I am currently putting together my capsule wardrobe, but if you prefer the more relaxed approach, I always love to focus on the essentials of dressing for the season. It helps me stay focused on the most useful wardrobe pieces, without the extra work of putting together a capsule wardrobe. With these 12 essentials, your wardrobe will be set, whether you prefer to play around with other trendy pieces or just rely on the basics. I always find it so much easier to get dressed when I have these covered. The best of both worlds!
Today we’re talking autumn wardrobe essentials – the pieces that are true classics worth investing in for wearing year after year. I also think this is an excellent place to start if you’re not fully into the whole capsule wardrobe concept. Making sure you have these essentials will help you get the most out of your wardrobe for autumn.
Knit jumper
Go for cotton to wool, depending on what the weather is like where you live. I like to start off the season with cotton and then transition into my super warm wool jumpers. I really like lighter weight cashmere jumpers for something a little warmer than wool for those in-between days.
Blazer
Tailored & structured ones are coming into the trend picture more. It is a fantastic layering piece for autumn, because it adds a little warmth without overheating and a whole lot of style to your casual outfits, blazers go with nearly everything!
Dark Wash Denim
Both light and dark wash denim are classics of course, but there is something about the dark wash denim that is just so polished and lends itself so beautifully to the traditional fall colours, I can’t resist it! If I were to only choose one, I would go for something very classic, not too high or low waist and not too wide or skinny of a leg, something that will work with most of my wardrobe. Of course, there is something about a pair of skinny jeans tucked into knee high boots that will just always make me feel a few degrees more autumnal.
Slacks
I love my tailored trousers because they are really versatile and a bit dressier than jeans. I also have a few in wool, which makes them really nice and warm for when the mornings start to get quite crisp and chilly. They are perfect work work, but are also easily dressed up, a must have!
Striped button down
More relaxed shirting fits so beautifully for the season and is a fantastic silhouette to add to anything from jeans to miniskirts to the classic tailored trouser.
Long sleeve top
Something to bridge that gap between t-shirt weather and chunky knitwear, that is not a shirt. I love having at least one striped of these as well, it adds so much interest and style to otherwise super simple and basic outfits. It’s the easiest style tip!
Leather jacket
This is a classic that will stay in your wardrobe for years and years. The blazer versions have become more popular in the past few seasons, but I love my classic moto style for something a bit more oversized. Either way, a leather jacket will add a bit of edge to your fall outfits, as well as being a practical option for shorter and cooler days. For a softer look, you can go for a lighter colour, like a brown or a tan or even a burgundy, but suede is also a good option (if slightly less practical if you live somewhere autumn tends to be rainy).
Cardigan
Is there anything more cozy than layering a long cardigan over your autumn outfits? I definitely feel like it is the fashion version of a cup of hot cocoa. Especially on chilly mornings, this is the perfect layering piece that is easy to take off should it heat up throughout the day. But also as the temperatures continue to drop, it layers beautifully under a trench coat. If the long version feels a bit too dramatic, a shorter version might be your sweet spot!
Knit dress (with long sleeves)
I love wearing dresses and it always looks like you put more effort into your outfit than you did. I love both the short and the long versions of these for autumn. They go for different moods, you know? I love wearing a shorter dress with tall boots and the longer option is a fantastic “throw on and go” way of getting dressed. Depending on the fabric and the weather where you live, these can be in heavy rotation through winter and early spring.
Boots (of course)
I go for very classic colours that go with everything, as well as a variety of heel heights. But mostly a chunky and low-mid heel. The tall version is fantastic for both midi and mini lengths, under dresses and skirts, as well as over skinny jeans. The ankle boot version is also used a lot in my wardrobe for autumn, especially with jeans, wide leg trousers and maxi skirts.
Loafers
This is a perfect shoe for autumn! It’s lighter than a boot until they become daily staples, yet it is dressier than a pair of sneakers and is incredibly versatile. I have several pairs!
Trench coat
It is of course very very obvious and on everyone’s list as an autumn buy, but for good reason. It is the perfect weight for fall and it makes every outfit look chic. It’s also ridiculously versatile and can be worn over blazers and suits, as well as dresses and jeans. I love longer length ones that tend to work well with my maxi length dresses and skirts. And I also really favour the more oversized versions now as they feel more current and they are far easier to wear over every other layering piece I like, whether it’s a chunky knit cardigan or a blazer. But every classic style of this piece will be a wardrobe staple. If you find it boring, there are always more fun twists on this style, to add some more interest or personality to your outfits (like my Simone Rocha x HM one).
I hope it was helpful, I always make sure I have the seasonal essentials covered before I venture into trends, it makes getting dressed so much easier (and the result a lot more polished).
