I'm Already Planning My Fall Capsule Wardrobe—6 Items on My Wish List

As someone who loves having a capsule wardrobe as the foundation of my closet, I always find myself looking forward to fall. September feels like a return to the classics that never go out of fashion: trench coats, ballet flats, cashmere sweaters. These elevated basics are the kind you can style on repeat—mixing and matching with each other—making the process of getting dressed feel effortless yet chic.
When it comes to minimalist essentials, I like to look to brands like The Row, St. Agni, J.Crew, Gap, and Banana Republic for inspiration. Since each tends to focus on timeless, anti-trend designs, I know I can rely on them to easily find pieces I'll reach for over and over. I've been keeping an eye on new arrivals at Paloma Wool, Gimaguas, Baserange, Geel, Charlie Beads, and Brooke Callahan as well.
Keep scrolling for my next-season wishlist, filled with staples I know I'll wear for years to come.
Trench Coats
I'm not sure how I've gone this long without a trench coat, but it's now at the top of my fall wishlist. I'm leaning toward a a single-breasted version, though I'm open to different shades. Now matter how much time passes, it's just the perfect layer.
Capris
Capris were everywhere this spring and summer, and I think this will continue into fall. For a chic outfit formula, I like them paired with a trench coat, white t-shirt, and flats. My current contenders are from Geel, Brooke Callahan, and Guizo.
Black Flats
When it comes to fall footwear, my mind immediately goes to black flats. As the weather turns colder, I love wearing them with tights. For a trendier alternative, cherry red and silver versions have been popular.
Knitwear Basics
I can't contain my excitement for turtlenecks and cardigans again. Cashmere is one of my favorite materials, and I'm looking forward to adding more of it into my closet this season. Intimissimi's boat-neck cashmere top has been on my mind for a while, and they have a Buy 2, Get The 3rd 50% promotion. I'm considering the viral Banana Republic Oversized Cotton V-Neck Sweater and J.Crew Cashmere-Wool Blend Poncho too.
Oversized Totes
At some point over the summer, I decided I wanted to be the kind of person whose bag is always stocked with essentials—hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, toothpicks, Tums, Advil, a pen… the list goes on. My shoulder bags were a bit too small for all of it, so while I still love them for phone-keys-wallet days, I've been gravitating towards rotating in larger carry-alls.
Levi's 501s
I have a confession: I do not currently own a single pair of jeans. I know that probably sounds bizarre, but I've always been more of a dresses and skirts type of person. This fall, I finally want a pair of Levi's 501s—either the '90s or the curve version.
-
My Classic-Cool Fashion Recs Always Sell Out—I Bet These 16 Fall Finds Are Next
Discover the ultimate fall 2025 shopping guide ahead.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—6 Fall Jacket Trends I'm Buying in 2025 and 6 I'm Skipping
You should too.
-
The Easy-Yet-Elevated Outfit Formula Fashion People Will Be Wearing Straight Into Fall
Here are seven takes on the chic look.
-
Uniqlo Is a Treasure Trove of Chic Fall Finds—29 Under-$90 Basics I'm Buying Immediately
Time to update your staples.
-
I Popped Into Zara to Shop for a New Fall Jacket—Here's What Came Home With Me
So many chic styles.
-
Better Than Ballet Flats (and Loafers): The Shoe Trend It Girls in NYC and Paris Will Be Wearing This Fall
They're classic but fresh at the same time.
-
Editor Instincts Activated: We're Grabbing These 18 Fall Pieces Before Everyone Else Does
Run, don't walk.
-
Forget Parisian Style—Every Chic Person Is Wearing This Fall Aesthetic Instead
Chic, charming, and calming.