Fall is here! While the days are still a bit warmer than I’d prefer, the mornings are fairly crisp, and the scent of changing foliage is in the air. With the slowly changing weather comes the change of seasonal style. As we gear up to trade in summer clothes for winter wear, it may be a good time to review your wardrobe staples. Here is a rundown of some pieces to consider adding to your essentials list for fall.
Regardless of the season, a dress is a prized wardrobe must-have. This fall, I’m gravitating towards easy, throw-on-and-go styles that can be worn with boots. I’m really liking Natural Life’s Christa Cotton midi dress. This knit shirtdress comes in one of three fall-fabulous prints. Another great print for the season to look out for in dress form is gingham. This pattern can be found in a maxi silhouette at Hope and Harvest or on Amazon as a ruffled babydoll mini.
You can also keep wearing your sundresses into fall by pairing them with some lightweight outerwear. This season, the barn jacket is having a moment and looks great over flouncy dresses, as well as jeans and a henley shirt. Old Navy’s Canvas Barn Jacket is a deal and features a corduroy collar and a chic gold zipper and snaps. L.L. Bean’s Adirondack Barn Coat comes with a flannel lining and can stand up to just about any outdoor autumn adventure when paired with hiking boots and denim overalls.
Speaking of denim, no fall wardrobe is complete without a great pair of jeans. Basic blue can be found at Levi’s, where I’m eyeing their 726 High Rise Flare jeans in a dark wash for fall, another great opportunity to wear boots with their flared leg. Or you can play against the old-fashioned rules of banning white after Labor Day by sporting a bright white jean like Banana Republic’s Ultra Hight-Rise Wide-Leg Crop. Wear this with a black turtleneck and black loafers for a polished denim look.
Another fall essential that we can all agree on is cozy knitwear. Slipping on something not too chunky and semi-luxurious, like Everlane’s Boxy Sweater in sage green, dusty rose, or poppy red, really helps you feel the autumnal vibes once the temperature drops. Or check out Pact’s Classic Fine Knit Wide Neck Sweater in a cool navy for a classic preppy look. Pair your notable knits with tailored trousers as casual summer turns into a dressing-up fall. Tailored trousers are no longer just meant for the office. You can wear Quince’s Stretch Crepe Classic Trouser pants, sneakers, a graphic tee, and a denim jacket just as easily as you wear it with a button-up and pointy flats. And tailored doesn’t mean fitted or tight. There are slouchy tailored trousers like Loft’s Petyon Trouser Pants in Bi-Stretch that can be worn casually as well as for work.
I’ve mentioned boots a couple of times, and this year, I’m adding a Western-inspired boot to my fall look. You can go the authentic route with brands like Ariat or Idyllwind available at Boot Barn for pure craftmanship with a statement boot. Or you can do what I did and grab a subtle pair from DSW, like the Coconuts Legend Cowboy boot. Along with dresses and jeans, I plan on boot-scooting with a floral midi skirt, V-neck top, and “grandpa” cardi come October.
Of course, knee-high boots are timeless fall essentials, like Sam Edelman Penny Leather Riding boots, which you can wear over jeans or under wide-leg trousers. However, if you’re looking for less rugged footwear options and more elegance, step into a classy flat like Naturalizer’s 27 Edit Carla Flat in black leather. The minimalist cut of this shoe and contour technology will make it easy for all-day wearability and chic-ability.
Additional essential items on your lists include crisp shirts, dainty jewelry, sleek belts, and minimalist handbags. Now, if you already have versions of these items in your closet, great! You have the start of a capsule wardrobe for the season. Just make sure they are cleaned, pressed, and polished. If not, add some or one of these classic essentials to your next shopping list to ensure a fashionable fall.
