Disha Gupta

Fall is a time when one pulls out layers, rediscovers old favorites, and embraces a cozier way of life. With its unpredictable weather—cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings—fall requires a perfectly curated wardrobe.

Enter the capsule closet: a minimalist collection of versatile pieces that mix and match seamlessly. The idea is simple. Instead of having an overflowing wardrobe filled with choices that often feel overwhelming, you concentrate on a few key staples that work for any occasion. It’s a practical and budget-friendly solution to a season that requires constant adaptation to the changing weather.

The benefits of a capsule closet extend beyond just practicality. Buying less pieces encourages sustainable shopping, allowing you to focus on what fits your personal style. And, a capsule wardrobe means no more digging through piles or second-guessing if your look ‘works’. By collecting fewer, higher-quality pieces, you can skip the frantic morning scramble of trying to throw together an outfit in the ten minutes you have to get ready. 

A capsule closet is particularly suited to this season. Fall is a time when one pulls out layers, rediscovers old favorites, and embraces a cozier way of life. With its unpredictable weather—cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings—fall requires a perfectly curated wardrobe.

Here is my list of fall essentials:

1. Nothing screams autumn quite like a chunky cable knit sweater. It’s perfect for the moments you want to feel wrapped in a warm hug. It has enough texture to contribute to your outfit without competing with other items. I recommend trying to get this piece in a neutral color so that it can pair well with any bottoms. Sweaters can be worn with everything, from jeans to skirts, so keep that versatility in mind! Brandy Melville is my favorite place to buy these; the sweaters are dependable and come in several cute variations.

2. With the practicality of traditional straight leggings and the flattering silhouette of comfortable yoga pants, flared leggings are perfect for a coffee run or casual excursions. They add just the right amount of flair (pun intended) to your fall outfits. They help you look put together without really trying—just throw on a crop top or oversized sweater on top and you’re set. Aerie is a fantastic place to get flared leggings since they have a distinctive crossed waistband which is flattering and comfortable.

3. Wide-leg sweatpants are the unofficial uniform for cold days and I find myself reaching for these several days a week because of the unmatched comfort. They are also incredibly easy to style and pair particularly well with long sleeve tops. On days when jeans aren’t suitable but you still want to look vaguely presentable, these are your go-to. As a bonus, they can be worn with sneakers or boots for quick outings. Aritzia has quality cargo wide-leg sweatpants, but they are in the pricier range. For a more affordable option, try Hollister or H&M.

4. Think of long sleeve tops as the foundation for any fall outfit. They’re the underdog that doesn’t always get the attention they deserve. Tight long sleeves are light enough to wear alone on warmer days but can easily be layered under sweaters or jackets when it gets chillier. In particular, they come in handy during those in-between temperatures when it’s not cold enough for heavy outerwear but too cool for short sleeves. My favorite long sleeve tops are from Pacsun and Urban Outfitters—they have cracked the code on producing clothes that can be easily layered.

5. The ultimate fall classic, a hoodie. But I’m not talking about just any hoodie—this has to be a hoodie that “hoodies.” It must be a solid color made of a sturdy material that is soft and insulated inside. It should be a blank canvas that you can dress up or down. One of the best things about a plain hoodie is how well it accentuates accessories. Whether it’s chunky gold hoops, layered necklaces or statement rings, the neutral base truly makes your jewelry stand out. Garage just released the best fall hoodie of all time. It’s selling out fast, so I suggest you ‘run not walk’ to get it.

6. Uggs are more than just a practical choice. Influencers on Tiktok and Instagram have turned them into a stylistic staple. Their soft lining keeps your feet cozy as the weather starts to cool, and they’re easy to slip on for quick trips outside. The durable design makes them perfect for daily wear, whether you’re walking around the neighborhood or running errands. Along with being insanely comfortable, Uggs are long-lasting enough to hold up during the transition to winter, which makes them worth the somewhat high price.