The autumn capsule wardrobe
A well-crafted wardrobe is nothing without foundational pieces. Acting as essential building blocks for the transitional period, these modern classics are easy to incorporate with the seasonal heroes you’ve invested in throughout summer.
HOW TO BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE
While there’s no set rule on how many pieces qualify as a capsule edit, the key to the perfect autumn wardrobe is choosing interchangeable items that carry over from one season to the next. Consider the 5-4-3-2-1 method – five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, two accessories and one key hero piece as your starting point and build from there. These pieces should emphasise purposeful details and classic design to encourage continuous styling.
TRANSITIONAL FOUNDATIONS
Keep in mind basics needn’t be styled as such. For example, a well-chosen white shirt paired with tailored summer shorts equally works with light knitwear in autumn. A summer T-shirt =and jeans can be tweaked for later with the addition of a cardigan or a cropped jacket. Alternatively, swap a vest for a finely knitted polo shirt and lean into layering with a dress paired with trousers. When styled correctly, these multitasking pieces easily blend with your existing wardrobe.
TRANSITIONAL FOUNDATIONS
Keep in mind basics needn’t be styled as such. For example, a well-chosen white shirt paired with tailored summer shorts equally works with light knitwear in autumn. A summer T-shirt and jeans can be tweaked for later with the addition of a cardigan or a cropped jacket. Alternatively, swap a vest for a finely knitted polo shirt and lean into layering with a dress paired with trousers. When styled correctly, these multitasking pieces easily blend with your existing wardrobe.
THE AUTUMN PALETTE
Offset the classic autumn palette of foundational black, white and beige tones with this season’s key olive and earthy brown hues, shot through with the refreshing light blue of a crisp poplin shirt. The beauty of the autumn capsule wardrobe means there's still opportunity for expression; choose design-led styles that lend themselves to a particular season, such as directional hybrid pieces or a hero jacket in premium suede.
To curate the perfect autumn wardrobe, the COS design team spotlights adaptability and versatility. Here, discover five keys from the collection to create outfits that are as stylish as they are practical.
HERO JACKETS
Autumn offers a brief respite from the true cold of winter, so a lightweight jacket is the perfect investment and the simplest way to bring a directional element to your outfit. This season spotlights premium fabrics through the desirability of a jacket crafted from supple suede, bonded internally with neoprene for added robustness and structure. Alternatively, for expected rain showers, a technical cotton-blend coat in statement white with flap pockets and drawstring ties lends a modern practicality to the wardrobe. The timeless trench coat also receives an autumn update, this season designed with a detachable hood and cropped at the waist.
LIGHT KNITWEAR
A tribute to the autumn capsule wardrobe, the appeal of autumn knitwear is its versatility; lighter yet comforting, these pieces can easily incorporate into existing looks. Underpinned by a versatile palette of black, grey and beige, this season offers an autumnal tweak on summer classics – the crisp tee rendered in rich Good Cashmere Standard® cashmere, the polo shirt finely knitted in a sleek TENCEL™ Lyocell blend, Responsible Wool Standard wool-blend drawstring trousers, and a plush coord set of a vest and culottes spun from pure merino wool that brings knitwear an easy elegance. A cropped cardigan in specially washed RWS wool brings softness to any wardrobe foundation, acting as a go-between instead of a jacket.
THE HYBRID
Introduce hybrid pieces to maximise styling mileage for your autumn wardrobe. Adaptable with endless layering potential, these dynamic outfit toppers add a defining element to between-season looks. The deconstructed hoodie is a modern take on the sportswear classic. Cut in an ultra-cropped silhouette from double-faced RWS wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell, it adds a contemporary touch to T-shirts and outerwear. A padded gilet in technical shell instils warmth to a trench coat, while cropped knitted tops and sleeveless vests offer a directional spin on downtime dressing.
KEY DRESSES
An unsung hero of the autumn capsule wardrobe, the dress is one of the hardest working pieces when summer shifts to autumn. This season’s key silhouettes are minimal yet distinctive, emphasising beauty in the details. The classic black dress is updated with delicate pleats and an angular hem, creating a window of opportunity for styling with knee-high boots. Longer tunic and midi-length styles encourage dynamic combinations when layered with trousers, bringing a practical element to smart dressing.
FOUNDATIONAL SHIRTS
The pinnacle of the smart-casual wardrobe, shirts encourage thoughtful styling. Acting as an outfit building block for the transitional months, signature COS shirts are tailored yet retain a relaxed mood through oversized cuts. Layered beneath jackets or knitwear, tucked into denim or worn loosely with equally exaggerated trousers, white Oxford shirts are underpinned by versatility. For the transitional season, opt for crisp cotton-poplin in light khaki or sky blue to bring variation to autumn neutrals.
