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A fall capsule wardrobe sets the tone for all your transitional looks—and since autumn is probably the most exciting season to dress for, having the right essentials on hand is, well, essential. Our fall must-haves are tried-and-true staples, and if you don’t already have them somewhere in your closet it’s time to invest. There are the usual suspects: black leggings, white T-shirts, slick sunglasses, autumn boots, tote bags, and denim skirts. But this season, we’re also updating the classic formula with a few modern classics, including minimalist ballet flats and sculptural silver earrings that’ll elevate simple looks. (We also have thoughts on the proper length for socks.)
As you scroll through this edit, take stock of the pieces you currently own and think about what’s missing, what you have too much of, and what might need replacing. The whole point of curating a fall capsule wardrobe—or any seasonal edit, really—is to mitigate the cycle of clothing fatigue and overspending and instead lean into versatile, hardworking silhouettes and colors that work for your lifestyle. Now go take all the inspiration you need for the season—and spice up these basics with our favorite fall fashion trends along the way.
1. The white T-shirt
Not everyone is a “jeans and T-shirt” dresser, but few can deny the appeal of a perfectly fitted T-shirt. We’ll always encourage a little color, but you need a proper white tee before anything else. These picks are bestsellers among Glamour readers (and perennial go-tos for our editors).
2. The leather boots
Equal parts practical and chic, leather boots of any stripe—knee-highs, Chelsea booties, slouchy suede—will get near-daily wear peeking out of wide-leg jeans and fall dresses. Pro tip: Prioritize pairs with low-enough heels so you can actually walk around, whether you’re off to work or punching up a going-out look.
3. The straight-leg jeans
Denim trends come and go, but straight-leg jeans are timeless. Feel free to add more of-the-moment styles to your rotation, but make sure you have a nice pair of everyday blues that you can turn to when nothing else feels quite right. These picks pair nicely with pretty much everything else in this edit.
4. The button-down shirt
Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up—a relaxed button-down shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to jeans and sequin skirts. You can never go wrong with classic white or black, but you also might find yourself reaching for unexpected materials like denim more often than you’d expect.
5. The tote bag
Sure, a designer bag isn’t technically a necessity—but if you’re in the market for some new eye candy for the months ahead, these under-$500 picks from your favorite brands make great investments. Plus, totes don’t change with the seasons, meaning these will quickly become the heroes of your all-season capsule wardrobe.
6. The just-right blazer
Autumn is all about layering, and blazers might just be the ultimate stackable pieces this time of year. Throw one over a T-shirt or blouse on warmer days, then add a thin sweater to the mix when things get chillier. These earth-tone picks are some of the most versatile options on the market.
7. The kitten heels
While kitten heels are certainly enjoying a trendy moment—they walked nearly every major runway this season—they’re genuine classics that aren’t going to disappear anytime soon. These picks pair well with everything from shirtdresses to jeans, adding polish to outfits in need of some personality.
8. The hero dress
No matter the occasion, from fall weddings to last-minute celebrations, you need something nice on hand so you don’t find yourself freaking out in a dimly lit changing room at the eleventh hour. These easy-to-accessorize showstoppers are here to help.
9. The perfect sweater
You don’t need to fill your closet with 10 different cardigans and cashmere sweaters; just buy one or two really good knits and wear them on repeat. Embrace this season’s most approachable color trends—butter yellow, gray, and burgundy—with a nice sweater you’ll keep turning to year after year.
10. The black leggings
You abandoned your black leggings for shorts this summer, but it’s high time for a long-awaited reunion. Skip the riffraff and go right for the brands you already know and love: Lululemon, Aerie, Spanx, and the like. Plus, they pair surprisingly nicely with high-end pieces like scarf coats and cashmere sweaters.
11. The sporty sneakers
The best sneaker style is one you can wear for 10,000 steps without thinking twice—and have you looking cute, too. Slim, sporty sneakers offer a retro look that complements any outfit; all you need to do is pick the design and colorway that speaks most to you.
12. The quarter-length socks
Millennials and Zoomers can agree on one sock length: the quarter. Whether you’ve always worn ankle socks or you prefer the taller crew, this happy medium complements sneakers, loafers, and even slingback heels. Give it a shot this season and it might just become your closet’s reigning champ.
13. The everyday sunglasses
Must we explain the appeal of the perfect pair of shades? We love that these frames are all certified timeless, with a retro charm that still feels fresh. And whether you’re spending $15 or $500, you’ll look like a million bucks.
14. The silver earrings
Earrings are an especially effortless way to zhuzh up an outfit, and we’re vibing with silver for the greyer, moodier days ahead. Waterdrop earrings have officially transitioned from trendy to classic in 2024, and we expect the same will happen to the rippled drop earrings Glamour editors keep wearing to the office.
15. The glove flats
Trend-proof your ballet flats by making them as simple as possible, stripping away the straps, bows, and hardware that change with the seasons. These minimalist leather shoes are exactly the kind of understated pieces you’ll find yourself reaching for every week.
16. The leather jacket
What’s fall without a leather jacket? Whether you want a classic motorcycle silhouette or a new-school take like a blazer or a racer jacket, these picks add some downtown grit to any run-of-the-mill look.
17. The denim skirt
It might be slightly controversial, but we think the best denim skirt, especially in autumn, is a midi. These sleek, preppy skirts will allow you to give your jeans a well-deserved break—and they’ll kiss the tops of your favorite fall boots perfectly.
18. The suede bag
Suede is at its absolute best this time of year, and this season’s bags certainly do not disappoint on that front. Whether you need an everyday tote (like from Madewell and Khaite) or a bag that’ll pull all of your weekend ’fits together (looking at you, Reformation and Free People), make sure you have a suede piece on hand for fall.
19. The sweaterdress
Unless they feature moody, pensive prints, too-colorful dresses just don’t hit the same way this time of year. A sleeved knit number, on the other hand, is a versatile piece that delivers the same ease as your favorite summer midis, just in a cozier material. You can even get away with glamming these gems up for a wedding.
20. The slim loafers
Want to put the wrong-shoe theory to the test? Try pairing these sharp loafers with white jeans or a denim skirt. We’re expecting chunky and Mary Jane loafers to be especially trendy this fall, but we suggest investing in these classic styles first.
21. The relaxed trousers
There’s a reason so many celebrities are photographed in roomy, laidback trousers: They’re effortlessly cool, but still plenty comfortable. Pair yours with an asymmetrical top and leather loafers for a look that could work for the office or a dinner date.
22. The waistcoat
When styled with more relaxed pieces, vests prove their worth by making you look both put-together and completely relaxed. They’ll shine on warmer days, and they’re slim enough to layer under blazers and fall jackets when you need more warmth.
23. The trench coat
The perfect weight for transitional weather, trench coats offer weatherproof protection on breezy, drizzly days. It doesn’t hurt that these classic picks play nice with everything you’re already planning to wear (including sweatpants and white sneakers when you can’t bring yourself to wear anything else on a late-morning coffee run).
24. The minimalist belt
Unassuming accessories tie your fall wardrobe together, and none mix form and function as much as belts. These unassuming picks are pretty, but they don’t take too much of the limelight—perfect for making jeans and trousers feel a little more finished when you’re rushing out the door.
