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We’re ready for autumn—bring on long neighborhood walks and wilderness hikes, followed by cozying up with spice-infused herbal teas. It’s the perfect season for a high-low approach to style, thanks to the changing weather and opportunities for layering. We’re pairing loungewear favorites like leggings and vests with elevated pieces like silk skirts and minimalist accessories.

This season, you’ll find us shopping our own closets and local thrift shops for pieces that match our inspiration. We’re also doing something a bit different with the capsule wardrobe below—we’re including DIY, thrifting, and wardrobe hacks that can help you re-create this moodboard on a budget! (Let us know how you like it in the comments below, we love reimagining our existing wardrobes). If we do shop new, we’ll save for one or two garments and search for sales on others!

So let us know what you’re wearing these days! We’re taking inspo from these 18 garments from sustainable fashion brands. These are the pieces and styles we imagine ourselves wearing for years and loving them each time we do. If you’re embarking on this approach to seasonal style for the first time, check out what capsule wardrobes are and then how to create a minimalist wardrobe!

Details and budget-friendly tips below the images. Let us know your favorites! ✨

  1. Tencel Turtleneck by MATE The Label, $74 | Layer it on me, baby! We hope to have tank tops in both cream and black this season to pair with our skirts especially, and this Tencel one keeps us nice and cool. To ensure your turtlenecks last season after season, we recommend sizing up so the collar is always comfy, not constrictive, around your neck.

  2. Winnie Top by OhSevenDays, $140 | Does anyone else miss smocked peasant tops from the early 2000s, or is it just us? Upcycle a thrifted flare sleeve top by sewing hair ties into the flared sleeves for this ruched look, or play around with other elastics to create interesting sleeve looks.

  3. High Neck Tank by Kotn, $28 | A good tank top is always in season, thanks to its endless layering possibilities—you can even size up and wear over a sheer top or longsleeve. Kotn always hits the mark with their natural cotton clothing. Upcycle your old (and maybe yellowing) tanks by dropping them into a vat of homemade natural dye.

  4. Dusty Red Blanket Shirt by Outerknown, $148 | From summer nights to autumn afternoons, you’ll always find a heavy gingham shirt somewhere in our wardrobe rotation—they’re the perfect middle ground between a shirt and a jacket. Not in your budget but want to embrace this classic fall staple? Well-worn fleece and cotton plaid shirts are always a great find at your local thrift store! (Don’t forget to look in the men’s section too!)

  5. Los Gatos Fleece Vest by Patagonia, $109 | After their rise in popularity in the 2010s, we’re starting to see Patagonia vests everywhere again. We especially like the teddy bear softness of this style. If you want to use what you already have, you can use old sweatshirts or sweaters to make vests with this sewing tutorial.

  6. Leal Sweater by Aliya Wanek, $420 | Talk about dreamy. This luxurious sweater features airy dolman sleeves and is hand-knit in Los Angeles using GOTS Certified organic cotton. You can knit your own sweater if you’d like—but it may cost you quite a bit in time and quality materials, which is why this beautiful sweater is priced the way it is.

  7. Get Dirty Skort by Alder Apparel, $95 | We can’t get enough of Alder’s eco-friendly and size inclusive (up to 6X) outdoor wear. This skirt is functional for hiking and cute enough to wear out with friends. And remember—any skirt can be a skort if you slip on shorts under, hah!

  8. Flora Pant by Whimsy + Row, $188 | We love our Flora pants from Whimsy + Row (one of our Los Angeles based neighbors)—depending on your height, they hit just a little above the ankle and look super cute with statement socks. If you’re looking for a more vintage fit, 90s cords are always aplenty at thrift stores, or try thredUP if you have a specific brand in mind!

  9. Washable Silk Mini Skirt by Quince, $49 | There’s nothing better than washable silk; this skirt from Quince has all the luxury with none of the hassle (it comes in three lengths, too!). We especially like layering leggings and/or tights under our skirts and dresses to make them a year-round wardrobe staple.

  10. Doris Dots Tights by Swedish Stockings, €26 | Another layering essential, we love the tiny dotted details on these recycled tights made using 100% emission free production. Here’s some inspo on how to turn your plain tights into polka dot ones.

  11. Iris Relaxed Taper Denim by Etica, $188 | This jeans brand is quickly becoming a staff favorite thanks to its soft denim and unique details. For a similar fit, work with your neighborhood tailor to update the leg taper on your current flared jeans for customized fall denim!

  12. Ribbed Leggings by Pact, $48 | Leggings are a key layering piece for fall, and these organic ones from Pact have a lovely ribbed detail. You can layer sheer textured tights over your existing black leggings to add a little extra oomph (and warmth for when it gets chillier!).

  13. Easy Tote by Cuyana, $248 | We’re thrilled to see big bags back in style—and can personally vouch for this beauty from Cuyana. On a budget? You can achieve a similar effect with a clean thick canvas tote (iron and starch it for extra structure).

  14. Essential Chain Bracelet by ABLE, $50 | For a *tiny* bit of shimmer, this bracelet comes from one of our favorite ethical fashion brands. Don’t worry—we’ll go full sparkle once it’s time for the holidays. Double wrap your favorite chain necklace around your wrist for a DIY alternative (If it doesn’t fit, secure with a gold safety pin!)

  15. Rose Scrunchie by Lisa Says Gah, $20 | We can’t decide whether to wear this rose-inspired scrunchie in our hair or on our wrist as a statement bracelet. Here’s a guide to making your own scrunchies from upcycled materials.

  16. Loafer Mule by Beklina, $290 | Beklina has long been on our radar and for good reason—the brand crafts high-quality and sustainable clogs that somehow manage to be both unique and timeless. We always find unusual clogs on sites like eBay and Shopgoodwill.com if you have a tighter budget (and extra patience!)

  17. The Weekend Boot by Thesus, $198 | In keeping with our high-low wardrobe this season, we’re not heading into fall without a good pair of versatile hiking boots. You can find refurbished secondhand boots at REI for men and women—or even work with a cobbler to restore & resole your own favorites.

  18. Old 80s High Top by Flamingos Life, $190 | When we say we love these vegan high tops, we mean it—our editor wears these all the time. Get the look without a new pair of shoes by pairing folded over white socks with your favorite white trainers. Here’s how to clean white sneakers to restore their brilliance.

Featured image from Cuyana