As the weather cools down, it’s time to refresh your wardrobe with essential pieces for the pre-fall season. This year, we’re embracing a minimalist approach, focusing on versatile and timeless items that seamlessly transition from summer to fall. While you might not be ready to ditch your warm weather staples just yet, it’s a great time to start incorporating those go-to closet classics that will help you navigate this transitional period in total style.
At the top of our minimalist capsule wardrobe list is the one-and-done-outfit dress. A sleek maxi dress from Jil Sander or a slinky tank dress from Róhe will ensure sartorial success. For evening attire, elevate your look with cool tops from Cos and Staud, pairing them with tailored trousers from The Frankie Shop and Veronica de Piante, or a subtly statement-making skirt from Toteme or Loulou Studio.
As the summer sun starts to fade, lightweight outerwear becomes essential. Loewe’s corduroy-trimmed wax jacket and & Other Stories’ cropped trench coat are perfect choices. For breezy knitwear, consider pieces from Everlane, La Ligne, and J.Crew, opting for minimalist-approved hues like black, red, gray, and camel.
No minimalist outfit is complete without the right accessories. Black ballet flats from Tove or Bally’s menswear-inspired driving loafers will add a touch of elegance. Complete the look with a chic handbag, whether it’s Toteme’s canvas clutch or St. Agni’s woven tote. Dainty jewels from Agmes, Lié Studio, and Alexis Bittar, and Isabel Marant’s luxurious cord belt will add the perfect finishing touch.
Here’s a breakdown of the 12 must-have pieces for your minimalist pre-fall capsule wardrobe:
One-and-Done Dresses:
Invest in easy-to-wear dresses from Róhe, Jill Sander, Wardrobe.NYC, and By Malene Birger. Merlette’s classic LBD and Khaite’s cool grey tank dress are timeless choices that can be styled with sandals now and boots later.Lightweight Outerwear:
Add texture with pieces from Bally and Staud, or opt for classics like Loewe’s wax jacket and cropped trenches from Cos and & Other Stories. Khaite’s oversized denim jacket is another viral option that’s sure to be a fashion girl favorite.Easy Flats:
Embrace comfort and style with classic black ballet flats from Tove or Bally’s driving loafers. Seasonless options from Mango and Flattered are great choices, while Aeyde’s python-effect flats or H&M’s suede style add a touch of personality.Minimalist Handbags:
Elevate any outfit with a minimalist handbag from The Row or Khaite. More affordable options include Toteme, Lié Studio, St. Agni, or Madewell, all offering styles that effortlessly add a touch of chicness.Cool Tops:
If you’re not a dress girl, opt for cool tops instead. Cowl-neck choices from Róhe, Source Unknown, and Cos are flattering, while Victoria Beckham’s two-toned tank is a perfect end-of-summer staple. Consider Staud’s sleeveless turtleneck top or Veronica de Piante’s structured suit vest.Sleek Skirts:
Keep the skirt trend going with sleek styles from Zara, Cos, and Joseph. Denim skirts from Loulou Studio and Jacquemus offer a casual weekend vibe, while Toteme’s leopard-print midiskirt is a must-have.Notable Knits:
Embrace cozy comfort with lightweight, luxurious knits. Everlane’s buttery yellow polo and La Ligne’s cherry red cardigan are excellent choices. Layer Loulou Studio’s V-neck over a plain white tee or wear Lisa Yang’s sleeveless sweater on its own. Khaite’s wool-blend cardi and J.Crew’s cashmere tee are worth investing in.Great Denim:
No capsule wardrobe is complete without great denim. Basic blues from Banana Republic, Madewell, and Frame are timeless, while raw denim from Cos and Dries Van Noten offers a dressier finish. Levi’s 501 jeans are reimagined in bright white for a pre-fall twist.Crisp Shirting:
Striped styles from Wales Bonner and J.Crew have a menswear feel, while color pops from Róhe and Stella McCartney are designed to stand out. Neutral options from Banana Republic and Massimo Dutti offer versatility.Tailored Trousers:
Straight-leg styles from St. Agni, Veronica de Piante, and Aritzia, or wide-leg versions from The Frankie Shop and Banana Republic, are perfect for elevating any outfit. Style them with chunky loafers or kitten heels.Timeless Tees & Tanks:
Every wardrobe needs a strong roster of tees and tanks. Layer them under other transitional essentials or wear them on their own on warmer days.Chic Outfit Additions:
Complete your minimalist look with dainty jewels from Lié Studio and Ragbag, or cool belts from Cos and Isabel Marant. These finishing touches instantly elevate any outfit.With these 12 essential pieces, you can create a minimalist pre-fall capsule wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from summer to fall while keeping your style effortlessly chic.
