We’re always talking about investing in a classic capsule wardrobe on this site – but the truth is, sometimes you also want to mix things up a bit! If you’d like to refresh your fall wardrobe, one of the easiest ways to do this is by updating a timeless piece with a modern alternative. Now, these newer pieces aren’t necessarily better – but they can make your capsule collection feel fresh and exciting again. The point isn’t to overhaul your entire wardrobe, but to pick and choose a piece or two that has a newer, on-trend feel. If I’ve caught your attention, keep reading for 9 pieces that will update your fall clothing for women this season.
1. A Crop Trench Coat
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Double-Breasted Trench Jacket
The classic trench is near and dear to my heart – it truly has never let me down. I love how easy it is to dress up or style in a more casual way, and it’s perfect for the topsy-turvy weather in the Midwest. When it comes to fall, you never know what you’re going to get! One minute it’s pouring down rain, then snowing, then the sun comes back out, and you start to sweat. A classic trench coat is light, but still provides great protection against any unexpected elements.
For an updated take on the classic, midi-length trench, a cropped version is a modern alternative that’s been everywhere lately. It’s a little less formal than the traditional trench length and easier to move in. If you’re on the go regularly, this might even be a better option for you!
It’s also a great alternative for my fellow petite women out there. A midi or floor-length trench tends to swallow us whole if not fitted correctly, and can quickly overwhelm our proportions. A cropped version can do wonders for women under 5’4″! The shorter length can help to make our legs look longer, too.
dress | coat | shoes | socks | bag | necklace
2. Leopard Print Sneakers
j.crew
Field Sneakers
White sneakers are the shoes that we like to say go with almost anything – and it’s true, they’re one of the most versatile styles that you can add to your capsule wardrobe! But for fall, you might want to play around with something new. White isn’t always ideal for fall weather anyway – dirt, leaves, rain… thanks to these factors, a bright white sneaker isn’t always practical for your autumn outings.
Enter the leopard print sneaker! Not only does this shoe incorporate darker colors, but it’s still neutral enough to pair well with a wide variety of outfits from your fall capsule wardrobe. That’s one of the reasons we love leopard print so much. Even though it’s a pattern, it’s made up of neutral shades that go well with almost any other color.
A leopard print sneaker is also a great way to make a statement with your best fall outfits. If you don’t want to dive into the world of leopard denim or sweaters, you can incorporate the pattern on a smaller scale with your footwear. It’s the perfect strategy to dip your toe into leopard print. These shoes will make any neutral outfit more interesting!
sneakers | jeans | bag | coat | sweatshirt | baseball cap
3. A Burgundy Sweater
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Alpaca Blend Knitted Cardigan
Fall outfits are all about embracing our favorite darker, moodier colors. The typical fall color palette is full of rich, deep colors that feel luxurious – and expensive. Burgundy is the perfect example! If you love adding a pop of red to your classic and chic outfits, consider burgundy as an alternative this season.
Burgundy is a slightly more refined, sophisticated take on a cherry red. It’s feminine, but not as girly as purple and pink. If you love that “old money aesthetic” that’s been everywhere the past few years, you should consider incorporating more burgundy into your fall looks.
Although it might be trendy, you don’t have to worry about burgundy going anywhere in future years. This fall color is here to stay. For an elegant look that still works with a casual dress code, pair a burgundy cardigan and burgundy flats with a bag in the same color. Style it with dark-wash denim, a t-shirt underneath your sweater for dimension, and dainty jewelry. You’ll feel put-together and expensive, but not overdone!
jeans | shoes | bag | belt | sweater | t-shirt | earrings
4. A Rollneck Sweater
j.crew
2025 Rollneck Sweater
If you’ve been on social media recently, there’s a good chance you’ve probably heard about J.Crew’s 2025 take on their staple Rollneck Sweater. This year’s version has a slightly more oversized, relaxed feel compared to previous versions. The 2025 Rollneck happens to be one piece that I decided to add to my own fall wardrobe this year, as I have a past iteration of the sweater that I wear all the time – it felt like the right piece to invest in this season!
The Rollneck Sweater is the perfect update to a classic turtleneck. Like I mentioned, the lower and wider collar makes it more relaxed and a little more casual than a typical turtleneck style. If you don’t like to wear turtlenecks because they feel too constricting around your neck, this could be a great option for you. Plus, sweaters like these never really go out of style – the Rollneck has been around for decades, and it’s a piece that you’ll be able to wear for years to come.
Style it with jeans for a laidback, nostalgic look for a casual fall day. Or, you can always dress it up for the office with a midi skirt or trousers. No matter how you wear it, this is a great piece to take you from work to the weekend.
jeans | boots | bag | sweater | earrings
5. A Barn Jacket
gap factory
Relaxed Canvas Barn Jacket
When it comes to fall jackets, you want to prioritize versatility! Maybe that perfect fall jacket has been a denim jacket for you in the past – jean jackets are a popular addition to capsule wardrobe lists for this reason. They’re durable, easy to take on and off, and perfect for throwing on over a dress, sweater, or t-shirt.
For those who want to give their denim jackets a little break this season, a barn jacket is a great alternative. It can be styled in almost exactly the same ways as a jean jacket. Pair it with a maxi dress for a casual chic look, or layer it over a white t-shirt and jeans for a crisp fall day strolling through the farmer’s market or taking a walk to admire the changing leaves. It’s as practical as it is stylish, and feels like a natural, more modern alternative to your favorite denim jacket. Plus, it’s the ideal piece if you’ve been loving the British countryside style trend this year.
boots | jeans | bag | belt | t-shirt | jacket | earrings
6. Birkenstock Naples Clogs
nordstrom
Birkenstock Naples Clog
I could write a love letter to my clogs – they might just be one of my favorite fall shoes. They’re easy to slip on to take the dog outside, comfortable enough to wear for a full day of shopping, and stylish enough to wear with a wide number of outfits. They have a little bit of an East Coast look to them, which is one of my favorite style aesthetics – especially when there’s a cool breeze in the air, and the trees start changing colors.
Although Birkenstock Boston clogs certainly aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, there’s a new clog in town that you should know about – the Naples Clog. This is a slightly more elevated take on the classic Boston, and might just be the perfect marriage of the lowkey, coastal look of the Boston paired with a preppy loafer. It’s just as easy to slip on and off, but from the front, it looks a little bit more sophisticated with the appearance of a loafer.
If your love language is shoes, this style would be the perfect pair for transitional weather. You can wear them with a mini skirt and crew socks, or with an all-denim look. For those who hate giving up their sandals when the weather starts to turn, try these instead. These shoes are just as easy to wear, but give you a little bit of extra coverage – plus, the suede fabric adds the perfect hint of fall.
shoes | bag | socks | skirt | shirt | glasses | earrings
7. Gingham Pants
gap
Relaxed Straight Ankle Pants
What patterns come to mind when you think about fall? Maybe plaid, or houndstooth? There’s no denying that these classic patterns have cemented their place in staple fall outfits. However, there’s a third option currently trending that could help you to make your patterned pieces feel fresh for the new season: gingham.
Gingham was big this summer, and part of a wave of nostalgic looks from bygone eras. Now, it’s making its way into fall fashion, too. This classic pattern is simpler and more streamlined than your typical fall plaid. The repetitive pattern tends to look a little cleaner than more abstract patterns, and usually comes in a black and white, or maybe brown and white, color scheme. It’s preppy and fun, yet still neutral, which makes it an ideal pattern to add to your fall capsule wardrobe.
gingham pants | flats | bag | t-shirt | cardigan | pearl earrings | watch
8. A Triangle Scarf
anthropologie
Stripe Triangle Wool Scarf
Parisians love their silk scarves – and we do, too! This small but mighty accessory has a way of making any outfit a lot more chic, with little added effort. French women tie it on their necks, bags, belt loops, etc., and instantly transform their basic outfit formulas.
If you’re a firm believer in the power of a silk scarf to transform an outfit, there’s another style you might want to consider this fall – the triangle scarf. This piece has been making its way through Europe’s street style, most recently seeing a resurgence in Scandinavian fashion. It’s perfect for fall because it often comes in thicker, cozier fabrics like wool, cashmere, and cotton.
Scandinavian women love to tie this scarf around their necks, in a small knot at the front. It’s the same concept of a sweater draped over your shoulders – it gives you a little bit of added warmth, while also adding color and/or pattern to your look. Drape it over a tan trench coat for contrast, or wear it over a neutral sweater for dimension. However you wear it, it might just be one of your favorite new fall accessories.
sweater | mac coat | jeans | shoes | bag | scarf | earrings
9. Knee-High Boots
nordstrom
Gisella Knee-High Boot
Ankle boots are always one of the first shoes that come to mind when I think of classic fall fashion. I’ve owned a number of pairs throughout the years, and they’re incredibly easy to style for autumn looks with jeans, skirts, and dresses. They perfectly straddle that line between casual and chic, and they’re super practical for fall weather, too.
This style of boot will always be in style, but there’s another boot that’s especially popular again this year – the knee-high boot. Although this is another shoe style that will always stand the test of time, thanks to the rise of British style and equestrian-inspired looks on the runways this year, the riding boot has taken center stage once again. This type of boot looks great when styled over tighter-fitting pants, like your skinny jeans and leggings.
If you’re tired of wide-leg and straight-leg styles of denim, a riding boot can help you bring your skinny jeans out of retirement! They can also elevate the look of your black leggings, especially when paired with a cozy sweater and a barn jacket.
sweater | jacket | leggings | bag | watch | boots
A Fresh Take on Fall Fashion
When a new season rolls around, it can be tempting to go all out on trending fall styles. But what’s even better? Take a thoughtful look at your favorite staples and mindfully update a piece or two with a modern take on your classic pieces. You already know you love the original version, so it can be a fun, low-stakes solution to making your wardrobe feel fresh again!
Want more outfit ideas to help you style these refreshed pieces? Up Next: What I Wore: Early Fall Outfits
