It’s the beginning of September which, for many of us, means the beginning of fall. The temperatures have significantly dropper where I live in Canada and I’ve found myself gravitating towards warmer clothes. I’ve been intentional and minimal with my closet for years but this year I decided to put together an official 2020 fall capsule wardrobe!
I’m not going to lie, fall is NOT my favourite season. I love summer dresses, shorts and t-shirts. But since I don’t have a choice, I’m trying to make the most of this season.
The term Capsule wardrobe was coined by Caroline Rector who described it as, “a mini wardrobe made up of really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear.”
As I have simplified my wardrobe over the years I have found it true that less is more when it comes to clothing. The process of getting dressed every day is so much easier with less items in my closet!
If simplifying and decluttering your closet feels overwhelming, check out this post first!
SUSTAINABILITY
Over the past few years I’ve been working (slowly) at creating a more sustainable wardrobe. I’m by no means perfect, and neither is this 2020 fall capsule wardrobe – but I’m making an effort!
I didn’t personally buy any new items for my fall capsule wardrobe, I’m choosing to shop from my own closet. Because the items I own are all at least a year old (most are much older), they aren’t available online anymore. So I did my best to find similar items for you!
I’ve seen two extremes when it comes to capsule wardrobes. There are people who have a 100% thrifted and/or ethical fall capsule wardrobe complete with 20 items. Then there are those who go out and purchase a whole new (fast fashion) wardrobe for each of the 4 seasons.
I would say I’m somewhere in the middle! My wardrobe still consists of some fast-fashion items, but I’m trying to get away from that by purchasing less, keeping my clothing longer and investing in sustainable pieces.
PRACTICALITY
I am ALL about a practical wardrobe that suits your own lifestyle. I work from home full-time so my wardrobe is very casual. I’ve actually stepped it up a notch on this blog post because I realize that most people actually leave their houses LOL.
You’re not going to find one-of-a-kind designer items here. This is simply a practical and realistic fall capsule wardrobe!
Create a capsule wardrobe that works for YOU and your lifestyle.
Because I spend most of my time at home, I have curated a 2020 fall capsule wardrobe that reflects that. I do get dressed in real clothes everyday and I aim to be cozy but put together!
CAPSULE WARDROBE COLOR PALETTE
I don’t think you need to stress about your capsule wardrobe color palette. Please don’t feel like you need to donate every piece of clothing you own to start your 2020 fall capsule wardrobe!
Instead, focus on neutral staple pieces with a few colors and prints that compliment!
I chose neutrals – black, white and denim plus earthy pink/orange tones for my 2020 fall capsule wardrobe!
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CAPSULE WARDROBE PANTS
I refuse to wear any pants that aren’t flattering AND comfortable. For any season I like to have a dark & light option. (I absolutely wear the same jeans year-round!). I also added in two versatile dresses that can be dressed up/down or worn with tights for colder days!
DARK WASH DENIM: I find dark denim to be dressier than light denim! A pair of dark skinnies are timeless and will work in the winter with boots.
LIGHT WASH DENIM: A stylish + flattering pair of mom jeans are essential!
BLACK CROPPED PANTS: Perfect vintage fit!
SOLID BLACK LEGGINGS: Most people don’t include leggings in their capsule wardrobe because they’re considered activewear, but I’m absolutely team “leggings are pants”. I finally invested in a pair of sustainable leggings from Girlfriend Collective!(Click here for $10 off)
BLACK JUMPSUIT: A black jumpsuit is such a versatile piece! It can be dressed up or down, or worn with layers throughout the seasons! (Other options: cozy + affordable , dressy + sustainable)
LBD (LITTLE BLACK DRESS): No capsule wardrobe would ever be complete without a LBD. I wear mine year round and love pairing it with tights, boots, scarves, etc. (Here’s an inexpensive option!)
RUST DRESS: I love a smocked dress! This would work in fall and winter with boots + a jacket
DENIM DRESS: One of my favourite outfits lately is a denim dress with leggings + a cardigan! Denim is always so versatile, and a denim dress is such a fun piece with added texture!
CAPSULE WARDROBE T-SHIRTS
Honestly, I love t-shirts and they’re the only thing that I really swap out regularly in my own wardrobe. You might want to have more basics t-shirts in your own wardrobe which is totally ok!
RUST LONG-SLEEVE: I work from home so I live in cozy clothes! But I still think this could be dressed up with a denim jacket + accessories.
STRIPED T-SHIRT: No capsule wardrobe would ever be complete without a basic stripe tee, right? I basically live in mine year-round LOL. This is perfect with a puffy vest!
WHITE BLOUSE: I love having basic items with texture to make a simple outfit more interesting!
COLOURED BLOUSE: This is a fun way to add some colour to your capsule wardrobe!
BLACK BUTTON UP: I know drapey shirts aren’t for everyone, but I’m obssessed! I have a button-up black t-shirt and I love that it works for every season.
PLAIN WHITE TEE: Plain, slouchy t-shirts are an absolute staple in my fall capsule wardrobe and this one comes in lots of colours!
CAPSULE WARDROBE SWEATERS
Layers are the key to a fall wardrobe! So often our mornings are FREEZING but it’s warmed up by the afternoon. Neutral sweaters are basically the key to my fall capsule wardrobe!
CREAM KNITTED SWEATER: A timeless, cozy sweater is essential!
LONG CARDIGAN: I actually have two long cardigans in my capsule wardrobe because I wanted both a light and dark one.
RUST SWEATER: A neutral, textured sweater is a fall capsule wardrobe staple.
TURTLENECK SWEATER: Every fall capsule wardrobe needs a dark, turtle neck sweater! This could be worn with leggings or either of the jeans!
CAPSULE WARDROBE JACKETS
Since I pretty much have to wear a jacket every day between September – April, it’s nice to have cute ones that I actually like to wear! If you like a dressier look, a blazer would also be a great option!
JEAN JACKET: Every capsule wardrobe needs a denim jacket! Mine is honestly 10 years old from American Eagle, but they just never go out of style!
SHACKET: The cutest way to add interest to a simple outfit!
CAPSULE WARDROBE ACCESSORIES
Accessories are a fun place to add in some trendy pieces. However, I always choose quality over quantity when it comes to handbags and shoes. And to be totally honest I’ll be wearing Birkenstocks until there’s snow on the ground!
HOOPS: I’ve always been a fan of simple, timeless jewelry and I love that this company created ethical, carbon neutral designs! I’ve been wearing these exact earrings daily! (You can use code Tory10 for 10% off!)
CLIPS: I’m so glad claw clips have come back into style! Such an easy way to do a quick updo.
BROWN BOOTS: These high quality boots will work for both your fall and winter capsule wardrobe.
SLIP-ON SHOES: A casual, comfy option for daily wear
LEATHER TOTE: The perfect staple handbag for any season! I love quality pieces that I know will last for years and years without going out of style.
I wanted to share some ways to style these pieces! Of course there are countless ways, but this is a start.
One of the goals of a capsule wardrobe is being able to mix and match all of the items. While I wouldn’t claim that every one of these pieces can be used together, I think they are all very versatile!
