Ethical Autumn Capsule Wardrobe: Guide & Inspo

Not only does it bring us pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween, and colourful leaves: autumn is the best season for fashion.

Instead of worrying about being too hot or cold, we get to play with layers to be both comfortable and put-together.

But how can you make an autumn capsule wardrobe ethically, instead of falling for the latest fall trends (pun intended) and synthetic fast fashion jumpers?

Follow this simple guide.

The right mindset before building your ethical autumn capsule wardrobe

• Think beyond this autumn – Your social media feeds are probably already full of pretty carousels telling you ‘what’s trending this autumn’ and influencers sporting the latest ‘must-haves’. But chasing temporary and impersonal trends would only fuel overconsumption. Instead, to build an ethical autumn capsule wardrobe, make it timeless, and base it around YOUR style (= clothes you’ll happily rewear next autumn, too)
• And think beyond autumn altogether – Your entire wardrobe doesn’t have to change with the leaves. For example, I bet you can easily wear the lighter garments from your autumn capsule wardrobe in spring, too. The warmer ones? In winter
• Buy less but better – On top of being the best move for the environment, it’ll save you money in the long run compared to yearly autumn hauls. So, prioritise garments that:
  - were made ethically
  - are high-quality and made to last (psst: fast fashion clothes are literally designed to fall apart)
  - match your personal style
  - go well with each other, so you can add layers and create different outfits (for example, if you already own various long-sleeved tops with patterns and prints, consider choosing monochrome layers)

How to make an autumn capsule wardrobe that’s both functional and ethical

• Get clear on your autumn vision – Forget about impersonal trends: what does your style look like, during the rest of the year? For example, you might prefer a soft autumn capsule wardrobe (neutrals like white, camel, taupe, light grey, and soft brown, and sage, dusty teal, soft mustard, or terracotta as accent colour) or a dark autumn capsule wardrobe (richer and moodier, with neutrals like cream, espresso, dark chocolate, deep olive, and warm navy, and accents like burgundy, forest green, deep teal, burnt orange, or bright mustard)
• Take your actual autumn lifestyle into account – Do you work from home or in an office? What’s your commute like? During weekends, do you tend to indulge in parties and indoor social occasions or mostly outdoorsy activities? 
• Start from your existing wardrobe – The most sustainable garments? The ones you already own! So, go through everything, do a wardrobe declutter, and identify:
  - the autumn clothes and accessories you already have (and love)
  - what you still need (you’ll find my ethical autumn capsule wardrobe checklist soon)
• Prioritise the most sustainable fabrics for autumn – Instead of virgin polyester (like that fast fashion cardigan), try and look for organic cotton, linen, responsibly sourced wool, and recycled fabrics

• Layers, layers, layers – And not just because the weather is more unpredictable: layers allow you to unlock all kinds of new outfits using the same garments. For example, I love adding cosy cardigans to long dresses and tucking my lighter mini dresses into my trousers or skirts

Autumn capsule wardrobe checklist

These timeless, classic, or versatile autumn capsule wardrobe staples work well together and, in some cases, for other seasons, too.

However, depending on your aesthetic and lifestyle, you might not need (or even like) some of them. So, think of it as starting points and inspiration, not rules.

Turtleneck

Perfect on its own or underneath layers (from blazers to cardigans and dungarees), a monochrome turtleneck will become the base for LOTS of autumn outfits.

Pullover (especially crew neck sweater)

Another top that can work well on its own but will also allow you to stay warm and get creative with layers (for example, by wearing it over a dress or letting your shirt’s collar poke out).

Plain white t-shirt

Short sleeves might not be a distant summer memory, especially during the warmest autumn afternoons.

Plus, this is a versatile wardrobe staple that you’ll get to wear in spring, too.

Long sleeve button-up

Classic shirt? Warmer flannel? More feminine blouse? Up to you!

Just don’t forget to consider its colours and design. For example, if you mostly own monochrome layers, you could get creative with striped or checked button-ups.

Cardigan

Autumn = cardigan season!

Look for cosy (knitted, for me) cardigans that go well with your turtleneck and other tops.

Tailored trousers

If you’re after trousers that you can wear in spring too, look for more breathable fabrics (like linen and organic cotton). Autumn/winter? Warmer ones like wool.

Dark jeans

Ideal for more casual looks. Or add a smarter vibe with a blazer!

Trench coat

This versatile autumn staple is perfect for spring too, and by leaving it unbuttoned, you’ll get to showcase your entire outfit.

Jacket

You’ll need a shorter outer layer, too. Depending on your style, you might prefer a quilted, aviator, or utility jacket.

White trainers

You’ll use these all year round. So, consider investing in a versatile high-quality pair.

Loafers

An autumn staple for the office and your smarter or more elegant outfits. 

Boots

When the weather gets colder and wetter, you’ll need a good pair of boots too. How about wearing them with tights or tucking your jeans in?

Scarf

The perfect autumn accessory to stay warm and add a stylish touch to your outfits!

Other garments for autumn capsule wardrobes

Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, you might also want to consider:

• Midi skirt
• Sleeveless tank (perhaps a knitted one) to wear over your tops
• Long-sleeved midi dress (once again, a knitted one, if you ask me!)
• Blazer
• Dungarees
• Leggins 
• More outdoorwear 

Finding the right ethical garments and accessories for your autumn capsule wardrobe 

Forget about dozens of open tabs and trying to figure out if that fashion brand is as sustainable as they say!

Once you’ve gone through what you already own, completing your autumn capsule wardrobe is a (crisp) breeze: at Project Cece, we brought hundreds of fair trade brands in one place, with filters to simplify your choice. 

This fall, don’t fall for fast fashion: build your ethical autumn capsule wardrobe!

Start shopping (mindfully)