Want More Fall Outfits With Less Clothes? Start With This Capsule Wardrobe.

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Quick Overview

FALL IS MY favorite time of the year to get dressed. 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.

The Everyday Sweater

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.

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Pique Crewneck Sweater

Uniqlo Washable Milano Ribbed Sweater

Courtesy of Retailer

Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater Men’s

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J.Crew Eckhaus Latta x J.Crew striped sweater in wool blend

The Hoodie

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.

Amazon Essentials Pullover Sweatshirt Hoodie

Old Navy Rotation Hoodie

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lululemon Steady State SuperLoft Pullover Hoodie

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The Leather Jacket

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.

Banana Republic Vegan Leather Zip Jacket

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Zara Cropped Leather Jacket

COURTESY OF RETAILER

Quince 100% Leather Harrington Jacket

Relaxed-Fit Jeans

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. A medium or dark wash will work with just about every sweater, jacket, and shoe in your rotation.

Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans

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Tommy Hilfiger Buckled Relaxed Jean

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The Trouser

When I need a break from denim and have to attend dressier events, I need a solid pair of trousers in the arsenal. A relaxed or wide-leg fit is my usual go-to for these occasions.

Uniqlo Pleated Relaxed Wide Pants

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Abercrombie Cotton-Blend Pleated Baggy Trouser

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Percival Blake Double Pleated Trousers

The Sweater Polo

When a crewneck feels too casual but a dress shirt feels like too much, I find that a sweater polo hits the sweet spot. It can be worn casually or dressed up, but the latter is always my go-to. I’d look for one in chocolate brown, navy, or olive.

Old Navy Long-Sleeve Polo Sweater

Courtesy of Retailer

Charles Tyrwhitt Pure Merino Wool Button Neck Polo

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Abercrombie 100% Merino Wool 3-Button Collared Sweater

The Henley

Henleys have become popular again, and I love the idea of giving my everyday tee a little more character. One with a closer fit through the torso is super flattering, especially when I pair it with relaxed or wide-leg pants, keeping the proportions balanced.

Gap Waffle Henley T-Shirt

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Cos Slim Ribbed Cotton Long-Sleeved Henley T-Shirt

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Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Henley

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The Button-Down Shirt

Every fall capsule needs at least one shirt that can handle a work meeting, a dinner reservation, or an occasion that calls for more than a T-shirt. A blue Oxford or crisp white button-down is a good place to start. It’s super versatile, so I can wear mine tucked into chinos or tailored trousers, left open over a tee or layered beneath a crewneck sweater with the collar showing.

Van Heusen Poplin Solid Dress Shirt

Joe Lingeman

Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Twill Ainsley Collar, Bengal-Stripe Dress Shirt

Courtesy of Retailer

Suitsupply Relaxed Fit Shirt

A Dependable Pair of Boots

Fall is prime time for boots. And I can wear them with denim and dress pants whether I reach for my sleek leather pair or cowboy style.

Steve Madden Ronco Brown Leather

The Earl

Courtesy of Retailer

Frye Campus Inside Zip Boot

The Loafer or Dress Shoe

I’m a loafer guy anyway, but it’s always true that sneakers don’t go with a lot of fall looks. Loafers work with relaxed trousers, sweater polos, and even straight-leg jeans, while a classic Derby or Oxford is useful for dressier occasions.

Amazon Essentials Classic Penny Loafers

Steve Madden Quincey Brown Leather

G.H. Bass Larson Heritage Weejuns® Penny Loafer

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