How to Easily Update 6 Capsule Wardrobe Basics For Fall 2024
Fashion trends come and go, but the basics will always have a place in our day to day outfits. This makes them the perfect staples for any capsule wardrobe!
But even wardrobe staples need a refresh from time to time to keep your look feeling current and polished.
Over time, basics can start to lose their shape, fade, or simply feel outdated, especially if your items are from the 2010s!
Updating 6 Capsule Basics this Fall
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By updating these basic fashion pieces, you can elevate your wardrobe and bring it new life with minimal effort. Keep reading for how to do that, below!
1. The Basic white T-shirt
The 2010s white tee look was longer, tighter, slouchier with a low or v-neck and was often a semi-sheer slinky rayon fabric.
Although there is nothing wrong with wearing this style (I own a couple in black!), but it makes it harder to create a crisp, put-together aesthetic, especially as a styling beginner.
A wider neck style in a thicker cotton material will bring you into the mid-2020s. The shorter length makes it great to wear outside or tucked into pants/skirts.
This is one of the most important basics to keep clean, pressed and stain-free!
UPDATED WHITE TEES I LIKE:
Shop Updated Crew Neck T-Shirts:
2. Straight-leg blue jeans
Blue jeans are always in style and are easy dress up or down. The styles in the mid 2020s has moved away from skin-tight and/or ripped apart.
Although the 2010s were all about light to mid washed distressed skinny jeans, the 2020s are all about a more relaxed option, and towards a more relaxed fit.
You can choose a mid to dark wash with a more or less straight leg width. A safe bet is a darker wash, mid-fitting straight leg jean, like above. You can also opt for a flare style, if that’s more up your alley.
BLUE JEANS I’M LOVING:
- Levis 90s Straight Leg Jeans – looser fit
- GAP Cheeky Straight Jeans – mid width
- Madewell 90s Straight Jean – snugger fit
Take a look at my blog post dedicated to styling straight-leg jeans with the right shoes, over on my shoe blog.
Shop Updated Blue Jeans:
3. Button-front cardigan
The 2010s trending cardigans had a loose open front, tight sleeves, a thin knit, often with asymmetrical hems. A statement in effortless style, sure, but not particularly easy to dress up, or warm!
For Fall 2024, I would choose a waist-length style in a thicker knit and relaxed cut. You’ll look more contemporary and if you opt for a thicker wool style, it’ll last longer.
This cardigan style will pair well with your updated tee and higher waisted blue jeans. Choose a color in an earthy tone, or a simple black, white or grey for easiest styling and to add as a basic to your capsule wardrobe.
Worth noting that the 90s style, tight fitting button up cardigan like this, is returning this season for the GenZ crowd. Only time will tell whether it’ll be the look for the late 2020s.
UPDATED CARDIGANS I’M LOVING:
Shop Updated Cardigans:
4. BLack wide leg dress pants
A great black pant is a staple that any woman’s closet can benefit from, no matter what your fashion style or body shape is. They literally go with everything!
Pants a decade ago were a slim, cropped fit made with rigid materials that sat just above the hips.
The mid 2020s see the return of looser styles, including the wide-tailored pant. Specifically, high to mid-waisted styles with or without front pleats.
For maximum versatility, choose a pair that hits below the ankle and above just at or above ground, so you can wear them with heels, platforms and flats. Opt for ones with a button and/or zip fly, rather than pull-ons, which are less versatile and more casual.
UPDATED DRESS PANTS I’M LOVING:
Shop Updated Black Trousers:
5. The Black Blazer
Let’s take you from the fully snug, shorter black blazers, to the more relaxed or “boyfriend” to oversized fits.
These updated blazers for 2024 are a bit longer, looser and can even elevate a more dated outfit underneath!
In a mid-weight fabric, a black blazer can take you from Spring to Fall and back to Winter, as it leaves enough room for cozy sweaters!
UPDATED BLAZERS I LOVE:
Is black not your color? Yeah, it’s not mine either, so don’t worry! You can opt for any other neutral shade, or reach for a more seasonal plaid or blazer in warm or grey tones 
Shop Updated Black Blazers:
6. Black Ankle Boots
The iconic black ankle boot has been a staple in most wardrobes – fashion-forward or not!
Previously, the go-to style was a lower vamp with an almond toe, often featuring a deep “V” cut-out to accentuate the ankle to pair with rolled up skinny jeans.
Most have left the older styling behind and moved to towards a taller shaft, often with a lower heel and sleek pointed or squared toe and a less clunky look. You can choose a mid to low block or kitten heel.
Swap out a black bootie for an espresso brown color if that suits your wardrobe more. See my post all about styling ankle boots for ankle boot outfit ideas.
CURRENT ANKLE BOOTS I’M LOVING:
- Steve Madden Delvie Black Bootie
- Madewell Arden Block Heel Bootie
- Tony Blanco Fomo Boot
- Madewell Kitten Heel Ankle Boot
Shop Updated Black Ankle Boots
6 Outfits to Create with Your Updated Essentials + a Tote:
Final Style tips on Updating Your Capsule Wardrobe for Fall
I hope I’ve given you some ideas on how to update your capsule wardrobe essentials for Fall 2024. If you’re looking to spend less, I would suggest updating 2-3 pieces that you use more.
But if you’re not keen on updating your wardrobe and your items are still wearable and loved by you, keep them. In the end, wear what you feel is most true to you and your lifestyle!
If you want to revamp your whole Fall Capsule, check out the ready-made capsule wardrobes in my shop.
Pin me!
-Cristina
