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Illinois State | Style

Fall Wardrobe Staples: Build Your Cozy Capsule Closet! 🍂✨  

Hannah Landau Student Contributor, Illinois State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois State chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

With Gilmore Girls rewatch season approaching, I think it’s the perfect time to share some fall fashion tips!

Gilmore Girls walking through Fall Festival
Warner Bros. Television

Fall is definitely here, which means chilly mornings, golden leaves, and pumpkin spice everything! It’s that magical time of year when we transition from sundresses to sweaters, iced coffee to PSLs, and carefree summer outfits to cozy layers that make every day feel like an aesthetic fall day.  

But between the excitement of cooler weather and endless inspo on your feed, you may be wondering where to begin when refreshing your closet. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to building your fall wardrobe staples and creating a capsule collection that makes getting dressed easy, sustainable, and stylish. 

📚 The Rory Gilmore Edit: Feeling Fall

Fall attire isn’t complete without some Gilmore Girls inspiration. If you’re emulating Rory Gilmore this season, these are some must-haves:

Oversized Cable Knit Sweater (Pacsun): The perfect cozy piece for a cool day on campus.

High-Rise Dark Wash Flares (Hollister): The ideal Y2K look: classic and comfortable.

Neutral High-Top Converse (Converse): Timeless, adaptable, and ideal for fall walks.

Leather Details: Whether it’s a Target imitation leather jacket or a stylish bag, leather is a perfect fall accessory.

🍁 What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 

Consider it your style foundation: a simple, mix-and-match selection of basic pieces that work for every situation. A capsule wardrobe simplifies your mornings, eliminates clutter, and ensures that each item you wear feels like you.

🧶 Getting Started: Your Fall Capsule Basics 

1. Begin with the Basics 
Start simple! Collect your favorite neutrals, such as white tees, cozy crewnecks, dark wash jeans, and solid sweaters. These are the building blocks of every outfit and can be styled in an infinite number of ways. 

2. Dress It Up 
Once you’ve picked a foundation, it’s time to step up the look. Layer on a chic blazer or a statement coat, find a pair of boots, or add some texture with leather pieces or fun socks! (totally fall-coded, BTW). 

3. Accessorize Your Personality 
Accessories can really show off your personal style! Consider gold hoops, dainty necklaces and bracelets, scarves, or even a fun shoulder bag (my current obsession). These small details can pull together any outfit and give you that “put-together but effortless” vibe. 

13 going on 30 closet?width=1024&height=1024&fit=cover&auto=webp&dpr=4
Columbia Pictures / Revolution Studios

🛍️ Where to Buy your Basics

Creating your ideal capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some places to start:

  • Target – Cozy essentials and budget-friendly options
  • H&M—Chic seasonal finds and trendy basics
  • Gap—Sustainable and high-quality must-haves
  • Old Navy – Classic, reasonably priced items that look great layered
Hannah Landau

Illinois State '26

Hi, I’m Hannah! 💌 I’m a 21-year-old social work major with a big heart and a bubbly personality. I’m passionate about helping others, building meaningful connections, and creating positive change in my community. Outside of school, I love expressing myself through fashion, beauty, and wellness, and you’ll usually find me in something comfy while sharing lifestyle content on TikTok and Instagram. ✨ At my core, I’m all about positivity, self-love, and authenticity, and I love connecting with people who share the same energy. 🌸