Core Fall Wardrobe + 20 outfit ideas

I’ve done a few capsule wardrobes in the past, and wanted to parse it down even further to the few “core” pieces I get the most mileage out of. I love building my wardrobe around a Smart Casual concept, since depending on my footwear choice, the same outfits can lean either weekend casual or work-appropriate. I also included two skirt styles I’ve been loving that are on-trend this season and can be mixed into the rest for many fresh-feeling pairings.

Below I listed out the brands pictured in my video, as well as alternative options. If you’re looking to build a versatile Fall capsule wardrobe, I’d recommend starting with pieces simialr to these!

Outer Layers

• Cardigan Jacket
  • Pictured: Amazon coatigan – I have this in Gray (it’s a taupe in-person) and Khaki (camel). Steam upon arrival to help it hang better on the body. I’m usually xxs so size Small is oversized on me, but I like it as a loose sweater jacket.
  • J.Crew sweater blazer for a shorter option
• Trench Coat
  • Pictured: The Drop: lightweight relaxed style. Alterations needed on me.
  • Oak + Fort: thicker oversized drape style. Length & sleeves are long on me.
  • J.Crew: petite sizing, more structured, non drapey. Fits small with a hood
  • Banana Republic Factory: petite sizing, TTS lightweight drapey long trench
• Cropped Jacket
  • Pictured: A&F tweed jacket – nice quality and fitted for petites (sleeves just need to be folded under). If black is too austere for your lifestyle, the navy or black & white combo tweed ones are also beautiful!
  • Crop sweater jacket: If tweed is too dressy for you, this in black is a great alternative
  • Crop bomber – a more trendy alternative
• Blazer
  • Pictured: ASOS blazer. This style has been tough to find in petites!
  • Abercrombie petite blazer
  • Banana Republic Factory navy blazer

Knits

• Neutral Knit
  • Pictured in video: Quince cotton sweater – nice “cement” color, straight cut fit
  • Everlane Alpaca sweater – as an alternative to cotton, with a slouchy relaxed fit
• Cardigan
  • Pictured in video: Quince alpaca cardigan
• Striped Knit
  • Pictured in video: Sezane pullover – an oldie but goodie
  • J.Crew stripe cardigan jacket that can be worn open or closed

Bottoms

• Trousers
  • Abercrombie trousers – I wear 24 to 25 Short
  • Amazon $40 trousers – I have “khaki thin” and “black thin” in XS Short
• Slim Ankle Pants
  • Ann Taylor – pretty fitted, stretchy with high rise. I fold the length under
  • JCrew Factory – has a shorter length petite option
• Medium Blue Jeans
  • Madewell perfect vintage – I have sz 24 and cut the hems to the right length
  • Abercrombie high rise ankle jeans – I have 24 Short

Optional, on-trend additions to build upon the above core bottoms:

• Slip Skirt
  • Pictured: Quince silk skirt
  • The Drop – starts in xxs, longer midi length
• Black Skirt
  • Nastygal – 0P is perfect on me with a 25″ waist and 15″ mini length – not for work.
  • &Other Stories – longer mid length. Great quality fabric & pocket design
• Grey Jeans
  • Abercrombie high rise ankle jeans – as a changeup from black or blue bottoms

Layering Tops

• Black Mock Neck Tee
  • Pictured: Abercrombie
  • Hollister has good reviews
  • Gap petite
• Cream Tee
  • Pictured: Abercrombie
  • Express bodysuit – still searching for more non-bodysuit options

Shoes

• Black Loafers
  • Sam Edelman – so comfy in 5.5. I have black + a neutral
• Versatile Sneakers
  • Sambas (also at ADIDAS)
  • Alternative in-stock sleek white sneaker that’s comfy & cushioned. Fits half size big
• Ballet Flats
  • Jeffrey Campbell not pictured, but an on-trend yet classic alternative flat
• Neutral Low Heels
  • Pictured in collage: Old H&M style
  • Shown in video: Ann Taylor – a very similar neutral color and good quality

Accessories

• Neutral Tote
  • Naghedi medium (also at Saks)
• Black Bag
  • YSL Solferino Small
• Reversible Belts
  • Edited Pieces mini belts – I wear an xxs
• Chunky Gold Earrings
  • J.Crew – I switched the backings out to a disc style for more support

20+ Fall outfit ideas with these core pieces:

Past Capsule Wardrobes:

• How to Build A Work Capsule Wardrobe (Petite-Friendly)
• Classic Spring-Summer Capsule Wardrobe