Creating Your Fall Wardrobe On A Budget | September Capsule • She smiles

Everyone’s favorite month is here! Seriously, if I had a nickel for every time someone posted a PSL or “can’t wait for fall” post I would be jet-setting off to Italy right about now.

I personally love October the most (my birthday + Halloween, sooo duh) BUT I do 100% understand the September hype. There are several reasons to love this month:

Fashion Week!
All the fall collections are ouuuuut baaaybeeeey
Only a month until my birthday (did I already mention that? Weird)
Cooler temps and sweater weather
LEAVES

The weather also gets infinitely nicer here in San Francisco this time of year and in fact, we had a nasty heat wave last year around this time so I’m crossing my fingers we don’t have to go through that again. I have far too many fall outfits just waiting in my closet to make their debut.

Speaking of closets, I am SO excited to share September’s Capsule Wardrobe! Last month I announced that I will be sharing a monthly series where I show you how to use items you already own to create a capsule wardrobe based on the season’s trends. If you want to the full details on what a capsule wardrobe is, then click here for last month’s post. You can also check out last month’s capsule wardrobe video here.

This month we’re moving into transitioning pieces since it was just August a couple days ago and I’m sure for a lot of you the weather hasn’t changed that much yet. We’re still playing with some lighter layers but we also are dipping our toes into those cozy warm color palettes that make this time of year so magical.

Check out the items I selected for my September Capsule Wardrobe below and use my guidelines to explore your own closet!

THE ITEMS

Two dresses

1. A solid

I think it’s always wise to select a dress (or jumpsuit) that can easily be taken from day to night. I chose this simple, flattering ruched mock neck number in camel. The color is so fall I can’t even stand it and because it’s a solid and has a simple frame I’m able to dress it up or down with just a few tweaks.

This paired with the leopard booties and denim bomber would have major effortless cool-girl vibes.

2. A print

I love a good print and this one is not only fun but it has the perfect color story for this month. It’s super lightweight too so it can be comfortably layered. I would pair this with the black lace-up boots and the fringe tote for a happy hour with girlfriends.

Pull a good solid and printed option from your closet and you’re set!

Three tops

1. A lace option

I looooove this top and it got some major wear last year for sure. I’m bringing it out again and can’t wait to wear it to more upscale evening events as well using it to elevate a basic weekend look. I think texture is so important for rounding out your wardrobe so I would definitely grab a top that has lace or another fun texture to spice things up.

This would look amazing with my green jeggings and my color blocked mini satchel.

2. A graphic tee

Who doesn’t love a graphic tee or a witty quote? This “females of the future” top is an oldie but goodie from Top Shop and will go with literally anything you have in your closet. Grab your favorite t-shirt and use it for a fun day date in the pumpkin patch (too soon?) or for a concert. It’s a basic that every girl needs in her closet.

3. A comfy sweater

You didn’t think I would forget about a cozy sweater, did you?! I decided to pull this cute and comfy Express sweater that has a flirty back slit and criss-cross detail in the front. It will look awesome with anything high waisted and is also perfect for chillier temps. I’m definitely going to pair it with my girlfriend jeans and embroidered flats.

Three bottoms

1. A colored pant

I have always been wary of colored jean because, you know, #thighs.

However, I have come to appreciate dark colored jeans and am loving this dark green pair! They’re flattering and FUN and I love the distressed detailing. They are the perfect earthy fall color for the season and will surprise you with how many pieces they go well with. I’ll be pairing them with my white t-shirt and with my denim bomber jacket.

2. A button down skirt

Ugh, this skirt is almost too cute. Color blocking is still a huge trend for fall so find a bottom that has this detail and you’ll be feeling chic af. I looooove the color palette and the length too. Any sort of button down skirt will be on trend for fall. Alternatively, if you have a denim skirt that would also be a great addition to your wardrobe.

3. A pair of girlfriend jeans

If you’re wondering wtf girlfriend jeans are and how to style them then check out the post I dedicated to them here. I love this loose fitting, high waisted pair and honestly feel like they’re the jean equivalent to sweatpants. I think denim should always be in your closet so find a pair that you love and add them to your capsule wardrobe.

Two jackets

1. A denim bomber

It is a legitimate struggle for me to NOT wear this jacket every single day. It has all the elements I love. Denim. Leopard. Bomber. Come on, it’s undeniably cool. It’s also warm af so a great early fall top layer that won’t overheat you like a coat would but will still keep you feeling cozy. I know, I know. I have a denim problem but I do think September calls for a denim jacket so pull yours out of your closet!

2. A tweed jacket

This jacket feels so posh and very Serena van der Woodsen. I also think even if you pair it with a patterned top or dress it will actually still really pull the look together. Denim obviously doesn’t translate well for evening looks so find another lightweight jacket that you can wear out on the town! I will def wear this over my camel dress for a cute dinner date look!

Three pairs of shoes

1. Animal print booties

These are so overly worn it’s not even funny at this point. I feel like these booties define me as a human being, that’s how often they’re on my body.

Animal print is going to be huge this season so no matter the style try to incorporate some leopard into your capsule wardrobe if you can. Plus booties are the quintessential fall shoe so you need them!

2. Embroidered flats

Make sure you have at least one pair of flats in your capsule wardrobe so you have a daytime/walking option. I love these pretty taupe colored slides! The floral embroidery is so delicate and feminine. I love a detail!

3. Basic boots with a twist

It’s boot season! Woo! Obviously, we all need a pair of basic black boots but I love to find pairs that have an interesting detail to add a fun element to my footwear. These cool lace-up boots are funky and fun while still going with everything effortlessly. Plus these give a look proportions when you pair them with a shorter dress/skirt.

Three accessories

1. A petite color block crossbody

I like to make sure I have both a small and big bag in my wardrobe so I have options depending on where I’m going. This color blocked satchel is not only totally on trend (even though it’s an oldie!) but the warmth from the brown shade will compliment all of the other fall hues in my capsule wardrobe.

2. A fringe tote

What can I say? Ya girl likes some fringe. This larger tote will be perfect as a daytime bag. Fringe always adds a boho element to your look which is great for transitioning from summer to fall.

3. A sexy corset belt

I think a statement belt is a great way to add something interesting to your outfit and corset belts are universally flattering! I got this chunky one from Forever 21 last year and it’s super stretchy so it doesn’t feel like a corset but has that saucy vibe. I will wear this over my geometric dress or with my color-blocked skirt and a t-shirt to give them more of a night out vibe.