How to Create a Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Getting dressed in the morning should be a joy, not a chore. Creating a versatile Fall Capsule Wardrobe makes that easy and possible.
You may recall the Nordstrom Fall Capsule wardrobe I created for you earlier this season. Well, some of those items are still available, but I thought it was time for a mini refresh. There are so many fabulous things in the stores right now, from cozy sweater dresses to the latest in wide-leg jeans and chic jackets. And let’s not forget about all the gorgeous fall accessories in leather, leopard print, and tons of texture.
Fall is one of the most fun times of year for fashion, and a capsule wardrobe will help you look your best with ease and confidence.
How to Create a Fall Capsule Wardrobe
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
While the term ‘Capsule Wardrobe’ may be a recent buzzword, the concept itself is timeless. It’s a collection of a dozen or two pieces, including accessories, that stand the test of time and always complement each other, allowing you to create countless outfits.
Capsule wardrobes are popular because you can get creative with only a few carefully chosen pieces and end up with far more outfits than you ever thought possible. You are not wasting money buying all kinds of things that don’t go with each other. You are buying pieces that fit together in many different ways, thus saving you money and giving you a fuller, more diverse wardrobe.
Plus, once you have created all the outfits, you can photograph them and choose from these “style recipes” when deciding what to wear in the mornings. Capsule outfits are fast and no fuss, and you will always look pulled together. You’ll save time and money and walk out the door always feeling confident that you look fab!
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
This Fall, there are many beautiful earthy browns, tans, and cream tones that look great with black. This neutral color palette is classic, chic, and never fails. I’ve also thrown in some classic prints ( stripes and leopard) and lots of texture, so your outfits don’t look flat.
This Fall capsule is classic, unfussy, comfortable, and casually chic. Depending on which style recipe you wear, it’s dressy enough for work, but also relaxed enough for the weekends. Let’s dive in and study all the possibilities.
Let’s Build Your Fall Capsule Wardrobe!
Jeans | Sweaterdress | Black Pants | Blazer | Striped Top | Cardigan | Bag | Leopard Heels | Belt | Bracelet | Booties | Earrings
Your Mini Fall Capsule Starter Pieces
To build a polished Fall capsule wardrobe that is easy to mix and match, you must choose basic pieces (with a touch of modern detail to make them interesting) in a limited color palette. We’ve chosen 1 dress, 1 pair of jeans (we chose wide-leg, but you pick what is best for your body type), 1 pair of dress pants, a print top, a sweater, and a jacket.
There are a pair of boots that will work with a dress or pants, shoes that will work with a dress or pants, one bag ( if it has texture, all the better), a belt, earrings (gold or silver), and a bracelet. Now it’s time to play!
OUTFIT 1 & 2

Fall Out & About: Jeans | Cardigan | Booties | Bag | Belt | Bracelet | Earrings
Fall Dinner Date: Sweaterdress | Heels | Bag | Bracelet | Earrings
OUTFIT 3 & 4
Fall Brunch Time: Sweaterdress | Blazer | Booties | Bracelet | Earrings
Fall Business Meeting: Black Pants | Striped Top | Blazer | Heels | Belt | Bracelet | Earrings
OUTFIT 5&6
Fall Office Chic: Black Pants | Cardigan | Heels | Bag | Earrings
Fall Polished Weekend: Jeans | Striped Top | Blazer | Heels | Belt | Earrings
Shop Your Closet First
Look all the these possibilites, and there’s more! Play around and see what other looks you can create.
Be sure to shop your closet first to see what pieces or similar items you may already own. For example, if you don’t have a striped top, you can substitute it with a neutral-colored print top, such as a floral or graphic print.
You could also go with camel dress pants and a black jacket instead of black dress pants and a camel jacket if that is already what you own. This capsule is simply a guideline.
To complete your Fall capsule, click the links above to shop these pieces and look Awesome this Autumn.
Have fun. Cheers!
I love all these looks – and appreciated that you reminded me to shop my closet! I might actually have all the components to make each outfit. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Carolyn, Thanks for dropping by. That’s the thing, a capsule wardrobe is just a bunch of basic and most of us have enough things to put one together without having to buy much or anything at all. Once you learn how to build a capsule wardrobe you will find that the possibilities are endless! I’m going to make capsule wardrobes a regular thing on the blog because so many of my ladies tell me they are very helpful. Cheers, Deb