10 Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe Finds at Amazon

As a travel writer and 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.

Many of these travel writer-approved finds also come 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.

Best Overall Picks

Tailored Trousers

Baleaf Wide-leg Travel Stretch Dress Pants

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, like these wide-leg, stretchy Baleaf pants that come in versatile hues like black, brown, and navy, which tend to be ideal for avoiding 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 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 outerwear, 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, puffer jackets are also unbelievably packable, much like this Eddie Bauer down jacket that has insulation for chilly days but can be folded or rolled to practically half its size. If you have compression packing cubes that remove empty air, a puffy shrinks up even smaller. 

Trench Coat

SaphiRose 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. This 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 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 29 different colors, making it versatile and easy to find a neutral hue to match your outfits.

Wool Vest

Tuduoms Sherpa Vest

Like a cardigan, a vest is another versatile 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, and it takes up less room in my luggage. 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.

Layering Button-down

Mutitop Button-down Shirt

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, perfect for fall days that get sunny and warm.

Midi Dress

Amazon Essentials 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 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 its boots are sure to be just as durable and reliable with the same heavy-duty outsole and comfortable footbed for walking long distances.

Layering Tees

Amazon Essentials 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 so I can go a little longer between washes. 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 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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