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Year after year, fashion trends in the fall seem to remain the same for the most part. If you look at or read about fall fashion trends every year , you’ll see a lot of similarities: chunky knits, boots, layering, denim, warm autumnal colors and more. That means this upcoming fall season is a perfect time to hone the basics and try out a minimalist wardrobe. 

What exactly is minimalism when it comes to fashion, you may ask? Well, creating the minimalist outfits of your dreams means finding and investing in simple, high quality and timeless pieces that work for you, your body type and enhance your personal style. 

Some benefits of a minimalist wardrobe are that getting dressed everyday will be way easier than it normally is, you’ll save a lot of time and money by wearing the same quality pieces every year and becoming minimalist is also a great sustainable option for those looking to cut out excess waste, reduce their carbon footprint and live a more environmentally-conscious life. 

Downsizing your closet and sticking to the same essential pieces year to year will help you create effortless, refined and put-together fall outfits that will keep you looking chic all season long.  

How to Build Your Minimalist Fall Wardrobe

So you’re wanting to build a fall wardrobe full of minimalist style? Here’s some tips to help you achieve the minimalist closet of your dreams this fall.  

Start with a Color Scheme

Fall style starts with a signature color palette. Subdued hues like white, tan or brown are a staple for fall clothing, as well as black. Building a minimal wardrobe means choosing staple pieces that all pair well together and can be mixed and matched for unique looks. White, tan, brown and black are classic shades that are all neutral enough to be worn over and over again without getting boring, and really fit the vibe of cozy, fall weather. 

But the key to picking a color scheme and achieving the perfect minimalist fall capsule wardrobe is answering the question: What do you look (and feel) best in? Stick to a palette that you feel confident in, but also that you know you’ll wear for years to come.

Add Some Accent Colors

Accent colors are a great way to spice up a neutral capsule wardrobe this fall! Think rusty orange, mustard yellow, blush pink, deep red, emerald green. There’s so many options for pops of color that will make for a killer, Pinterest-worthy outfit. 

You can also throw in one or two pieces with prints if you’re looking for a more funky accent option—but be sure to do some research because certain prints are just trendy and can go out of style far more quickly than others. 

Some items that would make for the perfect accent pieces are sweaters, dresses or accessories, like handbags or jewelry. These items wouldn’t be the main pieces you’d be reaching for every single day, but they’d still be fun staples to add some flare to your fall outfits that won’t go out of style by next year. 

Pick Staple Pieces

A minimalist wardrobe is made up of quality pieces that are timeless and can be reworn for years to come without going out of style. Some great examples of staple pieces are casual shirts, jackets, cardigans and sweaters that can be layered for countless fall looks. 

Get the same t-shirt that you love the fit of in a few different colors to mix and match in a variety of ways. Wear it with jeans, tucked into skirts, under a dress — you can do so much with a basic, high quality tee. 

Another good option? A thick, wool, ankle length coat in a neutral color is a great example of a classic fall and winter staple. Denim jackets also don’t seem to be going out of style anywhere or anytime soon, so that’s another great piece to either invest in or thrift, if you can.

Knitwear, such as chunky sweaters or longline, open-front cardigans, are also ideal options for cozy weather layering. They can be worn all season long, as well as through the winter, so you know you’ll be making good use of them. 

Shoes are a perfect example of staple pieces to build your capsule wardrobe. A good pair of boots, sneakers and either mules or loafers are essential for fall fashion. Doc Martens are classic boots that have been in style for decades and a great example of an investment piece that can be worn for every season and with every look. High top or platform sneakers are a great staple that are chic, but also a little bit edgy, and can be dressed up or down for a variety of looks. 

The great thing about fashion is that becoming a minimalist doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your personal style. Whatever items fit your style and you know you’ll wear over and over again—make sure those are your top picks. The options are truly endless, so get creative with it.

Shop with a Purpose

Going along with choosing staple pieces for your minimal wardrobe is shopping with a purpose. A big part of minimalism is that it not only makes your life more clutter-free, but it’s also a more sustainable option for individuals wanting to reduce their consumption, cut back on excess waste and reduce their carbon footprint. Becoming a minimalist in terms of the clothing we buy and wear is a great step for fashion-lovers who are making a conscious effort to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. 

Shopping with a purpose means sticking to what styles and cuts that you know fit you and your body type, curating pieces based on the color palette you selected for the season and making sure the pieces you purchase will be timeless for years to come. Make sure an item checks all of your boxes before you buy it. If there’s any hesitation, put it back on the rack or remove it from your cart. Easier said than done, but this is a great way to make sure you’re sticking to the basics, shopping with a purpose and overall just cutting back on mindless consumption. 

When in Doubt: Pinterest It Out

Still need some ideas on what pieces would be perfect for curating the perfect fall capsule wardrobe? Social media is a great place to get tips on how to create the perfect minimalist wardrobe for each season. 

Pinterest is the best place for seasonal fashion inspiration. Some great keywords to search for minimalist fashion for fall are: “fall outfit ideas” or “women’s fall clothing” or “fall outfit ideas.”

You can search specific color palettes, find and shop the best staple pieces and more. Create moodboards based on the vibe you’re going for each season by searching and saving photos that capture what you envision your perfect fall minimalist wardrobe to be. This will help you curate what pieces you’d like to see in your closet and give you ideas on how to style them or where to buy them.  

A lot of ethical, sustainable brands can have pretty hefty price tags, but building your closet doesn’t have to break the bank. Choose a few pieces to invest in, but try and thrift or buy the rest secondhand! You can find so many high quality gems at consignment shops, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your entire paycheck on your wardrobe. 

A simple wardrobe can help you look more put together because you’ll always know what clothes you have and what looks good on you — so getting ready will be fuss-free, take half the time and overall, simply your daily grind. 

If you’re looking to build your own minimalist wardrobe, try out the tips mentioned to gather some inspiration and get started creating a tailored fall capsule wardrobe that’ll keep you looking chic for years to come.  

Minimalist Fall Wardrobe Inspiration

While everyone’s minimalistic wardrobe might not look the same, these outfit ideas below combine many of the clothing items listed above—cozy cardigans, jackets, and fall-inspired colors—to give you inspiration, both in your closet and beyond. Many of these looks also mix and match the same items, so you can not only get inspired for more fall outfit ideas, but also save money at the same time!

The cozy combination of a long cardigan and boots is an essential fall outfit. Incorporating a satin tank, in a fall favorite jewel tone, completes the look without feeling too trendy.

This look combines everyday basics in your wardrobe—a thick, long cardigan, light wash skinny jeans, and a pair of clogs. Each neutral piece effortlessly transforms into winter, too.

Cozy cardigan, check. Add in a pair of straight or wide leg jeans, a pair of boots, and your favorite oversized handbag and this is an outfit that works no matter if you’re headed to a coffee shop to study or to a movie with friends.

Pairing a white tee with jeans is as minimalistic as it gets. For fall, add in rich brown hues to give it a more earthy vibe.

Black and white is another go-to color combination if you’re wanting to keep your closet minimal. For a casual feel, wear black jeans. But if you’re headed into the office, swap out the jeans for a pair of trousers and you’re perfectly business casual.

Black and grey are year round colors, but they make easy to style fall and winter outfits. With a simple pair of ballet flats, jeans, and a classic button front cardigan, you are ready to go!

The fall is all about the coziest of cardigans. Plus, you can use a textured or chunky knit cardigan over our favorite classic—the white tee. For a bit of contrast, pair it with loafers. If you prefer an ultra-casual look, just trade them out for sneakers!

Fall outfits are all about being warm and comfortable. Clogs, a fitted grey sweater and a neutral beanie can be worn in an almost unlimited variety of outfits into the fall season and beyond.

There's something so cozy about a long sweater, so why not make it a coat, too? Keep the outfit simple by pairing it with a classic button down shirt and a claw clip to put your hair up into that effortlessly messy updo.

Just because you are headed into the cooler months doesn’t mean that you have to put that sleeveless dress at the back of your closet! This sweater knit dress pairs with tall boots and a moto jacket to keep you warm even into the crisp autumn months ahead.

Another staple in a classic capsule wardrobe? A trench coat. There is nothing more minimalistic than this versatile piece of outerwear. You can pair it with just about anything in your closet.

You can never go wrong with a plain white tee, but a striped tee gives the look a bit of interest. Pair it with an oversized denim jacket for a fall or winter outfit and your favorite accessories.

A monotone color palette instantly upgrades any look. Cream, tan and gold are all beautiful neutrals for any time of year, but when combined, this sweater and trouser combo makes for an expensive looking fall outfit that can be dressed up or down.

For a more casual weekend look, this grey sweater can be worn with jeans and sneakers for an athleisure feel. Just add on a cropped puffer for texture and warmth.

Is there anything that screams minimalism more than a neutral color palette?

A comfortable hoodie is a must-have in any minimalist wardrobe. Paired with jeans, leather accessories, and sherpa-lined boots, this look is another fall outfit idea that is so simple!

A quick way to give that classic tee and jeans combination an upgrade is by layering on a structured cardigan. It gives a chic feel, especially when paired with all black accessories.

This might just be the perfect work from home video call outfit. Professional on the top with a white shirt and comfort on the bottom with super soft slippers.

Another classic, yet neutral look—super soft cardigan, jeans, and boots—is ideal for any weather when paired with a tan trench coat.

Don’t shy away from mixing blacks and browns. These colors are the key to a minimal wardrobe and pair beautifully together!