Learning how to build an autumn capsule wardrobe will revolutionise how you shop and wear your clothes this season

It is time. The dreaded wardrobe switch-over has arrived, so I'm here to help you get your autumn capsule wardrobe in order. Creating a strong edit of suitable pieces for the cooling climes will help you maximise space in your wardrobe and dedicate it to items you can wear on repeat. Increasing every item's cost-per-wear, no longer will items be left languishing at the back of the wardrobe.

“An important consideration when building an autumn capsule wardrobe is how to layer for keeping warm when the temperature drops,” advises Chantelle Znideric, an award-winning personal stylist. “When looking to layer successfully, natural fabrics are always a great choice, as there are lots of benefits - they are breathable, more durable, and sustainable, which means they will last longer than synthetic fabrics and have less environmental impact.”

As with any capsule wardrobe edit, curating the perfect autumn capsule wardrobe involves selecting stylish basics that will work for the season. There is no set number of items for an autumn capsule wardrobe, because the final edit of pieces will look very different from person to person, as we all have different styles and tastes. What you're looking to do, however, is to gather the building blocks of your wardrobe, the foundation items that you can craft other looks around, and that will ground newer, trend-led buys to pep up and refresh your existing outfits.

What should be in an autumn capsule wardrobe for 2025?

There is no one answer for what should be in your autumn capsule wardrobe. If you are a denim devotee, the best jeans for your body type will play a far greater role in your autumn capsule wardrobe than, say, someone who prefers to wear dresses.

There is also no set number on how many pieces should be in your autumn capsule wardrobe; you should base it more on how much space you have to work with, and consider whether the items in your wardrobe can be easily styled together. This isn't necessarily about minimalism, but more concerned with avoiding 'nothing to wear' moments and getting the maximum use out of what's in your wardrobe.

If you're looking for the best way to start, I've compiled some suggestions below of items you may want to consider. The volume of each item will again depend on your life and personal style.

• Tops: Knitwear becomes a must-have in your autumn capsule wardrobe. It adds warmth and style when layered over other capsule essentials, such as long-sleeve t-shirts and shirts, giving you more versatility in your outfits.
• Trousers: Whether the best slimming jeans or a more tailored style, trousers are ideal for those transitional autumn days.
• Skirts: Midi skirts in cosy fabrics like corduroy or wool are a total game-changer when the weather starts to cool. They're super versatile, taking you from those sunny autumn days straight into winter with just a quick switch to tights and boots.
• Jackets and coats: Autumn is the start of coat season. Choosing the right jackets or coats means you can switch up your outfits easily and stay warm and stylish as the weather cools down. Some might call autumn 'trench coat season', as this particular cut really comes into its own at this time of year, but denim or leather jackets are great choices too.
• Dresses: Pick styles that can be dressed up or down. This way, they'll carry you effortlessly through the ever-changing autumn season and even into the depths of winter. Midi length designs are some of the most versatile, pairing well with heels, flats and boots and generally easy to style for smarter or more casual moments.
• Shoes and bags: Choose neutral colours that will complement the rest of your capsule wardrobe. Think about the time of year, swap sandals for boots: knee high, ankle length and Chelsea boots are all strong options, as well as classics like your best white trainers, which could probably roll over from your summer capsule wardrobe

How to build an autumn capsule wardrobe

When building an autumn capsule wardrobe, what you want to end up with is a number of interchangeable items that means you can create multiple outfits with fewer pieces.

“A winning autumn wardrobe is made up of gorgeous timeless staple pieces that you love wearing again and again,” says Chantelle.

You should think of this selection of pieces as the building blocks of your outfits. That means that they form the base for the majority of your outfits and are generally classic enough that they can carry through from one year to the next. Into this you can interject a few more trend-led items during the season, to give your look a more directional feel.

Your autumn capsule wardrobe should still reflect your personality and the 21 items we have chosen are here to act as a guide to the journey of ultimate wardrobe organisation. This means you may want to be inspired by the silhouettes and layering ideas below but choose to put your own spin on it. One way you can do this is by finding out what colour suits you.

“Understanding your best neutral colours will play an essential role in how to build a successful autumn capsule wardrobe,” says Chantelle. “These hues will help to form a solid foundation, enabling you to add unique pieces, new complementary colours, and mix and match different outfits, easily and effortlessly, for your lifestyle."

Tops

A key building block for your autumn capsule wardrobe, a strong selection of tops will help in the quest for ultimate layering. Whether it's stylish tops to wear with jeans, or a pretty piece to add a feminine touch to a women's trouser suit, if you love separates (great if you're a different size on the top and bottom), then tops will be a lynch pin in your wardrobe for keeping your look fresh.

While for the autumn capsule wardrobe element of this exercise you'll want timeless silhouettes and prints that you can wear year to year, new season tops in the latest autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2025 are a great way of instantly adding a more directional feel to your look.

“Prioritise classics that you can layer, such as a crisp white cotton shirt to wear open over tops or buttoned for a more formal look,” says Siena Barry-Taylor, Fashion Expert at Thrift+. “You might want to also Invest in a cosy round-neck cashmere jumper (one of the top-selling items at Thrift+) or chunky button cardigan for cooler days.”

Trousers

Due to the drop in temperatures, trousers are the perfect stopgap before moving into tights season as winter starts to really take hold. Cotton and cotton blends will still be breathable and warm enough for the early autumn period, so don't abandon them. As we move further into the season, opt for wool or wool-blends for a cosy and polished finish that maintains breathability.

Siena suggests a high-waisted pair: "Look for a flat-fronted pair with a side zip and a slightly wider leg, as these are so flattering. They can be dressed up or down, which makes them an ideal addition.”

And while black trousers are an obvious choice and a great addition to your autumn capsule wardrobe, Siena says to try other shades like charcoal or olive green. “This will add some variation and colour - a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring!”

Denim in this context should straddle a selection of jeans that suit your figure - straight-leg jeans will always look a little more polished and work for most body shapes, while trend-led styles, such as barrel leg jeans, and the best wide-leg jeans will give added style direction. Although 'trends' traditionally don't have a home per se in capsule wardrobes, when it comes to denim trends, there's a little more flex, as whatever is part of the denim trends 2025 is unlikely to have completely disappeared by next season.

Skirts

Another key separate for your wardrobe, select your skirt shapes based on what suits your body type best. Pleated skirts add a little more interest and swoosh to your look, while an A-line design skims hips, stomachs and thighs, making it generally a universally flattering silhouette.

For work, opt for smarter fabrics, while on weekends, a denim skirt, will add a directional feel to your ensemble. Don't be afraid of print here either, with some moody blooms go a long way in updating your autumn look.

Jackets and coats

Integral to autumn, thanks to changeable weather, you'll need everything from light layers - such as the best waterproof jackets or a classic denim or leather jacket - to something a little more heavyweight, so you're prepared for both end-of-summer climates and early winter snaps.

And of course, your best blazers still have a role to play in the autumn season. In the very early days they might be all the extra warmth you need, but as we move further into the season, they are still the speediest way for adding polish to pretty much any outfit

“For this wonderful transitional season, I wouldn’t be without a variety of leather jackets including biker, bomber and shacket styles,” says Chantelle. “The same goes for blazers! Choose varsity stripes or colourful styles that can add a whole new dimension and formality to your personal style.”

As with jackets, it's about being adaptable when it comes to the types of coats you need in an autumn capsule wardrobe. A trench coat will double up as a wet-weather day fave, while a parka will bridge the gap before you need to drag out your favourite puffer coat once more. Or try a waxed coat for the ultimate mix of style and practicality.

Dresses

The dresses for your autumn capsule wardrobe 2025 offer one-stop dressing, ensuring you look put together in a flash. Block-coloured, neutral iterations in classic midi silhouettes will never go out of fashion.

Whether you opt for an autumnal-inspired print, moody blooms or colour-drenched designs, referencing this season's colour and print trends will help update your staples in a flash. Otherwise, stick to tones that you know always make an appearance at this time of year. From neutral browns, forest greens and burgundies, to timeless navy, black and grey, adding pops of colour with timely accessories.

If dresses really aren't your thing, think about investing in a flattering jumpsuit instead. They offer a similar level of effortless style and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Shoes and bags

Footwear for the autumn is one you can largely pull from your wardrobe. The most comfortable trainers are perfect for casual days, while loafers add a touch of polish to your work outfits. It might be a bit early for knee-high boots (although as we head to the end of autumn, these definitely come into play, but ankle boots are a must-have. They're not just for dresses – they look fantastic with jeans and trousers too. You can also reference the latest autumn/winter shoe trends 2025 if you want to add a more directional finish to staple outfits, or at least pick the most current styles from your existing collection of footwear.

When it comes to bags for your autumn capsule wardrobe in 2025, opt for maximum wearability and longevity with a neutral-coloured bag that will carry the day-to-day items - a tote or crossbody style is ideal. You can also check out the autumn/winter handbag trends 2025 for inspiration; while there are some quirkier trends this season (we see you faux fur), there are also lots of timeless designs that will look directional now, but will also age well for future wear.

FAQs

How to start an autumn capsule wardrobe

As with every capsule wardrobe, start by sorting out what you have, so that you can clearly divide, conquer and declutter clothes. Organising your wardrobe will allow you to assess the gaps in your wardrobe and where you actually need to shop for new items. Try styling as many outfits as you can together from what you have, taking pictures of each look as a record, so you can refer back to them, making getting dressed on an autumn morning super easy.

Once you know what you're missing, make a comprehensive shopping list. Each new item should really go with three existing pieces to make it a worthwhile investment. And if you’re on a budget, don’t be afraid to shop second-hand for your wardrobe building blocks.

“Pre-loved clothing is a great choice for capsule wardrobes as vintage and second-hand pieces often come from an era when clothing was made with higher quality materials meaning you can find durable and long-lasting pieces that are timeless,” says Siena.

“Second-hand is also often more affordable, which allows you to stretch your clothing budget further to create the wardrobe of your dreams. One of the biggest benefits of buying pre-loved fashion though is that you're extending the life cycle of garments and is a great way if you’re looking for how to shop sustainably.”

How to style your autumn capsule wardrobe

It's the little things that truly inject personality and style into your autumn capsule wardrobe. Having accessories like belts, jewellery, scarves, and hats on hand allows you to create countless looks from your staple pieces. It's also a fantastic way to incorporate the latest trends and bring your autumn capsule wardrobe into 2025. For example, a studded belt paired with jeans and a simple top from your existing wardrobe will add a touch of 90s flair(which is still a big trend this season), while a statement necklace – opt for a corded one for an on-trend look – worn over a jumper and trousers instantly adds a touch of 'now'.

Don't overlook the transformative power of hats and woolly scarves either. These simple swaps can redefine your outerwear. A leopard print scarf can breathe new life into a classic trench coat, while a bold statement hat could have you channelling a more runway feel.

Is an autumn capsule wardrobe a good idea?

An autumn capsule wardrobe is a great idea for a number of reasons. Creating a tight edit of pieces for the season will allow you to declutter your wardrobe and minimise the amount of space you need to dedicate to your clothes. You’ll often find that many items from your spring capsule wardrobe can also work well in this mix of clothes.

In addition to this, collating an autumn capsule wardrobe should help you buy less and buy better, investing more in higher quality items, making this method of wardrobe editing better for the environment in the long run. And although you might invest more in a coat this season, if it lasts you for several years, you will save in the long run, as opposed to replacing items new each season.

How many pieces should be in a seasonal capsule wardrobe?

The number of pieces in a seasonal capsule wardrobe can vary depending on personal style, lifestyle and climate, and there is no fixed figure. But remember, it is all about getting maximum wear, so you don't want to be overwhelmed. A general guideline is between 20 to 40 pieces. This usually includes tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes, but excludes items like accessories, workout gear, or special occasion outfits.

The key to a successful autumn capsule wardrobe is versatility. Each piece should be able to mix and match with others to create multiple outfits. For example, you might have a few staple tops, a couple of trousers or skirts, one or two outerwear pieces, and a few pairs of shoes that all coordinate.

This allows for enough variety to create diverse outfits while still maintaining the core principle of a capsule wardrobe: a curated collection of versatile, high-quality items that you love and wear frequently.

Remember, the focus is on quality over quantity.

Chantelle Znideric

Chantelle Znideric is an award-winning personal stylist and brand expert for high-achieving female CEOs and founders. She is passionate about empowering women by helping them develop their unique sense of style and authentic brand, whilst showcasing the best versions of themselves, to grow, be visible, and feel confident in all areas of their lives.

Siena Barry-Taylor

A dedicated thrifter, she loves designers like Ganni, Reformation and Sandro and is always trying to hunt down the perfect vintage denim. Thrift+ help you clear out your wardrobe without the hassle of listing items yourself. They send out prepaid bags for customers to fill with their pre-loved garment, provide a full quality check, list them and then customers earn credit for gift cards, future purchases or donations to charity.