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If one of your goals is to save money and get your budget back on track, one way to do so is by adjusting your overall spending. Starting with your closet, building a capsule wardrobe can keep both your wallet and your outfits looking right. Building a capsule wardrobe for fall is easier than you think and you may already have a lot of these items tucked away in your closet. Now, it’s time to bring them out! 

First Things First: What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?

You’ve probably heard the term ‘capsule wardrobe’ many times already, likely from Instagram influencers, scrolling TikTok, or browsing the internet. Simply, it is a select set of clothing that can create multiple outfits that are easy, comfortable, and fitting for various occasions.

A capsule wardrobe helps you shop smarter and ensures that you are buying clothes you’ll wear, while keeping your outfits fashionable, not outdated. You'll want to start by thinking of the key components of an outfit: tops, bottoms, outerwear, and shoes. You may already have your go-to accessories that you wear regularly and will most likely complement your existing closet. With the seasons changing, an existing capsule wardrobe may need to be rearranged and updated, too!  

Tops

White Tee

Everyone has their favorite white cotton tee that fits their body perfectly. It simply just hugs your body in all of the right places, has the right amount of thickness, and the sleeve length fits your arms exactly how you want. There are many styles of a white tee and your favorite one should be a quintessential part of your fall capsule wardrobe. You might even want to choose a different style for fall, such as an oversized, cropped, or baby tee to mix it up this season, but be sure to include at least one! 

Black Turtleneck

A black turtleneck looks good on anyone. It’s super chic and pairs well with any type of bottoms. Pick one with a special fabric to liven up your wardrobe, such as a cable knit, cashmere, or a pattern with thin white stripes. Adding a quality black turtleneck to your fall wardrobe is perfect for the upcoming cooler months. Wear it with your favorite denim and sneakers for a put-together outfit for a work day at a café, then change to some of your favorite ankle booties for a fall date. 

White Button Up

It’s nice to have a collared shirt in any capsule wardrobe for the days that you want to get dressed up. However, a simple white button-up (or any neutral color) makes it a more versatile piece of clothing and not only for the fall season. Again, you can play around with the style of the shirt by wearing a tighter design or a looser fit, allowing you to wear it in various ways. When building out your capsule wardrobe, it’s important to include pieces of clothing that can be styled with a simple trick–tucked, untucked, or even tied at the front!

Bottoms

Black Trousers

Finding a great pair of black trousers can be tricky because there are so many options! However, they will be a key player in your capsule wardrobe. Choose from a loose fit and a stretchy waistband or a pencil fit with a high-waisted design. Create an easy fall look with a black turtleneck for a chic, monochrome outfit that is good for just about any occasion. Once you find your perfect pair that fits your body the way you want it to, keep this pair of pants in your rotation. Putting on a pair of black trousers with a simple top can help you feel put together on your days when you don’t know what to wear! 

Colored Mini Skirt

Spring and summer are not the only seasons that you can play with color. In your capsule wardrobe, include a multi-colored or patterned mini skirt. You can choose from gingham, plaid, or a solid chocolate-brown leather (or faux leather) skirt. For the windier and colder autumn days, style it with a pair of black or neutral-colored tights and chunky loafers. Any of these skirts will create easy and stylish fall outfits with the tops listed above! 

Loose Denim

Whether you call them mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, or some other name, make sure you add a pair of loose denim to your capsule wardrobe this fall. Wearing denim with a looser fit can be more versatile than skinny jeans but, ultimately, pick the denim that you feel most comfortable in. A lighter wash stands out more and can help the other pieces of your outfit pop, such as platform shoes or cute ankle booties. Style the jeans with your favorite gold hoops and a simple black leather belt with a gold buckle for a fully accessorized look. 

Outerwear

Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is classic and timeless. A quality leather jacket is a closet staple and has an effortless way of tying an outfit together, making it essential to your fall capsule wardrobe. You can wear your favorite leather jacket to complete anything from a whole athleisure look to a more dressed-up night out with your special someone.   

Trench Coat

Pulling out the trench coat for fall is a must! You can choose from various colors like the original beige, patent black, or even a deeper brown. A darker brown shade is perfect for fall and will be a great addition to your capsule wardrobe. Pull out the trench coat when you want a more elevated and chic look–no matter what shoes you’re wearing or the fall event you’re getting dressed up for.

That’s the great thing about finding the perfect trench coat–even on your laziest days, you’ll feel like a celebrity once you put it on. Plus, splurging a little extra on a quality trench coat will be worth it since it can stay in your closet for years to come!

Shoes

Favorite White Sneakers

A solid pair of white sneakers are perfect for your casual days or the days you spend running errands. I think everyone has their favorite brand of white sneakers, but maybe this fall, it’s time for a refresh. Regardless, pick a pair of sneakers that are easy to walk all day in! It might be tricky keeping them clean, but having them stay fresh will keep your outfits pulled together. 

Ankle Booties

Your go-to pair of black ankle boots are a fall essential, ideal for the days when you want to meet in the middle of casual and formal. Create different looks with your ankle boots by pairing them with your favorite denim or with a plaid mini skirt for a ‘90s vibe. If you don’t have a pair yet, consider a chunky platform for a different style. 

Black Heels

My mom always told me to have a pair of black heels in my closet because you never know what special invites may be coming your way. Invites or not, for the upcoming fall days, if you want to stand a little taller or simply dress up a bit more, adding a sexy pair of black heels to your capsule wardrobe will be more useful than you think. They will go with everything on this list and you’ll have outfits ready–just depending on what's going on during your day! Again, find a pair that you can strut your stuff confidently. Choose a kitten heel, a block heel, or even a stiletto if you enjoy that extra height!