routine is a must. Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to maintain moisture. Follow it up with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin glowing all season.
For added protection, don’t skip sunscreen! Even as the days get shorter, UV rays are still harmful. A lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF is perfect for everyday use.
Here are some recommendations: Try CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser(amazon) to gently cleanse without stripping moisture, followed by Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer(amazon) for lightweight but intense hydration. And for sun protection, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen SPF 60(amazon) is a top choice for daily wear.
Step 6: Shop Sustainably and Intentionally
Minimalism is all about intentionality, and that extends to shopping. Avoid impulse buys and trendy pieces that won’t last past the season. Instead, focus on quality over quantity, and seek out brands that are committed to sustainability.
Check these out: Pact, Eileen Fisher, and ABLE are all great sources for eco-friendly and timeless wardrobe staples.
Step 7: Plan Your Outfits
Once your wardrobe is set, take a few minutes at the start of each week to plan your outfits. This little bit of planning will save you loads of time in the mornings and help you get the most out of your capsule wardrobe. Plus, with fewer pieces, getting dressed each day becomes much simpler!
Final Thoughts: Embrace Simplicity with a Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Building a minimalist fall capsule wardrobe is about more than just what you wear—it’s a conscious choice to simplify your life, focus on quality, and create more space (literally and mentally) for the things you love.
The fall season is the perfect time to embrace a minimalist wardrobe and revel in the freedom it brings.
Happy fall fashion, minimalist style!
With Love
-Dolorese