As the crisp autumn air rolls in and our schedules become busier than ever, many women often find themselves juggling countless tasks while still wanting to feel put-together. The solution? A thoughtfully planned capsule wardrobe can simplify your mornings and ensure you're always dressed for the season with minimal stress. Many of my personal styling clients often ask me to help them to build a wardrobe of clothes that will work hard for all areas of their lifestyle.
As a mum of three kids, and a busy personal stylist, I also need to be highly organised to ensure getting ready daily serves me from being the busy school run mum to going to work style as a personal shopper.
In this post, we’ll explore why planning your autumn outfits is essential and how creating a capsule wardrobe of staple pieces can save you time and elevate your style.
Why Planning Autumn Outfits Matters for Busy women
As a busy women, you may have countless responsibilities, from school runs to work meetings and everything in between. Planning your outfits in advance can significantly reduce the daily stress of getting dressed, allowing you to feel confident and prepared, no matter what your day holds. Here's why it is important:
Saves Time: No more scrambling in your wardrobe in the mornings procrastinating and trying to put together an outfit. By planning head you will know what kind of outfit you need to create for your busy day.
Reduces decision fatigue: With so many daily decisions to make, eliminating one "like what to wear" frees up mental space for more important tasks.
Creates a Cohesive Style: By pre-planning, your outfits can reflect a cohesive style that suits your lifestyle, making you feel polished and confident throughout the season.
Adapts to unpredictable weather: The unpredictable autumn weather can make dressing a challenge. Planning allows you to layer stylishly and be ready for sudden shifts in temperature.
TIPS ON CREATING an autumn CAPSULE WARDROBE
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile, mix-and-match staple pieces that can be combined in various ways to create different looks.
Firstly it is important to consider your lifestyle: Plan your capsule wardrobe to ensure it fits your daily routine. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, prioritize warm, comfortable layers. If you’re often in meetings, include more formal options. Start with what you already have, then go through your wardrobe and pick out staple pieces you wear often. This process will also help you identify what gaps of items you need to buy. You can then slowly build a capsule wardrobe around existing items to save money and make the most of what you have.
Here's a few key points to keep in mind when building your capsule wardrobe.
VERSATALITY IS KEY
Versatility is key A capsule wardrobe emphasizes multifunctional pieces that work for both casual and more polished settings. Think of items like a good knit jumper that is perfect to layer up with tailored trousers or dressed down with jeans. A classic trench coat is stylish, weather-resistant, and versatile enough to wear over casual outfits or formal outfits. Good comfortable boots in Autumn is key as it can take you from day to night looks.
Focus on Quality over Quantity
When curating your autumn capsule wardrobe, it’s important to invest in high-quality pieces that can withstand the season. Staple items like a cashmere sweater or a well-fitted pair of jeans may be pricier upfront, but they last longer and retain their shape and style, reducing the need for constant replacements. Many of the Highstreet stores offer good quality basics at good price points. Stores such as Uniqlo, Arket, COS and Marks and Spencer are some of my personal favourites.
NEUTRAL COLOUR PALETTE AND LAYERING
Neutrals are your best friend in a capsule wardrobe. Shades like camel, grey, navy, and burgundy always work well for autumn and can easily be mixed and matched. Did you know certain colours only work best on the right skin tones. If you are interested in learning what your best colours are then you might want to book my bespoke Online colour analysis service
Layering is also essential as the temperature fluctuates. Think turtle necks to layer under dresses or a white shirt under knits. Jackets and knits also work well as layering pieces over basic tops and knits.
ESSENTIAL AUTUMN STAPLES
A capsule wardrobe should consist of staple pieces that can be worn multiple ways. This will vary from each individual due to all the different lifestyles we live. Here’s a list of essentials to consider:
Dark denim jeans: A versatile indigo jean works well for any outfit dressed up or down.
A leather jacket: Adds an edge to any look, perfect for those in-between weather.
Basic long-sleeve tees: Great for layering or wearing with casual outfits.
Sweater dresses: Comfortable yet chic, easy to dress up or down. This is one of my favourite pieces to wear in Autumn/winter.
Neutral scarves: An Instant style update and warmth for chilly mornings.
Crossbody bag: Keeps your hands free while juggling kids, groceries, or work tasks.
Below you can see a simple example of an Autumn Capsule wardrobe that may inspire you to look at what you already have and build outfits for Autumn that work around your lifestyle. This edit may also help you fill the gaps your have in your current wardrobe. I have stuck to a neutral palette here with burgundy being the colour of the season.
See below the multiple outfit options that can be created from this capsule wardrobe. To shop items click on the product names. Please note some of these products contain affiliate links whereby I get a small commission. This is no additional cost to the buyer.
A short trench coat | Magic shaping slim flare jeans | Adidas cream and black sambas| John Lewis scoop neck cotton top | Dune London woven shoulder bag | Marks and Spencer whip stitch scarf
Vanessa Bruno goatskin bag at Miinto | All Saints Dalby oxblood slim fit leather jacket | Vila cosy wrap dress at Next | Flat form ankle boots from Marks and spencer |Mint Velvet link chain necklace |
A short trench coat | Turtleneck knit sweater | Belted high waist cropped trousers | Dune London woven shoulder bag | H&M black loafers |
H&M Pocket detail cardigan | Pima cotton turtleneck top | Belted high waist cropped trousers| Vanessa Bruno goatskin bag at Miinto | Adidas cream and black sambas
All Saints Dalby oxblood slim fit leather jacket |Turtleneck knit sweater | Amazon women's leopard print maxi skirt | Adidas cream and black sambas | Dune London woven shoulder bag
Wool bib collar knit | Pima cotton turtleneck top | Mango mom2000 high rise jeans | Flat form ankle boots from Marks and spencer | Dune London woven shoulder bag
Marks and Spencer Thermo-warm quilted jacket |M&S cotton rich funnel top | Magic shaping slim flare jeans|Dune London woven shoulder bag | Marks and Spencer whip stitch scarf | New balance 9060 trainers
H&M Cotton Shirt | Wool bib collar knit | Mango mom2000 high rise jeans | Vanessa Bruno goatskin bag at Miinto | Adidas cream and black sambas
A short trench coat |Mango mom2000 high rise jeans |M&S cotton rich funnel top | Dune London woven shoulder bag | New balance 9060 trainers
H&M Pocket detail cardigan | Amazon women's leopard print maxi skirt | Vanessa Bruno goatskin bag at Miinto | John Lewis scoop neck top | Adidas cream and black sambas
A capsule wardrobe is the ultimate way to stay stylish without sacrificing time or energy. By planning your autumn outfits and investing in key staple pieces, you’ll enjoy more streamlined mornings and feel confident and polished for any occasion. I hope you enjoyed this blog post. You may also like to read my blog Autumn capsule wardrobe Essentials
Now is the perfect time to start building your autumn capsule wardrobe! If you hate figuring out what to wear then my personal styling service can help take the stress away. Are you ready to make the most of your style this season? My online personal styling service will offer everything you need to curate a wardrobe that works hard for you and your busy life!
Thank you for reading my blog post!
Jas
Outfiit ideas for women | Autumn style | Outfit ideas for Autumn
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