Capsule Wardrobe Updates: My Kid’s Fall Gear

Kids grow like weeds. That means most kids need wardrobe updates each season–which makes a capsule wardrobe a natural fit. I have previously written my “dos and don’ts” for building a capsule wardrobe for kids [read it here]. Today, I am here to give you an update on what my 2-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son will be wearing this fall in New York.

You will notice that these wardrobes are pretty small. We do a load of laundry each day and as a result a wardrobe this size is more than plentiful for my children. I try to buy higher quality gear that will last longer, but I also don’t break the bank. Here are five tips that I had in mind when shopping this Fall:

1. Waterproof shoes

I make sure that my children have waterproof shoes all year around. It’s important that they play outside everyday, regardless of the weather. So a pair of waterproof shoes each season is a staple. But I don’t love rain boots because they are so clunky and fall off easily. Therefore, I try to seek out a better waterproof shoe for general use.

2. High-quality midweight jackets

Two years ago I entered an outdoors store and requested the infant Patagonia section. I was told they didn’t sell infant Patagonia gear because most people didn’t want to pay that much for a jacket that a baby will grow out of quickly. I kept my opinions to myself that day and ordered my kids’ jackets online. I will say that I paid $79 for the jacket I bought my daughter when she was six-months-old, but she’s still wearing it today at 2.5 years old. And when she’s done with it, I will resell it for 50-60% of its original value. I call that a deal. 

3. Darker colors to avoid stains

I would dress my kids in navy all-year-around if it was up to me. Except that my daughter loves pink, despite my appetite for navy. I like to keep them in darker colors to avoid dealing with stains. They don’t wear all dark colors, but I buy them as much as possible.

4. Durable, yet cost-effective bottoms

I can’t drop $40 a pair on high-quality kids jeans. But I have found great luck with Target jeans and jeggings and these have become staples each season as well. Although I do like the bottoms, I can’t recommend the tops from Target as the durability is never as good as I wish it was. So generally speaking, I buy high-quality cotton tops on sale at other stores and purchase lower-cost yet durable bottoms at Target.

5. Always buy on sale, but rarely on clearance

Each season I find 20-30% off coupons for Hanna Andersson, Mini Boden, Tea Collection, and many of the other high-quality stores that I peruse. It is my preference to shop on sale, but not on clearance. For both my kids and myself, clearance tends to be clothing that is less desirable, out of season, or doesn’t fit right. So while you can find good deals–shopping during sales rather than clearance well help ensure you choose clothes that you really love and want to wear on repeat.

kids capsule wardrobe1. Primary Long Sleeve Dress // 2. Patagonia Nano Puff // 3. Primary Cozy Hoodie // 4. Primary Long Sleeve Dress // 5. Hanna Andersson Bright Kids Basics Pima Tee // 6. Hanna Andersson Bright Kids Basics Pima Tee // 7. Hanna Andersson Super Twirl Dress // 8. Target Cat & Jack Jeggings (5 PAIRS) // 9. Sperry Saltwater Rain Boot // 10. See Kai Run Kids Baby Girl’s Marie // 11. Hanna Andersson Bright Kids Basics Baseball Tee

kids capsule wardrobe

  1. Hanna Andersson Slub Jersey Basic Tee // 2. Patagonia Nano Puff // 3. Primary Cozy Hoodie // 4. Hanna Andersson Bright Kids Basics Pima Layering Tee // 5. Hanna Andersson Bright Kids Basics Pima Layering Tee // 6. Hanna Andersson Bright Kids Basics Baseball Tee // 7. Hanna Andersson Slub Jersey Basic Tee // 8. Target Boys Skinny Jeans Cat & Jack (5 PAIRS) // 9. Bogs ‘Sammy’ Waterproof Sneaker.

What are you favorite kid pieces for Fall?

Denaye Barahona

Denaye Barahona is a loving wife and mama of two. She's a therapist for moms, an author, and the host of the top-ranked Simple Families Podcast. Denaye holds a Ph.D. in Child Development and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been featured on the likes of The Today Show, Netflix, The Wall Street Journal, Real Simple, Forbes, and numerous other media outlets.