Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe – Easy & Affordable Fall Wardrobe Ideas

Do you see that in the forecast? It looks like fall! Fall is my favorite time of the year. It’s cooler, but not bitterly cold, the leaves turn my favorite color (orange), and oh, my birthday is in the fall! And this year, my fall capsule wardrobe is the smallest it has ever been. Just 21 items.

This post contains affiliate links. Whenever you click on a link and purchase an item, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s how we keep Hello Brownlow running.

What’s in my fall capsule wardrobe?

7 Tops
3 Bottoms
1 Dress
4 Cardigans and Jackets
3 Shoes
3 Accessories

Yes, that’s just 21 items! My mind exploded when I realized that I’m wearing far less this year than I did last year.

It is also the first year that my fall capsule wardrobe will not be added to. I will not shop this fall for new clothes. Over the summer, I was very lucky to find several great pieces at thrift stores. These pieces replaced old, worn-to-shreds items from last year (and years before).

I suggest you do the same. Scour the thrift store (or ThredUP, Poshmark, eBay) first to find those perfect pieces. If you can’t find what you’re looking for and you can’t make do with what you have, then buy new.

And for being awesome, here’s $10 off at ThredUP!

Looking for more info on capsule wardrobes? Start here! >>>
6 Reasons a Capsule Wardrobe Works
My 10×30 Capsule Wardrobe Challenge
How Did My 10 Items for 30 Days Wardrobe Challenge Go?

Expectations for This Fall’s Capsule Wardrobe

Last fall was the first time ever that I didn’t work or go to school. I stay home with our Little Guy now, and I don’t need to dress up. But I do need to feel good. SAHMs should feel beautiful too! Even if we are wearing leggings and a flannel shirt for the third day in a row, we look good doing it.

Fall brings layering and warm fuzzy feelings. It can also add onto the time it takes you to get ready in the morning. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like thinking much in the morning when it comes to getting ready and out the door. Coffee first, clothes second.

This fall capsule wardrobe is:
Easy to layer
Everything can be worn together (with exceptions of course)
It’s all easy to wear and live in

Tops

Being very selective with your options for tops pays off. With the tops I selected, I am able to mix and match with anything in my fall capsule wardrobe.

The red/black flannel and the red/blue flannel I wear like you would a cardigan. They are comfy, lightweight and stylish. They often hold up better than a cardigan would against little toddler hands and playgrounds.

My black tunic top I love to wear with my black leggings and a long grey cardigan. It feels cozy and I can look a little dressed up when worn with booties. The top also covers my bum, so when worn with leggings and no cardigan, I can still feel “covered”.

Grey, burgundy, navy, and white striped shirts round out the tops I’ve selected for this fall. With these basic, but rich, colors I will always look put together. This also allows me to get ready in a hurry and not worry about looking a mess.

Find my favorite basic tees >>> HERE!

I’ve also included a heavy jacket, long grey cardigan, heavy grey sweater, and a navy knitted shawl. Fall is all about layering, and I’m using those neutral colors to my advantage!

Bottoms and Dresses

In my spring/summer capsule wardrobe, I included many dresses. For my fall capsule wardrobe, I’ve only included one. This mauve beauty is a super comfy t-shirt dress. Over leggings it can be worn like a dress. Knotted on the hip and worn over jeans, it acts more like a shirt. It’s fantastic!

For pants, black skinny jeans, dark wash skinny jeans, and black leggings are all that I need. I don’t include any wide-leg or boot cut jeans because the silhouette is not flattering on me. Volume on the bottom does my shape no justice! These three bottoms will get me through all of fall and all of winter.

Shoes and Accessories

Being basic in the shoe category allows me to slip shoes on and run out the door with Little Guy. I don’t have to worry if they match my outfit or if they pinch my toes. In a capsule wardrobe of any kind, you need to have good-looking, “I could wear these all the time” shoes.

Tall riding boots, brown booties, and trusty black Chuck’s are my shoes of choice. Yeah, I wear brown shoes with black pants. But with my rich tones of tops I’ve chosen, it works. Fun fact: my husband, baby and I all have matching black Converse! We used Little Guy’s tiny ones in our pregnancy announcement 🙂

Two infinity scarves and a skinny tan belt make my accessories. In Oklahoma, we only get to wear scarves maybe four months out of the year. So you better believe that I’ll use them to the fullest!

I don’t include my wedding ring, silver stud earrings, and my other silver ring in my fall capsule wardrobe. This is because I wear them literally 24/7. If you’re trying to get a to a particular number of items in your wardrobe, you can choose whether or not to count your daily jewelry.

Some ideas…

I’ve created some of my go-to outfits for you to see and gather ideas from. This is just 10 of the many combinations these 21 items offer.

I hope this provides you with the inspiration to create your own fall capsule wardrobe this year! Enjoy the cool weather!

Want $10 off at ThredUP? Use my referral code!