Layers, textures, and a hint of cozy drama are the common threads among the pieces that are my fall favorites. Instead of chasing every trend, I’m leaning into a mix of fresh purchases, pre-loved finds, and trusted standbys.
The editors at Glamour recently pulled together a list of 13 capsule wardrobe essentials for fall. While I nodded along to many of their picks, my own lineup tells a slightly different story. Mine isn’t a capsule in the strict sense, though plenty of these pieces pair easily together, but rather a collection of what I know I’ll be reaching for on repeat. Last October, I shared nine new wardrobe additions in what I called my own little “fall edit,” and I still wear most of them often. This year, though, I wanted to take the idea further. Not just new additions, but a blend of old favorites and fresh finds, 13 pieces that feel like the heart of my fall/winter style right now … plus one wildcard that earned a spot simply for sparking joy.
While a capsule wardrobe is usually designed to be pared down, ultra-coordinated, and a little utilitarian, my fall collection isn’t quite that tidy. Some of these pieces overlap with Glamour’s list, like a classic button-down, a versatile skirt, and a go-to pair of boots, but others lean more toward statement than staple. Even though jeans are a core part of my everyday wardrobe, you’ll note that there isn’t a single pair in this collection, a reminder that sometimes it’s worth looking beyond the basics. Think of Glamour’s capsule as a solid foundation, and my list as the next step: the expressive, playful pieces that make getting dressed feel personal and fun.
🧥 Outerwear
The Everyday Barn Jacket
A recent purchase, this brown canvas jacket with a corduroy collar has that “throw it on and go” energy. Its inclusion on my list is a bit ironic, too, since Glamour named the barn jacket one of their fall capsule essentials. However, I bought mine for a fraction of the cost of the ones shown in the article, making it feel like my own lived-in take on the trend.
The Leopard Denim Jacket
Picked up last month in Las Vegas while celebrating our anniversary, this leopard-print denim jacket is a pre-loved find, but it feels brand new to me. It plays the role of a cardigan, quick to throw on, and my look is instantly full of personality.
The Artsy Blazer
Another pre-loved find and already shared in Fall 2025 Footwear Review: Step Right Up, this oversized, patterned blazer makes even jeans feel dressed up. With its abstract print and vintage vibe, it’s structure with a wink and a reminder that outerwear can be art.
👢 Footwear
The Western Fringe Boots
A recent purchase, these brown suede knee-high boots with fringe bring instant drama and movement. They’re the kind of piece that makes even the simplest outfit feel playful and full of energy, and with brown having a moment of fame this season, they feel especially on point.
The Silver Statement Loafers
Shown in my last week’s footwear review post, these metallic loafers are proof that comfort and statement-making can happily coexist. They catch the eye but still manage to work with denim, skirts, and even trousers.
The Moto Buckle Boots
This pre-loved pair has quickly become a go-to. With their chunky heel and multiple buckle straps, these black boots strike the balance between rugged and refined, giving just enough edge to ground softer looks. They’re also the pair I found in my recent hunt for replacement black boots, and they’ve more than earned their spot in my lineup.
👗 Core Clothing: Tops
The Garden Party Sweater
A black knit sweater with oversized florals, this piece is the kind of statement-maker that makes me smile every time I put it on. It’s cozy but playful, and it works just as well with jeans as it does tucked into a skirt.
The Metallic Striped Button-Down
This blue-and-white striped shirt has a subtle shimmer from metallic threads that catch the light. It’s been waiting its turn in my closet (it’s a carryover from last fall’s collection), and this season I’m determined to put it into regular rotation—whether layered under a vest or worn loose with denim.
The Retro Polo Knit
A short-sleeve citron polo with an openwork knit, this top blends retro charm with modern ease. It’s lightweight enough for transitional weather but bold enough to hold its own under a blazer or paired with a skirt. Also already seen in last week’s footwear review post.
The Berry Broderie Blouse
Made from deep magenta eyelet fabric, this blouse brings both texture and color to the mix. With its delicate detailing and feminine shape, it has a way of making even casual outfits look intentional.
👗 Core Clothing: Vest & Bottoms
The Funnel Neck Vest
A new addition, this beige vest with a cinched waist and high funnel neckline is a layering piece that instantly changes the tone of an outfit. Sleek and structured, it’s the kind of item that can pull a look together without trying too hard.
The Midi Bloom Skirt
This black floral skirt brings a touch of romance into the mix. It’s one of those pieces that works as well with loafers and a cardigan as it does with boots and a blazer, proof that florals are suitable for any season.
The Black Denim Skirt
A classic shape in washed black denim, this skirt is a wardrobe anchor. It pairs seamlessly with nearly every item in my collection and gives me a structured option that’s less expected than jeans. Shown recently in On The Hunt: Black Boots, it’s a purchase from last year that I hadn’t yet worn, but it’s quickly become one of this fall’s wardrobe essentials.
The Wildcard – A Sequin Skirt
Call it impractical, call it indulgent … I call it irresistible. This shimmering skirt might be meant for “special occasions only,” but I love the idea of dressing it down with sweaters or boots for daytime sparkle. Sometimes, fashion should just be fun.
Looking at the collection as a whole, what stands out to me isn’t just how these pieces work together, but how each one makes me feel. Some are playful, some are practical, and some are pure joy, but all of them remind me that style is less about rules and more about finding pieces that spark connection. I haven’t included accessories here, not because they don’t matter. It’s because I prefer to keep those choices wide open and let them shift with my mood.
And speaking of joy, the look I’m wearing in today’s photos captures that spirit perfectly. It pairs the wildcard sequin skirt with a thrifted plaid western-style shirt, topped with the barn jacket for a mix of sparkle and structure that’s equal parts whimsical and grounded. The brown-and-black combination may be a little unexpected, but it’s long been one of my favorite pairings. The black cowboy boots, with their subtle snakeskin accents, add a hint of rugged contrast to all that shimmer, while the bolo necklace, which was once my father’s, adds a personal touch that makes the outfit even more special. This is what I plan to wear for my birthday this coming weekend because, honestly, if you can’t sparkle on your birthday, when can you?
While some of these 14 pieces are fresh out of the shopping bag, others have been with me long enough to feel like old friends. All of them are shaping the way I’ll be dressing this season. They may not form a strict capsule, yet they give me the right mix of comfort, confidence, and creativity to make my fall style feel effortless.
If Glamour’s capsule guide is a good starting point, then think of my fall collection as the next step: moving beyond the basics into pieces that make getting dressed feel personal, joyful, and uniquely yours. Because in the end, it’s not about having everything, it’s about loving what you have. Now I’d like to know: what are the pieces in your closet, whether brand-new or well-loved, that you’ve truly fallen for this season?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Photo credit: MMPerez
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program, where I earn a small commission for each click at no additional cost to you.
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. The featured post from last week’s link-up, My First Solo Traveling Adventure: Italy Days 6–9, was contributed by Kathrine from over at Kathrine Eldridge. Her vivid storytelling and tale of self-discovery make this post an inspiring must-read.
22 Comments
You are much better than I am about scoping out the trends. I buy what I like with one caveat…it needs to go with at least one other thing in my closet. Lately, though, I’ve found myself buying brown, of all things! I know it’s the color of the moment, but I’d never say it was a favorite. Love the shape of your sequined skirt. Mine is more straight. And, now, you have me wanting a barn coat more than ever! Thanks for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Marsha, thank you! I think that’s such a smart approach, buying what you like and making sure it plays well with something you already own. Brown has really grown on me too this season; it’s funny how a “trend” color can start to feel like a neutral once you start wearing it. I bet your straight sequin skirt looks amazing, and yes, a barn coat is definitely worth adding to the mix!
Loving your brown jacket and the idea of a sequin skirt wildcard. I don’t have many of the items in the Glamour capsule!
Thank you, Gail! The sequin skirt has been such a fun wildcard to play with, it adds instant personality to almost anything. And honestly, I think the best wardrobes are the ones that reflect you, not any checklist. The Glamour capsule is a great reference point, but half the fun is making it your own.
I love that barn jacket! I have been keeping my eye out for a good one! These are all fabulous pieces.
I’m so glad you like it and the whole collection, Laura. I’ve been amazed at how versatile the barn jacket is, it really does go with just about everything. I hope you find one you love soon; it’s definitely become one of my favorite fall pieces!
I really love your skirt!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
Thank you! It’s such a fun piece to wear, definitely one of those “instant mood-lifter” items.
I love how you paired your sequin skirt for an every day outfit. This is a nice way to highlight your favorites for the season. I am hoping to combine some skirt outfits this fall (sometimes I forget them for my fun jeans, but I love a skirt, boots and sweater look) and I need to give all my favorite light jackets a turn. My zebra blazer/jacket is going to be my statement piece for sure.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Your zebra blazer looks fabulous, what a perfect statement piece for fall! I know what you mean about defaulting to jeans, but a skirt, boots, and sweater combo really hits that cozy-but-put-together sweet spot.
As I said before, I am not a fashion following person, but love to visit to see what you have to share and get ideas
Thank you for the party, Reena,
My entries this week #22+23
Please join SSPS & HIH https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/
I really appreciate that, Esme. It means a lot that you stop by even if fashion isn’t your main thing. I love hearing when readers get little sparks of inspiration from these posts. And thank you for joining the link-up!
You have a great capsule wardrobe for fall, Rena! Starting by choosing pieces you know you love and will wear and building from there makes so much more sense that starting with someone else’s basic formula that may not suit you. Enjoyed reading about your process, thanks for sharing and for hosting the link up. Hope you have a good week!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Starting with what you already love really does make getting dressed so much easier, and more fun. I think that’s the key to keeping a wardrobe personal instead of prescriptive. Thank you for joining the link-up, and I hope your week is off to a great start too!
…I am still trying to build a capsule wardrobe to suit my style preference. Your outfit is beautiful and what a unique looking pair of boots you have on.
http://www.benitajames.com
Thank you! The boots are such a fun pair, they add instant personality to anything I wear with them. It can be challenging to find a capsule version that really suits your style takes time, but it’s so worth it once the pieces start clicking together.
Rena, your pieces speak to your personal style and I love that you know who you are stylewise! It’s so easy to see a list in a magazine and take it literally and forget to have fun and add their own spin. The sequin skirt is irresistible!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann, that’s so kind of you to say, thank you! I completely agree, it’s so easy to get caught up in following someone else’s list instead of making it your own. Fashion should always leave room for a little fun and personality. And yes, the sequin skirt definitely brings that!
Skirts and boots! Love the combination and colours! I love to know the trends and then bend it my way.
That’s exactly how I like to approach trends too, take what’s current and make it my own. Skirts and boots are such a great combo for that, aren’t they? So easy to tweak for whatever my mood or weather!
I love your boots and sequin skirt! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you so much, Emma. The boots and skirt have quickly become favorites, and I really appreciate the birthday wishes!