Creating Your Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

Now is the perfect time to give your wardrobe some trans-seasonal TLC, and add in any pieces you might be missing for the colder months. We’re obviously here to help, with a sprinkle of sustainability and some pre-loved points of action.

If you’ve been around Reskinned for a while, you’ll know that we’re big fans of the capsule wardrobe. Creating a system where you know what you’ve got, and everything goes with each other, is the stuff that dreams are made from. And it can actually become a reality. With a little bit of planning, some mindful shopping and a thoughtful, slow approach, autumn dressing is about to get a lot easier.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

Are you scratching your head thinking, okay, but what’s a capsule wardrobe? We’ve written a blog all about it to give you the basics, but we’ll start from scratch here too.

At its core, the capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of clothes, shoes and accessories that are versatile, timeless and intentionally chosen to fit your lifestyle and clothing needs. The philosophy comes from a minimalist approach to fashion and clothes, and promotes a more intentional way of living. There’s an emphasis on quality over quantity, and making getting dressed as simple as possible.

It’s not about having 10 things to choose from for each occasion, but more about having a great-fitting pair of tailored trousers that work for the office, a party or date night, or the perfect flattering jeans for day to night.

Why Create an Autumn Capsule Wardrobe?

Building a capsule wardrobe can take some time, and some trial and error. When the seasons change, it’s a good time to assess what you have, and the gaps you can fill to have something to wear for every occasion.

During the Autumn months, the weather fluctuates from crisp chilly mornings to warm afternoons, which means adaptable outfits are a must. By creating your own capsule wardrobe, you’ll be much better prepared for seasonal surprises, reduce your decision fatigue and streamline your routine.

Basically, you’ll be winning at life.

Key Components of an Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

To start with, let’s break down the key components that make up a capsule wardrobe.

• Outerwear: Invest in jackets and coats that can effortlessly transition from cool mornings to brisk evenings. Pick pieces that work with your body shape, and have design features that will work for your lifestyle. If you’ll be walking to the office five times a week, a formal wool coat could be a great option. And if you’re an avid hill-walker, you’ll want to make sure you choose one with wind and rain protection.
• Tops: This is the season for cosy sweatshirts and long-sleeved shirts, that you can layer together to stay warm and cosy. Choose natural materials over synthetic for extra sustainability points and warmth, but be sure you don’t pick anything that will make you itch. Cotton knitwear could be a good choice if you tend to find wool irritating.
• Bottoms: Versatile options like jeans and trousers that can be paired with various tops are going to be your best friend through autumn and into winter. 
• Accessories: Layering accessories like hats and scarves is a great way to transition your summer clothes into autumn. Choose warm fabrics and accessories that show your personality for a touch of personal flair.
• Footwear: Boots and trainers are your autumn footwear staples, providing comfort and style. Opt for pairs that you can dress up or down, and choose comfortable, good quality styles so that they last for many seasons to come.

Choosing the Right Color Palette

We’ll let you in on a little secret when it comes to creating a capsule wardrobe for Autumn, and that is this: It’s all in the colour scheme. 

You don’t have to be a style-guru to look good all the time, you just need a cohesive colour scheme for your wardrobe, and getting dressed will become a total breeze. We recommend picking one or two bright colours that compliment each other, and pairing these with your favourite neutrals to allow your clothes to work harmoniously with one another.

We always say, it’s about what works for you. If you’re a black-on-black-on-black type of person, then throw out the rule book and go for 50 shades of black. And if you’d rather walk down the street naked than on something beige, then by all means, build your capsule wardrobe in pure, unadulterated colour.

Side note: I once lived with a girl who only dressed in shades of pink, and her capsule wardrobe was monotone in all the best ways. Don't be afraid to step away from classic style and embrace your personal style.

Material Matters for your Autumn Wardrobe

Choosing the right fabrics is a crucial step in creating your autumn capsule wardrobe. Avoid excessive synthetic fabrics, as they lack breathability and are less comfortable than their natural counterparts. Opting for cotton, wool and natural fibres will make your wardrobe more breathable, and also more sustainable too. 

Of course, when it comes to technical fabrics to protect you from the weather, our brand partners Finisterre are the perfect one-stop shop. They prioritise sustainable and recycled  fabrics that are great for outdoor adventures.

How to Build Your Autumn Capsule Wardrobe - A Step by Step Guide

It might feel like an overwhelming task, but building a capsule wardrobe for autumn doesn’t need to be hard. Just follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll be well on your way to sartorial success. 

STEP ONE: Work with what you’ve got

The most sustainable thing to wear is whatever is in your wardrobe, so it’s time to get reacquainted with the things you’ve bought over the years. The good news is that you obviously loved each thing enough to spend your hard-earned money on it at some point. Take stock of what you already own, and work out what items can be incorporated into your autumn capsule wardrobe. 

Ignore anything that doesn’t make you feel good or fit quite right, and pick the pieces you always gravitate towards anyway. Do you find them easy to style and wear? 

STEP TWO: Identify the gaps in your wardrobe

Work out what pieces are missing from your capsule wardrobe. What items would make getting dressed that bit easier. Trousers that go with everything? A pair of dungarees you can throw on for casual days at home? The coat that ties everything together? Choose versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched with what you've already got, and things you can wear all year round.

Write it down, and identify the colours, fabrics and prints or patterns that are going to work best with your existing clothes.

STEP THREE: Set the budget

Unless you’re made of money, it’s probably worth setting yourself a budget for your capsule wardrobe buys. Establish a spending limit to help you make intentional shopping choices, and work out if you actually need everything straight away, or you can stagger your purchases over a few months or even years. 

STEP FOUR: Be Intentional

Intention is key when it comes to shopping for new items. Avoid impulse purchases, and focus on quality, versatility and pieces you know you’ll wear over and over again. Don't settle for good enough, opt for the perfect fit, and the perfect pieces you'll be wearing for years.

Styling Tips for Your Capsule Wardrobe

Become a master of layering, and you'll be laughing your way into winter with the perfect wardrobe full of staple pieces. 

Create combinations to wear for casual days, work and special events by switching out accessories and shoes. A t-shirt and jeans can easily be smartened up with shoes or boots instead of trainers and a tailored jacket, or worn for a casual occasion with a sweatshirt or leather jacket.

Maintaining Your Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

Looking after your Autumn capsule wardrobe will make sure it stays fresh for years to come. Make sure you store your items correctly when you’re not wearing them, and take care to repair and properly clean the things in your capsule. 

It’s okay to update or replace pieces from your capsule wardrobe with new things to keep it feeling good to reach for.

Creating an autumn capsule wardrobe allows you to embrace timeless pieces over seasonal pieces, and build a wardrobe you'll love wearing throughout autumn, spring, summer and winter. Choosing what to wear is about to get a lot easier, and you'll find yourself being able to create endless looks out of the pieces you wear all the time. 

Simplifying is a key factor in a more sustainable lifestyle, and building a capsule wardrobe will make sure you don't over-shop, and make meaningful purchases that reflect your unique taste and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and find out what works best for you.

Shop pre-loved for your capsule wardrobe now.