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13 Fall Capsule Wardrobe Essentials, Vetted by Style Editors 2025
A fall capsule wardrobe sets the tone for all your transitional looks—and since autumn is probably the most exciting season to dress for, having the season’s on-trend essentials in hand is, well, essential. If you don’t already have these picks—including white T-shirts, a cashmere sweater (yes, there are affordable versions), and autumn boots—somewhere in your closet, it’s time to invest. And for 2025, we’re also updating the classic formula with a few contemporary picks, including minimalist ballet flats and understated barn jackets that’ll elevate basic looks.
As you scroll through this edit, 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 a capsule wardrobe is to mitigate the cycle of clothing fatigue and overspending and instead lean into versatile, hardworking pieces that complement your lifestyle. Now go take all the inspiration you need, and spice them up with our favorite fall fashion trends along the way.
Glamour’s fall capsule wardrobe wish list
Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans
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1. The white T-shirt
Not everyone is a “jeans and a tee” person, but who can deny the appeal of a perfectly fitted T-shirt? We’ll always encourage a little color, but you need a proper white tee before anything else. These picks are bestsellers among Glamour readers; pay special attention to Uniqlo’s soft, long-lasting design (a perennial go-to among our editors).
2. The suede boots
Suede is having a bigger year than usual, but the soft, textured leather never goes out of style. Each of these pairs will enjoy near-daily wear peeking out from under wide-leg jeans and fall dresses. Block and kitten heels are especially walking-friendly, so prioritize those styles in your capsule, whether you’re off to work or punching up a going-out look.
3. The straight-leg jeans
Denim trends come and go, but straight-leg jeans are timeless—so make sure you have a nice pair of everyday blues to turn to in a pinch. These super-versatile picks will go with everything else in this edit, making even simple outfits feel considered and editorial. Plus, they’ll work well in any season, not just autumn.
4. The button-down shirt
Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up—a relaxed button-down shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to jeans and full skirts. You can never go wrong with classic white or black, but you also might find yourself reaching for a striped or neutral-colored style more than you might expect.
5. The tote bag
Sure, a designer bag isn’t technically a necessity—but if you’re in the market for something that’ll last many seasons to come, these under-$500 picks from editor-loved brands make great investments. We suggest going with one that’ll hold all your daily necessities, whether that’s a laptop and a lunch container or a wallet and water bottle.
6. The Boho Dress
No matter the occasion, from fall weddings to last-minute celebrations, a floaty boho-adjacent dress is essential to have on hand so you don’t find yourself freaking out in a dimly lit changing room at the eleventh hour. Whether your style leans more feminine, classic, or sporty, these easy-to-accessorize showstoppers—which effortlessly dress up or down with pieces you already own—are here to help.
7. The perfect sweater
You don’t need to fill your closet with a dozen different cardigans; just buy one or two well-made knits and wear them on repeat, year after year. Start with approachable neutrals—gray, taupe, cream—and branch out from there (a pop of red never hurts). And while we’ll always advocate for premium materials like cashmere, you don’t need to splurge to get the look you want. Just make sure you’re caring for your knits properly to keep them going as long as possible.
8. The sporty sneakers
The best shoe style is one you can wear for 10,000 steps without thinking twice—and have you looking cute too. Slim, sporty sneakers offer a retro look that complements any outfit; all you need to do is pick the design and colorway that speaks most to you.
9. The barn jacket
A carryover from 2024, the humble chore coat is still timeless—so why wouldn’t you want it on hand when it’s chilly out? Featuring contrast collars, durable materials, and easily accessible pockets, these workwear jackets more than pull their weight in a wardrobe—and they look great with romantic dresses and boxy trousers alike.
10. The silver earrings
Earrings are an especially effortless way to zhuzh up an outfit, and we’re vibing with silver for the grayer, moodier days ahead. Waterdrop earrings have officially transitioned from trendy to classic in 2025, and you can never go wrong with slick hoops. Each of these pairs is just extra enough to make a statement, but they won’t overwhelm more casual ’fits.
11. The slim loafers
Want to put the wrong-shoe theory to the test? Try pairing these sharp loafers with white jeans or a denim skirt. We’re expecting Mary Janes to be especially trendy this fall, but we suggest investing in these classic styles first if you’re looking for a place to start.
12. The trench coat
The perfect weight for transitional weather, trench coats offer weatherproof protection on breezy, drizzly days. It doesn’t hurt that these classic picks are practically designed to pair with everything you’re already planning to wear this season (including sweatpants and white sneakers when you can’t bring yourself to wear anything else).
13. The Slip Skirt
Silky slip skirts don’t need to go away when autumn hits; in fact, they’re at the height of their powers right about now. These slinky options will allow you to give your jeans a well-deserved break—and they’ll kiss the tops of your favorite knee-high boots perfectly. Add a chunky knit or an oversized blazer to the mix to look like a style editor.
