Autumn Capsule Wardrobe for 2025

While I love living somewhere I can experience all four seasons, autumn is by far my favorite. There’s something so magical in the turning of the wheel when the temperatures fall, the air shifts, the light softens, and suddenly I find myself experiencing that nesting syndrome and craving layers, textures, and deeper tones.

Over the years, my approach to shopping and style has changed dramatically. I used to chase trends, filling my closet with pieces that didn’t last much longer than the season itself. Now, my wardrobe feels much more intentional. These days, I primarily shop secondhand, often on Poshmark, where I can search not just by brand or style but by fabric content. Knowing my measurements, filtering for natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk, and choosing quality over quantity has made shopping and updating my wardrobe fun again.

The result is a capsule wardrobe that feels like me. I’ve slowly built a closet around silhouettes and staples that I return to every fall, swapping out worn pieces for replacements when needed, but rarely reinventing the wheel. Trends are fun to watch from the sidelines, but what matters most to me is wearing what feels authentic and flattering, most importantly, clothes I look forward to pulling out year after year.

Staples: Tops

Camisoles

I’m not much of a t-shirt gal in my everyday wardrobe. Nothing against tees, I simply prefer something a little more elevated. I love these silk camisoles because not only are they great for layering, since silk is a natural fabric, it’s incredibly breathable making it comfortable for everyday wear. They also feel so luxurious and soft against skin.

Bodysuits

When I’m wanting a little more décolletage coverage or a more-fitted look, these bodysuits have been my go-to. They’re so comfortable and softly hug your curves. And, with the bottom snap button closure, you’re not awkwardly stripping down to skin each time you use the bathroom.

Button Downs

In my opinion, this is a wardrobe staple no matter the season. Button-downs are incredibly versatile workhorses in your capsules, from layering under sweaters, alone, or over camisoles & bodysuits, this piece is a must-have. For autumn, I love a mix of textures including cotton, silk and denim.

Staples: Knitwear

Sweaters

The second the equinox occurs, I’m reaching for my sweaters. I’ve been boiling myself alive this past week because the weather refuses to cooperate and be any cooler than 80F (25C). Yet I’ll be stubbornly wearing them anyway. A good sweater is the backbone of my autumn capsule. Chunky knits for cozy weekends, lightweight cashmere for layering, and textured weaves add depth to simple outfits. I focus on neutral tones that I can use season after season, but this can also be a fun space to add a more trending seasonal shade like this year’s earthy olive or deep plum to keep things feeling fresh.

Cardigans

The unsung heroes of my closet. Cardigans bridge that awkward in-between weather when you don’t quite need a coat, but you still want a little extra warmth. I love a longer, slouchy cardigan for casual days and a more structured, cropped one when I want to dress things up. They’re versatile, layer-friendly, and often take the place of a jacket in my autumn wardrobe.

Blazers

When you want to sharpen any outfit, add a blazer. Whether I’m pairing one with denim and a camisole or throwing it over a dress, it gives a sense of polish without trying too hard. I like classic cuts in wool or linen blends that transition across seasons. For autumn specifically, I gravitate toward tweed or houndstooth for that timeless, dark academic feel.

Breton Shirt

The Breton shirt is one of those pieces I never get tired of. Stripes are seasonless, but there’s something about wearing one under a trench coat in autumn that feels so right. I’ll often layer mine under a cardigan or blazer for a chic, French-inspired look. It’s simple, but it always makes me feel pulled together.

Staples: Bottoms & Outerwear

Classic Denim

A classic cut of denim is something I return to year after year. After years of low-rise tugging, my go-to styles these days are the Levi’s Wedgie Straight or Skinny for a closer fit and Ribcage when I want a wider leg. Both have the button fly which I prefer over the zip, and are available in a variety of washes. Personally, I find dark washes feel more polished for autumn, while a faded blue can add a relaxed contrast to structured pieces like blazers.

Straight-Leg Trouser

Trousers have become one of my favorite alternatives to denim. They give a more refined look without feeling fussy or over-dressed. A straight-leg silhouette is timeless and pairs perfectly with loafers, sneakers, or boots. For autumn, I look for heavier fabrics like wool or twill that drape beautifully and hold their shape.

Midi Skirt

A midi skirt strikes that balance between feminine and practical. It’s easy to style with boots, sweaters, or blazers, making it a versatile piece in my autumn capsule. I like mine in flowy silks that can be paired with sneakers or Chelsea boots for casual days.

Dress

I love having at least one go-to dress for autumn; something I can throw on and feel instantly put together. A long-sleeve knit dress or a slip style layered with a sweater always works well. This year, I’m looking to add a pop of pattern & color by including a flouncy floral mini. Dresses keep me from overthinking outfits and can easily shift from day to night with a swap of shoes or accessories.

Trench Coat

The trench coat is an autumn icon. It’s practical for those rainy, transitional days but still feels elegant. I love that it works equally well over jeans and a sweater as it does over a dress. A timeless beige trench anchors my outerwear collection, but I also like the idea of a darker tone for variety.

Staples: Shoes & Accessories

Knee-High Boot

Nothing feels more autumnal than pulling on a pair of knee-high boots. They instantly elongate the leg and pair beautifully with skirts, dresses, or tucked-in trousers. I gravitate toward leather because it ages so well and only looks better with wear.

Chelsea Bootie

The Chelsea bootie is my everyday staple. Easy to slip on, versatile with everything in my capsule, and comfortable enough for long days. A sleek leather pair feels polished, while this suede option adds texture to autumn outfits.

Casual Sneaker

Even in autumn, sneakers are a must. They balance out more tailored pieces and make an outfit feel effortlessly cool. This season I added the Adidas Handball Spezial to my capsule as I wanted a more muted neutral than the classic white. With the suede and creamy leather stripes paired with the gum sole, this shoe will carry me throughout the season and into winter.

Ballet Flat

The flat of the moment might be a loafer, but ballet flats will forever have my heart. They’re the perfect in-between when I don’t want a boot but still want something polished. They’re feminine without being fussy and pair well with trousers, denim, or skirts. I like classic leather styles that mold to the foot over time.

Sheer Tights

A small but mighty staple, sheer tights extend the life of my skirts and dresses into colder months. They add just enough warmth while keeping outfits looking chic and put together.

Belts

Belts are both functional and styling tools in my capsule. They define the waist when layering and elevate basics like denim or trousers. I keep a mix of slim leather belts for polish and wider ones for statement-making.

Jewelry

I’ve simplified my jewelry over the years, but I still like having a small rotation of everyday pieces. A delicate chain, a simple watch, and heirloom rings are usually all I need. They add subtle shine without overwhelming my look. This season, I added these resin chunky mini earrings for an extra touch as well as this chunkier link necklace that can layer over turtlenecks or alone.

Everyday Tote

A structured tote is my workhorse bag. It fits everything I need throughout my day without sacrificing style. Since it’s my day-to-day bag, I stick with neutral leather so it pairs with anything in my capsule.

Crossbody

When I want to be hands-free, I reach for a crossbody. It’s practical for errands or travel days, but still sleek enough for dinners out. I like styles that are minimal in design but big enough to hold the essentials.

SHOPPE THE CAPSULE

And that’s a look at my autumn capsule wardrobe for 2025! Chances are, you already have several of these pieces in your closet. For the ones you don’t, I hope this breakdown gives you a clear starting point for building (or refining) your own foundation. The beauty of a capsule is that it’s not about chasing trends. it’s about working with what you love and leaning into what feels timeless for you.