It seems weird to be posting this since we are expecting near 100° temps this weekend but regardless, fall is almost here and with it fall styles.

I love the idea of capsule wardrobes but I do understand that they are subjective and entirely depend on each person’s individual lifestyle, budget and personal style. However, I love having classic pieces that I can turn to year after year so I thought I would share my fall staples that I wear every season and have loved for multiple years.
Outerwear

There are three styles of coats that I gravitate towards in fall. A Barbour wax jacket, a quilted jacket, and a classic wool coat.
- Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket: I have had my Barbour wax jacket for almost 8 years and it continues to be one of my most worn jackets nearly year round. It is great for rainy weather and roomy enough that you can easily layer underneath for colder days. The pockets are corduroy lined and super warm for your hands when walking outside. Although it is a more casual jacket I think it has an elevated style and looks great with almost everything.
- Quilted Jacket: I love quilted jackets, they can be so cozy without adding too much bulk. Plus you can find them in almost any price point. My favorites for quilted coats are Barbour and Ralph Lauren. They are great quality and come in so many different cuts, colors and patterns. Talbots and Lands End also have great options as well.
- Wool Dress Coat: A classic wool coat can be a great closet staple. I like my wool coats to be on the dressier side. They will be perfect for dresses and heels but also look just as great with jeans. I love the lady coat from JCrew (not available yet but will be later this year. See the factory version here) and LL Bean has a few great options too (this duffle coat is such a classic!)
Sweaters

Especially now that I live in Minnesota finding great sweaters is a must. Over the years I have purchased several sweaters that have only lasted a season or two before stretching, fading and pilling. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Alice Walk: Alice Walk has a great variety of sweaters. I’ve shared a round up of a few of my favorite pieces here. The cotton rollneck sweater is a great multi-seasonal piece and comes in solid colors and stripes. The cashmere sweaters are so cozy and luxurious. I have the rollneck and the getaway sweaters but the cashmere also comes in V-neck too. The quality is incredible!
- J. Crew: I’ve shopped at JCrew for years and most of the time I love each purchase the sweaters aren’t always 100%. However, I love the thick cotton rollneck sweater. I also love this new puff sleeve cableknit sweater and the cardigan I loved last year is back!
- LL Bean: LL Bean sweaters are great quality and such classic pieces. The Fisherman Sweater was my first LL Bean purchase several years ago and I still love it. The cable knit pattern changes slightly each year but always has a classic and traditional look. The Double L sweater is also a great option that I love.
Tops
While I mostly wear sweaters in the fall there are two types of tops that I continue to regularly wear year round.
- Peasant Blouse: I love a simple peasant blouse or top with lace detail. Something delicate and feminine that looks great with jeans but can also be dressed up or layered. My favorite is an old one from Boden but this one is super similar.
- Button Down: A classic button down will forever be a wardrobe staple for me. I wear one almost weekly. My favorite is this Oxford from AYR which has a relaxed boyfriend fit. If you want something a bit more classic the Ralph Lauren oxfords are also great.
Shoes

Most of what I wear in the fall is boots given the weather and occasional snow but I do have a few others pairs that I feel like are the perfect pieces for my fall wardrobe.
- Riding Boots: I’ve consistently owned a pair of brown riding style boots for about 13 years however the first few pairs I owned only last a couple seasons before falling apart. However 5 years ago I finally got a pair of Frye riding boots and they have been incredible. They still look new and have held up so well. This pair is another great option and I love this two tone pair as well.
- Rainboots: I have had my Hunter Boots for 7 years now and they remain a multi-season shoe for me. They are great fall through spring and I find myself reaching for them often. I love that they can be slightly dressed up as well. Other brands that have great rainboots options worth checking out are Joules, Barbour and Le Chameau. While I wrote this post several years ago, I still pair my boots with skirts and dresses in similar ways.
- Duck Boots: I used to wear my moms old LL Bean duck boots when I was in highschool and college. By then she had probably owned them for at least 10 years and they were still in near perfect condition. I finally got a pair for myself about 8 years ago and I love them. They are great for cold wintery weather. I shared my full review and fit guide here. If you’re looking for something less of a splurge, Sperry has great options as well! I love these, and they make them for kids too!
- White Sneakers: A good pair of white sneakers are a closet staple for me. Weather permitting I wear them year round. If you’re worried about wearing white sneakers in rain and snow, you can find my guide to keeping white sneakers clean here.
- Classic Flat: I have two pairs of flats that I gravitate towards in fall. Both from Sarah Flint the Natalie and Sacchetto are two of my favorites. The colors are perfect for complimenting fall styles. (Use code SARAHFLINT-CCTAYLOR1 for 15% off). You also can’t go wrong with a simple Captoe ballet flat. It’s such a classic piece for year round wear.
These 13 staples (in addition to a great pair of jeans) make up the majority of my fall outfits. So many of these pieces I have had for 5+ years and I continue to return to them year after year. THAT is what makes something a capsule or classic piece for me. I try to choose pieces that not only will I like season after season, but that will also hold up well for years to come.
I hope this post helps you find quality pieces for fall (and even winter). Let me know what your fall staples are!

3 thoughts on “Fall Capsule Wardrobe”