Basics That Make Up the Ultimate Minimalist Pre-Fall Capsule

You know what they say: New season, new wardrobe essentials! And in this case, our approach to pre-fall dressing is more minimalist than ever. With cool fall temperatures only a few mere weeks away, we’re not here to encourage you to ditch those warm weather staples altogether. (There is still plenty of time for tropical prints, little black bikinis, and skin-baring dresses.) However, we would suggest you start making room for those go-to closet classics that aid in navigating this transitional period in total style.

Minimalist Caspule Wardrobe Wish List:

The One-and-Done Dress: Róhe ribbed cotton-blend bouclé maxi dress, $460
The Lightweight Outerwear Option: Cos short trench coat, $170
The Best Ballet Flat: Tove Darcy leather ballet flats, $720
The Timeless Tote: The Row small N/S Park tote, $1,450
The Cool Top: Staud Canal merino wool turtleneck top, $295
The Sleek Skirt: Loulou Studio Rona organic denim midiskirt, $320
The Notable Knit: La Ligne Mateo cashmere-blend cardigan, $350
The Great Jean: Banana Republic ultra high-rise wide-leg crop jeans, $120
The Tailored Trouser: The Frankie Shop Piper pleated crepe wide-leg pants, $245
The Dainty Jewel: Ragbag Odette crystal collar necklace, $291

So what makes up our minimalist capsule wardrobe this pre-fall? At the top of our list is none-other than the one-and-done-outfit dress. Slip into Jil Sander’s mellow yellow maxi or Róhe’s slinky tank dress and expect sartorial success each and every time. Similarly sleek, there are cool tops from Cos and Staud that elevate every bit of evening attire. Styling-wise, wear yours with a pair of tailored trousers from The Frankie Shop and Veronica de Piante or a subtly statement-making skirt from Toteme or Loulou Studio.

Lightweight outerwear offerings, like Loewe’s corduroy-trimmed wax jacket or & Other Stories’s cropped trench coat, come especially in handy when the summer sun starts to fade; and same goes for breezy knitwear from Everlane, La Ligne, and J.Crew. The latter have several minimalist-approved hues, like classic black, cherry red, slate gray, and chic camel. Accessory-wise, no minimalist outfit is complete without a black ballet flat from Tove or Bally’s menswear-inspired driving loafers. Then, there are handbags that whisper “chic” no matter where you carry them, whether you choose Toteme’s canvas clutch or St. Agni’s woven tote. Other elegant extras include dainty jewels from Agmes, Lié Studio, and Alexis Bittar and Isabel Marant’s quietly luxurious cord belt. Below, discover (and shop!) 12 basics that make up the ultimate minimalist pre-fall capsule wardrobe.

One-and-Done Dresses

Regardless of the season, a dress is a prized wardrobe possession. This pre-fall, we’re gravitating towards easy, throw-on-and-go styles from Róhe and Jil Sander to Wardrobe.NYC and By Malene Birger. Then, there’s Merlette’s classic LBD, which looks great with a sandal now or boots come fall; same goes for Khaite’s cool grey tank dress–a soon-to-be editor-favorite.

Lightweight Outerwear

Nothing anchors a transitional outfit quite like a lightweight outerwear offering. Textural takes from Bally and Staud feel especially fresh, while Loewe’s wax jacket and cropped trenches from Cos and & Other Stories are true-to-the-classics. Meanwhile, Khaite’s at it again with another viral, oversized denim jacket. The one below features an edgy, faded wash we predict all fashion girls will love.

Easy Flats

Step into something easy yet elegant this pre-fall, like a pair of eternally-classic black ballet flats from Tove or Bally’s menswear-inspired driving loafers. Versions from Mango and Flattered are seasonless, while Aeyde’s python-effect flats or H&M’s suede style make a subtle sartorial splash.

Minimalist Handbags

This pre-fall, the ultimate sign of luxury is a minimalist handbag from the likes of The Row or Khaite. For more accessible price points, looks to Toteme, Lié Studio, St. Agni, or Madewell for styles that also have the ability to elevate any outfit in mind–just throw one on over your shoulder and voilà! Instant chicness guaranteed.

Cool Tops

Don’t consider yourself a dress girl? Up your evening attire’s ante with a cool top or two instead. Cowl-neck choices from Róhe, Source Unknown, and Cos feature a flattering fit, while Victoria Beckham’s two-toned tank is a certified end-of-summer staple. Honorable mention goes to Staud’s sleeveless turtleneck top and Veronica de Piante’s structured suit vest.

Notable Knits

Cozy up in something lightweight yet luxurious once temperatures drop, like Everlane’s buttery yellow polo or La Ligne’s cherry red cardigan. As with any layering essential, you can catch us sporting Loulou Studio’s V-neck atop a plain white tee or Lisa Yang’s sleeveless sweater all on its own. Khaite’s wool-blend cardi is another basic worth investing in, while J.Crew’s cashmere tee is a true steal for under $100.

Great Denim

No capsule wardrobe is complete without a piece of great denim. Basic blues from Banana Republic, Madewell, and Frame are totally timeless, while raw denim from Cos and Dries Van Noten offer-up a dressier, more polished finish. Levi’s cult-classic 501 jeans are reimagined this pre-fall in a bright white. We’re big proponents of wearing white post Labor Day, after all.