Building an Autumn Capsule Wardrobe for Work

Autumn is here and so is the stress of putting together a weather and office-appropriate outfit every day. To cut down on that stress, building an autumn capsule wardrobe specifically for work can help. In this guide, we will provide you with the necessary tips and recommend must-have clothing to get you started on building a professional wardrobe for the new season.

• Building an autumn capsule wardrobe
• Knitwear
• Coats
• Dresses

How to Build an Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of basic or staple clothing items that can be styled together and with other clothing to create as many outfits as possible. A capsule wardrobe can be built with items that can be worn throughout the year or for each season. No matter how you choose to do it, the principles of building a capsule wardrobe remain the same. Here is what to remember when specifically building an autumn capsule wardrobe:

1. One of the main points of a capsule wardrobe is to have a minimum selection of clothing items that can then be styled to create many different outfits. Therefore, try not to buy anything more than 1-5 pieces of each clothing item, depending on what it is.
2. Essential autumn clothing items for the office can include:

• knitwear such as jumpers and cardigans
• blouses or work-appropriate shirts
• trousers
• skirts, dresses
• a reliable pair of shoes such as boots
• a coat
• a jacket

3. Choose a colour scheme. Typical autumn colours include neutrals, warm brown, maroon, black, navy and more colours on the darker side.
4. When creating a capsule wardrobe for the office, remember to consider the office dress code as well as your overall style. It would not help to buy items that cannot be worn at the office or that you will not wear at all. British Vogue points out that the point is to have items that you will wear repeatedly.
5. Before you start shopping, go through your entire wardrobe and check what you have. You could be surprised to find that you essentially have a capsule wardrobe and just need to organise and plan around it.
6. Part of styling includes accessories. Items such as handbags, watches and jewellery can follow the same principle; simple and versatile enough to be worn with different outfits.

Benefits of a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is meant to make your life easier, so here are 4 benefits of building one:

1. “It’s fun!” says avid shopper and Love Vouchers’ deal finder, Marylyn Ncube. While the thought of going through your entire wardrobe and potentially having to go shopping can be daunting, the process can be enjoyable. You could also get a better idea of your style.
2. You will save money in the long run. Through building a capsule wardrobe, you can become more mindful of what you buy and ultimately avoid excessive shopping.
3. In line with saving more money, you could find that you have more to invest in high-quality pieces that will last, reducing the need to replace clothing on a regular basis.
4. A capsule wardrobe saves you time, which is very important when getting ready for work.

Autumn capsule wardrobe FAQs

Here are 3 commonly asked questions when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe:

1. How many items should a capsule wardrobe have?

There is no set number on how many items you should have but for comfortable seasonal wear, aim for 25-30 items. Remember that the purpose is to have basic or foundational items that can be worn on rotation.

2. Can summer workwear still be worn during autumn and winter?

Yes, of course! While autumn and winter clothing is characterised by being thicker and warmer, summer clothing is still an option during this time. The key is to layer appropriately, both for the weather and the office. A summer dress can become an autumn dress when layered with a jumper, stockings, boots and a coat.

3. Do I need to buy new clothes for a capsule wardrobe?

While you may need to buy a few extra items, you do not need to do a complete overhaul of your current wardrobe.

Capsule Wardrobe Item #1: Knitwear

Both light and heavy knitwear is important throughout the year, yes, even during warmer weather. You never know when a sudden chill will hit! Right now, they are perfect for transitioning from summer to autumn. Knitwear includes jumpers, vests, cardigans and sweatshirts. During autumn and winter, layering is everything and any choice of knitwear plays a big role. During the transition, you can still wear your summer workwear and add knitwear on top for a warm layer.

Here are 3 knitwear recommendations from Very to consider:

1. The Classic Comfort Button Through Sleeveless Tank in grey is a lightweight option perfect for transitioning into autumn. Since it is a sleeveless tank, it can be best worn over a work shirt or blouse, and paired with work trousers or a skirt. Buy it for €22
2. The Classic Comfort Relaxed Crew Neck Jumper is a simple and lightweight jumper perfect for autumn and winter. It comes in burgundy, striped beige, black and blue. For the purpose of the capsule wardrobe, burgundy and black may be the best colour options. The jumper goes for €20.
3. The Mint Velvet Burgundy Shirt Collar Cardigan was made for the office and can be styled with trousers, a skirt, or even layered over a dress. It goes for €115.

Use Very coupon codes to save on their offering of knitwear.

Capsule Wardrobe Item #2: Coats

A coat may be the single most important item you can have for autumn and winter. It is the final layer of an outfit and is what everyone sees first. It is important to invest in quality coats that will serve the purpose of keeping you warm and will last long. While having one good coat should be enough, you can get 2 or 3 for different weather conditions.

Here are 3 coat recommendations to consider:

1. The grey mix Autograph Wool Rich Double Breasted Longline Coat that can be bought from Marks & Spencer is the perfect coat for everyday office wear. Made from wool, this longline coat is suitable for cold and dry days, and can be worn over a variety of outfits. It goes for €250 and you can save with a Marks & Spencer coupon code.
2. The Notch Collar Belted Wrap Coat was made for autumn with its colour options and design. Available in brown, black and cream, this is the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe for versatility. Buy it for €105 and save with a River Island discount code.
3. A trenchcoat is a classic that is the best option for cold and wet days, and the ASOS DESIGN Premium Suede Trenchcoat is a must-have. The suede finish adds a stylish finish and the tan and olive colour options make it another versatile option suitable for an autumn capsule wardrobe. Use an ASOS discount code to save on this €319 coat.

Capsule Wardrobe Item #3: Dresses

An office-appropriate dress or two is a must-have, especially during autumn. Dresses allow for easy styling and quick mornings when you don’t have the energy to put together an outfit. For a capsule wardrobe, having a few dresses is a smart move. For the office, knee-length, midi-length and ankle-length dresses are the most appropriate. Depending on your office environment and your personal style and comfort needs, they can be best paired with loafers, block heels and kitten heels.

Here are 3 dress recommendations to consider:

1. The boohoo Square Neck Mixed Rib Knitted Midaxi Dress is a flattering and office-appropriate autumn dress suitable for the dropping temperatures. The chocolate colour falls in line with autumn themes and can also be worn in winter with layering. Use a boohoo promo code to save on this €45 dress.
2. Use an ALLSAINTS promo code to save on the Jax 2-In-1 Maxi Dress. This dress is a whole outfit made for a capsule wardrobe on its own as it comes with a removable jumper, making it perfect for the office and a night out afterwards. It goes for €345 and comes in black and collegiate blue.
3. If you want to take a step away from autumn neutrals and have one bright dress that can be worn during every season, the Joe Browns Floral Midi Dress is the perfect option. A dress as bright as this does not need much styling but its long sleeve design and midi length make it perfect for every season. It goes for €65,99 and you can use a FRASERS promo code to save.

Save on an Autumn Capsule Wardrobe with Love Vouchers

Find the best deals on professional autumn clothing for an autumn capsule wardrobe by using our Love Vouchers discount codes, including Fashion promo codes and Women’s Fashion discount codes.