As you scroll through this piece, take stock of the pieces you currently own and think about what’s missing, what you have too much of, and what might need replacing. The whole point of curating a fall capsule wardrobe—or any seasonal edit, really—is to mitigate the cycle of clothing fatigue and overspending and instead lean into hardworking silhouettes that work for your lifestyle; pieces you can re-wear, feel great in, and restyle with different accessories. You’ll probably get the most out of a neutral color palette, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to black and white. Camel and earth tones add warmth to your fall outfits, which both minimalists and maximalist personal styles can appreciate.
Whatever kind of summer style you’re embracing, below is all the inspiration you need for fall.
A closet overhaul—or restock—adds up, so save when you shop your fall fashion capsule collection with the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finds, and these Free People, Anthropologie, Madewell, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue promo codes, as well as coupons from Shopbop and Net-a-Porter.
The T-shirt
Not everyone is a “jeans and T-shirt” kind of dresser, but few can deny the appeal of a perfectly-fitted white tee. The below two are Glamour editor and reader favorites. (If you prefer a V-neck over a crewneck, check out our edit of the best V-neck tees.)
The Black Leggings
You traded your leggings in for shorts this summer, but now they’re back. Lululemon and Alo’s styles can stand up to near-daily wear, though this 7/8 version from Athleta (with pockets!) is a close second.
The Long-Sleeve Top
When it’s too brisk for a T-shirt but not quite sweater weather, a basic long-sleeve top is the answer. Bonus: You can use it as a base layer later on if a turtleneck is too stuffy.
The Button-Up
Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up—a stripe or white button-down shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to straight-leg jeans and slip dresses.
The Sneaker
A comfy sneaker is one you can wear for 10,000 steps without thinking twice about it—the below two allow for that, and look cute, too.
The Minimalist Hoops
Tiny hoops are an effortless way to zhuzh up an outfit, and while gold is a classic, we’re really vibing silver right now for a more modern take. Jennifer Zeuner’s Perla earrings exist in both materials (Hailey Bieber wears the gold ones a ton), as do Mejuri’s bestselling huggies that snuggle the ear just so.
The Bodysuit
Even though you can get away with wearing a sleeveless (or short-sleeve) bodysuit in the warmer months, fall and winter are where they really shine, since they can act as both a standalone top and mid-layer underneath a knit sweater.
The Cozy Sweatshirt
We love Lululemon’s oversized half-zip for throwing over everything (without feeling sloppy), as well as Adidas’s sweatshirt from the sell-out Sporty & Rich athleisure collab for chic sporty vibes.
The Even Cozier Sweatpant
Is it really fall without a jogger so comfy it makes going pantsless feel overrated? Absolutely not—and both Vuori and Nike have great options for your autumnal and winter capsule wardrobe.
The Jeans
Jeans are seemingly wider and baggier than ever, but to offset the roominess of it all, brands are introducing exaggerated cuffs that also fulfill another purpose: Preventing the hems from dragging in puddles of rain. Win-win.
The Slip-On Shoe
The window for wearing mules is a short one, so maximize this time with a design that’s foolproof to style. Birkenstock’s Bostom clog is an obvious choice (try the oiled leather if you’re over the suede), or opt for something sturdier from Vagabond to ground your look.
The Cargo Pant
Cargo pants are wide-leg jeans’ cooler sibling, and you can find them at a range of price points and in different materials and colors. We love the ones from Still Here and Agolde, which admittedly are on the pricier side, but wear in beautifully.
The Sweater
You don’t need to fill your closet with ten different cardigans and cashmere sweaters; just buy one or two really good knits and wear them on repeat.
The Go-Everywhere Tote
Back-to-school shopping, but make it for adults.
The Crossbody Bag
Fanny packs and unobtrusive crossbody bags are great when you’re rushing out the door and need something a little more sophisticated that a canvas tote. Cos‘ leather crossbody is giving quiet luxury without the price tag, while Advene, an emerging accessories brand with a growing A-list following, recently released the “Duet,” a convertible shoulder-to-crossbody bag that comes in three buttery-soft leathers.
The Shoulder Bag
We’ve seen some really good fashion launches this summer—especially in the accessories department—but two really stuck with us as timeless additions: Gucci’s mini shoulder bag for Young Rich Wife energy and Manu Atelier’s zipped cylinder bag, which looks like a vintage eBay find in the best way.
The Blazer
Linen blazers are one of those summer carryovers you can wear well into the initial few weeks of the fall season; for the latter half, consider a leather jacket or woven plaid blazer for warmth and versatility.
The Statement Jacket
Jackets tend to sell out really fast once the weather turns, so now’s your best bet at grabbing one you really want. Totême’s outerwear is elegant, well-made, and worth the splurge. If you’re really thinking fall jacket, luxury retailers are deep into summer sale mode, which means you can find cold-weather gems like this Shoreditch Ski Club puffer—you love to hear it—for almost 50% off.
The Fall Wedding Guest Dress
Something for when the occasion calls, so you don’t find yourself freaking out in a dimly lit changing room at the eleventh hour.
The Weatherproof Boot
Let this be the year your shoes don’t get unexpectedly soaked in the rain. Hunter makes one of the most popular Chelsea boots in the game, and Everlane has a cute one for under $100.
The Heeled Bootie
Equal parts practical and chic, a heeled leather bootie (with a low enough heel you can actually walk in) is ideal for punching up a work or going-out look.
The Loafer
Want to put Allison Bornstein’s wrong shoe theory to the test? Try pairing a sharp loafer with a moody floral dress or denim skirt.
The Mesh Flat
If there’s one summer fashion trend we’re set on transitioning to fall, it’s mesh flats—blueberry milk pedicure optional—and Le Monde Beryl and Dear Frances have mid-priced styles that aren’t fully sold-out (and with enough support to actually walk in).
The Ballerina
For the classic dressers among us, there’s no going wrong with a simple ballet flat.
The Sweater Dress
Unless they’re moody floral prints, too-colorful dresses just don’t hit the same way this time of year. A knit one, on the other hand, delivers the same ease as your favorite summer midis, just in a cozier material.
The Trouser
When styled with relaxed pieces for contrast, trousers prove their worth by making you look both put together and completely relaxed.
The Statement Necklace
Accessories that wear themselves.
The Belt
The unassuming accessory to tie your fall wardrobe together.
The Transitional Extras
Subtle wardrobe tweaks can also help you make that mental switch from summer to fall. If you’re in the market, we love La Californienne’s Apple Watch-compatible leather bands, which come in a rainbow of colorways, as well as String Ting’s charming phone straps to suit the mood.
