The days are getting shorter and pumpkin lattes are back on the menu, which means it’s time to assemble your autumn wardrobe. The fall season calls for heavier knits, luxurious textures and warmer hues. From transitional pieces to layering accessories, here's our cheat sheet for building a cool weather wardrobe that's always on point.
Invest in basics that aren’t season-specific
The concept of a personal capsule wardrobe was made popular by fashion blogger, Caroline, of Unfancy, whose minimalist style is equal parts polished and practical. The idea is to invest in classic pieces that can be worn year-round, as opposed to buying new clothes each season and succumbing to fast fashion trends. Select a few versatile items—your favorite little black dress, a linen shirt and a great pair of denim for instance—that serve as the foundation of your wardrobe, and can be styled accordingly as the seasons change.
Transition your warm weather pieces with accessories and layers
Accessories are a great way to add warmth to your summer pieces. Men and women can both add wool hats, cashmere scarves and leather boots to update warm weather outfits for fall. Earmuffs and tall socks are trending this fall season, so consider adding these functional pieces to your closet!
Besides accenting your outfit with fall ready pieces, layering is the easiest way to transition summer clothes. For instance, ladies can add a turtleneck and tights to their sun dress, or a blazer and silk scarf to professional attire. For the discerning gentleman, layering a leather jacket or textural cardigan over a chambray top will introduce some thermal comfort without compromising on style. Bright colors are also on trend, so consider adding some splashy wool socks to keep your feet toasty.
When it comes to fall layers and accessories, invest in high quality fabrics like cashmere and wool that can be dressed up or dressed down. These textiles deserve top notch care, and a cleaning professional will keep them looking fresh.
Keep your fall fabrics clean
Taking care of your clothing is key to maintaining a stylish wardrobe. Delicate fabrics such as cashmere can be hand washed in cool water with a gentle laundry soap and then laid flat to dry. You can speed up the drying process by laying a towel underneath the garment.
Wool or leather should be brought to a professional service. Wool can be dry cleaned, but genuine leather can lose natural oils and get damaged when it's exposed to any heat. To keep your leather apparel looking its best, talk to your trusted cleaner, who can connect you with a quality specialty service in town.
Store your summer favorites for the next season
For the warm weather clothes that you do want to retire, get them cleaned before placing them in long-term storage. Putting items away without properly caring for them first may result in damage to delicate fabrics; unresolved stains can set, and lingering scents can attract moths or insects. Wash your items according to the label's instructions with a gentle detergent, then hang or flat dry to maintain the clothing's shape. Finer fabrics such as silk ties or rayon dresses require extra care, so send these items to a dry cleaner for a little TLC before they go into hibernation.
Our care guide on proper clothing storage has got you covered on specific fabrics and storage options. Whether you keep your items hanging in your closet or folded away in storage bins, be sure to choose a cool, dry location so that when next summer rolls around, you can toss these clothes on without worrying about any unsightly stains or damage.
By following these closet cues and expert care tips, you can enjoy watching the leaves change as you sip your apple crisp oatmilk macciato in a stylish autumnal ensemble.
Photos: Sergey Zolkin, Maksim Ladouski / Shutterstock.com, Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com
