Halloween decorations may be on sale, but there are still many hot days ahead of us. Is it possible to dress cozy and fall-y but still be appropriate for the weather?
Yes! And a seasonal capsule wardrobe is how to do it. The goal of a seasonal capsule wardrobe isn’t to have the smallest closet possible; it’s to have a collection of versatile, season-appropriate pieces that mix and match effortlessly, so you never have to say, “I have nothing to wear.”
When it comes to fall, the key is balancing cozy layers with functional staples you’ll reach for again and again. Here’s how to build a fall capsule wardrobe that actually works for real life (yes, even the busy school runs, grocery trips, and last-minute dinner plans).
1. Start with Light Layers in Your Target Color Palette
Choose two to three neutrals and two to three accent colors as you begin putting your capsule together. Classic fall colors include rust, olive green, and soft browns, of course, but you can also feel autumnal even if those aren’t your preferred colors. Colors like navy, sage green, cream, and blush can all feel very appropriate for the season when paired with cozy fabrics and layering.
You’ll want 3–4 lightweight tops that can stand on their own during warmer days, but also layer easily under jackets. Here are our picks in a variety of colors:
BEIGE: The Alenra Button Top in Beige – Neutral and effortless, this button-down works French-tucked into high-waisted pants, paired with a sleek skirt, or layered under a jacket.
CREAM WITH BLUE: The June Top in Cream + Blue Floral – A soft print that transitions seamlessly between seasons.
YELLOW: The Fienna Ruffle Blouse in Yellow adds a touch of feminine detail without being fussy. Similar vibe to the June Top, but with a warmer color palette.
RUST: The Terry Oversized Long Sleeve Tee in rust is on the more casual side, a perfect layering option for comfy fall outfits.
SAGE GREEN: The Gael Ribbed Tee in Sage Green with its sweet feminine neckline and The Terry Oversized Long Sleeve Tee in sage with the cute pocket and comfy fit—both lightweight tees in a sweet color for fall.
2. Build in Warmth with Functional Jackets
Outerwear is where your fall capsule really shines. The right jackets can carry even your simplest outfits. Two casual jackets and one statement layer will give you the variety you need without overcrowding your closet. Consider one of these:
RUST: The Leon Fleece Jacket – Cozy and casual, this is your go-to for school drop-off, soccer practice, and everything in between.
BLUE: The Malia Denim Jacket – A lighter option that layers perfectly over blouses and dresses.
CREAM WITH RED: The Zinnia Flower Button Down Jacket – A statement piece that still pairs beautifully with neutral pants and tops.
3. Add Easy Bottoms
Since bottoms are the grounded item in most outfits, choose a few silhouettes you feel good in and stick to them. Even with just three pairs of pants in rotation, you’ll cover everything from school pickup to date night.
SATURATED DENIM: The Dove Crochet Trim Jean in Denim or another pair of straight leg jeans — We love the subtle feminine detailing in cream.
FADED DENIM: Dundee High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans or wide leg trousers — effortless but elevated.
LIGHT WASH DENIM: A pair of casual pull-on pants or joggers, like our Washed Denim Cargo Pants (for comfort days that still feel intentional).
4. Mix in Dresses & Skirts for Versatility
Don’t skip the one-and-done pieces that make getting dressed simple.
DARK DENIM: The Cloverfield Denim Dress – Wear solo with sneakers in early fall, then layer with tights and boots later in the season.
CREAM AND MOCHA: The Katarine Floral Embroidered Dress – Perfect for church, special occasions, or when you just want to feel a little more polished.
CREAM AND BLACK: The Lizeth Button-Up Floral Midi Skirt – Works with tees, blouses, and sweaters alike.
5. Choose a Lounge Set That Can Do Double Duty
Fall capsules should be practical for life at home, too. Add a comfy lounge set into the rotation—great for mixing and matching too!
BLUE: The Norea Lounge Set – Chic enough to wear on errands, comfy enough for cozy nights in.
MOCHA: The Ferus Chevron Set — Lovely color for fall, and perfect for layering on days that start cool and end warm.
OLIVE: The Raffin Woven Set in Olive — Classic fall color in a lightweight fabric, just right for layering.
A fall capsule wardrobe doesn’t need to be complicated or minimal to a fault—it just needs to serve your real life. By choosing versatile layers, a couple of standout pieces, and a streamlined color palette, you’ll be able to get dressed with confidence (and speed!) all season long.