Why You Should Build a Capsule Wardrobe This Fall with These 12 Items from Kohl’s

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Published Jul 31, 2023

Kohl’s/Dasha Burobina for PureWow

Blurred patterns, mermaid-core, delicate feathers: Fashion’s standout trends are all over the place this year. But trends come and go (don’t even get us started on the culotte craze). Plus, they can cost a lot to invest in, only to be relegated to the back of the dresser after a few wears. Instead, we’re focused on building a fall capsule wardrobe that's versatile and saves us time, money and closet space. Even if you’re a trendsetter, having a capsule of clothing items you can mix and match with other stylish pieces will help you stay within budget (not to mention, stay on time while getting ready in the morning).

Read on for what a capsule wardrobe actually is, what items you’ll need to stock yours (our picks are all from Kohl’s, which has everything you need to build your very own versatile capsule wardrobe), and how to style them for seven different occasions.

So, what exactly is a capsule wardrobe?

According to our very own fashion editor Abby Hepworth, a capsule wardrobe is “a pared down list of clothing, shoes and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched with one another to create simple, chic ensembles with less effort.” The key to a capsule wardrobe is versatility. If one item doesn’t go with everything else in the capsule, it shouldn’t be included. It needs to be easily integrated into almost any outfit, hence why we tend to include more neutral-hued pieces (think: soft white, black, gray, beige and brown), which works especially great for the autumn season. The exception? A fun pop of color or pattern, like a leopard print maxi skirt, which works well with a variety of neutrals.

Fall Capsule Wardrobe Must-Haves

Fall Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas

Kohl’s/Dasha Burobina for PureWow

1. At the Office

Whether it’s brisk or balmy, a lightweight, versatile blazer in a neutral hue will tie your Monday through Friday look together nicely. Add a pair of sturdy loafers and an “old money”-style layered chain necklace and you’re (literally) in business, baby.

Get the look: Nine West blazer ($55); Croft & Barrow vest ($25); Nine West shirt ($35); Nine West trousers ($43); Lifestride shoes ($80); MC Collective necklace ($72)

Kohl’s/Dasha Burobina for PureWow

2. Weekend Errands

When you’re ready to peel yourself from the couch and start crossing off the to-dos, you can’t go wrong in a classic, simple tee and relaxed denim. Add court comfortable sneakers and a structured yet relaxed shoulder tote for the grocery list and essentials.

Get the look: SO jeans ($44); Nine West tee ($12); Adidas sneakers ($75); Madison West bag ($75)

Kohl’s/Dasha Burobina for PureWow

3. Group Dinner

Figuring out what to wear for your Big Weekend Plans™ can be the hardest part of getting ready—but not so with a capsule wardrobe. Aim for dressier basics: a printed maxi skirt and a T-shirt, plus a blazer when autumn temps inevitably drop.

Get the look: Nine West blazer ($55); Nine West tee ($12); Nine West skirt ($20); Madison West bag ($75); MC Collective necklace ($72); Adidas sneakers ($75)

Kohl’s/Dasha Burobina for PureWow

4. Airport Athleisure

Comfort is key when traveling, but you *never* know who you’ll see, so we always prefer to look slightly more put together than sweatpants. Opt for a stretchy athletic dress with pockets, underneath an open oversized button-down shirt for when it’s inevitably frigid from takeoff to taxi.

Get the look: Nine West shirt ($35); Skechers dress ($59); Adidas sneakers ($75); Madison West bag ($75)

Kohl’s/Dasha Burobina for PureWow

5. Work from Home

Embody “business on top, party on the bottom” with a professional yet relaxed button-down underneath a striped cotton vest for those all-important Zoom calls. Whether you actually wear the pleated belt-waist trousers or your pajama pants is totally up to you…

Get the look: Nine West shirt ($35); Croft & Barrow vest ($25); Nine West trousers ($43); Adidas sneakers ($75)

Kohl’s/Dasha Burobina for PureWow

6. Happy Hour

A tennis dress that doubles as the comfiest LBD is cocktail bar ready when layered under an oversized blazer. Dress the look up or down depending on your accessories. We’re partial to a layered gold necklace that ties in the gold buckle detailing of these loafers.

Get the look: Nine West blazer ($55); Skechers dress ($59); MC Collective necklace ($72); Lifestride shoes ($80)

Kohl’s/Dasha Burobina for PureWow

7. Date Night

Make the flirty leopard-patterned maxi your outfit’s center of attention for your night on the town. Leave the oversized button-down slightly unbuttoned to show just a peek of a black lace bralette underneath (bonus points for an effortless-looking French tuck).

Get the look: Nine West shirt ($35); Nine West skirt ($20); Madison West bag ($75); MC Collective necklace ($72); Lifestride shoes ($80)

PureWow Editors

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