How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Fall 2025 (Without the Stress)

Do you ever find yourself staring at a packed wardrobe thinking, “I have nothing to wear”? If so, you’re not alone.

Autumn is the perfect season for a style reset, and creating a capsule wardrobe can simplify your mornings, reduce decision fatigue, and make getting dressed a joy again. As a working mum of two, I want to feel pulled together without overthinking my outfits. This year, I’m curating a small but mighty fall wardrobe of pieces I’ll actually wear.

If you’re ready to do the same, keep reading!

Step 1: Choose Your Fall 2025 Colour Palette

Start by selecting 3–4 base colours that you wear often. Then add 1–2 accent colours to keep things interesting.

Base Colours:

• Camel
• Cream
• Charcoal
• Chocolate brown
• White

Accent Shades to Try:

• Olive or forest green
• Muted burgundy
• Dusky pink
• Rust orange
• Pale pink
• Muted red

Tip: Keep your colour palette cohesive so everything mixes and matches easily.

Step 2: Take Inventory of What You Already Own

Before you buy anything new, take a good look at what you already have.

Sort your wardrobe into three piles:

1. Love and wear often
2. Seasonal storage
3. Donate or sell

Ask yourself:

• Does it fit?
• Do I love it?
• Have I worn it in the past year?

Those tight skinny jeans you haven’t touched in five years? It might be time to let them go.

Step 3: Fill the Gaps Intentionally

Now that you’ve reviewed what you have, make a short, focused shopping list. Only buy what you need to complete the capsule, and resist the urge to impulse-buy duplicates or trends that don’t align with your personal style.

Ask yourself:

• Will I wear this at least 10 times this season?
• Does it pair with at least 3 other items I own?
• Is it something I feel great in?

Pro tip: Review your capsule each season. If something isn’t worn, swap it out next time.

Step 4: Use This Fall Capsule Wardrobe Formula (20–30 Items)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

You don’t need a strict count, just a core collection of pieces that suit your lifestyle and budget. I wear a uniform to work so office wear isn’t part of my wardrobe, but it may be for you! Here’s what I’m including in my 2025 capsule wardrobe:

Tops

• 2 basic long-sleeve tees (white and striped)
• 2 fine knit sweaters (neutral + accent colour)
• 1 chunky knit or half-zip jumper
• 1 lightweight turtleneck for layering
• 1 oversized tee
• 1 cardigan

Bottoms

• 1 pair of straight-leg jeans (dark wash or black)
• 1 pair of wide-leg trousers or jeans
• 1 midi skirt (pleated or satin)
• 1 pair of leggings or ponte trousers (try a slight flare for more fashion points!)

Dresses

• Choose 1–2 easy-to-layer dresses (like a knit midi or shirt dress) that you can throw on with a cardigan and boots or dress down with flats.

Outerwear (Choose 2–3)

• Trench or wool coat
• Puffer or quilted jacket
• Blazer

Shoes (Choose 3–4)

• Ankle boots
• Loafers or mules
• Trainers
• Tall boots or Chelsea boots

Accessories (6–8 total)

• Gold hoop earrings
• Leather belt
• Neutral crossbody bag
• Cashmere or knit scarf
• Beanie or felt hat
• Black and nude tights
• Statement necklace or ring
• Structured tote for errands/work

Step 5: Plan 10+ Go-To Outfits

Mix and match your core pieces into easy outfit formulas. Here are some of my favourites:

• Look 1: Trench coat + knit midi dress + ankle boots
• Look 2: Oversized blazer + white tee + jeans + loafers
• Look 3: Chunky knit + midi skirt + tall boots
• Look 4: Long sleeved tee + trousers + crossbody bag + trainers
• Look 5: Shirt dress + scarf + boots
• Look 6: Lightweight sweater + wide-leg trousers + belt + loafers
• Look 7: Oversized tee + cardigan + straight-leg jeans + trainers
• Look 8: Shirt dress + longline cardigan + ankle boots
• Look 9: Chunky knit jumper + leggings + tall boots + crossbody bag
• Look 10: Knit midi dress + trench coat + scarf + Chelsea boots

With just 20–30 items, you can create dozens of combinations.