My Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Colors, Patterns & Cozy Handmade Pieces

I’m so excited to finally share my 2025 fall capsule wardrobe for this season. My sewing mojo is slowly returning, and I’ve been gathering fabrics, patterns, and accessories that all come together into a cohesive, wearable capsule. Whether you’re planning your own handmade wardrobe or just want some inspiration, I’ll walk you through how I build my capsule, choose colors, and plan out my sewing projects for fall. Read on or watch here:
You can get your own copy of my capsule checklist by clicking HERE. Be sure to join the Newsletter to get the future capsule checklists emailed directly to you! And remember, I have loads of discount codes on the RESOURCES page to help save you some money if you choose to purchase patterns or fabrics that are linked here*
Building a Capsule Wardrobe: My Method
I build my capsules around the modular wardrobe concept—three tops, two bottoms, and one layering piece (like a cardigan or jacket), plus one dress. Each module creates multiple mix-and-match outfits, and when you add more modules, your options multiply.
For this season, I’m working with three modules, which means:
- 9 tops
- 6 bottoms
- 3 toppers
- 3 dresses
That’s plenty of outfit combinations to keep things fresh while still feeling intentional and easy to wear.
Choosing My Fall Color Palette
Every capsule starts with color. I’m a Copper Spring according to Color Guru (you can get your own colors analyzed with my code TOMKATCOLOR for 10% off*!), and this season I’m focusing on:
- Navy Blue – my dark neutral
- Ivory – my light neutral
- Chocolate Brown – rich and grounding
- Burnt Orange – my favorite warm “neutral”
- Mustard Yellow – a golden accent
- Teal – a pop of color that plays beautifully with the warm tones
All of these shades tie back to one Liberty print that inspired the entire palette. If you’re just getting started, I recommend finding a print you love and pulling your seasonal colors straight from that fabric. It makes coordination effortless.
Just for fun, I created a color pallet for each Color Guru Season. If you know your season, these are my suggestions:
Module 1: Warm Neutrals & Everyday Basics
This first module is all about practical, comfortable pieces I’ll reach for all season long.
Tops:
- Love Notions Frankie Polo* - I plan to sew this up using a cotton viscose knit from Mood*. I’m using scrap knits for a color-blocked look inspired by Boden.
- Cashmerette Vernon Shirt* - I want to use my Liberty Tana Lawn to sew a classic button-up that layers beautifully.
- Cashmerette Concord* – I created a boat-neck version of my go-to t-shirt pattern for an easy splash of color.
Bottoms:
- Love Notions Bridget Trousers* – I'll be making this pair in Navy Ponte from Mood*, hacked for a wider leg.
- Ready to Wear Pistolla Jeans – I love these wide-leg, raw-hem jeans and I reach for them constantly.
Topper:
- Pattern Emporium Downtown Jacket*– My cozy, boxy chore jacket that I interlined with flannel for warmth. Watch HERE or HERE for two additional videos all about this jacket.
Dress:
- Pattern Emporium Wanderlust Dress* – All the colors in the vertical stripes are in my pallet and it looks perfect under the jacket. This dress has been in my closet since 2021 and I still love it! You can learn more about it HERE
Module 2: Classic Comforts & Soft Textures
This set mixes relaxed everyday wear with some elevated handmade staples.
Tops:
- Love Notions Barrington Boxy Tee* – I've added my striped one and I plan to make another cream one soon.
- Love Notions Ballad Blouse* – a soft woven blouse that feels a bit dressier but still comfy.
- Hacked Cashmerette Vernon* (Boden-inspired) – This blue chambray top complete with ruffled cuffs and collar is going to be a big player in my fall wardrobe. Want to recreate my look? I'll tell you how to do it in this video
Bottoms:
- Love Notions Legato Jeans* – I plan on using the Love Notions Largo Cargos* leg for a bit more volume.
- Love Bridget Trousers *– This rust is aa bright neutral that pairs beautifully with everything.
Topper:
- Hand-knit Cardigan (Any Day Sweater by Lily Kate Makes) – cozy, handmade warmth for layering.
Dress:
- Closet Core Edith Dress – I'll be sewing this sweet shirtdress in this gorgeous Fabelism Plaid I can wear with the cardigan into early winter.
Module 3: Cozy Browns & Statement Pieces
This module is more neutral but packed with personality through textures and prints.
Tops:
- Cashmerette Vernon Shirt* – crisp ivory for layering.
- Love Notions Summer Basics Tank* – tan and white striped knit.
- Cashmerette Concord Long Sleeve Tee* – a wardrobe workhorse in cream.
Bottoms:
- Megan Nielsen Dawn Jeans – in stretch floral-animal print denim for a statement look.
- Suede Skirt – I thrifted this chocolate brown, midi-length skirt a while ago. It's beautifully structured and goes will everything.
Topper:
- McCall’s 8011 Leather Jacket – I made from a thrifted leather coat, cropped and so wearable.
Dress:
- Seamwork Myrna Dress* – I'll be sewing this in Liberty lawn, the print that inspired my whole color story.
Accessories to Tie It All Together
To complement my capsule, I’m rotating a few favorite accessories:
- My mustard chain bag (a dupe I found in Italy)
- A classic Michael Kors tote in rich brown
- My orange Teddy Blake bag—a bold statement that always feels like fall
For shoes, I’ve leaned neutral with a few fun prints, including my Madewell animal-print loafers for a subtle touch of pattern mixing.
Why I Love Sewing Capsules
Creating these seasonal capsules keeps my wardrobe feeling intentional and joyful. I know every piece will mix and match beautifully, and I always have something I love to wear. Because I stick to my color palette, everything works together—even as I add or retire older makes.
*Affiliate links included—thank you for supporting my work! No extra cost to you, but I may earn a commission. Offers may change.