Yesterday, after Camille’s nap and Harper’s quiet time, we took a dip in the pool… 90 degrees on the first day or fall certainly called for it! So, rounding up my favorite basics for fall feels like a complete juxtaposition to yesterday’s activities….
But, here we are. I’m listing out my go-to basics for fall.
I went through my closet, looked at old photos, and thought long and hard about what fall basics I think (since, as I’ve mentioned a million times, it wont be fall here for a while) will be on heavy rotation for me… and the 16 items below are what I came up with…. many of them are repeats from previous seasons… with two or three recent new additions that will fit seamlessly with my lifestyle and current wardrobe.
If you’re looking for a little extra inspo, the items in this fall favorites curated shop are all beautiful as well as the neutrals in this curated shop.
Hope it helps a little with your fall wardrobe planning!
(Oversized Plaid Top | Ribbed Oversized Cardigan | Faux Leather Leggings | Sweater Dress | Ribbed Long Sleeve Top | Black Leather Jacket | Ribbed Half Zip Sweater | Trench Coat | Shacket | 90’s Jeans | Ivory Joggers | Ribbed Tee | Half Zip Sweatshirt | Coatigan | Cashmere Tee | Tan Leggings)
OVERSIZED PLAID TOP: I don’t own this exact one, although it’s in my cart, but I have a very similar option. I love an oversized plaid top as a casual top layer to pair with leggings and a basic tee, or to fully tuck in with jeans and layer with a leather jacket or sherpa jacket in the cooler months.
RIBBED OVERSIZED CARDIGAN: Quite possibly one of the more versatile pieces in my wardrobe that I wore throughout the summer season with shorts on cooler evenings… and that I will continue to reach for this fall and winter season. It looks chic fully buttoned, and more casual unbuttoned and pairs with all the usual bottoms. I also own this one from Jenni Kayne (code NATALIE15 for 15% off).
FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS (in top photo to left): I bought these when I was pregnant with Camille, so they’ve been a fall go-to for about 4 seasons now (and have lasted). I appreciate their versatility, and how you can pair them with boots, sneakers, or mules for a chic, pulled together look.
OATMEAL SWEATER DRESS (in top photo on right): I still love this dress from two seasons ago. It’s oversized + so comfortable. It looks cute with sneakers, boots, and mules and works for just about anything you can think of… the office (if you’re back in one), work from home (because it’s indeed comfortable enough to spend all day in), church, and anything in between. I wore it for family photos two falls ago, as well as Camille’s baptism.
RIBBED LONG SLEEVE TOP (see below photo with 90’s jeans): So unlike most of the other items here, this is a newer, this season purchase… but one I’ve already worn multiple times and plan on including in a lot of the cooler weather capsule wardrobe collections. That being said, it looks great fully tucked into bottoms, and is a great base layer for when temps require a top coat. I also found this long sleeve ribbed top, and this one, purchased them to try them out, and they are excellent alternative, below $45, options.
BLACK LEATHER JACKET: I purchased this one two years ago and it was one of my favorite investment pieces… so chic and a great way to elevate a basic outfit… great for date nights, to pair with a dress and sneakers, or with joggers to really pull it all together. I own this option in the cedar color, but it also comes in black and is currently 20-25% off, in case you’re in the market for an excellent quality black leather jacket this is a great option as well.
RIBBED HALF ZIP SWEATER (see it below): I wanted this half zip last November and it sold out within a couple of days. I was super bummed, so when I saw it come back a couple of weeks ago I purchased it (despite the 90 degree weather we had today). It has this wonderful oversized fit to it, while not being overwhelming. It’s soft and you feel as if you’re wrapped in a blanket. A beautiful option to pair with leggings, trousers for the office, and for a casual look with jeans. It also comes in black.
TRENCH COAT: If you want a lightweight coat that’s super chic and goes with everything this one is for you. I got mine last spring (when it gets really rainy for us), but I think it’s great for all cool weather. This is an oversized, drapey, fit trench coat, and I have my regular size. I’ll be sharing 6 ways to style it early next week.
SHACKET: Any shacket will do, but I love this one for this season… if you have a tan or plaid option those would look great mixed in with all these other pieces as well. It’s a great in between layer between a button down top and a full blown coat. If you like the ivory look, I found this option which I think is really similar to the one I own.
90’S JEANS (see below): Any loose fitting jean will do, but this is one of my go-to pairs of jeans for this season… they’re really comfortable, look great with almost any top, and sneakers, mules, and booties all work. I recommend sizing down 1-2 sizes for these as they run fairly large.
IVORY JOGGERS: Joggers are super versatile if you’re home bound this fall and winter season… they make you feel pulled together and really work for everyday life and lounging. This pair has a great slim fit, so they’re nice and chic (if sweatpants can be…). I also always include my favorite Lou + Grey Signature Soft Joggers as well…
RIBBED TEE: If you’re looking for a good, basic tee, that’s a little elevated then this ribbed option is great. I own it in black and white and it’s a great base layer for this fall season… and it has great stretch, which is always a good feature!
HALF ZIP SWEATSHIRT (see below): I feel as if half zips were huge last season and IMO they still are… they’re such a great, chic, sweatshirt option other than a crewneck or hoodie. This one is super soft, not super oversized, and looks great with shorts, joggers, leggings, and jeans.
J.CREW COATIGAN (30-40% off, in top photo, center): This has obviously been a favorite over the past year…. super versatile, great quality, and can easily be layered over lightweight pieces… or layer a longer coat over it. It does run large, so I do recommend sizing down.
CASHMERE TEE (see below): I think a beautiful cashmere tee is a great option when the weather makes a transition. I have this one in the grey and tan colors and it looks great with jeans, leggings, joggers, shorts (the usual, haha), as well as slacks if you’re in a more formal work space. You can also easily layer it under jackets + coats. A good alternative to a basic tee.
TAN LEGGINGS: I always recommend leggings in the cooler months, and typically recommend darker pairs in the cooler months, but I am a huge fan of this tan color and think it pairs nicely with so many other neutrals… these are also a great alternative that I’ve owned since last year.