We just did the big closet migration in my house — pulling out the winter sweaters and trousers from underneath the bed, and packing away the sundresses and linen. If you’re in the process of assessing your fall wardrobe too, you’re not alone. Below, you’ll find the quintessential garments in my personal fall capsule wardrobe.

Get inspired to fill in any gaps in your cool-weather wardrobe from the following lineup. Use this as inspiration, not a shopping list — we always suggest shopping your own closet first, and then thrifting if you have a few pieces in particular that you’re looking for before you decide to buy new. Keep in mind that many of these pieces are also interchangeable — for example, an oversized button-down shirt and a rugby shirt both make great weekend looks — meaning there’s no need to invest in both if not necessary!

Read on for more of this year’s fall favorites, like wool jumpers, trousers, trench coats, and loafers. During this season, I typically go for black and brown, but burgundy is huge this year, so consider experimenting with color! And for an extra outfit boost, check out our favorite sustainable jewelry and clean perfumes.

1. Wool jumper

This is one of the only brand-new investments I made into my cold-weather wardrobe this year. A well-fitting wool jumper should, if I take good care of it, last me for years and years to come. It dresses up well over a dress and heels, but pairs with sweats for a grocery store run just as easily. And you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-quality wool sweater — Quince makes a great cashmere sweater in tons of color options starting at $50. Our favorite wool jumpers this season come in cozy shades like brown and navy, and in prints like stripes and argyle.

A woman wears a dark brown ribbed half-zip sweater and cream pants, standing against a plain background. A red "The Good Trade Award Winner 2025" badge is in the top right corner.
A person wearing a pink, green, red, and beige argyle sweater with blue jeans sits against a white background and smiles.

2. Timeless jeans

If you haven’t yet found your perfect pair of blue jeans, one that’s practical, comfortable, and flattering, consider this your reminder to remedy that. My favorites are a pair of thrifted, broken-in ’90s straight jeans with a medium wash, and I find myself reaching for them almost daily because they go with everything. I’ve also been loving the low-rise tapered look, which I’ve been keeping an eye out for. The key here is comfort — because, let’s be real, you won’t wear them if they don’t feel good. 

Woman standing against a plain wall wearing a black long-sleeve top, blue high-waisted jeans, and brown shoes with her hands in her pockets.
Person wearing wide-leg, faded black jeans with a high waist and black pointed-toe shoes, standing against a plain light background.

3. Plaid blazer

A really sharp blazer is one of the cornerstones of my fall wardrobe — it’s perfect for dressing up a t-shirt and jeans, wearing as a light jacket when it’s warm out, and adding an extra layer under your coat when it’s cold. Grandpa blazers (especially in a gingham pattern) are everywhere this season, and are really easy to thrift! These plaid blazers strike the perfect balance of easy to wear, visually interesting, and work-ready. And if you’re thrifting one, look for breathable and sustainable materials like wool or linen rather than polyester.

A person with short blonde hair wearing a plaid blazer, blue-striped shirt, and beige pants, holding a tan suede bag against a plain background.
A woman stands against a beige background wearing a brown checked blazer over a black dress and knee-high black boots.

4. Silk skirt

We love unfussy skirts, and they’re not just a summertime staple. Loose, airy, long silk skirts in fall colors are perfect for looking put together while you’re out and about (especially with a jacket or blazer!), and they’re just as comfy. Lace detailing on the edge of the skirt adds a touch of elegance that perfectly contrasts an oversized jacket.

Woman stands against a pink background wearing a black leather jacket, white top, champagne satin skirt with lace trim, black heels, and holding a black clutch.
A woman stands indoors wearing a black jacket, dark turtleneck, blue satin skirt, and black boots. A "The Good Trade 2025 Award Winner" badge appears in the top right corner.

5. Oversized long-sleeve shirt

There’s no reason oversized long sleeve shirts should be relegated to the back of the dresser, worn only around the house or to bed. There are so many great long-sleeved tees on the market these days that are flattering, comfortable, and make a great layering basic beneath blazers or sweaters. I’m making sure to keep a couple of these long-sleeve striped rugby shirts in the rotation this season; I’ve been loving them in navy and cream shades.

A person wearing a black, orange, and beige striped rugby sweater with a white collar and a dark gray pleated skirt, standing against a plain background.
Woman wearing a beige and white striped long-sleeve shirt and a tan skirt stands against a plain background. A red "The Good Trade 2025 Award Winner" badge appears in the top right corner.

6. Button-down Shirt

In warmer climates, and even in some cooler climates where summers are lasting longer, a button-down shirt is an essential fall staple in my book. You know when it’s 73 degrees out and you’re having a cute fall outing to go antiquing or apple picking, and you suffer through a thick sweater and jeans because you can’t bring yourself to wear your summer clothes in October? Enter the button down. They’re great for office wear and other more dressed-up looks too.

A woman with long brown hair wearing a cream button-up shirt and gray pants stands in front of a blue vehicle, looking at the camera.
Woman wearing a maroon button-up shirt with white floral embroidery and cream-colored pants, standing against a brown background.

7. Tailored trousers

A pair of tailored trousers is staying on my cool-weather rotation now and always. I especially love a wool pair for fall — they can work in super dressed-up scenarios, but you can also pair them with sweaters and tees for more casual errands. If you’ve found trousers that you love but they don’t fit perfectly, we highly recommend getting them tailored, or try hemming them yourself. Make sure you take care of them, too, and they’ll last a lifetime. 

A woman stands outdoors near a concrete structure, wearing a loose-fitting dark suit and white shirt, with rocks and ocean in the background.
A person stands facing forward, wearing a loose-fitting, dark gray textured top and matching wide-leg pants with black sandals, against a plain light background.

8. Animal print

Autumn is the perfect season for rocking animal print, and my favorite way to do so ever so subtly is with accessories like bags and shoes. Cowhide pieces are especially popular this season and can often be found secondhand at your local thrift or consignment shop. Etsy also has a great selection of vintage, secondhand, and handcrafted cowhide accessories!

Person with short, wavy hair wears a loose, light beige shirt and shorts, shown from behind, with a black textured crossbody bag over the shoulder.
A brown and white cowhide handbag with fringe and a braided strap hangs on a black metal chair in a grassy garden.

9. Trench coat

The trench coat is a timeless piece that we’ll be wearing for years to come. I’m especially into a cropped trench coat right now — they’ve been popping up everywhere, and I love the dressed-up-yet-cool-girl vibe they give off. Already own a classic long trench coat? Try this easy trick for cropping a trench coat at home, no scissors required!

A person stands outdoors on sandy ground, wearing a long beige trench coat, white skirt, and sandals, surrounded by grass and shrubs.
A woman wears a beige button-up jacket over a light top with blue jeans, standing against a plain background. A red "The Good Trade 2025 Award Winner" badge is in the top right corner.

10. Loafers

While loafers are another timeless essential, there are some styles (both old and new) that have been rising in popularity this fall. Penny loafers, specifically made from leather or suede fabrics, are a cozy option (and the quintessential Gilmore Girls uniform). Slip-on loafers are also a great way to look put together and chic when you’re in a rush. As always, a high quality classic pair that’s easy to walk in will last you for years and will always be in style.

A pair of brown suede loafers with moccasin-style stitching and flat black soles, displayed on a plain light background.
Close-up of a person wearing wide-leg blue jeans and leopard print loafers with gold buckle details.

11. Knee High Boots

Boots will never not be in our cool weather rotation. Personally, I love black knee-high boots that are practical but with a bit of a heel — but, of course, go for whatever boots work best for you!

A person wearing a white skirt and black knee-high heeled boots stands on a pink surface with a purple backdrop.
Person wearing a brown skirt and black embroidered heeled cowboy boots standing on rocky ground under a blue sky with clouds.