A Fall Capsule Wardrobe

Meghan wearing her Fall capsule wardrobe.

Many, many years ago, as I got older and as my lifestyle evolved as well, I really leaned into building a wardrobe of high quality pieces. I made a list of wardrobe essentials and decided to hone in my shopping on quality over quantity.

I began to spend less at fast fashion spots and instead built a closet largely made of investment pieces that would lend themselves to many outfit ideas. It led to a functional wardrobe of foundational pieces that I love and wear again and again.

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is a compelling one and I think it works especially well during Fall. Honing in on staples makes getting dressed easier and often allows you to shop less. Today’s post will help you build out some wardrobe staples perfect for the season ahead.

Today I’m breaking down what I think would make up an ideal Fall capsule wardrobe that would allow you to combine various pieces for a ton of variety when it comes to putting together outfits.

They are desert island basics…the classics. They are all timeless and able to be styled a multitude of ways. I hope you’ll find some good inspiration for getting dressed this season. And, of course, remember to always make these pieces your own and true to your personal style.

Fall Capsule Wardrobe

And don’t miss this year’s 2025 Fall Essentials PDF! 40+ pages of curated finds for the season.

Leather Jacket

One of my most worn layers in Fall and Winter. I have two leather jackets- both different in style – that I invested in nearly ten years ago and still wear heavily!

If you’re looking for a good investment of real leather, I suggest this Sezane leather jacket or this investment one from IRO.

Sweater Dress

Perfect for Fall & Winter, a sweater dress with knee high boots and a good tailored jacket is a great way to look chic from day to night.

I own this affordable style in two colors (size L). And this one, too (also size L).

I also love pairing a sweater dress with sleek sneakers.

Related: How To Style Sweater Dresses

Layering tees

Having a great, quality t-shirt in classic neutral colors that you feel good in is a closet must-have. I’ve tried loads of tshirts and this Leslie tee (size M), the Leset Margo Tee (size L) and this SoldoutNYC white tee (L) are my tried + tested favorites.

The M.M.LaFleur one has washed so well for me for years. I love the slightly longer sleeves and the thick, plush cotton its made of.

Crossbody Bag

For on the go styles in particular, I love a chic, timeless crossbody bag. Favorite sources of mine for great bags are Cuyana, Demellier, Celine, Toteme and Sezane.

Get loads of bag inspo when you browse My Bag Collection.

Cashmere Sweaters

Good cashmere is worth the money. I’d rather a few beautiful, investment cashmere sweaters than a handful of itchy or poorly made, poorly fitting sweaters hanging my closet.

You can read all about the brands I think are worth investing in here: My Favorite Cashmere.

Pumps

The Sarah Flint Perfect Pump are so comfortable that you won’t wince at the idea of wearing a heel. You can use code SF-MEGHAN for 15% off your order. (Seen styled with my favorite faux leather pants).

Related: Sarah Flint Shoes Review

And also I love my Chanel slingbacks as my other most worn pair of heels.

Blazers

For an investment, this Veronica Beard one is my favorite (wearing an 8- also available at Saks). The Sezane Christie Blazer is also great and I own it in two colors in size 6.

If you don’t have a black blazer that you feel great in, there’s no time like the present. It’s an instant mood booster and can be restyled throughout the year in loads of ways. I never go to Paris in the Fall without packing a black blazer.

This one is a great affordable option.

I buy most of my blazers at Veronica Beard, J.Crew, Mango, Sezane, M.M.LaFleur, Aritzia and & Other Stories.

Tweed Jackets

Little tweed jackets are my go-to with jeans, trousers and even over dresses.

I find the best ones usually at Mango, Bash Paris, Veronica Beard, Theory, J.Crew

Trousers

Speaking of trousers, a great drapey pair is a must have in any capsule wardrobe. I travel in mine, take meetings in mind and love dressing them up or dressing them down.

Related: How to Style Trousers

My favorite brands for trousers include M.M.LaFleur, Aritzia, J.Crew and Everlane.

Timeless Loafers

An iconic shoe silhouette that will never go out of style. Favorite loafers of mine include the classic Gucci loafers and this pair by Freda Salvador.

For a more affordable style, try these.

Next on my personal wish list are these.

Ballet Flats

A beautiful flat is well worth the investment as you’ll wear them time and time again.

It’s also time to say goodbye to wearing beat up, seen-better-days flats. One of my favorite pairs is the Sarah Flint Natalie bow flat. My most worn pair are my investment Chanel Ballet Flats. I wear them year round.

Also check out those by Margaux and Manolo Blahnik.

Heeled Boots

For me living in New York there are six months out of the year when I am looking to wear a pair of heeled booties. For nearly eight years I have lived in my Loeffler Randall Isla Boots and style them a myriad of ways. From skirts to jeans to dresses.

Make sure whatever heeled boot you choose works for you and your lifestyle. And ensure they are comfortable! Buying cheap shoes means less comfort which means less wear.

Belted Coat or Car Coat

Depending on your style and size you may have a preference when it comes to coats you like. I’m one who loves both a classic car coat for more casual looks and a belted, slightly oversized coat for more dressed up outfits. Above I am wearing this one (size S- it runs large!)

You can check out My Favorite Coats for some styling inspiration and to see all my favorite brands to buy from.

Sleek Sneakers

There’s nothing better for a capsule wardrobe than a sleek white sneaker. Endlessly versatile when it comes to styling, you can pair it with jeans, black pants, dresses, skirts – you name it.

For me it is my Common Projects Sneakers but there are plenty of similar styles for less. Just be sure and read the reviews beforehand if you’re not going to invest on sneakers.

Other brands to shop that I would recommend include Veja, Rag & Bone, Toteme, Adidas.

Trench Coat

You can’t go wrong with a beautiful trench in your coat arsenal. I wear my favorite trench coats all Fall long.

How to Style a Trench Coat

Versatile Jeans

Finding great jeans is like kissing a lot of frogs till you find the prince. Trial and error will serve you well! I have a few brands I rely on and several styles I keep in rotation.

My Favorite and Most-Worn Jeans

As you shop for jeans in Fall, I’d recommend staying away from light washes that feel too Springtime or too summery. I love gray washes for fall and winter and then classic blue denim.

Button Down Blouse

There’s a reason this style staple has passed the test of time. If you don’t have one that fits well, now is the time to trade it in. No gaping buttons, no sad fabric. My favorite versatile one is by Sezane. But I also own the Jenni Kayne boyfriend shirt (size S) and the AYR Deep End (size M).

. . .

So what do you guys think? Could you do a capsule wardrobe? Do you agree with my picks that can mix and match? Any pieces that you would add?

Looking for even more quality investments for your closet? Don’t miss my Wardrobe Staples I Always Reach For Guide on my Substack.

En Route to Rêverie