Shopping for fall clothes is one thing; being prepared for pre-fall is quite another. Can I get an amen? Transitional dressing challenges us because we’re ready to wear outfits that reflect the new season, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate with our ideals. It’s still blazing hot in Cincinnati this week, but today I’m introducing a pre-fall capsule wardrobe so we can be prepared to create stylish and weather-appropriate outfits once September rolls around and the days gradually begin to cool down.
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I’ve created a pre-fall capsule wardrobe that leans toward the casual side, but still gives you myriad options for elevating your outfits. I’ve even included a beautiful dress for a fall wedding or other special event. Whether you use this pre-fall capsule wardrobe to shop for these exact items to fill your closet or you simply allow it to spark your imagination as you begin to think about how you’ll pull together the items already in your closet for the transitional weeks, I hope you find it helpful.
Because my readers seem to value my recommendations, I’ve spent hours and hours carefully selecting high-quality, timeless and versatile pieces that will help you create multiple looks, not just outfits. You can dress all of these up or down depending on how you put them together.
While I tried to stay away from extravagantly expensive things, I did include a few items that are a little pricey. But I made sure those are items you could add to your closet with the confidence that you can wear them, not just for weeks or even months, but for years. However, you can also just look at this board as inspiration and search for similar lower priced options wherever you like to shop. Later this week I may try to add a few items that could be substituted in at a lower price point.
I’ve created an extensive shopping widget below with each item in the pre-fall capsule wardrobe. I’ve included notes about how to wear the item, sizing (if I’m familiar) and versatility. You’ll also notice that some items include coupon codes for savings. Depending on the device you’re using right now to read this post, you may need to use the scrolling bar to the right of the items to scroll down and see all 35 items.
I’ve also created a downloadable and printable PDF of the pre-fall capsule wardrobe. In fact, you can shop straight from it, too. It’s only available in my Printable Library for my email subscribers. (Subscribers, your sign-in code is the same for everyone and it’s ALWAYS included toward the bottom of your daily and/or weekly emails from me.)
Let’s see a few ways the pieces in the pre-fall capsule wardrobe work together to create outfits you can enjoy as fall meanders towards us. I’ll add more as the week goes on, but I wanted to get at least a few style boards up for you today.
The travel pants and jacket from M.M.LaFleur are created to be comfortable and versatile. Mix them and match them with other pieces in your wardrobe all week for work or reserve them for church and other meetings. For 3 days only M.M.LaFleur is offering 25% off on your back-to-office capsule with code BACKTOWORK25. These pieces are included in black, but not in the navy. Otherwise you can always use code KAY15 for 15% off.
Above I created a polished but comfortable travel outfit with the separates from M.M.LaFleur. Wear a comfortable t-shirt and sneakers to make the look a little more casual and travel friendly.
Whether you wear a short or long sleeve tee, take a long one of the jackets in the capsule for your daytime outing. As long as possible, I’m wearing sandals. But eventually you could trade in sneakers or loafers here.
While shorter trench jackets are trending, I still think a mid-length trench coat is the most versatile option. It’s perfect for more elevated occasions as well as casual.
Definitely wear your ivory or ecru jeans into the fall. You’ll make them look more autumnal with a great jacket and the right shoes.
Full length, wide-leg jeans are easy to dress up or down. Make sure you buy them or have them hemmed to a length that will accommodate a small heel as well as sneakers for the most versatility. Pop your collar on a button-up shirt and add a relaxed button-up cardigan for an effortlessly stylish look.
Burgundy and all shades of plum and wine are trending this year. Add splashes to your otherwise neutral outfits to usher in fall effortlessly.
Remember, if you’re an email subscriber you can download a shoppable copy of the pre-fall capsule wardrobe in the Printable Library (your code is in your email). To shop the pre-fall capsule wardrobe here, just scroll up and click on the images in the shopping widget (use the scroll bar on the right of the widget to see all 35 items). You can also see and shop the entire wardrobe HERE. In fact, that gives you a very nice shopping experience of all items.
Thanks so much for stopping in! Have a great day.
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Blessed for My Day
When I mentioned in Saturday’s newsletter that I have to have laser surgery on my eyes for narrow angles which can lead to glaucoma (I don’t have glaucoma, just the condition that predisposes me to a sudden onset of it), I thought that I might hear from one or two readers who have also had the procedure done. Low and behold, I heard from close to a hundred of you! I was overwhelmed with the encouragement, support and empathy. I feel so much more confident now as I face this outpatient surgery, which is evidently almost completely painless, very effective and easy to recover from.
As grateful as I am for each email I received, I’m all the more thankful that my Lord provided that avenue of encouragement. I know that He tenderly pricked women’s hearts to reach out and share. Isn’t it just so good the way God kindly gives us what we need, whether that is encouragement, instruction, wisdom or even correction? How has God “preserved your spirit” recently? Praise Him!
‘You have granted me life and lovingkindness;
And Your care has preserved my spirit.’ ~ Job 10:12
Good morning, Kay,
Thank you, thank you for this capsule wardrobe! I love a capsule wardrobe, and I particularly love that this one you’ve created will help me to add on to what I already have. I’ll only need a few strategic purchases to update and refresh my Fall wardrobe. Oooh, burgundy! So great to see it back in style.
Thank you also for sharing about your eye condition and upcoming surgery. My optometrist is watching me (ha!) closely as I have some early signs of glaucoma. I don’t think it’s the sudden onset type of glaucoma (glaucoma runs in my family) but I have some new questions to ask my optometrist, thanks to you.
I look forward to reading your posts every day, and I’m so appreciative of your hard work.
Best,
Kathleen
First off I am so glad that so many people that had the procedure reached out to you. I know a couple of people, one family who have had laser surgery. Maybe not the same condition that you have, but they came through it in flying colors, as I know you will too. God is with you. I also can tell you spent many hours completing this capsule wardrobe blog and so glad you put so much thought into it. It is mainly too casual for me, except for a couple of pieces, but think I can tweak it here and there to suit my style. Thanks for all your hard work and God bless you
Thank you for your hard work in presenting great suggestions for a fall capsule wardrobe. Not every piece is “me,” but there’s lots of style inspiration. But I would also include at least one skirt, at a knee-or midi-length. It could elevate some of the more casual tops, and would go well with the kitten-heeled shoes. And sending you every good wish for successful eye surgery. And don’t worry about us! If you need extra time for a complete recovery, TAKE IT! We’d all rather wait a bit longer for new posts and videos in the knowledge that you are getting completely better. ❤️🇨🇦
Love the capsule wardrobe. It gives me lots of ideas for fall. Thank you for all of your hard work.
I was out shopping on a day I was feeling down. A woman saw me struggling with some small pieces of furniture I had purchased and offered to help me. That gesture lifted my spirits. It was ao sweet and I’m thankful to the Lord for that woman and her spirit of kindness and helpfulness.
Really appreciate all the time you put into the fall capsule wardrobe and for making it printable! Will need to shop my closet for most of it. Love the style boards, too!
I hate you are having to deal with the eye issues.🥲 Life does throw us bumps in the road and very challenging at times. Sounds like you are making peace with it in your mind and will have more wisdom as the procedure gets closer. I will say a prayer for you. You got this! Please let us know when it will be and how it comes out. On another note.I was thrilled to see the capsule wardrobe this morning! This is great! Thank you for all your long hours of work. 🥰
What a fantastic capsule!!! Gave me miles of ideas! 🙂 Wishing you God’s blessings for your surgery, and what an encouragement from Him to receive so many emails. From what I have heard, laser surgery today is significantly better and easier than it was years ago.
I hope and pray everything goes well with your eye surgery. I’ve never had eye surgery. I know several people who’ve had cataract surgery. I’m glad you’re being encouraged from your readers.
My gosh, Kay! This is wonderful and obviously a labor of love! Thank you so much 🤗
Hi, and thank you for such a fun post! Fall is my favorite season (oh, I love all of the others, too!), as it is a throwback to my high school and college days when I would take the time to prepare for the inevitable change in seasons. In this case, I can say straight away that the trending wine/plum/burgundy shades were a delight to see, and seeing a cozy barn jacket (I’ve always been a fan), plus the incredibly stylish and practical hooded trench coat did, indeed, take me back to “memory lane.” Back in those days, as now, I always wanted to be sure I was armed with pieces that would withstand being on campus all day and, therefore, being prepared for changes in the weather – all while maintaining a sense of style. I know I will be consulting this post over the upcoming days and weeks. This is definitely another hit!
I am so glad you are feeling reassured about the eye procedure! Whatever we are facing, someone else has already gone through, and hearing from those who have “come out the other side” gives us strength. You weren’t expecting this, so you had to get used to the idea but before you know it, you will have come out the other side as well.
I love the pieces in the Fall Capsule Wardrobe and appreciate how much time you spent on creating it. Could you please tell me where to find the denim jacket? I think it would be really flattering and different from my other denim jackets.
Thanks so much!
Hi Kay,
I asked you earlier about the denim jacket. I was able to find it so please disregard the message.
Thanks
Thank you for this great capsule wardrobe capsule wardrobe inspiration. Praying your surgery goes well. I’m so glad your condition was found early!
Loved this post!
Hi!!! I ordered the top from Sanctuary just a few days ago, and I received it today! It is just what I wanted. It’s going to be a great addition to a fall/early winter wardrobe!
Lovely! Thanks so much for letting me know. I have that tee in other prints and it’s a good one. Enjoy!
Kay I see nude colored loafers in this line-up. Time to put ivory loafers with ivory jeans and dresses away until Spring? Thanks
I like nude loafers or cognac for a tight capsule. But if you have them, keep wearing those ivory loafers. They’re very on trend, even into fall and winter.
Thank you Kay for this capsule wardrobe. I love the outfit ideas! It also helps to fill the gaps in my wardrobe. So appreciate all the work you do and the time you put into this content.