Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Affordable Mix and Match Fall Outfit Ideas
In this post: Looking for affordable fall outfit ideas? This concise fall capsule wardrobe offers options to mix and match classic and seasonal pieces.⇒
After the changing leaves, my favorite thing about fall is fall fashion.
Even as a child, I always looked forward to buying new clothes for school. Like all new beginnings, there is so much promise in fall fashion and it brings with it the anticipation of cozy get togethers, from apple picking and tailgates to intimate dinners by the fire. Who doesn’t love sweater weather?
This year, in particular, I’m excited about fashion, with the return of tailored blazers, wide leg trousers, tweed fabrics and comfy corduroy. We’re back to socializing and we want to be dressed for it.
The one thing, however, that can be tricky about fall fashion is that warmer fabrics and fuller cuts can be quite pricey. Most of us cannot go out and buy a whole new wardrobe with each arriving season. If this is your concern, I’ve got you covered! The combination of capsule dressing and smart shopping will give you the opportunity to make over your closet without spending a fortune.
If you’ve never put together a capsule wardrobe, the idea is to build a wardrobe of mix and match pieces, that can take you anywhere appropriately dressed, with as few pieces as possible. The selection of each piece becomes more important as each will be worn frequently, yet the best capsules offer a broad variety of looks that are achieved by clever mixing and styling. You don’t need 8 black turtlenecks. (I’m SO guilty of this!) You just need one classic one.
A great capsule leans heavily on key foundational pieces within a tight color palette of mostly neutrals, punctuated by a few on trend pieces. As you build a wardrobe of the perfect classics for you, you’ll be able to depend on them year after year, and have more to spend on fresh fashionable accents.
This is especially true if you’re a smart shopper and take advantage of the best retail opportunities. The items you’ll find in my fall capsule were hand picked to bring you an affordable and stylish fall wardrobe. The pieces are all from Walmart and benefit from their everyday low prices, so that a better well-dressed life is within reach!
Click on the large images to shop the actual pieces or click the smaller boxes at the bottom of the post for similar alternatives. I’ve provided a sample of styled outfits beneath each item so you can see how they can be mixed with all the other pieces, to create a number of different looks. But you can also play around yourself, as the options are endless.
*This post is sponsored by Walmart, but all opinions and styling are my own. This post may include affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
Fall Capsule Items
Tweed Blazer | Faux Leather Blazer | Denim Shacket | Plaid Jacket | Knit Coatigan | Faux Sherpa Coat | Sleeveless Turtleneck Shell | Short Sleeve Sweater | Boyfriend Cardigan | Oversized Shirt | Button Front Cardigan | V-Neck Sweater | Striped Sweater | Midi Dress | Sleeveless Sweater Mini Dress | Plaid Pleated Skirt | Cuffed Straight Jeans | Dark Wash Bootcut Jeans | Camel Wide Leg Trousers | Faux Leather Wide Leg Pants | Western Booties | Camel Suede Mules | Tall Slouch Boots | White Lug Sole Sneakers | Lug Sole Loafer | Suede Chelsea Boot
Jackets
Tweed Blazer
If you buy only one new trendy item this year, make it a tweed blazer. Inspired by the Chanel jackets we’ve become accustomed to seeing year after year, this new crop of affordable textured jackets come in a broad range of colors, but I’m partial to the black and white. It’s a great way to add sophistication to your look.
*This style was so popular that it’s currently sold out. Try this alternate option.
Faux Leather Blazer
Vegan leather has come a long way in the last few years and leather and faux leather are everywhere this year. The faux versions are not only less expensive, but they’re also obviously kinder to animals. With tailored blazers back in vogue, this faux leather jacket is a great choice to update any outfit.
Denim Shacket
Just like a blazer dresses up an outfit, so a denim shacket adds a note of informality to one. Wear it over a dress for a casual daytime look, then add heels and replace the jacket for a dressier evening out. The oversized proportions are in tune with what’s trending and make it cozy and comfy.
Plaid Jacket
I’ve always been a fan of double breasted jackets and this plaid one has just the right lines. It comes in several patterns but I favor the black and cream. It’s both classic and trendy at the same time.
Knit Coatigan
I can hardly think of a more versatile piece than a long sweater, newly termed a ‘coatigan’. This one is a wonderful length, longer than your tops, but shorter than your coat, it’s the perfect layering piece. I keep one in my car all the time, for chilly nights or overly air-conditioned spaces.
Faux Sherpa Coat
Nothing says cozy like a sherpa coat and I’m in love with the caramel color of this one. The notched lapel and tailored shape keeps it from getting too relaxed and robe-like, but it’s still cuddly enough to wrap yourself up in.
Tops
Sleeveless Turtleneck
A classic layering piece, the sleeveless turtleneck is an incredibly useful item. Wear it under a sweater or jacket when you want the polish of a turtleneck without the bulk of heavy sleeves.
Short Sleeve Sweater
Another great transitional item, the short sleeve sweater is perfect for moving between seasons or for warmer climes, or simply for office buildings that pump in too much heat during the winter.
Boyfriend Cardigan
The antithesis to this season’s tailored pieces is the abundance of oversized items that are also trending. Case in point is the boyfriend cardigan, boxy and full, cushy and comfortable. The V-neck front makes it great for layering.
Oversized Shirt
I’m pretty sure every single capsule wardrobe has to have a white shirt and this year I’ve incorporated an oversized one. Tapping into the boyfriend trend, the oversized shirt makes a terrific casual over-piece, but it can also be tucked-in and worn in a traditional way.
Button Front Cardigan
Not every sweater needs to be super heavy and a lightweight button front cardigan is as classic as they come. Wear it alone with a camisole underneath or layer it over a sleeveless top or shirt. Bonus points for a single strand of pearls.
V-Neck Sweater
I used to wear only turtlenecks until I realized crew necks and V-necks offered more styling options. Show off a great scarf, some pretty jewels or that no-sleeve turtleneck shell. The V-neck sweater even looks great over a simple white tee shirt.
Stripe Sweater
The pattern of the year, when it comes to sweaters, seems to be a horizontal club stripe, and I’m seeing them everywhere. This one has a button henley neckline, the better for layering. Dress it up with leather pants or down with denim jeans, or layer it over a midi dress.
Midi Dress
A fresh take on the tee shirt dress, this longer length makes it a lot more fun. Take it casual with a denim shirt and chunky sneakers or more elegant with a pair of tall boots and a blazer.
Sleeveless Sweater Mini Dress
Possibly the most versatile dress you can ever own, a simple black knit sleeveless turtleneck shift can go almost anywhere. With a tailored blazer it’s perfect for the office or a ladies’ lunch or with a sweater it can feel a bit more relaxed. Go funky with the shoes and other accessories for a bit more trendy flare.
Bottoms
Plaid Pleated Skirt
Plaid, in general, is very on trend, and the plaid skirt is at the top of the list. It gives a retro preppy vibe, especially with a loafer, but pair it with sneakers for an even more updated feel.
Cuffed Straight Jeans
We’ve finally gotten to the point where almost every cut of jean is available when we want it, so you can still get a skinny jean, but this years newer shapes are a bit looser. This straight legged jean has a nice deep cuff to show off your chunky shoes and boots.
Bootcut Jeans
Along with the straight leg, the boot cut jean is back, a very flattering denim cut. This one comes in a range of washes, but I’m partial to the darkest blues and black.
Wide Leg Trousers
The trend I think I’m most in love with is the wide leg trouser with lug sole sneakers. I absolutely love the look and the opportunity it gives to being both well dressed and completely comfortable.
Faux Leather Pants
These are not your old school skin tight leather pants, the wide leg faux leather pants have a great look and can be worn by everyone. Make it trendy with a loafer or a bit dressier with a heel.
Footwear
Western Booties
The boot trend of the year is definitely the western boot. This mid-calf height, pointed toe and stacked heel makes it all the more of-the-moment.
Camel Suede Mules
A great style for your dressier events, this camel mule is a welcome addition to your closet.
White Lug Sole Sneakers
Turn any outfit trendy with a lug sole sneaker. Especially perfect with a wide leg trouser.
Lug Sole Loafer
My favorite shoe with a cuffed or ankle length jean, the lug sole loafer works with many different looks from a dress or skirt to a wide leg pant, as well.
Suede Chelsea Boot
Continuing on from last year, the chelsea boot has become a favorite wardrobe staple. Comfortable, easy to wear and very versatile. If you already have a black one, why not try the tan?
Accessories
Crossbody Saddle Bag
A great choice for everyday wear, the crossbody saddle bag is the workhorse of the accessory shelf.
Top Handle Satchel Handbag
The utmost in elegance, a top handle satchel is the ultimate bag for ladies who lunch. Or work. or really do anything.
Zip Chain Tote Bag
Perfect for carrying all of your essentials, a tote bag is a must-have for those times when a small bag just won’t cut it.
Square Black Sunglasses
Every outfit looks more chic with sunglasses. Oversized square ones are all the better.
Jewelry
Coin Pendant
Coin pendants have come on really strong in the past year or so, and look great with all of your tops. Be sure to add one to your collection.
Pavé Hoop Earrings
These pavé hoops are just the thing to add a subtle note of bling to your outfit. Not too much for daytime, but even more ideal for evening.
Paperclip Pearl Y Necklace
The paperclip chain is the chain of choice this year. Add pearl drops and it’s even better. The Y shape drop makes this necklace that much more perfect.
Disc Drop Gold Earrings
An easy shape that adds a little bit of gold flash to the ear, the disc drop gold earring is on target for most occasions.
Resource Guide
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
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Great ideas! I was thinking of getting new collection to my wardrobe and these ideas are really great. Thank you for the blog. I will definitely try some of these ideas.