The Best Sustainable Fall Capsule Wardrobe Essentials 2024
As the leaves shift their color to orange and the cool air of fall rolls in, it’s time to transition your wardrobe to match the season’s colder temperatures and rich tones. But instead of getting overwhelmed with endless clothing options from the stores’ new collections, let’s follow a more sustainable approach to changing your look for the season by only having what we truly need. Basic, versatile pieces that fit well together level up your style and comfort, while also being an amazing and sustainable effort for your wallet and the planet.
Below, we have gathered the best essentials & staple wardrobe pieces from sustainable clothing brands to elevate your style with minimal effort and money. We’ll give you style tips and break down the basics for building a capsule wardrobe for the season of fall 2024 focusing on timeless pieces, seasonal trends, and practical tips to keep your style fresh and functional all autumn long.
What's in this article:
How to Build a Sustainable Fall Wardrobe?
- Buy less, buy better:
Building a sustainable fall wardrobe is all about being thoughtful with your choices and investing in pieces that stand the test of time. Rather than chasing fast fashion or micro-trends, focus on timeless, high-quality staples that will be just as stylish in one, five, or even ten years. Think classic cuts, durable fabrics, and neutral tones that are always in season. - Pieces that go together:
One of the easiest ways to curate a sustainable wardrobe is by selecting pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Start by choosing a color palette that you love and feel confident in. This makes it much simpler to create outfits, allowing you to rotate fewer items in more combinations. When your clothes work well together, you’ll need fewer pieces overall, which means less clutter and less waste. - Versatile clothing:
Look for versatile garments that can transition seamlessly from casual to more formal settings. A blazer that works just as well with jeans as it does with tailored trousers, or a pair of loafers that can go from the office to weekend outings, will save you time, space, and money. Plus, when your wardrobe works for any occasion, getting dressed in the morning becomes a breeze—leaving you with more brainpower for everything else your day demands. - Kind & safe fabrics:
Incorporating sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled materials, and ethically produced wool also helps reduce your environmental footprint as well as protects you from harmful and toxic substances for your skin to absorb. Quality over quantity is key—opt for well-made pieces that will last through many falls to come. Sustainable doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style; it’s about finding the balance between fashion, functionality, and doing good for the planet.
In this list we include sustainable brands and pieces that follow these four simple but powerful philosophies, so that you can easily make good choices. Let’s jump into the list and start creating your fall capsule wardrobe 2024:
Top Layers
Fall is all about layers. The key is to have pieces that can be worn on their own during the warmer days and layered up when the temperatures drop.
Button-Up Shirts
These versatile staple pieces work well on their own or as layering pieces under knits and blazers. Choose one in a neutral shade for the office or for easy layering, and a colored flannel for eye-catching interest and a pop of color in your outfit.
This dotted shirt is made of 100% organic cotton and can be found from Papu.
Long-Sleeves and Turtlenecks
Opt for neutral colors like white, black, and beige that can be worn under sweaters, jackets, or cardigans, or on their own. Some of our favorite looks include a turtleneck under a basic crewneck sweater, and a long-sleeved shirt underneath a fitted vest or tucked into a colorful maxi or midi skirt.
Finnish Papu and the Danish brand Organic Basics offers basics made from sustainable and safe materials.
Classic Knit
Is a fall wardrobe even complete without a sweater in it? Warm, versatile, and timeless, this piece can be found in endless variations depending on your style.
If you are looking for the perfect staple piece, may we recommend this 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton sweater from Organic Basics? Even from afar it looks buttery soft!
Cardigan
A cardigan is like a cozy hug you can wear, perfect for layering over anything from t-shirts to dresses when the weather starts to cool. With so many colors and textures, they’re an easy way to add warmth and personality to your fall outfits. Throw one on, and you’re instantly ready for those crisp, breezy autumn days!
If a fun pattern is your style, check out this one by Kaino made from mulesing-free merinowool and GOTS & OEKO-TEX® organic combed cotton.
Sweater Dress
If you are looking for a practical, comfortable, and stylish option for days where designing a whole outfits seems too much, look no further: the sweater dress is your rescue. Keeping you warm while needing zero to no decision making in the morning, a sweater dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair with a stylish bag, black tights, and an updo for a classy everyday outfit, or wear as is for cuddly evenings at home.
This gorgeous black-and-sand turtleneck dress from Papu is made of mulesing-free merino wool and cashmere.
Outerwear
The transition period before the real cold weather rolls in is a great opportunity to get a bit more creative with the outerwear. Incorporating outdoor items into the whole outfit is possible when you don’t need massive warm layers yet.
Blazer
The blazer seems to come back every time fall comes around, switching its style only a little each year. It is no wonder – this hero of your wardrobe is that perfect mix of smart and stylish, making you look put-together with minimal effort. Whether it’s adding structure to your jeans or giving your dresses a chic edge, a blazer is your secret weapon for effortless fall flair.
This classic oversized style in linen and TENCEL™ is from the Danish brand 1 People.
Trench Coat
A trench coat is an autumn classic that instantly elevates any outfit. Its sleek design and tailored fit bring a touch of sophistication. A timeless piece, it’s perfect for those unpredictable autumn days when you need a light, stylish cover-up.
The Finnish slow-fashion design house R-Collection offers a Europe-sourced and made trench in a delicious tapenade color.
Vest
A vest gives you that just-right layer of warmth without the bulk when a jacket feels too much. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, running errands, or just embracing the cozy fall vibes, a vest keeps your core toasty while letting your arms move freely. It’s versatile enough to pair with flannels, hoodies, or sweaters, adding a practical yet stylish touch to your outfit. Plus, those extra pockets? Perfect for stashing autumn treasures like leaves or snacks!
This sleek option is from Scandinavian Edition, made with RDS Certified Down.
Bottoms
The goal with a practical and sustainable fall capsule wardrobe is investing in pieces that transition seamlessly from formal to casual situations, saving both your time, energy, and money. These staple bottoms work in almost all everyday activities, from relaxing with a tea in the couch at home, to grabbing a cup of latte downtown.
Trousers
Look for cropped or wide-leg trousers in neutral colors like black or beige. These add sophistication to any look and can be styled with virtually any top in your wardrobe. From the office straight to afterwork, you’ll be sailing smooth as you transition from situation to situation just like the transition of the season!
These black relaxed pants are from Papu, made from 100% lyocell.
Knit Pants
Add variation into your fall wardrobe and invest in a pair of good-quality knitted pants. They can be dressed up to fit any occasion, but feel comfortable and soft no matter where you are! Best of all, they double as pyjama pants.
These GOTS-certified knitted pants from Organic Basics come in three colorways: blue, beige, and white.
Skirt
Who doesn’t love a flowy, comfortable skirt every one in a while in exchange for tight pants? Perfect for dressing up or down, a skirt is the ideal addition to your wardrobe to add variety and style. Choose one in an interesting color to bring additional interest to your outfits. Aarrelabel makes skirts of GOTS certified cotton and recycled polyester.
Pair with sneakers for a relaxed and stylish look, or with tights and boots for those colder autumn days.
Jeans
An everlasting classic that you can’t really go wrong with. They’re durable, comfy, and go with just about anything, from cozy sweaters to flannel shirts. Pair with an oversized trench coat for an effortlessly chic fall style.
Nudie Jeans make fair & sustainable denim in all imaginable styles – this pair is made of organic cotton.
Shoes
With the option to wear anything from long pants to short skirts over tights, fall is the season for variety in shoe wear. From warmer to colder models, you don’t need more than two or three different styles to match every situation and weather.
Boots
Classic ankle boots are perfect for fall and go with everything from jeans to dresses. Not only are they a timeless classic which can be worn year after year, they are also functional and practical in the changing weathers at the end of the year. Brown or black is a good color choice if you aim for being able to match them with most outfits.
These ankle boots from Pomar are vegan, GORE-TEX®, and water resistant.
Sneakers
Sneakers are a great choice for both casual and stylish looks, offering versatility that pairs well with everything from jeans to dresses. They make an excellent year-round staple that combines fashion with sustainability, since you can keep using them even when the season changes. Opt for neutral shades like white or beige to effortlessly match them with a variety of outfits.
These Veja sneakers are made from ethically sourced materials, including organic cotton and recycled polyester, making them both environmentally friendly and durable.
Loafers
Loafers are a fall wardrobe essential as they strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. Whether you’re running errands or heading to a casual brunch, loafers add an effortlessly chic touch to any outfit. Their slip-on ease makes them a practical choice for those crisp fall mornings. Plus, loafers can transition seamlessly from day to night, making them the ultimate go-to for autumn!
Vegan and crafted from recycled and surplus materials, these loafers from Palmroth make you look good while feeling great about your choice.
Accessories
We’ve got the basic outfits and layers down, then there is only one thing missing: accessorizing! Hats, mittens, long socks, bags… The options are endless. Here are our top 3 accessory essentials for your fall wardrobe.
Knit headwear
No fall wardrobe is complete without something to warm your ears in the cold fall winds.
There are endless options for headwear to match your personal style – get inspired by this hand-knitted beret from Myssyfarmi, or this lovely pumpkin-colored customizable beanie from Costo with a replaceable pom-pom!
Scarves
A large, soft scarf in plaid or a solid autumnal color adds warmth and style. To choose sustainably and get ultimate comfort, avoid synthetic fibers like acrylic and polyester and look for scarves made of responsibly sourced wool, for example merino or cashmere. For extra style, buy headwear in a matching color for an effortlessly chic outerwear look.
This lovely forest green scarf is hand-knitted by the grannies on Myssyfarmi from finnsheep wool.
Jewelry
Any basic outfit can be elevated with the right jewelry. Low-hanging necklaces, standout earrings, and layered rings look lovely paired with a sweater or a blazer in the fall. If you are wearing warmer tones like olive, burnt oranges, or mustard colors, aim for golden jewelry. Silver fits beautifully to cooler grays and blues.
For ultimate fall vibes, go for something like these lingonberry earrings from Daughter of the North. Have you seen something that screams September more? Cute!
Final Tips for Your Fall Capsule Wardrobe 2024
- Declutter: Before adding new items, take the time to declutter your current wardrobe. Donate or sell items that no longer fit your style or needs. We also encourage you to see what you already have before deciding on something new – maybe you’ll find you already have fall clothing that can be styled in new ways!
- Invest in Quality: Quality over quantity is key. Look for natural fabrics like wool, cotton, and leather that will stand the test of time.
- Mix Trends with Classics: While it’s great to add in a few trendy pieces, make sure your wardrobe is mostly timeless staples to avoid feeling outdated next season.
- Play with Textures: Mixing different textures like wool, leather, and knits will keep your outfits interesting even with a limited number of pieces.

Feeling inspired and ready to liven up your wardrobe with new, eco-friendly pieces? Check out our curated collection of sustainable Nordic brands to support our mission and innovative companies on the quest for a better planet! 👇🌿
4 thoughts on “The Best Sustainable Essentials for Your Fall Capsule Wardrobe 2024”
Tosi hyviä vinkkejä, kiitos. Minulla oli juuri sopivasti hakusessa uusi myssy, enkä taatusti olisi tullut ajatelleeksi huomioida näitä villaan liittyviä asioita ilman niitä. Myönnettäköön, että kiertelin kauppoja normaalia kauemmin ennenkuin kohdalle osui myssy joka täytti kriteerit. Mutta toisaalta tuntuu erityisen hyvältä ostaa tuote ja käyttää sitä kun tiedän, että se on eettisesti tuotettu. Se on vaivannäön arvoista!
I have a question about wool. In this article you recommend choosing ”responsibly sourced wool, for example merino or cashmere”. Are these by default mulesing free or how do I know that a woollen product has been produced sustainably, without cruelty to animals?
Hello and thanks for your curiosity!
Luckily, mulesing is banned in most places and is getting less and less common. Mulesing is only practiced on Merino sheep, so you don’t need to be afraid if you’re buying other materials, like cashmere.
If you want merino in your clothing, checking the label for “mulesing-free” is a fairly sure way to make sure you’re shopping ethically. Other labels to look for are NATIVA™ or RWS certified, both responsible wool certifications.
Another way is to check if there is information about where the materials of the garment or brand are sourced from – for example, EU has banned mulesing, so all merino from EU sheep will be fine. The more transparent a brand is about their source farms, the better.
If you don’t want to search labels, check out our list of mulesing-free brands on this page, where you can also read further about this topic: https://ekotera.org/sustainable-glossary/mulesing-free/
Hope this answered your question! :)) If not, feel free to reach out.
Ekotera
Thank you very much for all these details, this is really helpful information now for my search for some winter garments. Great to learn that EU has banned mulesing!