How to create a fall travel capsule wardrobe
In this post, I’m helping you create the perfect summer to fall transitional capsule wardrobe.
If there’s a season that’s hardest to dress for, it’s got to be fall. The weather transitions from hot to cold, sunny to rainy, windy to dry all day long – sometimes multiple times a day. That’s why autumn can be the hardest season to dress for.
This capsule wardrobe will help you stay warm but I’ve packed it full of layers that make it easy to take things off if the weather suddenly gets too hot. I’ve also made sure to include some outfits perfect for work, running errands and going for a night out.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
Simply put, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing items for a trip or season that help you create endless outfits from just a few pieces. The idea of a capsule wardrobe is to help you reduce decision fatigue while always looking stylish and prepared for the season.
Around here I’ve helped you create a resort capsule wardrobe and a beach capsule wardrobe that both help you pack for your vacation in only a carry-on! With room to spare for packing a beach read and bringing souvenirs home.
How many items should be in a fall capsule wardrobe?
Of course, there’s no magic number of items that you can include in your capsule wardrobe. It’s really up to you and your style. If you don’t wear a lot of skirts or dresses, you might want to include more trousers or jumpsuits. But overall, a good rule of thumb is less than 20 pieces.
After all, the purpose is using a limited number of items for an endless number of looks!
The 5-4-3-2-1 Method
When I help you design a new capsule wardrobe, I always use the 5-4-3-2-1 method. This method can help you make sure you aren’t over packing – or in other words, over filling your capsule wardrobe. Remember, the whole point of a capsule wardrobe is to pick high quality items that go together, meaning you can pack less without sacrificing style.
The 5-4-3-2-1 Method looks like this:
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms
- 3 layering pieces (jackets, blazers or coats)
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 1 dress
5+4+3+2+1=15 pieces. Ta-da!
You can use the 5-4-3-2-1 as a general guideline, but feel free to switch up the numbers to match your style. For example, in creating a summer to fall capsule wardrobe, so I’m going to include longer pants and skirts with a mix of long and short sleeve shirts with plenty of pieces for layering.
The difference between a spring and fall capsule is going to be the dresses. I usually put the dresses away in the fall and pull out the sweaters. You can also base this on where you live and like I’ve said before, what your personal style preference is.
What to include in a fall capsule wardrobe
My goal with this summer to fall capsule wardrobe was to reflect autumn – I chose fall colors with a mix of long and short sleeves and lots of layers. Instead of sticking completely to neutral colors, I decided to bring in some of the colors of fall with a deep green and tan.
Neutral colors help with mixing and matching so I did include plenty of neutral tops and bottoms in a variety of neutral colors.
I’ve also strayed slightly from our 5-4-3-2-1 method by including a dress and extra layers, which are always an essential summer to fall item!
Shop the Summer to Fall Transitional Capsule Wardrobe
Tops
Weather varies a lot in the fall. It can be sunny and warm one minute and cold or raining the next. With tops I decided to give you a mix of long and short sleeves. I also wanted to include tops that you could easily wear to work or for a date night after work.
The Classic Shirt
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a classic white button down. This shirt can be worn at the office or for drinks after work. It easily dresses up and down an outfit.
Refined Shrunken T-Shirt (White)
The classic white top you’ll need when transitioning from summer to fall. It’s a classic style that looks good anytime.
Refined Shrunken T-Shirt (Black)
That classic white top in another color – because you can truly never have too many of the classic t-shirt. When it comes to creating a capsule wardrobe, it’s those classics that matter.
Everly Cami (White)
I love this cami! It looks so cute dressed with jeans or a skirt, and it’s perfect for layering in a summer to fall transitional period.
Bottoms
In this fall transitional capsule wardrobe I’ve included two pairs of pants, a skirt and shorts. It’s not quite fall yet, we’re still in that transitional period, so I wanted to make sure you had a pair of shorts for those warm days!
Faux Leather Kickflare
Faux leather is such a good fall vibe. I promise you are going to love this pair. They’re comfortable and they go with everything!
Valentina Super High Rise Boot Cut Jean
Jeans are a must, so I’ve included a pair that works well with boots, sneaks and sandals.
x REVOLVE Tailored Short
And even though it’s getting cooler, that does not mean put away the shorts! With the right layers, you can still get lots of use out of classic shorts like these.
Dresses & Skirts
Dresses can be a fun way to pull some color into your capsule wardrobe, because they really only need to match with your shoes and jackets to work. But when transitioning to fall, you might put away some of those dresses you pulled out in spring and summer. That’s why I’ve just included a classic dress in this capsule.
Crew Neck Short Sleeve Mini Dress
Nothing beats a crew neck t-shirt dress. It looks good all the time, and goes with everything.
Python Maxi Skirt
I always look at dresses and skirts as a way to bring a lot more personality to your capsule wardrobe. This skirt in particular is a must for a summer to fall transition.
Jackets & Sweaters
Trench coats are a must-have item for fall. I’ve included a neutral choice that goes with everything. I also saw boxy blazers coming into fashion and wanted to make sure you have a classic black blazer for the season. This blazer looks incredible as a set or paired with your jeans or skirt. It’s super versatile for the season.
Don’t forget to add an anytime pull on sweater which can easily be layered for cooler fall evenings.
Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket
Jean jackets always work. They’re a classic piece for any season – and they’re perfect for a transitional time between seasons. I love this cropped style.
Balfern Leather Biker Jacket
A good leather jacket can be your best friend, and it’s another item that I think needs to go in any capsule wardrobe – especially one that’s taking you from summer into fall.
Saskia Trench Coat
As I mentioned before, trench coats are going to be all the rage this fall. So as the weather cools down, start taking a beautiful warmer jacket out with you.
Classic Blazer (Black)
The classic black blazer that looks good on everyone, and goes with everything.
Open-Front Sweater for Women
Even in a summer to fall transitional period – pull out the sweaters! This season is all about layering and this sweater will go with everything.
Shoes
Simple white sneakers are another must-have item for fall, because as the weather gets cooler you won’t want sandals on as much. I’ve also included a pair of black heels because along with sweaters, heels are our favorite fall items.
Primegreen Stan Smith Sneaker
The classic white sneaker that every woman needs in her wardrobe.
Hazel Pointed Toe Pump
Another classic – a black heel that can be worn anytime, anywhere. And trust me, this is one of the most comfortable pairs of heels I own!
Bay Cutout Slide Sandal
It’s not quite time to put away the sandals! Make sure to keep a classic pair for those warm days that haven’t left us yet.
Accessories
I’ll always argue that accessories are the most important part of any capsule wardrobe – and that’s no different in a summer to fall transitional capsule! When you invest in high quality pieces, you can have jewelry that lasts forever and looks great no matter the season.
The Tote
If you only invest in one purse in your life, make sure it’s this one. This is a classic bag that holds everything you need.
Argento Vivo Tuscany Chain Necklace
A simple, yet beautiful necklace that pairs well with everything.
Becca Hoops
A bold pair of hoops that pull any look together.
Pavé Herringbone Watch Band
I haven’t spent enough time talking about watching – a must-have accessory! You can’t go wrong with this beautiful band. It’s perfect for the season.
Creating a summer to fall transitional capsule wardrobe is all about helping you look incredible and have plenty of layers for unpredictable days. I’ve strayed from the ‘normal’ tips of a capsule wardrobe by including some fall colors and kept in some summer staples, because it’s not quite fall yet!
By following a capsule wardrobe like mine, you’ll be able to reduce decision fatigue this fall and look great every day.
Where will you take this capsule? Let me know over on Instagram (@basiarestrepo)
