The jackets, the denim, the layers — ask any GLAMOUR editor, and they’ll tell you that the best time for throwing ’fits is autumn. An autumn capsule wardrobe sets the tone for all your transitional looks, and we’ve rounded up our essentials for you to shop for the season ahead.
Our top picks:
- The blazer: ASOS DESIGN Sculpted Cinch Waist Blazer, £65, ASOS
- The leggings: lululemon Women’s Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant, £108, FLANNELS
- The maximalist earrings: Hera Oversized Dome Ridge Stud Earrings, £159, Missoma
- The jeans: Drapey Rigid High Rise Wide Leg Jean, £75, Abercrombie & Fitch
- The suede bag: Curved Suede Bag, £179, Arket
- The flats: Cap Toe Ballet, £285, Tory Burch
- The designer bag: Express MM Bag, £3400, Louis Vuitton
- The trousers: Cropped Trousers, £77, Arket
- The jacket: Cotton Blend Short Parka, £49.90, Uniqlo
- The shirt: The Classic Denim Shirt, £130, With Nothing Underneath
- The boots: Split Suede Kitten Heel Boots, £129, Zara
- The knitwear: GANNI Banana Wool Sweater, £295, FLANNELS
- The pencil skirt: Jersey Knee Length Pencil Skirt, £19.50, Marks & Spencer
Our autumn must-haves are tried-and-true wardrobe essentials; in fact, you likely already have a bunch of these somewhere in your closet (and if not, consider now the perfect time to invest). Obviously the usual suspects – i.e. the items that reside in your year-round capsule wardrobe – take precedent, but things like black leggings, button-down shirts, throw-on knitwear and autumn boots are needed too. Plus, let’s not forget a few carryovers from our summer capsule can still be utilised; like ballet flats for elevating casual staples and maximalist earrings from the best jewellery brands.
There’s something about this time of year that inspires more big-ticket purchases, like a new work bag (maybe a designer tote, or a crossbody from a mid-price emerging label), boots to wear through winter, and a couple autumn jackets.
As you scroll through this piece, take stock of the clothing/accessories you currently own and think about what’s missing, what you have too much of, and what might need replacing. The whole point of curating a fall capsule wardrobe — or any seasonal edit, really — is to mitigate the cycle of clothing fatigue and overspending and instead lean into hardworking silhouettes that work for your lifestyle; pieces you can rewear, feel great in, and restyle with different accessories.
You’ll probably get the most out of a neutral colour palette, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to black and white. Camel and earth tones add warmth to your autumn outfits, which both minimalist and maximalist personal styles can appreciate, plus scarlett red was spotted all over the AW25 runways – so we’re making a beeline for it, natch.
Below is all the inspiration you need for your 2025 autumn capsule wardrobe.
1. The ’80s Blazer
As seen on the Schiaparelli and Saint Laurent runways, ‘80s tailoring is back. The easiest way to incorporate it into your capsule wardrobe? Via a blazer. Look for shoulder pads and a cinched waist and you’re on the right tracks.
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
You abandoned your leggings for bermuda shorts this summer, but now they’re back. Lovall and lululemon’s styles can stand up to near-daily wear, in our opinion.
3. The Maximalist Earrings
Forget your sleepers and huggie hoops, large, maximalist stud earrings from the best jewellery brands are in for this season. Think the ’80s clip-on styles that your mum used to wear back in the day.
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these Missoma discount codes at checkout.
Jeans are seemingly wider and baggier than ever, but to offset the roominess of it all, brands are introducing exaggerated cuffs that also fulfil another purpose: Preventing the hems from dragging in puddles of rain. Win-win.
5. The Suede Bag
Suede bags were very much a thing last autumn, and remain so this year. Our top picks? Reformation’s bowling bag silhouette and Arket’s curved offering – you can wear it as a cross-body bag or shoulder bag.
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these Reformation discount codes at checkout.
6. The Flats
Want to put Allison Bornstein’s wrong shoe theory to the test? Try pairing a sharp loafer with a moody floral dress or denim skirt. Ballet flats are also a solid choice when the weather’s still warm-ish – though maybe swap your mesh shoes for some Mary Janes instead.
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Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these Lounge discount codes at checkout.
7. The New Designer Bag
Why not treat yourself this season with a new-in designer bag? Louis Vuitton’s Express MM bag is going to be everywhere – we’ve already spotted it at CPHFW – and Coach’s Empire shape simultaneously scratches the bowling bag and east-west bag itch.
8. The Trousers
Wide-leg trousers and capris remain the fashion set’s favourite as we continue into the latter half of the year, and we understand why; they’re easy to wear/style and look chic without trying hard.
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these Arket discount codes at checkout.
We’ve already done a deep dive on the best jackets for autumn, but if you must only pick one for your curated collection, we vote for any of these four.
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these AllSaints discount codes at checkout.
10. The Button Up
Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up; a shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to straight-leg jeans and slip dresses. Denim button-downs and ruffle-neck blouses are a particular hit for AW25.
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these COS discount codes at checkout.
11. The Boots
Cowboy boots, kitten-heel pointed toes, moto and pirate styles (yep, you read that right) are where you should set your sights if you’re looking to make a purchase in the best autumn boots department. These ones are selling like hot cakes already…
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.
12. The Throw-On Knit
Granted autumn can sometimes throw a surprise second-summer, but on the days when there’s a definite nip in the air, some throw-on knitwear is a must. A cardigan or short-sleeve jumper is ideal, but wool or mohair jumpers look particularly stylish worn over the shoulders.
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
13. The Pencil Skirt
Daniel Cleaver from Bridget Jones will certainly not be asking you if “skirt is off sick” while you’re wearing one of these knee-grazing designs. Pencil skirts – another ’80s tailoring must-have – are in for autumn. Opt for grey or black as easy additions to your capsule.
Save when you shop for your autumn capsule wardrobe with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
A version of this story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
