This fall, our capsule wardrobe strikes the delicate balance between the trending now and the tried-and-true basic. When it comes to the latter, what is more classic in a closet fit for cooler weather than a notable knit dress? Whether you choose Leset’s soft-brown sleeveless style or Norma Kamali’s belted turtleneck midi, either make for effortless yet elegant dressing. Speaking of new knits, all eyes (and shopping carts!) are turned to J.Crew’s leopard-print cardigan & Other Stories’s button-detailed crewneck. All you need to beef up the final look is a timeless trench coat or chic barn jacket. All of which can be found below, of course.
When it comes to trousers, might we suggest an off-duty pair of corduroys or cargo pants? Both embody the easygoing nature of fall dressing, thanks to their relaxed silhouettes and consistent wearability. Styling-wise, slip into a pair from Copenhagen-based brand, Damson Madder, or Alex Mill with a go-to black ballet flat or polished penny loafer.
For those keen to channel their inner bohemian spirit, billowy blouses from Dôen and Mango channel the Chloé inspiration. Flared ladylike skirts, leather bomber jackets, and kitten-heel pumps also make their way onto the list. For finishing touches, look to Banana Republic’s oversized suede tote and B-Low the Belt’s studded belt to ground your outfits, or Lié Studio’s drop earrings and a embellished tennis necklace from Ragbag for a little shimmer and sparkle.
All for under $300, these capsule wardrobe essentials are as high-quality and elegant as they get—shop the full edit, below.
During the cool weather months, nothing streamlines your style quite like a dress. All you need is a go-to layering essential, fabulous piece of footwear, chic handbag and voilà! Dôen’s gingham midi is both sweet and stylish, while Banana Republic’s LBD is a timeless pick. Knit dresses make the transition into fall an easy one with options from Leset to Norma Kamali rounding out the list. Then, there’s Madewell x Alexa Chung’s denim sleeveless dress, which goes from commute-to-cocktail with minimal styling tweaks.
The cornerstone of any fall capsule wardrobe is undoubtedly the timeless trench coat. This fall, however, high-street brands from Massimo Dutti to Uniqlo are upping their game on the closet classic with fresh details, turning them out in sumptuous suede and leather styles to oversized, menswear-inspired silhouettes. Take your pick, below.
Denim! Leather! Suede! These are the best fall jackets to shop now. Embrace pastoral charm with preppy barn jackets from Everlane, Massimo Dutti, and Mango or go for modern elegance with Cos’s scarf-adorned style. Whichever way your zip-up this fall, we can guarantee sartorial success each and every time.
Strike a subtle statement with a simple, fashion flat from the likes of Loeffler Randall, 22élevé, and Aeyde this season. Sleek suede styles from H&M and Madewell are high on our fall shopping radar, as are Banana Republic’s glossy, burgundy penny loafers, which make for polished perfection.
For weather that teeters between a breezy 60 and balmy 70 degrees, a strong starting lineup of lightweight knitwear is more important than ever. Wear these MVPs solo with a flowy skirt and great jean or layered underneath an outstanding outerwear offering. Chic cashmere cardigans from J.Crew, Reformation are an instant “yes,” while boyish polos from Alex Mill and La Ligne offer up a different, yet totally welcome vibe. Other go-tos include & Other Stories’s rich chocolate brown crewneck and Helsa’s soft gray, oversized style.
Last season, we declared that ladylike dressing is the new quiet luxury. And for fall, the sentiment rings all the more true with the spotlight on flared, 1950s-inspired midiskirts. Whether you choose H&M’s leather-effect design or Cos’s wool number, the stylistic opportunities are endless. Slightly more playful picks hail from Massimo Dutti, Madewell x Alexa Chung, and Dôen. Might we suggest sporting yours with an buckled moto boot for some added edge?
Relaxed pairs of corduroys and cargo pants are soon-to-be heroes in your off-duty fall wardrobe. Beloved for their casual coolness and wearability, you can’t go wrong with a pair of army green cargos from Frame or J.Crew’s chocolate-colored choice. Elevate yours slightly with a glossy loafer or even a kitten heel during office hours.
Call it the Chloé-effect, but the billowy, boho-inspired blouse is a must-have right now. Some of our favorites in this category can be found at Mango, Zara, and H&M for ruffled tie-detailed styles, while Dôen always delivers a charming puff-sleeve pick. Color outside the lines in J.Crew’s powder blue style or & Other Stories’s leopard-print bow blouse.
Kitten-heel pumps are the fashion crowd’s favorite shoe for low-key polish—and this remains true this fall. Croc-embellished styles from Black Suede Studio and Schutz are the ultimate evening essentials, while Madewell’s little black pumps are an elegant choice for everyday. Want to walk on the wild side? Look to animal-print picks from J.Crew and Sam Edelman.
While you may not need to hear us wax poetic about great pairs of jeans, the below under-$300 finds are a nonnegotiable if you’re looking to embrace fall-friendly denim. Opt for flattering, straight-leg styles from DL1961, Agolde, and & Other Stories or even J.Crew’s studded pair. Cuffed choices from Levi’s and Veronica Beard allow for any footwear find to shine.
Our handbags are getting the oversized treatment this fall—and we couldn’t be more pleased! Suede totes from J.Crew, Massimo Dutti, and Banana Republic look and feel extravagant, but without the high price-tag. Meanwhile, Staud’s glossy leather shoulder bag transitions from work to weekend-getaway seamlessly. To close out, canvas carryalls from Longchamp and H&M are classic for a reason.
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a little something shiny. Dainty delights from Lié Studio and Ragbag are true stunners, while the best in belts can be found at Déhanche and B-Low the Belt. You know what they say: it’s all in the (tiny) details!
