Every day’s attire should be an enjoyable experience, yet it doesn’t need to be a drain on time. Hence, constructing the perfect autumn capsule wardrobe with a select few styles can simplify dressing for work, weekends, and beyond.
Should you find yourself at a loss for where to start, fret not. We conversed with seven distinct professional stylists and asked them to reveal the wardrobe essentials they recommend to their clients. Check out their top choices from Amazon below.
Wide-Leg Pants: Stelle Wide-Leg Dress Pants, $34 (originally $40)
The Ideal Black Turtleneck: Stylish Queen Fitted Turtleneck Sweater, $15 (previously $18)
Cropped Puffer Jacket: Merokeety Short Puffer Jacket, $61 (previously $80)
Leopard-Print Footwear: Soda Leopard Ankle Boots, $40
Flowing Black Pants: Btfbm Broad-Legged Trousers, $32 (originally $37)
This autumn, celebrity stylist and Emmy Award recipient Brenda Cooper is on the hunt for the ideal black pant that fits and flatters. She emphasizes, “A pair of chic wide-leg pants is your go-to for building confidence this season, and they can effortlessly be incorporated into any dress code, from professional to casual and even formal.” She notes that the “magic” in the cut is its ability to elongate the legs, making it a favorite among shorter shoppers.
Cooper also advocates for having a black turtleneck on hand, “as a fundamental capsule piece, it simplifies the process of dressing and assembling appealing outfits.” You’ll have the freedom to mix it with both neutral and colorful items. She suggests, “for a polished appearance, pair a black turtleneck with sleek wide-leg pants and add a sophisticated blazer. Alternatively, for a bohemian twist, wear your turtleneck with wide-leg, adorned denim and cowboy boots, complemented by a long duster, and you’re all set.”
Don’t overlook your outerwear. Cooper maintains that puffer jackets are a must-have this season due to their “versatility, light weight, warmth, and coziness.” It’s an “easy-to-wear piece” that complements the rest of your autumn wardrobe. She confesses to owning several and believes the style is suitable for transitioning into winter.
As for patterns, Cooper advises using leopard print as a neutral. “In my style guide, leopard print is always in style,” she elaborates. It’s a great choice “if you want to be on-trend with your autumn wardrobe,” and can add a touch of flair to your simplest ensembles.
“Black trousers are the reliable problem solver in my wardrobe,” proclaims red carpet stylist Melissa Rivers. She appreciates their “elegant yet relaxed” nature, and their “comfort without appearing loungewear-like.” Black trousers are as suitable for the office as they are for post-work cocktails.
Rivers views black trousers as the “Swiss Army knife” of her closet, making a classic navy blazer the “ultimate sidekick.” She explains, “It doesn’t dominate the scene, but it adds instant gravitas without coming off as overdone.” She prefers pairing it with a range of bottoms from jeans to tailored trousers, and notes that navy “has a gentleness that black lacks.”
The cashmere sweater is the quintessential autumn staple that “you’ll reach for time and again,” according to certified personal stylist Dianne Boyer. “It can be worn with jeans or trousers, looking stunning either way,” she notes. However, she recommends opting for a bold hue like burgundy, cream, or purple this season to enhance the luxurious feel.
When it comes to plush textures, Boyer believes that a bit of suede goes a long way. “The depth and richness of suede make an instant statement as soon as you walk in the room,” she explains. A suede jacket in a timeless silhouette can significantly elevate your style.
In terms of denim, Boyer advises that a classic pair of straight-leg jeans is a safe bet. Not only does this particular cut “flatter most body shapes,” but it also “matches most footwear styles,” allowing for easy outfit creation. She also suggests a medium wash for its versatility, as it can be worn throughout various seasons.
According to Boyer, “While knee-high boots are a classic, they’re experiencing a comeback this autumn.” She recommends pairing a classic riding boot with “rolled-up jeans or a heeled pair with dresses and skirts.” For the best value, she suggests a timeless leather or faux leather option, but also encourages exploring other fun finishes like suede and snakeskin.
Should you still wish to join the autumn boot trend, stylist and founder of Kroll PR, Christina Kroll, advises, “Cowboy boots are a timeless autumn staple.” Despite their current popularity, they remain evergreen. “You can wear them with mini skirts or shorts on a warm day, a longer floral dress on a cooler day with a denim jacket,” she recommends.
The versatility of the basic barn jacket is a well-known fact, and capsule wardrobe stylist and creator of The Elegance Edit, Celeste Renee, agrees. It’s “a practical alternative to the traditional trench coat, which is also ubiquitous.” These days, she feels “it’s been elevated from a rustic staple to a genuine fashion necessity, largely due to its presence on the Prada runway.” Consider it your must-have transitional outerwear piece.
Renee informs us that if summer was defined by “jelly sandals and woven flats,” then autumn will highlight “studded footwear that adds a chic edge.” Elevate your traditional loafers with “metal studs, grommets, and even chain details” for a subtle grunge twist on the otherwise preppy style. She adds, “This detail gives a cutting-edge vibe to an otherwise understated shoe, making it highly wearable.”
Stylist Cynthia Kennedy asserts that the knit dress is the “perfect one-stop outfit,” but this season, don’t hesitate to add a detail that can make all the difference. Consider “asymmetrical hems, cutout details, draped silhouettes, embellishments, or interesting ribbing that flatters your shape.” She also notes that the best part, aside from its versatility, is that “it’s comfortable enough to throw on with boots and a jacket during the day, but can then easily be transformed with slingbacks and bold jewelry for a night out.”
“This autumn, the trench coat is getting a fresh update with a cropped length,” personal stylist and color expert Laura Longmire tells Real Simple. The classic trench coat “has always been a go-to for instantly enhancing an outfit,” but “the traditional length isn’t always the most convenient for everyday life.” Enter the modern cropped version. It’s “a shorter version that offers the same level of sophistication without the hassle” of the full-length style.
