I Test Clothes for a Living, and I Built the Perfect Fall Capsule Wardrobe With Just These 10 Amazon Basics

As a Floridian, I can pack a summer suitcase in my sleep. But when it comes to fall, I have to think carefully about versatile items that won’t be too bulky and will layer well (I’m eternally chilly). A minimalist fall wardrobe may sound simple in theory, but it faces the challenges of unpredictable weather and drastic fluctuating temperatures. Packing for fall means keeping practicality, lightweight layers, and the right footwear top of mind.

Working as a travel writer, I encounter all kinds of shoulder-season weather and scenarios. I consider it all before I jet off to some of my favorite crisp autumn locales (Boston, if you’re wondering). Whether I’m exploring a new hiking trail or cozying up to do some work in a cafe, I’ve curated these core fall fashion basics after taking many seasonal trips and they never fail me.

These travel writer-approved finds are also often recommended by hundreds of other Amazon shoppers. With plain white tees, basic button-downs, and comfy travel pants, these fashion staples are the foundation of the perfect fall capsule wardrobe — and they start at just $12.

Tailored Trousers

Baleaf Women's Pants With Zipper Pockets

Trousers are no longer the stiff, structured pants of the past. Today’s comfy trousers look polished but feel as comfy as your favorite pair of sweatpants. Pack a pair that you can dress up or down; black, brown, and dark green tend to be the most versatile colors and won’t show light stains if you have an accidental spill mid-trip. To round out your selection of bottoms, I suggest adding leggings and comfortable jeans to your suitcase.

Puffer Jacket

Eddie Bauer Women’s Cirruslite Down Jacket

Packing outerwear is where things can quickly get out of hand: before you know it, you’re sitting on your suitcase and busting its zipper. As much as I love autumn outwear, like a denim jacket, a leather jacket, or a blazer, I can’t pack them all in a carry-on. Instead, I reach for one versatile option, which is my “puffy,” — or down-filled jacket of choice. Besides being one of the best ways to stay warm, puffy jackets are also unbelievably packable. They roll up to practically half their size thanks to their insulated quilting. If you have compression packing cubes that remove empty air, a puffy shrinks up even smaller. 

Trench Coat

SaphiRose Women's Water-resistant Trench Coat

Although puffy jackets are warm, they’re not always water-repellent. That’s why I always pack a trench coat too. The classic silhouette can help outfits go from casual to upscale, and it protects me from getting soaked if I’m caught in a shower. One shopper said this midi-trench performed well in Paris, adding, “I loved the detachable hood. Fit great, material was not cheap, kept me warm and the belt gives it a flattering fit.”

Knit Cardigan

Grace Karin Women's Classic Long Sleeve Knit Cardigan

Sweaters are cozy, but they can be bulky to wear and pack on quick trips. A simple cardigan can be worn as a light layer, or on its own, tucked in for a nice look. This Grace Karin cardigan has an average 4.4-star rating and comes in twenty different colors, making it versatile and easy to find a neutral hue to match your outfits.

Wool Vest

Tuduoms Women’s Sherpa Vest

Like a cardigan, the vest is another smart layer to pack. I reach for a vest instead of a long-sleeved chunky knit sweater because it offers me better control of my body temperature. A wool vest will keep my core warm, while the absence of sleeves will feel nicer if a fall day gets unexpectedly hot. This cozy vest is slightly oversized in its fit, making it ideal to layer over other tops. Another style I’m eyeing is this herringbone wool vest that’s inspiring me to book moody fall Ireland and Scotland travels. 

Layering Button-down

Mutitop Women’s Button-down

A white button-down isn’t just a fall staple, it’s an all-season staple: no matter where I go, I have one packed in my luggage. I wear this shirt style tucked in for a more formal look or unbuttoned as an extra layer over a tee. This Mutitop button-down shirt is made of 100-percent cotton so it won’t have a synthetic feel and will be breathable and lightweight.

Midi Dress

Amazon Essentials Women's Jersey V-neck Short Sleeve Midi Dress

During travel days when I’ll be sitting for long stretches of time, I avoid pants that cut into my midsection. Instead, I reach for a midi dress, like this V-neck option, that will feel comfortable all day. I layer on a button-down shirt, scarf, and overcoat, so I can peel off layers if I get hot. This comfy travel outfit can double as a going-out dress for a nice restaurant reservation if you style it up with jewelry and a silk scarf.

Chelsea Boots

Chaco Women’s Fields Chelsea Waterproof

For easy versatile fall footwear, pack a boot that can handle everything from a simple hike to a reservation at a restaurant for dinner. A Chelsea boot is a classic profile that can do it all. Chaco is known for making great hiking sandals, and their boots are sure to have the same durable outsole and comfortable food bed for walking long distances.

Layering Tees

Amazon Essentials Women's Classic-fit Short-sleeve V-neck T-shirt, 2-pack

Simple tees will be the foundation of every outfit on a fall trip. Sweaters and cardigans can be a hassle to launder, which is why I’m always wearing a tee underneath heftier layers. In the fall, you’ll also find temperatures rising dramatically during the day while the sun is out, and this can warrant peeling off all those warm layers you needed in the morning. For a 10-day trip, I suggest packing two white tees and two black tees, then adding two wild card colors of choice. If you don’t like a V-neck, opt for a crewneck cut, like this Madewell shirt.

Water Repellent Day Bag + Dry Bag

Vera Bradley Women's Nylon Lorman Sling Backpack

Fall brings misty and rainy conditions. If you’re out exploring, you’ll want a lightweight bag that protects your stuff from getting soaked. This Vera Bradley sling is made of recycled nylon and is water repellent, while these fun patterned dry bags will keep tech and valuables free of moisture even in a downpour.

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