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Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Jayne Cherrington-Cook

How to build an autumn capsule wardrobe, with everything you need for the season ahead

A mixture of items you need in your autumn capsule wardrobe 2024.

Autumn brings so much to enjoy, but switching up your wardrobe can be tricky. Enter the autumn capsule wardrobe 2024: a collection of key pieces you can mix and match with ease for chic, cosy looks all season long. Pumpkin spice lattes optional, effortless style guaranteed.

As with any capsule wardrobe edit, curating the perfect autumn capsule wardrobe involves selecting stylish basics that will work for the season.

“An important consideration when building an autumn capsule wardrobe is how to layer for keeping warm when the temperature drops,” advises Chantelle Znideric, an award-winning personal stylist.

“When looking to layer successfully, natural fabrics are always a great choice, as there are lots of benefits - they are breathable, more durable, and sustainable, which means they will last longer than synthetic fabrics and have less environmental impact.”

As you wave goodbye to your summer capsule wardrobe, remember that autumn weather can be incredibly unpredictable, so you need a wardrobe that's ready for anything.

With that in mind, we've pulled together 21 items that will help form the very stylish building blocks of your autumn outfits.

What should be in an autumn capsule wardrobe for 2024?

While there's no single right answer for what should be in your autumn capsule wardrobe, here are some types of items to consider investing in. They'll form a versatile foundation for easy dressing during the cooler months.

  • Tops: Knitwear becomes a must-have in your autumn capsule wardrobe. It adds warmth and style when layered over those other capsule essentials - t-shirts and shirts, giving you more versatility in your outfits.
  • Trousers: Trousers, whether the best slimming jeans or a more tailored style, are ideal for those transitional autumn days.
  • Skirts: Midi skirts in cosy fabrics like corduroy or wool are a total game-changer when the weather starts to cool. They're super versatile, taking you from those sunny autumn days straight into winter with just a quick switch to tights and boots.
  • Jackets and coats: Autumn is the start of coat season. Choosing the right jackets or coats means you can switch up your outfits easily and stay warm and stylish as the weather cools down.
  • Dresses: Pick styles that have the versatility to be dressed up or down. This way, they'll carry you effortlessly through the ever-changing autumn season and even into the depths of winter.
  • Shoes and bags: Choose neutral colours that will complement the rest of your capsule wardrobe.

How to build an autumn capsule wardrobe

There is no set number of items that should be in your autumn capsule wardrobe and this is a rule that applies across all seasons. Essentially what you want to end up with is a number of interchangeable items that means you can create multiple outfits with fewer pieces.

“A winning autumn wardrobe is made up of gorgeous timeless staple pieces that you love wearing again and again,” says Chantelle.

You should think of this selection of pieces as the building blocks of your outfits. That means that they form the base for the majority of your outfits and are generally classic enough that they can carry through from one year to the next. Into this you can interject a few more trend-led items during the season, to give your look a more directional feel.

Your autumn capsule wardrobe 2024 should still reflect your personality and the 21 items we have chosen are here to act as a guide to the journey of ultimate wardrobe organisation. This means you may want to be inspired by the silhouettes and layering ideas below but choose to put your own spin on it. One way you can do this is by finding out what colour suits you.

“Understanding your best neutral colours will play an essential role in how to build a successful autumn capsule wardrobe,” says Chantelle. “These hues will help to form a solid foundation, enabling you to add unique pieces, new complementary colours, and mix and match different outfits, easily and effortlessly, for your lifestyle."

Tops

A key building block for your autumn capsule wardrobe, a strong selection of tops will help in the quest for ultimate layering.

“Prioritise classics that you can layer, such as a crisp white cotton shirt to wear open over tops or buttoned for a more formal look,” says Siena Barry-Taylor, Fashion Expert at Thrift+. “You might want to also Invest in a cosy round-neck cashmere jumper (one of the top-selling items at Thrift+) or chunky button cardigan for cooler days.”

Trousers

Due to the drop in temperatures, trousers are the perfect solution before moving into tights season later in the year. As we leave behind linens, cotton and cotton blends will still be breathable and warm enough for the early autumn period. As we move further into the season, opt for wool, or wool-blends for a cosy and polished finish.

Siena suggests a high waisted pair: "Look for a flat-fronted pair with a side zip and a slightly wider leg, as these are so flattering. They can be dressed up or down which makes them an ideal addition.”

And while black trousers are an obvious choice, Siena says to try other shades like charcoal or olive green. “This will add some variation and colour - a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring!”

Denim in this context should straddle a selection of the best jeans for your body type - straight leg jeans will always look a little more polished and suit most body shapes, while trend-led styles, such as barrel leg jeans, will give added style direction.

Skirts

Another key separate for your wardrobe, select your skirt shapes based on what suits your body type best. Pleated skirts add a little more interest and swoosh to your look, while an A-line design skims hips, stomachs and thighs, making it generally a universally flattering silhouette.

For work, opt for smarter fabrics, while weekends, a denim maxi skirt, will add a directional feel to your ensemble. Don't be afraid of print here either, with some moody blooms going a long way in updating your autumn look.

Jackets and coats

Integral to autumn, thanks to changeable weather, you'll need everything from light layers - such as the best waterproof jackets or a classic denim jacket - to something a little more heavyweight, so you're prepared for both end-of-summer climates and early winter snaps.

“For this wonderful transitional season, I wouldn’t be without a variety of leather jackets including biker, bomber and shacket styles,” says Chantelle. “The same goes for blazers! Choose varsity stripes or colourful styles that can add a whole new dimension and formality to your personal style.”

As with jackets, it's about being adaptable when it comes to the types of coats you need in an autumn capsule wardrobe. A trench coat will double up as a wet weather day fave, while a parka will bridge the gap before you need to drag out your favourite puffer coat once more. Or try a waxed coat for the ultimate mix of style and practicality.

Dresses

The dresses for your autumn capsule wardrobe 2024 offer one-stop dressing, ensuring you look put together in a flash. Block-coloured, neutral iterations in classic midi silhouettes will never go out of fashion, but to add some edge to your autumn capsule wardrobe, try leather.

“Leather is always on my radar and it’s a great heavy-duty fabric to wear in the autumn,” says Chantelle. “A leather or faux leather dress could be a winner to elevate your wardrobe.”

If dresses really aren't your thing, think about investing in a flattering jumpsuit instead. They offer a similar level of effortless style and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Shoes and bags

Footwear for the autumn season is one you can largely pull from your wardrobe. Trainers are perfect for casual days, while loafers add a touch of polish to your work outfits. It might be a bit early for knee-high boots, but ankle boots are a must-have. They're not just for dresses – they look fantastic with jeans and trousers too.

When it comes to bags for your autumn capsule wardrobe in 2024, opt for maximum wearability and longevity with a neutral-coloured bag that will carry the day-to-day items - a tote or crossbody style is ideal. If you have some money to spend, why not choose one of the best designer bags under £1000? Choose wisely and it will work across the seasons.

FAQs

How to start an autumn capsule wardrobe

As with every capsule wardrobe, start by sorting out what you have, so that you can clearly divide, conquer and declutter clothes. Organising your wardrobe will allow you to assess the gaps in your wardrobe and where you actually need to shop for new items. Try styling as many outfits as you can together from what you have, taking pictures of each look as a record, so you can refer back to them, making getting dressed on an autumn morning super easy.

Once you know what you're missing, make a comprehensive shopping list. Each new item should really go with three existing pieces to make it a worthwhile investment. And if you’re on a budget, don’t be afraid to shop second-hand for your wardrobe building blocks.

“Pre-loved clothing is a great choice for capsule wardrobes as vintage and second-hand pieces often come from an era when clothing was made with higher quality materials meaning you can find durable and long-lasting pieces that are timeless,” says Siena.

“Second-hand is also often more affordable, which allows you to stretch your clothing budget further to create the wardrobe of your dreams. One of the biggest benefits of buying pre-loved fashion though is that you're extending the life cycle of garments and is a great way if you’re looking for how to shop sustainably.”

How to style your autumn capsule wardrobe

It's the little things that truly inject personality and style into your capsule wardrobe. Having accessories like belts, jewellery, scarves and hats on hand allows you to create countless looks from your basic pieces. It's also a fantastic way to incorporate the latest trends and bring your autumn capsule wardrobe into 2024. For example, a studded belt paired with jeans and a simple top will add a touch of edgy flair, while a statement necklace – opt for a corded one for an on-trend look – worn over a jumper and trousers instantly adds a touch of glam.

Don't overlook the transformative power of hats and woolly scarves either. These simple swaps can redefine your outerwear. A leopard print scarf can breathe new life into a classic trench coat, while a bold statement hat could have you channelling the iconic looks seen on Chanel's Autumn/Winter catwalk.

Is an autumn capsule wardrobe a good idea?

An autumn capsule wardrobe is a great idea for a number of reasons. Creating a tight edit of pieces for the season will allow you to declutter your wardrobe and minimise the amount of space you need to dedicate to your clothes. You’ll often find that many items from your spring capsule wardrobe can also work well in this mix of clothes.

In addition to this, collating an autumn capsule wardrobe should help you buy less and buy better, investing more in higher quality items, making this method of wardrobe editing better for the environment in the long run. And although you might invest more in a coat this season, such as a designer coat, if it lasts you for several years, you will save in the long run, as opposed to replacing items new each season.

How many pieces should be in a seasonal capsule wardrobe?

The number of pieces in a seasonal capsule wardrobe can vary depending on personal style, lifestyle and climate, but a general guideline is between 20 to 40 pieces. This usually includes tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes, but excludes items like accessories, workout gear, or special occasion outfits.

The key to a successful capsule wardrobe is versatility. Each piece should be able to mix and match with others to create multiple outfits. For example, you might have a few staple tops, a couple of trousers or skirts, one or two outerwear pieces, and a few pairs of shoes that all coordinate.

This allows for enough variety to create diverse outfits while still maintaining the core principle of a capsule wardrobe: a curated collection of versatile, high-quality items that you love and wear frequently.

Remember, the focus is on quality over quantity.

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