Fall Capsule Wardrobe 101 With Free Cliff Notes Inside
Forget the 25-piece, $5,000 “Pinterest-worthy” fall capsule that takes an economics degree to afford—and an arts degree to style. This semester, I’m teaching Capsule Wardrobe 101, and this is the cheat sheet. All you really need are 8 fresh fall finds that fit your budget, flex with your lifestyle, and remix into more outfits than there are days in the month. Think of it as fall capsule wardrobe Cliff Notes—with my free 27-page lookbook as your study guide. I’m the kid who carried the group project, so you get to ace the final without breaking a sweat. Want extra credit? Add a striped polo or lace slip skirt. Layer in suede accessories, and congratulations—you’ve officially made the fall fashion honor roll.
The Checklist
1. Khaki Jacket
Fall is all about layering, but before it gets so cold you need a coat, consider a lightweight jacket. A classic trench coat or a cool barn jacket with a contrasting collar will complement all of your fall outfits.
2. Classic Cardigan
I’m thrilled that this classic conservative wardrobe staple is making a stylish comeback. Try a fun texture or a neutral print, such as leopard or stripes. Instead of wearing one with the “matching” shell try styling it as a top thats messy tucked or barely buttoned. When it’s this soft and under $100 I’m a fan of cashmere, but if you’re not try these. They have the same look.
So Many New Ways to Style a Classic Cardigan
Neutral Prints
3. Crew Neck White T-Shirt
A white t-shirt is one of fourteen items on my New Wardrobe Checklist for a reason. She’s that understated, effortlessly cool wardrobe staple every woman over 40 should never be without.
Classic Crews That Make the Cut
White Tees With a Twist
4. Striped Polo
Striped polos have transitioned from a meet style to a street style this season, and you can spot them on everyone from soccer moms to celebrities. Match your style and play with color or proportion or keep it clean and classic. These striped polos are popular so add one to your cart to jumpstart your fall capsule today.
4 Favorite Color Combos For Capsules
More To Explore
5. Ankle Length Jeans
If I could only wear one pair of jeans for the rest of my life it would be these. Ankle-length jeans with an opening of about 17″ will go with any shoe you choose. This fall barrel leg jeans fit that bill and so do longer styles with stretch you can roll up.
6. Baggy Jeans
Finally, loose jeans that look good with flats and sneakers are back. Unlike the wide leg jeans, which have been the most popular jean style for a while, these long and loose jeans have an opening closer to 20″ instead of closet to 25″, which looks best with block “heels”.
Ankle Length
Long & Loose
Double Duty Denim
7. Lace Trim Slip Skirt
You’ll find a slip skirt on my short list of closet essentials every woman over 40 should own, and on several of my capsule wardrobe checklists. She’s a street style staple that’s just as easy to dress up as she is to dress down. This fall lace trimmed styles are popping up and over everywhere! Stylist Tip- Don’t take yourself or how you “should” style this skirt too seriously!
These are the three colors I used in my sample capsule wardrobes, but they are available in many more colors. If you’re not a big fan of lace, try this sheer trim style or my favorite washable silk style (available in 16 colors) and now in a trendy short style.
Set With a Short Skirt
I’ll be wearing flats this fall, and if you’re petite, they look better with a shorter skirt than a long one. In California, our fall weather stays warm and works with bare legs, but a short skirt also looks great with tights.
8. Suede Accessories
Adding the right accessories is the extra credit you get and need to complete the perfect capsule wardrobe. However, this fall they earn a coveted spot on my fall capsule wardrobe checklist. Choose a new shoe and bag and make it a set you style with all your fall outfits or just cherry pick the newest fall styles that speak to you.
Extra Credit For Choosing the Right Accessories
Boots for Every Style
Fall Flats
Sude Sneakers
Bucket List Bags
The Look for Less
Belts
Ace Getting Dressed – Lookbook
