Fall 2025 Capsule Wardrobe Guide
Fall always feels like a reset. The air cools, the layers come out, and suddenly your closet becomes a playground for rich textures, sharp tailoring, and cozy staples. As much as I love to play with trends, a capsule wardrobe is the foundation of every outfit and the key to making it all work: curating timeless essentials and layering in the season’s updates so you always feel pulled together without getting overwhelmed.
Here’s the full breakdown of what caught my eye so far this season—pieces that are classic at the core, with a nod to what’s trending now.
The Trench Coat
No piece does more heavy lifting in a fall wardrobe than the trench. It’s the definition of effortless polish—sharp enough to elevate tailoring, yet relaxed enough to toss over denim. The beauty of the trench is in its adaptability: it shifts with your mood, the weather, and the season, proving its worth year after year.
Why it’s essential: A classic trench is the ultimate style anchor. It bridges the gap between practical outerwear and a statement piece you’ll reach for season after season.
What’s trending now: Extra-long silhouettes brushing the ankle, cropped versions with a modern edge,
How to wear it: Cinch it tight over sleek trousers for a smart polish, throw it on over a mini sweater dress for contrast, or go casual with jeans and sneakers for that laid-back chic.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Knits
Knitwear is the backbone of every fall wardrobe, but this season’s versions are far from basic. Cashmere remains the crème-de-la-creme, but I love merino wool and organic cotton.
Why it’s essential: Knits are endlessly versatile—comfortable enough for day but easy to elevate for evening; great for layering
What’s trending now: Look for bold necklines like asymmetry and off-shoulder options; Also love sleeveless, high neck sweaters
How to wear it: Pair cashmere with denim and boots, tuck a polo knit into a pencil skirt, or layer a deep-V sweater with lace for nighttime sophistication.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Modern Jackets
The outerwear style I’m seeing everywhere this season is the funnel neck and I’m getting obsessed with it. Clean, structured, and modern, it’s the kind of jacket that makes even the simplest outfit feel very cool-girl.
Why it’s essential: It’s sleek, directional, and adds instant polish without trying too hard – feels very modern but not so trendy that it will feel dated in a few months.
What’s trending now: Suede, earthy tones, cropped versions; Faux fur, barn/chore jackets, retro style utility jackets, bomber jackets, cape styles, attached scarf - so many too choose from!
How to wear it: Style with straight-leg denim and peep-toes for an elevated off-duty model look, contrast it with a midi pencil skirt (polished/sporty)
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Denim
Denim is chic, wearable, and strikes the perfect balance between ease and structure.
Why it’s essential: Jeans bring a modern, effortless energy to your wardrobe without sacrificing polish.
What’s trending now: Straight-legs, wide legs, barrel jeans, 70’s flares, dark wash denim, embellished jeans
How to wear it: from a plain tee and cardigan to a tube top and fitted blazer, it’s hard to go wrong with anything you pair with cool modern denim
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Everyday Basics: Tees & Tanks
The simplest pieces in your closet are often the hardest-working. This season’s tees and tanks are structured, refined, and made to hold their own as much as they layer.
Why it’s essential: They’re the building blocks that let the rest of your wardrobe shine.
What’s trending now: scoop tanks, relaxed tees, wool/cashmere tees
How to wear it: layered under a sweater, cardigan, or blazer
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Skirts
Skirts are stepping back into the spotlight this season, bringing movement and a touch of polish to fall outfits. From streamlined pencils to fluid midis, they’re the perfect counterpoint to structured jackets and heavier knits. Think of them as the piece that adds softness without sacrificing sophistication.
Why it’s essential: Skirts offer endless versatility — sleek enough for work, playful enough for weekends, and easy to dress up for nights out.
What’s trending now: Classic pencil skirts in wool blends, bias-cut silk midis, leather mid-lengths with edge, and pleated skirts that bring subtle drama.
How to wear it: Pair a pencil skirt with a tucked-in turtleneck and knee boots for sharp tailoring. Wear a silk midi with a chunky knit and slingbacks for effortless contrast. Layer a leather skirt with an oversized blazer for a modern edge.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Elevated Basics/Tops
Think of these as everyday pieces with personality. Elevated basics carry clean lines but lean into asymmetric details, luxe textures, or subtle cutouts that make them feel trend-aware.
Why it’s essential: They refresh your look without pulling you into full-on trend territory.
What’s trending now: One-shoulder tanks, sculpted cutout tops, sheer knits, and tonal layering pieces.
How to wear it: Pair a cutout top with silk trousers, an asymmetric tank under a blazer, or a sheer knit over a bralette.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Structured Blazers
The blazer is your sharpest styling tool. For Fall 2025, tailoring is more versatile than ever and this season it’s all about sculpted shoulders and cinched waists
Why it’s essential: It can make jeans look styled or a dress look effortless
What’s trending now: Single-breasted cinched waists; padded shoulders; belted styles, suede, wool, add a brooch
How to wear it: With denim and heels for work/day, satin trousers for evening, or over the shoulders with your LBD
Check out some of my favorite finds:
The Denim Shirt
The denim shirt is that overlooked capsule staple that feels more casual and arguably more wearable than a white button up.
Why it’s essential: It moves from off-duty layering piece to polished statement depending on how you style it.
What’s trending now: chambray fabric, belted tunics, dark rinse button-ups, and contrast stitching.
How to wear it: Tuck into tailored trousers, wear denim-on-denim, or style open over a scoop tank.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Tailored Trousers
Wool for structure, silk for fluidity—trousers bring refinement to every capsule. Fall’s cuts are high-waisted, pleated, and designed for maximum versatility.
Why it’s essential: They bridge the gap between day polish and evening elegance.
What’s trending now: Wide-leg silk, pleated wool, and tuxedo-inspired tailoring.
How to wear it: With knits and kitten heels or ankle boots for day, with a sultry top for dinner, or sneakers for a casual twist.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Lace
This season, lace will be a staple layering piece so I had to give it a category of it’s own. Lace has shifted from delicate accent to capsule statement. Worn unexpectedly, it creates contrast and adds personality.
Why it’s essential: It’s feminine, versatile, and gives structure-heavy outfits a softer edge.
What’s trending now: Lace camis and mini dresses; lace trimmed shorts;
How to wear it: Slip a cami under a blazer, belt a lace maxi with slouchy boots, or layer lace shorts with a funnel jacket.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Shoes &Boots
Updating your footwear instantly makes your outfit feel fresh and modern.
Why it’s essential: Well… we can’t walk around barefoot :)
What’s trending now: Boots: Sharp pointed toe ankle boots with kitten heels, relaxed slouchy knee-highs/thigh highs/and ankle booties, and croc-embossed or calf hair textures. Shoes: pointed toes, peep-toes, maryjane flats, sleek sneakers,
How to wear it: Ankle boots with denim, slouchy knee-highs with skirts, croc knee-highs with maxis.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Bags
The finishing touch of every outfit. You don’t need to go designer. There are so many incredibly chic mid-priced bags that are classic or trendy, depending on your preference.
Why it’s essential: A well-chosen bag pulls your whole look together while carrying everything you need.
What’s trending now: Structured and slouchy totes, croc embossing and suedes, fringed, burgundy, and espresso
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Accessories
The easiest way to make basics feel styled is through accessories. This fall, belts, jewelry, scarves, and hair accents bring bold shapes and polish to your capsule.
Why it’s essential: They transform everyday outfits into styled looks.
What’s trending now: croc leather belts, layered pendants, sculptural vintage earrings, stacked bangles, statement brooches, and textured headbands.
How to wear it: Belt a blazer at the waist, go minimal with a single pendant or layer multiple chunky chains, or finish a simple sweater pushed up to reveal a stack of bangles.
Check out some of my favorite finds:
Let’s Wrap it Up
Capsule dressing is about balance: timeless staples layered with the right updates to keep things fresh. With these building blocks, your fall wardrobe works smarter, feels more intentional, and takes the guesswork out of getting dressed.
For a more in-depth review of Fall’s hottest shoe trends, be sure to check out my Fall Shoe Trends Video, where I break down every must-have style for this season.
I look forward to connecting with you bi-monthly to bring you a newsletter full of helpful tips, tricks, and favorites for all things fashion and wellness.
Thank you for your support!
XOXO