(Featuring Simplicity 3108 & Butterick 6901)
Fall is my favorite season for style—rich colors, cozy textures, and endless layering potential. This year, I set out to create the ultimate fall capsule wardrobe using only two sewing patterns: Simplicity 3108 and Butterick 6901.
The result?
A beautiful, versatile, mix-and-match wardrobe of 9 stylish fall outfits that prove you don’t need endless garments (or endless patterns!) to look and feel amazing all season long.
Whether you’re a sewist building a handmade wardrobe or a style lover looking for fall inspiration, this guide will walk you through silhouettes, colors, and outfits that will take you from pumpkin patches to dinner dates.
🍁 Why Build a Fall Capsule Wardrobe?
Fall is all about functional layers and rich, earthy palettes. A capsule wardrobe:
- Reduces decision fatigue
- Guarantees everything pairs beautifully
- Allows you to invest in quality pieces
- Helps you dress intentionally (and sustainably!)
- Simplifies travel packing
By choosing two classic, interchangeable patterns, this capsule is cohesive and endlessly remixable.
✂️ The Patterns: Simplicity 3108 & Butterick 6901
Simplicity 3108
A timeless pattern offering clean lines and versatility. Think: skirts, pants, or vests that can be dressed up or down.
Highlights:
- Easy to fit
- Great base for layering
- Works beautifully with denim, corduroy, wool, and blends
Butterick 6901
A chic, modern pattern with elevated details—perfect for creating standout tops or bottoms that still feel capsule-friendly.
Highlights:
- Flattering for many body types
- Great for drapey fabrics
- Adds visual interest to your capsule
🍂 Color Palette & Fabrics for Fall
To create a cohesive capsule, I stuck to a warm, earthy autumn palette:
- Cream
- Mustard
- Espresso brown
Best fall fabrics:
- Corduroy
- Wool blends
- Lightweight sweaters
- Flannel
- Denim
- Linen-cotton blends
These will give the whole capsule a cozy, textured look—and photograph beautifully!
👗 The 9 Capsule Looks
Here is the heart of the guide: nine mix-and-match fall outfits, all created from variations of Simplicity 3108 and Butterick 6901.
🍁 Look 1: Effortlessly Classic
Simplicity 3108 vest in mustard + Butterick 6901 trousers in cream
Perfect for: workdays, errands, and transitional weather.
🌾 Look 2: Monochromatic Look
Butterick 6901 top in Espresso brown + linen trousers from Simplicity 3108 in Espresso brown.
Relaxed, breathable, and easy to accessorize.
🍂 Look 3: The Fall Contrast Combo
Butterick 6901 top in Espresso brown + Butterick 6901 trousers in cream
A go-to outfit for a classy look
🌻 Look 4: Cozy Weekend Look
Butterick 6901 vest in cream + Simplicity 3108 skirt in floral print
Pure fall elegance.
🎃 Look 5: Elevated Casual
Butterick 6901 vest in cream + Simplicity 3108 in Espresso brown
🍎 Look 6: Coffee Date Chic
Simplicity 3108 vest in mustard + skirt in floral print
🌲 Look 7: Perfect Fall Picnic
Buterick 6901 vest in cream + Simplicity 3108 skirt in floral print
Great for a crisp fall afternoon
🍷 Look 8: Dinner Out
Butterick 6901 in Espresso brown + Simplicity 3108 skirt in floral print
Add statement jewelry to elevate the look.
🔥 Look 9: The Ultimate Fall Staple
Simplicity 3108 vest in mustard + trousers in Espresso brown
This is my favorite of all the looks!
🧵 How to Mix & Match Your Capsule
With just these pieces, you can create dozens more outfits by swapping layers, changing shoes, and accessorizing. Try:
- Layering turtlenecks under tops
- Adding scarves for texture
- Mixing structured + drapey fabrics
- Pairing outfits with boots, loafers, or sneakers for different vibes
🍂 Final Thoughts: Your Fall Capsule, Handmade & Stunning
This project proves you don’t need an overflowing closet—or basket of patterns—to build an incredibly functional and stylish fall wardrobe. By choosing two versatile base patterns and a thoughtful color palette, you can create endless looks that feel intentional, beautiful, and uniquely YOU.
Whether you’re sewing along, planning your own capsule, or just gathering inspiration, I hope this guide helps you build a fall wardrobe you’ll love all season long.