I’ve been so impatient! I know a Texas summer isn’t really over until late October, but that hasn’t stopped me. My head has been full of nothing but fall fashion for the last 6 weeks. This is a strange experience for me — I’m a summer gal and usually try to shush anyone who talks about fall too early, but this year I’m craving that internal shift that comes with changing weather.
And finally, it’s beginning to cool off! Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. Either way, it’s fall capsule time!
In this post, I’ll share:
- my 24 piece fall capsule
- capsule by category: a glimpse into my thoughts while planning each category
- 21 outfits from the capsule
There’s a total of 24 items here. Some are pieces I own, while some seem doomed to live on my wish list until the end of time. But maybe someday, she whispers wistfully to herself.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 6 tops
- 4 bottoms
- 4 shoes
- 1 dress
- 3 jackets
- 2 handbags
- 4 accessories
These days, I treat a capsule as the core of my wardrobe — not the entirety of my wardrobe. That way I have the stable foundation of a wearable wardrobe I know I can rely on, and I have the flexibility to follow my creative inspiration and adjust to life’s unexpected happenings.
This collection is 90’s inspired, with clean lines and sporty touches. Plus! Color!
I’m so inspired by this “pop of red” trend that the whole internet is into right now. But you know me — I’m all about those neutrals. So I took a toned down spin on the trend and went with this deep cherry instead of a red red.
I also wanted to incorporate a brighter note to counter yet compliment all the black and deep cherry. Enter this cheerful blue! Don’t you love it? Blue has been a constant in my closet for many years now, so it feels reliable and true to my style.
The result is a color palette that pleases my neutral-loving-self and my shake-it-up-self.
• CAPSULE BY CATEGORY •
If you see something you like, you can shop it and support my blog at the same time, at no cost to you, by using the affiliate links below.
TOPS
Sweater season is almost here! But it’ll stay warm/mild for a while longer, so I included some sleeveless tops that still channel fall. Note that dressy halter top! Swoon. I don’t know what it is, but I always want to dress up more in the fall.
1 | And Other Stories Striped Jacquard Sweater $119
2 | H&M Blue Striped Sweater $27 | What a gorgeous shade of blue, huh?
3 | Madewell Variegated Ribbed Long Sleeve Regularly $36, but 25% off for Insiders
Similar: Abercrombie Merino Wool Blend Thin Sweater $70
4 | H&M Oversized Mohair Blend Sweater $119 | This looks so similar to the Toteme sweater for a fraction of the price. It’s gorgeous, but very itchy. I solved this by popping a long sleeve tee underneath. Worked like a charm. But even still, if you have sensitive skin, you’ll probably want to skip this one.
Similar: H&M Oversized Mohair Blend Sweater $86
5 | Abercrombie Merino Wool Blend Sleeveless Sweater $39
Similar: J.Crew Cashmere Mockneck Sweater Shell $148
6 | Anine Bing Leanne Top $180
BOTTOMS
What is fall without good denim? I included two of my favorite pairs here, plus sporty track pants and an adorable mini skirt. I love a good mini with an oversized sweater — my favorite fashion genre could be referred to as seasonally confused.
7 | Adidas Classic Wide Leg Pants $80
Similar: Alo Yoga Racetrack Pant $98
8 | H&M 90s Baggy Regular Jeans $45 | Wowww I don’t know what it is about these jeans but the cut is pure magic. They are super baggy and slouchy, and yet they somehow make me feel tall? I don’t know how it works, but they are gold (for a steal).
Similar: AGolde Low Rise Baggy Jeans $198
9 | AGolde Lana Jeans $188
Similar: Abercrombie 90’s High Rise Straight Jeans $89
10 | ALC Conan Cargo Mini Skirt $158
Similar: Rails Deanna Skirt $158 | Alo Fan Club Mini Skirt $98 | Abercrombie Utility Mini Skort $60
SHOES
Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to shoes, so I went with three non-heeled, very supportive shoes and one sensible heel. Madewell is on top of their shoe game right now. Those booties and Mary Jane flats? YES.
11 | Birkenstock Arizona Exquisite Sandals $200 | Okay, these were stiff right out of the box. But I’ve worn them on short outings about 5 times, and they are already softening up — I’d say about 60% broken in. I adore them. Remember when Dwight Schrute says he keeps a pair of Birkenstocks in the car for special occasions? That hits for me.
Similar: Birkenstock EVA Arizona Sandal $50 (These are an EVA plastic material, more of a beach shoe, but they give you the look for less.)
12 | Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers $120 | Like an Adidas Samba, but a with a slightly slimmer profile.
Similar: Adidas Sambas $100
13 | Madewell Greta Ballet Flat Regularly $98, but 25% off for Insiders | The leather is so soft and they even have a cushioned sole. Also, love that the elastic strap — it makes them easy to get on and off.
14 | Madewell Dimes Kitten Heel Boot Regularly $198, 25% off for Insiders
DRESSES
I only included one dress, which isn’t like me — I usually like having a few dresses on rotation. But this shift dress is perfectly perfect. Throw a crewneck sweater on top and suddenly the dress is a skirt. Or pop a turtleneck underneath for a Meg Ryan look. It just felt so versatile, I didn’t feel the need to add another dress.
15 | Everlane The Dream Shift Dress $98
JACKETS
Don’t you love light jacket weather? You get the joy of layering and you don’t have to drown in a sea of heavy coats and scarves, like the Olsen twins. Who I love fiercely.
16 | Madewell Denim Shirt Jacket Regularly $148, but 25% off for Insiders
17 | H&M Gathered Sleeve Blazer $58 | Lightweight, flowy, and perfectly oversized. Love the scrunched sleeves on this one!
18 | Topshop Faux Leather Bomber Jacket $102
Similar: Madewell Leather Bomber Jacket Regularly $525, but 25% off for Insiders — yes, their leather is on sale too! | Free People Wild Rose Vegan Leather Bomber $168
HANDBAGS
To me, you can cover almost any occasion with two bags — a black, large-ish, everyday bag and a small, cute, pop-of-color bag.
19 | Mansur Gavriel Candy Bag $695 | If you look up “forever bag” in the dictionary, I’d bet money you’d see a photo of this purse. Tumbled leather, zip top, generous size, minimalist design. It’ll be the last black bag you ever need to buy. It’s pricey for sure but hey, it’s not as much as a bag from The Row (but it looks like it might be).
Similar: Madewell Essential Bucket Tote Regularly $178, but 25% off for Insiders | Baggu Nylon Shoulder Bag $54
20 | Anine Bing Mini Grace Bag $300 | What a little cutie! That color! Perfection!
Similar: Uniqlo Nylon Mini Shoulder Bag $20 | JW PEI Joy Shoulder Bag $89
ACCESSORIES
You know I love a good ball cap, and this deep cherry cap was what got me into the whole red thing in the first place. Also, bright blue socks?! For when your look needs an energetic little detail. Think of them as a noncommittal way to add a little color into a look.
21 | Jenny Bird Tome Medium Earrings $108 | Mine have held up beautifully to 6 months of near-daily wear.
22 | Banana Republic Pearl Strand Necklace $39 | A TOTAL STEAL for real pearls.
23 | Anine Bing Jeremy Baseball Cap $60
24 | Polo Ralph Lauren Socks (men’s sizing) $12
• OUTFITS •
The magic of a capsule is in the way items can be combined to create lots of different looks. Each outfit has a strong point of view, but is also wearable.
Here are a few of my favorite outfits:
• • •
And there you have it!
I’d love to hear if this capsule inspires any thoughts for your own fall wardrobe. What do you think of the “pop of red” trend? And let me know if you have any questions about these items — happy to give any insight I can on fit or fabric.
Feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the page so you don’t miss my next post, and find me on Pinterest and LTK for more outfits.
Take good care of yourself today. Thank you so much for being here. <3
I love your capsule posts! They are super helpful when it comes to identifying gaps I may have in my own wardrobe and they give me inspiration to refresh some basics I have too! I’ve been eyeing the oversized leather jacket from Madewell for while now, specifically the men’s option. I hadn’t realized that they dropped a women’s option. That Anine Bing bag is a stunner! Such a timeless, soft style. And that color… perfection!
So glad to hear it, Holly! :)
Always love your capsule posts! Did you get your regular size for the H&M pants? Debating if I should size down. Thank you! :)
I did! I got them in a 4 which is my usual H&M size. (I have a 27in waist and 37in hip) They sit low and slouchy on me, which is just what I was going for.
Thank you so much for these capsules, Caroline. They are delightful, inspiring, and so considered. I look forward to them each season. LOVING that cherry red and the soft blues, and the way you make so much with so few pieces.
Thank you Ally! I agree — that color combo surprised me in the best way. :)
Hello Caroline,
Love your blog and outfit details so much. I haven’t shopped on my own for years now, I just use your links. It is so easy for me. It covers the daily outfits and makes packing so easy. I wanted to let you know that the link to the & Other Stories Sweater is for the Ivory/Black Striped not the White/Black Striped. I ordered the sweater from one of your previous posts and now I see that I have the wrong color combo hanging in my closet.
Hi Leah! Thank you so much for letting me know about the links! I appreciate your support all these years — it means so much to me to know what I do resonates with you. <3
Those pearls!! 🤩 I have a set my late grandmother gave me that she sourced when she was running her antique jewelry store. They look so much like these!! Just beautiful.
I know you are still interested in ethical/sustainable fashion, and I wanted to drop a label you may not know about that I just discovered. Alabama Chanin – it’s expensive, but beautiful simple and slightly romantic clothing, all made to order in their factory in Alabama from 100% natural materials in the USA. They even have a school and a nonprofit and offer daily tours of the factory. Just lovely.
What an amazing gift from your grandmother. I love the way sentimental pieces like that add so much meaning and depth to personal style. <3 And thank you so much for sharing Alabama Chanin. Going to check them out!