10 Affordable Must-Have Pieces For Your Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe

I search daily for main pieces and accessories that you will love to own, not because of their must-have status, but because of their versatility, timelessness, simple classic design, and of course beauty.

I look for new pieces designers create and I then search for their iterations on the High Street, so that us mere mortals can get our hands on fashionable yet wearable, affordable items. Believe me, this is no mean feat, however I think I have hit the jackpot today.

Below is a list of the latest closet must-have pieces at affordable prices and where to find them. Choose from the listed if you so wish.

As the perfect closet is one that is filled with timeless items you love to wear time and time again, I hope this list helps you to complete your own Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe.

Keep scrolling for these affordable must-have pieces that I selected for you (these are affiliate links).

SWEATERS

What's more luxurious and warm than cashmere for the Winter months? These good quality woollens will be in your Fall/Winter closet for years to come.

Cashmere Turtleneck (Lilysilk)
Get 12% off with my coupon code when you shop at lilysilk.com MAL12
https://shrsl.com/3r29d

Cashmere Oversize Sweater (H&M)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mqw2/

Black Cashmere Turtleneck (Uniqlo)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mqxa/

SHIRTS

A shirt, whether in white, blue, striped or in bright colours, is always an essential item, no matter what the season. Whether on its own or layered under or over classic or trendy pieces, a closet can't be without at least one.

White Fitted Cotton Shirt (Open Edit at Nordstrom)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mqxw/

Blue Oxford Shirt (Banana Republic Factory)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mqxy/

Blue Striped Poplin Shirt (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mqxz/

JACKETS

Whether a timeless classic such as a beige trench coat, an indispensable black blazer or a chic tweed jacket, you may need one or all of them. I assure you that you will wear them with everything.

Classic Beige Cotton Trench Coat (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1llcq/

Black Single-Breasted Blazer (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mqyi/

Black Tweed Jacket (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mqyo/

COATS

A wool coat is an essential piece for every stylish Winter wardrobe. Wear it over your favourite dress or jeans, dressed up or down. A classic camel, grey or black coat will see you through many Winters, making you look chic and elegant. Why not try a dark green coat and stand out in a sea of black? This shade flatters most complexions in Winter. (The coats below are also available in other colours).

Camel Belted Wool Coat (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrud/

Green Belted Wool Coat (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrud/

Grey Belted Wool Coat (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrud/

TROUSERS

Tailored trousers, whether in wool, corduroy or leather/faux leather feature heavily in French women's wardrobe. Why so? They are warm but stylish. Choose them in a colour and fabric that is the most versatile for your lifestyle et voilà, great style simply done.

Grey Wool Trousers (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mruj/

Tandoori Corduroy Pants (Banana Republic Factory)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrul/

Black Faux Leather Trousers (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrum/

JEANS

There is no avoiding it, denim is everywhere but being ultra versatile, it has become and essential item to have and wear. If you are not into casual denim looks, this is great news, because it is easy to dress up a great pair of jeans, whether for day or evening. This is exactly what French women do every day. The only thing you have to do first is to choose the style that suits your body shape, size and height. Below are three styles that suit most women.

Indigo Wide Leg Jeans (Marks & Spencer)
https://tidd.ly/3Twe5EJ

Favourite Cut Jeans (& Other Stories)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mruq/

70s Style Front Pocket Jeans (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrur/

SHOES

I couldn't do a list of must-have closet items without footwear. After all, footwear are THE accessory that will make or break an outfit. Below are three styles of classic yet trendy shoes for you to enjoy.

Black Metallic Pumps (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrvb/

Classic Black Loafers (Clarks)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1m3wj/

Nude Mary Jane Pumps (Lines Paolo in Nordstrom)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrvx/

BOOTS

Boots are de rigueur every Winter. I picked out three styles that are versatile, classic and comfortable. You couldn't ask for more.

Leather Lace Up Block Heel Ankle Boots (Marks & Spencer)
https://tidd.ly/3T7br8v

Suede Ankle Boots (Lisa Vicky in Nordstrom)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrvg/

Black Knee High Boot (Kenneth Cole in Nordstrom)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrvf/

BAGS

Do you have bags for all occasions in your Fall/Winter closet? Below are three bags I selected for you, for their classic style, timelessness and affordability. The choice is yours.

Oxblood Cross Body Bag (Cambridge Satchel Co)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrvi/

Brown Leather Shoulder Bag (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrvk/

Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag (& Other Stories)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrvr/

SCARVES

You will need a scarf to wear under your jacket and coats this season. These wool and cashmere scarves I picked out for you are of good quality without the heavy price tag.

Blue Blanket Scarf (& Other Stories)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrw7/

Wool Cable Knit Scarf (Joules)
https://tidd.ly/3VwZ6fm

Grey Cashmere Scarf (Mango)
https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mrwa/

Et voilà. Most pieces needed to create or complete your Fall/Winter capsule wardrobe. I did the hard work so you don't have to, as they say. I hope you found this list helpful. Please let me know in the Comments below if you enjoyed it and want to see more.

A bientôt
Marie-Anne x

11 Comments

Michelle - 4 years ago

Thank you for the inspiration! I like your ethic.

A post on wearing different types of scarves would be helpful.

Kathy - 4 years ago

Hi Marianne, thank you for this article- you always look so amazingly chic, I feel confident and happy to take your advice and style tips. It's not always easy to find an alternative to very expensive designer items, but you've certainly managed it with this item - thank you - much appreciated.

Martine - 4 years ago

Thank you Marie-Anne, you found some beautiful examples to include in our winter capsule wardrobe. I already have some but would love the black tweed jacket from Mango. A green coat would make a great statement coat and is better on most complexions. I can’t wait to wear my winter wardrobe! Take care Martine x

Beth Pinterich - 4 years ago

Always interested to see more 😁

Zoe Rowntree - 4 years ago

Thank you Marie-Anne. I have found all your posts very helpful in explaining the why some things don't work. and it has been very exciting to experiment with my wardrobe and fill gaps. I've stuck to a winter color palette for years, which has saved a lot of money, but have enjoyed loosening up a bit in this area. One place I did find a beautiful wool/cashmere (5%) sweater was at some companies in Australia that supply the Bridge & Lord brand. But it is great to be able to source from anywhere in the world while living downunder, and I noticed that I can even get some M&S clothing here.
Thank you. A bientot.
Zoe

Guya - 4 years ago

Hei Marieanne, I always do agree on your chic choises buy what about a petite and nomore perfectly slim over 65 woman like me, especially with a big tummy due to health reasons more than to fat, facing the thick and heavy winter fabrics? How to set a belted coat or trench? And what about the size fitting when an item in the right size on the tummy is too long or too large on the tronco and shoulders? Should I always have it tailored and/or cut on lenghth and sleeve hems? The result may not be this good! How to do then? And what about coloured items (like trousers/shoes for instance), aren’t they chic enough? Thank you for answering all these doubts if you can and thanks and congrats on your natural chic kindness and elegance. Kisses

Bridgette Rocha - 4 years ago

I am being ultra thrifty this season and just shopping my closet, but these pieces inspire me and make me excited to swap out my clothes for the season! I’ll try my best to put on some cashmere instead of a hoodie. Reminding myself not to save it, but use it! Thank you Marie Ann!

Sue - 4 years ago

Can't get enough of your wonderful style advice. Love your videos. Watch your videos over many times. Would like some more advice on slimming. You always look amazing. Thank you Marie Ann

Terry Mack - 4 years ago

Bonjour, Marie-Anne,
Thank you so much for all your research that allows us to go right to the websites and order. what we need. And easily available in the US! I appreciate all you do to keep us looking chic!

Teresa Barrett - 4 years ago

Thank You Ms.Marie-Anne.
I always enjoy seeing your recommendations.
Your sense of style is sophisticated and timeless.
True beauty.
I’m sending you my best wishes for a long and lovely autumn season. From here 🇺🇸 to there 🇫🇷
teresa

Tiffany Grassmuck - 4 years ago

I loved this post so much! I’ve bought a few of your recommended selections and love each one. I’m rounding out my essentials with choices from your list.

I would like to see a post on the lbd with day dress suggestions.

Thank you so much!