A Fall Capsule Wardrobe Helps You Pack Less and Wear More

It seems that as soon as summer temperatures start to dip, my urge to book a trip goes up—and that's when I start thinking about my fall capsule wardrobe. Sometimes it’s the Cotswolds, with its charming limestone cottages covered in ivy, calling me, the same way a long weekend of antiquing and sipping cider in the Hudson Valley or climbing rocky Atlantic coastlines in Maine does when chillier mornings appear. Summer travel may get all the hype, but seasoned travelers know that autumn is one of the most magical times of year to experience the world, no matter where you’re headed.They also know the challenges that come with trying to dress—and pack—for chillier months. (It’s true: Packing for fluctuating temperatures can feel almost as restrictive as carry-on requirements.) The good news is that building a fall capsule wardrobe works just as well on the road as it does in your closet at home. From thermal layers to trenches, each of these staples in our shoppable list makes for an easy throw-and-go uniform, so you spend less time on outfits and more time wandering through charming small towns, strolling local festivals, or settling in for an aperitivo. Below, 13 staples to build out your travel capsule wardrobe this fall.The perfect teeThe long-sleeve for layeringThe cozy cardiganThe versatile dressThe wool coatThe button-down shirtThe trouserThe trench coatThe straight-leg jeanThe slip-on shoeThe comfortable sneakerThe fall bootThe everyday handbagThe perfect teePossibly the essential of all essentials, the white tee. I start here because I believe every outfit should do so for ease. Have a funky trouser that needs a match? A wool skirt that feels impossible to pair otherwise? This is the basic you can pair with nearly everything you own–jeans, trousers, skirts, leggings, you name it. Best of all, these super-soft tees from Madewell, Everlane, Buck Mason, and Vuori have that lived-in feeling right from the start.MadewellThe Perfect crewneck teeEverlaneThe Organic Cotton Box Cut TeeBuck MasonField-Spec cotton heavy teeVuoriHeavyweight cotton teeThe long-sleeve for layeringA long-sleeve shirt is a perfect base layer for most fall outfits. Make sure yours is lightweight, breathable, and packable. I love tossing a long-sleeve in my carry-on for casual daytime outfits and cool mornings. Gap, Intimissimi, and Banana Republic make a few of my favorites.GapCloseKnit jersey T-shirtIntimissimiModal cashmere ultralight high-neck topBanana RepublicSlim-Fit Luxe Touch long-sleeve T-shirtBuck MasonVintage thermal henleyThe cozy cardiganThere’s a reason Taylor Swift wrote an entire song about one—and why it always finds its way into our suitcases once the weather cools. Even if you’re headed to a warm-weather destination like Nantucket, there’s something effortlessly chic about draping a cardigan over your shoulders. And it’s a classic for a reason: slung over your shoulders, buttoned up, paired with denim or a slip skirt, on the plane, and long after you’ve arrived.EverlaneCashmere cropped cardiganQuinceMongolian cashmere cardigan sweaterGapRelaxed polo cardigan sweaterThe versatile dressA packable dress needs to check three boxes, in my opinion: It should come in a versatile, neutral color, resist wrinkles, and be easy to layer. Bonus points if it's machine washable, which some of these picks are, including Quince's washable silk long-sleeve dress. From a sporty Uniqlo style that can be dressed up or down to an earth-toned, fingertip-length dress from Reformation, these staples are worth their suitcase space. I’m especially loving this minimalist slip from Diish that works as well with sneakers during the day as it does with kitten heels for a night out.QuinceWashable silk maxi dressDisshMina black cupro lace dressUniqloWashable ribbed knit dressThe wool coatSkeptics will scoff at the thought of packing a wool coat. But there’s a reason you see so many people wearing them over their sweatsuits in the airport security lines. When you arrive at a destination during peak autumn—think London, New York, Vermont—you’ll realize the coat is not only necessary, it’s the whole outfit. Pro tip: Wear yours on the plane to avoid packing it in your already-full suitcase.Rue SophieEligio handmade coatMangoClassic wool blend coatCultumDouble-Faced wool coatThe button-down shirtNot just a work-appropriate icon, the button-down is a tried-and-true layering piece for travel, especially in autumn. It can be tied around the waist, slouched over the shoulders, or worn open over a tank when temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. Plus, it's lightweight, meaning you can pack one or two in your suitcase without ending up in dreaded almost-zipped luggage territory.LoftEveryday oversized pocket shirtJ.CrewÉtienne oversized button-up shirtBuck MasonCalifornia oxford bd shirtThe trouserMy recommendation when packing a trouser? Opt for a sweatpant-like option rather than a heavy, sturdy, business-professional version. You’ll get the look—refined, polished—without sacrificing comfort during your travels. I especially love athletic brands for maximum comfort, but Abercrombie & Fitch, Aritzia, and Bonobos also make trend-forward options that don’t skimp on soft materials and relaxed silhouettes.Abercrombie & FitchA&F Sloane tailored pantAritziaThe Effortless PantLululemonDaydrift relaxed-fit pleated trouserBonobosThe Original pleated chinoThe trench coatA slightly oversized trench deserves every bit of the praise it gets. Not only is it a forever classic, but it's lightweight, water-resistant, and ideal for unpredictable weather. It's the perfect in-between layer for crisp afternoons everywhere from Scotland to New York City.J.CrewNew Icon trench coatFavorite DaughterThe easy trenchTuckernuckKhaki drew short trench coatThe straight-leg jeanA fall wardrobe roundup feels incomplete without a mention of the straight-leg jean, just as it would without the inclusion of a white tee. And they pair beautifully together no matter where you are or what time of year. It’s the outfit you’ll reach for when you’re not quite sure what’s on the itinerary yet.AbercrombieHigh Rise 90s relaxed jeanEverlaneThe Way-High jean 2.0Levi's501 Original Fit men's jeansLucky Brand223 Straight Coolmax stretch jeanThe slip-on shoeWhether on a business trip or checking your step count in a new city, you’ll need a reliable shoe to get you to and from. Luckily, I have quite a few for you to choose from—whether that means a sneaker-flat hybrid or a polished loafer. The comfortable slip-ons below were selected for their functionality just as much as their fashion.Loeffler RandallLeonie Ballet FlatsMargauxThe Demi Jane flatThe comfortable sneakerNo packing list is complete without a comfortable sneaker. Just imagine tackling connecting flights or heading out on a city walking tour without a pair. (Shuddering at the thought? Me too.) That’s why a sneaker is essential for every traveler in every destination. These neutral-colored options from OnCloud, Vivaia, and New Balance stand out for their all-day comfort and support. Wear them with quite literally everything—jeans, trousers, dresses, and more—to cut down your packing list and save your feet.New Balance574 Core sneakerAdidasHandball Spezial shoesOnThe Rodger advantageVivaiaRound-Toe lace-up mesh sneakersThe fall bootAgain, a boot is a commitment while packing, but one with incredible payoff. Smaller ankle boots don’t take up as much space if you’re packing light. If you’re not hopping on a flight and are in a car instead, en route to a harvest festival or an orchard, you can get away with bringing a pair of tall riding boots. Pair these from Jenni Kayne with a flannel or barn jacket for all your cozy outdoor adventures this season.Jenni KayneLeather Stowe bootLarroudeFlorencia low boot in black leatherThe everyday handbagThe best travel bags can transition from day to night and, of course, hold a couple of souvenirs while you're at it. I love bigger bags that can double as under-the-seat personal items during flights, like those from Free People and Leatherology, or smaller crossbody totes.LeatherologyMia horizontal toteFree PeopleQuilted carryall bagThis article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meaghan Kenny.