2023 Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe & Edit
If I had to pick a favorite season for fashion, it would be fall. Once fall hits, we’re able to start layering more (and layers always equal more interesting outfits), plus all the rich tones (from earthy neutrals to jewel tones) and TEXTURES (suede, knit, boucle, LEATHER…it’s just all so delicious). Summer went by in a whirlwind, as every season does these days. I’m sad to see the long days (aka 8 pm sunsets) go, but I’m excited for football saturdays, the leaves changing, fires (we got our fireplace fixed this summer!) and chilly morning walks with Bailey.
I didn’t end up putting out a summer capsule, but similiar to my spring capsule – I felt inspired to incorporate colors and tones I was especially excited for the new season. As you can probably tell, I’ve fallen hard for red and chocolate – both of which have found their way to be heavily incorporated in my fall capsule. As I mentioned in the spring capsule, over the years, my personal capsule has grown with intentional purchases; these growing capsules reflect that and my personal style. A capsule is a process and doesn’t come together over night. As your style evolves, so does your capsule. I share these capsules as a source of inspiration, but ultimately your capsule wardrobe has to reflect what you love and feel good wearing. If you’re stuck on trying to develop your personal style, I highly, highly, recommend looking into Alison Bornstein’s 3 word method (follow her on IG and Tiktok, you won’t regret it!). I’m not entirely sure what my 3 words are, initially drawn to classic, chic, modern, casual, and tailored, I struggle to firmly nail it down to 3 alone.
There is no right or wrong way to create your capsule, but I always encourage starting with the basics. Once that foundation of basics is built, you can easily introduce other “statement” items, whether that be a fresh trend or wearing colors, prints, or patterns. Before jumping into buying new pieces, try using Alison’s 3 word method and confirming that a new item would fit with one (or all 3) of your words. You can also mentally style at least 3 outfits with a new item to ensure it will actually fit into your wardrobe. Over the last few years, my wardrobe goal was to build my foundation of basics. Now that I’ve acquired most of my basics, my 2023 wardrobe goal was to add in more personality – whether that be in how I’m styling my basics OR pairing “statement” pieces with my basics. As I reflect on past capsules and my style over the last year, I can see the “growth” that I’ve made in coming into my personal style.
Below is the link to download the PDF (it is in small print beneath the next graphic). The PDF includes the fall capsule details plus a 150 potential outfit combinations. If you’re wondering why some outfits have all the accessories added vs. others with less, by about halfway through I start to go stir crazy with adding in all the details :). Below that are the links for the individual items – when possible, the specific item is linked, but I’ve also included similiar or additional items that I think would be great items for fall (and into winter as well!). For example, a chocoate brown ankle boot is in the capsule, but if you don’t already have a black ankle boot, you might want to start with black, so I’ve included options for that as well. For items that I can’t link in the “carousels”, look below each shopping lookbook for additional links and my experience with sizing details! Please feel free to reach out to me via email or on instagram if you have any questions about sizing, etc.
Tops
For sizing references, I take my normal size in the La Ligne mariner sweater. They are so soft and cozy (not itchy at all) and fit like a dream – I’m ready to buy them in every color! The red cropped LouLou sweater layers perfectly over dresses, but equally pairs well with high waisted bottoms. I take my normal size in that too. For the black silk button up top from Club Monaco, I take my normal size. I love these denim shirts (take this one if you want a darker wash and more slim cut – size up one) vs. this one for a medium wash and oversized fit (take normal size). For white button up tops, this one from Classic Six is especially luxe, Sezane for a more afforable classic style (oversized vs. slim silhoutte), or the brand With Nothing Underneath (I especially like the boyfriend style). I’ve also had my eye on the brand Sessei for their sharply designed button ups. Yet to take the plunge, but planning to place an order!
Denim/Pants
For another classic slim, straight leg denim, the brut sexy is a timeless option with a vintage feel. Rigid with zero stretch, I found these to run small. I sized up 1 and even then took a few wears to really loosen up for more comfort. For the annina style from Citizens of Humanity, I take my normal size for a relaxed fit; same goes for the AYR secret sauce in the short and Madewell wide leg chestnut brown pant. I take my normal size in the Gap wide leg jeans – but these do run big, consider sizing down! For the faux leather pants, I size up and had the length taken up. For the utility paloma pant from Citizens of Humanity, be sure to size down!! These run very big. I’m especially drawn to all the earthy neutral pants this fall – olive greens and shades of brown; think colored corduroys, silk, denim, or pants that aren’t quite trousers, but also not denim! You might notice that I didn’t include a pleated trouser – this was more so about focusing on pieces I was specifically excited about for fall. but I’ve linked some of my favorite trousers from Sezane to wear to the office here, here, and here.
Dresses/Skirts
I also really like this style knit midi skirt from Sezane – I have it in navy and take my normal size. I haven’t tried these knit dresses from Sezane, but they look very promising (linked here and here). I love this olive utility skirt from Banana Republic, but sadly it ran big and I decided to return rather than get it tailored. For the leather mini skirt, I sized up one so that the skirt would not be too tight on my butt. It is a little loose in the waist now – if you have less booty, consider taking your normal size!
Layers
Some other classic options would be camel, black, ivory, or grey – just consider what your closet tones are and what works best for you! I have slowly been building up my coat collection over the years as coats end up being such a focal point of my wardrobe with living in the NE. If you’re looking for a water repellant trench, check out this one (I take my normal size, but size up if you want an oversized fit). I’m sure as we get further into fall there will be even more great coat options available. I didn’t include a leather jacket in the capsule *only* because I didn’t come across a style that I loved, but I’m sure I’ll end up coming across one I love at a different time. If you’re looking for more layering options, I also love tan suede jackets or utility green jackets (like this or this).
Bags
If you follow me on instagram, you know how much I wear and love this Black Leather Purse. It is a great under $350 option that comes in a range of neutrals and smooth vs. pebbled leather. It comes with two different straps (shoulder vs. crossbody). If you want a closer look at it, I recommend watching the review video I have on my instagram. A red bag is on my wishlist for fall, so I had to include some red options as well – I have the one I want picked out, but now I’m tempted by this Aesther Ekme one (which is 20% off at the time I published this post). For additional purse options, check out Paris/64, Little Liffner, and Polene.
Shoes
For sizing reference, I sized up 1/2 in my knee high Remy boots from Reformation. I tried out the STAUD knee high Wally boot, but sadly the shaft was way too high on me (check out my IG highlights for the comparison between the two). I also sized up 1/2 in the Jcrew Stevie ankle boot. I love these, but the leather is soft and the toe scuffs easily. Be prepared to have to take to the shoe repair at least once a season! Planning to order the Wally ankle boot and going to take 1/2 size up – the brown suede is currently sold out in my size and fingers crossed it restocks! (Surely it will, right? It’s not even true fall yet!!). I take my normal size in the Stuart Weitzman Palmer black loafer, Mansur Gavriel ballet flat, and slingback Sam Edelman heel (I have these in 3 colors and love them!!). Onitsuka has great retro sneakers. I have the GSM version and sized up 1/2. For Adidas Sambas, I take my normal size (always double check if its in men’s sizing!).
Jewelry/Accessories
Some jewelry trends I’m loving for F/W – silver, mixed metals, statement studs (think very vintage inspired), pearls and stacked bangles. You’ll almost always see me layering this necklace from Phyllis and Rosie (you can use code KELLY20 to save). If you’re looking to invest in fine jewelry, I have slowly been adding pieces from Fewer Finer to my collection and plan to add these diamond hoops next! I recently fell back in love with a necklace I’ve had for years (long chain with a turquoise pendant) – I love how the turquoise pops against the browns and reds. For months, I’ve been looking for silver cuff/bangle options. I love the Tiffany’s Elsa Peretti cuff, but I’m not sure if I want that to be a wish list investment. If you’re looking for vintage earrings, I recommend that you check out Etsy or drops from Julia Vaughn. If you’re looking for silk scarves, look for vintage styles for a unique option, but I also love the minimal designs from Toteme or LeScarf.
As always, thank you so much for all your support, shopping through my links, and sharing the capsule with you friends!
xx, Kelly
