I love the richer colors and heavier layers that come with sweater season, but it’s also when I spend several mornings staring at my closet, trying to figure out an outfit. Living in New York City, where people dress up even for the grocery store, I’m always looking to switch up my look. But I’ve learned that having more clothes doesn’t necessarily mean having more outfits.
I’ve worn the same jeans a few days in a row, so why congest my closet with a bunch of stuff I’ll never grab? The solution: a capsule wardrobe. It’s a shorthand term that stylists use to refer to a tight edit of perennially great-looking clothes you can mix and match, so you can stack more looks with less garb.
You don’t have to be a menswear pro to pull this off. I have my go-to basics and a few standout pieces that sprinkle in a little texture and extra flair. As a style editor (and shameless outfit repeater), here are the essentials I’m keeping in rotation this fall.
Take note whether you’re rebuilding your wardrobe or looking to fill in a few gaps. I’m the knitwear king, so a couple of good crewneck sweaters are nonnegotiable for my fall wardrobe. They’re easy to throw on with light or dark-colored jeans, but look even sharper when I dress them up with tailored trousers and loafers.
When I’m traveling or running around knocking out errands, a hoodie is a warm, comfortable piece to have when the temps dip. I love that it fits under a coat or leather, depending on its fit. If I’m investing in one statement layer for fall, it’s a leather jacket.
It gives even a basic T-shirt and jeans combination some edge, and you can wear it well into spring. A good pair of jeans is the backbone of this whole capsule. I prefer a relaxed straight-leg fit that gives my thighs room without looking overly baggy.
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