How To Prepare Your Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

AD. It's getting to that exciting time of year. The season that seems to be everybody's (myself included) favourite... Autumn! There's something about the nights drawing in and the leaves turning crips which fills so much of us with elation. Perhaps is the chance to reinvent yourself, to start new goals or to simply revamp your Autumn wardrobe. I'm definitely the latter! I love having a good wardrobe refresh around this time of year and creating my perfect autumn capsule wardrobe.

[Photo by Pedram Normohamadian on Unsplash]

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?

In order to create your perfect autumn capsule wardrobe you must firstly understand what a capsule wardrobe is:

A capsule wardrobe is a selection of interchangeable clothing items which complement each other. They're often classic, staple pieces. The type of clothes which aren't going to go out of fashion and can be worn for years to come. A capsule wardrobe allows you to create a large selection of outfits, using very minimal clothing items.

How To Affordably Build Your Autumn Capsule Wardrobe.

Audit Your Current Wardrobe

The easiest and most affordable way to prepare your autumn capsule wardrobe is to audit what you already have! The best way I've found to do this is to get everything out and start with a blank canvas.

Take a look at what's already in your wardrobe, instantly dismiss the items which aren't season appropriate (playsuits/bikinis/sandals etc) and set to work on what you're left with.

At this point it's a good idea to check the quality of the clothing in your wardrobe. Is there anything in there which doesn't quite fit? Or are there any pieces that are a little passed their sell by dates? What can you donate? What can you repair?

Auditing your current wardrobe means you're starting off on the very best foot!

Shop Wholesale

A creative way of updating your autumn wardrobe, whilst making money is by using wholesale clothing. This is where you buy bulk from a wholesaler before selling on separately for a profit.

Before starting your boutique wholesale clothing business, it's worth considering a few things first. The start up costs, if it's worth your time and the type of products you'd like to sell. You may want a boutique that focuses on wholesale dresses, perhaps it may just be accessories? You should also consider digital marketing and the power of social media influencers to boost sales for your wholesale business.

Fashion Wholesale is a super exciting business to get into, though it's not without hard work and determination!

Shop Second Hand

One of the most affordable and sustainable ways of updating your autumn capsule wardrobe is by shopping second hand. There are many benefits and reasons to shop second hand, with affordability being just one of them.

After doing your wardrobe audit you should have a list of things you need to buy to add to your new seasons wardrobe. It's always worth checking places like vinted or ebay first to see if you can pick them up second hand.

_{[Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash]}

Clothing Items You Need In Your Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

As capsule wardrobes feature a very minimal amount of clothing items, it can be daunting picking what pieces make it through (very X-Factor-esque) and which ones don't. Here I've got a list of what I'd class as the bare minimum to see you through the season.

Feel free to swap things around or add/take away. Everybody's wardrobes are going to be slightly different - That's what makes fashion so interesting!

Tops

• Long sleeve striped tee
• White shirt
• Thin neutral turtle neck
• Black crew neck

Long sleeve striped tee

A classic long sleeve striped tee is an essential in your autumn capsule wardrobe. Choosing something of a higher quality means this staple will see you through many years (and different seasons) to come

White shirt

Bring an element of sophistication to your wardrobe with a classic white shirt. Something super crisp and structured would be amazing for this time of year.

Thin neutral turtle neck

A thin turtleneck is a great transition piece. Going for something a bit more lightweight means you can layer up when temperatures drop towards the end of the season.

Black crew neck

You can't get any more everyday than with a staple black crew neck tee. I live in these throughout the year, so this will be definitely staying in my autumn capsule wardrobe.

Bottoms

• Blue jeans
• Neutral high waist wide leg trousers
• Black leggings

Blue jeans

I've not mentioned the style or cute of jeans here as I feel denim is very subjective. What suits me and makes me feel good may be totally different to you. So for this case, stick to what you know style wise, just go blue as it's a classic!

Neutral high waist wide leg trousers

For on the days when you don't want to wear jeans (which is me, more and more now) wide leg smart(ish) trousers are a must! I'd opt for a neutral tone too, to contrast the other bottoms in your autumn capsule wardrobe.

Black leggings

Plain black leggings are a staple in my 'mum wardrobe'. They can be dressed up, dressed down or even worn to the gym. I can't get rid of these from my capsule wardrobe.

_{[Photo by Pedram Normohamadian on Unsplash]}

Full Lengths

• Classic day dress

Classic day dress

For me it has to be a midi, but I'd recommend you need at least one day dress in your autumn capsule wardrobe. Autumn can be a temperamental time of year weather wise, so a versitaile day dress would be a great transition piece.

Knits

• Everyday hoodie
• Beige thick knit
• Sweater vest

Everyday hoodie

Hoodies are unbelievably underrated! Not only do they make you feel all fuzzy inside, but they're an essential to your autumn capsule wardrobe too. An oversized varsity style hoodie would be amazing for autumn.

Beige thick knit

When I think of an autumn capsule wardrobe, the main thing I think of is a classic beige thick knitted jumper. And there's a reason for that! They're a must! You absolutely need one in your wardrobe.

Sweater vest

Sweater vests may not be for everyone. I get that! But I think a sweater vest is a must for your autumn wardrobe. It's a piece that can be worn casually and dressed up super easily.

Outerwear

• Longline camel coat
• Shacket
• Black padded coat

Longline camel coat.

Similar to the beige knit, a camel coat is what instantly springs to mind when I think of an autumn wardrobe. It's a classic piece and absolutely an investment which will pay off!

Shacket.

Shackets are relatively new to me, but now I have one, I don't want to be without it. In between a shirt and a jacket this transitional piece is perfect for autumn.

Black padded coat

I didn't realise just how much wear I'd get out of my black padded coat before I bought it. And for that reason it's absolutely 100% staying in my autumn capsule wardrobe. It's perfect worn unzipped for a more casual look, but can easily be zipped up when the weather drops a little.

Footwear

• Black boots
• White trainers

Black boots

Doc Martens would be my black boots of choice, but feel free to choose something which suits you. You absolutely can't go wrong with a timeless pair of black boots.

White trainers

I'm a white trainer girl through and through and live in my Nike air max's. They're the comfiest thing I own for my feet and for that reason they'll absolutely be staying in my autumn capsule wardrobe.

Accessories

• Black crossbody bag
• Cream tote bag

Black cross body bag

A black cross body bag is an absolute classic in my eyes! Again they can be dressed up or down. A classic bag like this is all you'll ever need!

Cream tote bag

Tote bags are amazing if you're forever on the go. They're great for sustainability and even better for curating your perfect autumn look.

_{[Photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash]}

So, there we have it! A run down of how to create your perfect autumn capsule wardrobe! I hope my post has been insightful and informative for you.

What's your favourite piece of autumn fashion? Let me know in the comments what your favourite season is too.