Capsule wardrobes have long been a popular way to simplify your wardrobe and everyday life without sacrificing style. The concept was around as early as the 40s of the 20th century, and Susie Faux and Donna Karan further popularized the idea in the 70s and 80s, but in recent years we have seen a resurgence of the practice, for which we are very grateful. Trends are fun, but they tend to only last for a few seasons and drain our wallets, so creating a capsule wardrobe is key to enduring style. If you’re just starting out, fall is one of the best times to build a capsule wardrobe, as this season leans towards versatility and layered pieces. From loafers to trench coats, button-up tops and more, timeless fall pieces make styling easy so you can create a look for any occasion.

Wide-Leg Pants

If you’re looking for an easy-to-style, comfortable outfit for your capsule wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with wide-leg pants, especially since they can transition from work to parties and anything in between. Depending on the choice of fabric (light or heavy), wide-leg pants can transcend time and season. During the fall transition, Alo’s high-rise Pursuit pants ($148) are ideal. With a floaty silhouette and high-waisted cut, these pants allow you to draw the focus to the waist or make you appear taller by adding a cropped hem.

Sweater Vest

Another key piece in your fall capsule wardrobe is the sweater vest, as it’s perfect for layering or wearing alone, making it a great transitional piece. We absolutely love the chunky knit and short sleeves of Pilcro’s short-sleeved sweater vest ($98) that works just as well on its own or over a button-up top. Another style we like is Na-Kd’s knitted front-detail vest ($22).

Basic T-shirt

A basic t-shirt is anything but basic. Everyone should have a good basic t-shirt, it’s the most versatile, seasonless top that can go with a lot of things. It’s perfect to wear with a leather jacket or blazer, or with jeans or trousers on its own. You can also get creative and layer it with a slip dress, a silk tank top, or tuck into a skirt. The key to a good basic t-shirt is material and weight. One of our favorites is Reformation’s classic crewneck t-shirt ($38), which is perfect for layering. Re Ona’s iconic t-shirt ($69) is another fall-ready option, especially if you prefer a more form-fitting look.

Knee-High Boots

Knee-high boots should be in every wardrobe in the fall, as they can easily be paired with any outfit. With the transition from summer to autumn, cooler temperatures don’t mean you have to wear several layers of clothing. Knee-high boots allow you to wear your favorite miniskirt without worrying about your legs getting cold. Not only do they add an elegant aspect, but they also elongate your legs in style and comfort.

Thick Sweater

I love chunky sweaters because it’s versatile and you can pair it with jeans, skirts, or leather pants for comfort and chic. Anine Bing’s Sydney sweater ($350) is one of the top picks for its stitching details and cosy alpaca yarn fabric. You can also wear a thick sweater over your dress and wear it from day to night while staying comfortable and warm.

Classic Blazer

Outerwear can make or break any look, and one of the easiest and most sophisticated ways to elevate your look is to wear it with a blazer. Whether you’re wearing a basic t-shirt, shirt, or even a sports bra or hoodie, layering your look with a blazer will bring a cool feel to your look. It’s a great capsule because in fashionable days, a blazer can be worn as a jacket over a skirt, and when you want to wear it with casual outfits like denim or athleisure, it can be used as a structured top.

2-in-1 Trench Coat

If you want a timeless autumn capsule piece that will become your collector’s item for years to come, look no further than the classic trench coat. Even if you’re just wearing it on your commute or cold night, you’ll look like you’re striding through the streets of a chic European city. Daniel Coat brings form and function to the ordinary trench coat, which can be unzipped from the middle to transform from a long leather trench coat into a cropped biker jacket. On crisp autumn days, you can wear full-length pieces, and when you’re out playing on a beautiful, warm sunny day, you can zip up and be stylish and comfortable.

Button-Down Shirts

As we all know, button-down shirts are no longer the preserve of menswear – everyone can enjoy this versatile style. It’s always a classic, and you can wear an oversized outfit over a swimsuit or with denim shorts in the summer, and an oversized outfit over a blazer in the fall. “The top choice is J.Crew’s loose-fit, crisp cotton-poplin shirt ($70), which is versatile and easy to wear year-round, and we especially love how it looks with denim in the fall.

Jeans

With so many cuts and styles to choose from, it can be hard to know what to wear each season and what works best for your body type. Over the past few seasons, jeans have been on a rollercoaster ride – from skinny jeans turning into a funky faux pas, to once-cool styles that have regained popularity along with low-rise jeans on the past few runways. The best middle-of-the-road style is a mid-rise, relaxed straight-leg silhouette. It’s an enduring classic style.

Loafers

Loafers are one of the must-have items that everyone should have in their wardrobe. They are extremely versatile and can be paired with any fall piece. Whether dressed or casual, you can wear them during the day and change them up by adding a dress or suit for a special occasion or when you’re out at night.

Leather Jacket

A good leather jacket can last a lifetime. There’s a reason leather jackets are staples, they can add an edge to your look, they can be paired with sweatshirts, casual wear, or even jeans and t-shirts to complete your fall capsule wardrobe.

Baseball Caps

Finally, a baseball cap is an accessory that deserves a place in your capsule wardrobe. It’s the perfect piece to go with any outfit while giving off cool girl energy. Not only does it protect your eyes and face from the sun, but it feels like a classic American accessory that can add life to any outfit (not to mention, it can help cover your hair for the third day). Pairing a floral top or dress with a baseball cap adds a tomboy touch to traditional femininity – one of my favorite style pairings. The baseball cap gives a sporty, preppy feel and pairs perfectly with jeans, t-shirts, trench coats, and loafers.