Fall in the Northeast is pure magic — crisp mornings, peak foliage, and just enough chill in the air to layer without bundling up. Last week, my work travel took me to Boston to deliver a leadership program, which meant juggling daytime classes and evening events. To simplify mornings and stay polished all day, I created a small capsule wardrobe that worked seamlessly from classroom to dinner, centered around my favorite neutrals.
With two back-to-back trips coming up, planning ahead reminded me why I love a curated travel wardrobe — less time deciding what to wear, more time exploring the city (and catching up on sleep, which is always a must while traveling!).
My Boston Fall Capsule Wardrobe
I had big plans to shoot content around Boston’s fall scenery — but the reality of work travel meant less photo time. Instead, I’m sharing mirror photos from my hotel and a Canva outfit template to show how easy it is to mix and match pieces in a compact capsule.
My focus was on versatile neutrals — camel, black, and ivory — with subtle prints for interest.
Tops: white short-sleeve bodysuit, leopard print cashmere t-shirt, black t-shirt, striped cashmere polo (didn’t wear), black silk puff sleeve blouse (didn’t wear)
Layers: black tweed lady jacket, camel blazer (recent closet addition), ivory sweater jacket (purchased in France!), long trench coat
Bottoms: medium wash straight-leg denim, dark wash straight-leg denim (didn’t wear), charcoal wash ankle-length denim, high-waisted wide-leg jeans (travel days)
Shoes: black loafers, cap-toe ballet flats, polished sneakers
Accessories: brown/beige printed crossbody bag, brown belt & black belt, gold hoop earrings & two-tone watch, black cashmere cardigan (doubles as scarf)
How I Styled My Boston Capsule
The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is how effortlessly everything mixes and matches. Each morning, I created polished, comfortable outfits with minimal fuss.
My Outfits in Boston:
- Black tweed lady jacket + black tee + medium wash straight-leg jeans + loafers
- Camel blazer + leopard cashmere tee + charcoal jeans + loafers (switched to sneakers for dinner)
- Ivory cardigan jacket + white tee bodysuit + medium wash straight-leg jeans + ballet flats
I wore my trench coat daily and used my cashmere cardigan as a scarf when it was cooler. Comfort and polish were key — neutral pieces never have to feel boring when fabrics and proportions are right. For dinners, I often swapped flats for sneakers if I planned more walking, keeping my trip wardrobe effortless.
Pro tip: Swap in black or dark brown trousers if jeans aren’t suitable for evening events.
Fab Travel Styling Tip
When packing for a short fall trip, build your capsule around two core neutrals and one accent color. My combo: black, white, and camel, with subtle stripes or leopard prints. This approach creates multiple outfit possibilities with minimal pieces, making packing simpler and stress-free.
What I’d Pack Differently Next Time
If I were repeating this Boston trip, I’d swap one pair of jeans for a casual evening jacket, add a printed scarf, and pack fewer tops. I had two tops and a pair of jeans that went unworn — space I would rather have used for more evening versatility.
Why a Capsule Wardrobe Makes Travel Easier
Traveling with a capsule wardrobe takes the guesswork out of getting dressed. It keeps you looking polished no matter the itinerary and makes packing lighter and smarter.
If you’ve ever stood in front of an overstuffed suitcase thinking “I have nothing to wear,” consider this your sign to simplify. Life is short — #TakeTheTrip (and pack smarter while you do it).
Anne
The Fab Life Insider
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