It’s in the 80s here right now (ugh) but in general, it’s cooling down, raining more, and the trees are starting to turn–sure signs that autumn is on the way.
I always look forward to pulling out the fall clothes because I am 100% a fall weather girl when it comes to my wardrobe. It’s the one time of year I have to stop myself from buying too many new clothes. There are so many cute sweaters in the world and not enough money or closet space for all the ones I want!
I did manage to put together a short fall capsule wardrobe list of items I’ll be relying on this season, ignoring my insatiable desire for more sweaters. As usual, this list doesn’t include basic tees, jeans, athletic wear, accessories or shoes–just sweaters, nicer tops, skirts, dresses and pants.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe for 2025
- Striped crew sweater from Quince; mine is navy with white stripes, which they don’t sell anymore apparently
- Waffle v-neck sweater from Faherty Brand
- Off-white cashmere turtleneck from Garnet Hill
- Boden sweater tank (a great transitional item since it’s still quite warm here some days)
- My trusty green cargo jacket from GAP
- A black mixed-media top from LOFT with polka dot chiffon sleeves; I haven’t found a top I like as much in the past few years, so this one is still my go-to
- Quince ribbed cashmere midi skirt in beige
- PACT green cotton gauze maxi skirt
- PACT navy cotton gauze dress, which for me is nursing-friendly but might not be if you’re bustier (personally I’m not blessed in that department, ha!)
- Beige and black striped sweater dress from Seraphine–I bought it several years ago and still wear it constantly since it’s nursing-friendly
I’ve linked what I can, but… let’s normalize not buying a whole new wardrobe every year, can we? Looking at this list, I realize only three of them are new (the navy striped sweater, the blue dress and cashmere skirt) and honestly, even that is a lot of shopping for me.
These days I am less ambitious about my wardrobe in some ways. I want everything to fit well, feel comfortable (the material/cut of the item) and have a few items that feel “on trend,” whether that’s the cut, color or brand. I don’t care much about brands or owning the “it pieces” of the moment.
In other ways I’m more ambitious. I send back things that don’t fit, or the color or materials don’t suit me. I often spend more per item because I’m buying pieces I actually want to wear rather than cheaper, less comfortable/well-fitted dupes for them.
I don’t buy things so that other people will think more highly of me–yes, that’s what I used to think style was about. I thought I was clever and nonmaterialistic for not following trends, a la Andy Sachs. Either that, or I felt like I was desperately trying to fit in via my wardrobe. But it’s ultimately about self-respect. Valuing myself enough that I believe I deserve to invest in my clothing and feel good in what I wear.
Sometimes that’s $13 jeans from ThredUp–that’s most of my jeans!–and sometimes it’s $150 for a dress I actually feel like myself in. The price doesn’t matter as long as it suits me and isn’t ridiculously high. I’m not going to spend hundreds on most things, except maybe a winter coat, which is a necessity here.
Limiting “Extras”
Things like basic tees, jeans etc–how do I keep them in check if I’m not adhering to a set number? I like to apply Dana White’s “container concept,” which if you haven’t read her books, is extremely simple. You designate a space for a category of item and that’s it. That’s all the space you have! Everything has to fit in the box, drawer, or cabinet.
When I get to the point of having to shove to get a box or drawer closed, it’s time for a cleanout. I try to apply the one in/one out rule before I get to that point. I don’t keep old things “just in case.” Because let’s be honest, that dress I loved in college might be in great shape, but I’m not in college anymore. My style has changed, my body has changed. I want my wardrobe to suit the me I am now, not the person I was ten years ago.
Some rare items, like the cargo jacket on my ten-item list for fall, are fairly timeless. Most clothes have an expiry, though. If they don’t fall apart, you age out of them. And I don’t see this as being at odds with not buying a whole new wardrobe every year. Each year a few items arrive and a few items leave. I do my best to give them good new homes.
What About Your Fall (Maybe Capsule) Wardrobe?
What’s in your fall wardrobe that you’re loving lately?
xx Claire