The end of our week is always much busier than the beginning… there are extra curricular activities after school which, with the girls at two different schools, with two different release times, always makes us feel like we’re sort of running around with our heads cut off. Needless to say, I’m very happy that tomorrow is Friday…

I was recently asked what I thought would make a fall wardrobe complete, and so I decided to put together a post with what I would consider the “essentials” for a fall wardrobe… sweaters, jackets, jeans, comfy pants, and everything in between are included… any many were pulled from October’s capsule wardrobe…

Which leads me to my next point. That the capsule wardrobes I put together on a monthly basis are always based off of “wardrobe essentials” for a season… the basics you need to mix and match pieces to create a variety of outfits. And since I do like to add in a few pieces to my wardrobe here and there, that’s where I create variation month to month with the capsules… maybe 2-3 new pieces a month thrown into the general “fall wardrobe” mix.

So below I’ve rounded up what I would consider to be the essentials. Of course, having these exact pieces is not necessary at all… I am sure most people have something similar, if not almost identical, to the items I am sharing below. I hope it’s helpful in some way!

And with that, I hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!
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BASIC TEE

Every wardrobe needs a good basic white tee for layering purposes… I have a few I rely heavily on including this vintage tee, and this great under $10 tee. You can wear them with just about anything… joggers, leggings, jeans, trousers…

COATIGAN

These add a more structured look and feel to any outfit (as opposed to a duster cardigan suggested below). I love tossing them on over a pair of joggers or leggings to really elevate the look… or pair it with jeans to further polish the look. The two that I rely on include this shorter one and this longer style (featured above).

BASIC JOGGERS

The options are really endless here, but I always recommend a good go-to pair of joggers for those off duty looks… WFH looks… school drop off looks… or just to wear every darn day, haha. I’m new to Vuori, but love, love their performance joggers since they don’t stretch out and maintain their shape throughout the entire day (i.e. you went get that saggy butt and stretched out knee look). They come in a variety of colors and are short people friendly. I do want to note that they are more of a mid-rise fit, versus the high rise I typically share (and if you try to pull them up to a high rise they will give you camel toe, haha)… they git me right at the base of my belly button… just wanted to put that out there for anyone who would be expecting a high rise fit.

SWEATER DRESS

A sweater dress is a great way to combine casual and elevated for the fall season. You can dress them up or down depending on your shoe and accessory selection… which makes them great for a casual outfit, an office outfit, or a going out (not super fancy, of course) outfit. I love a longer, midi or maxi fit, and this oatmeal colored sweater dress is so comfortable (not itchy)… I also ordered this black one, which should arrive soon.

TRENCH COAT

Trench coats are such great wardrobe staples for mild weather that really elevate an outfit and create a timeless look. They look great over a work outfit, or with jeans, and when layered over a long-sleeve piece provide ample warmth in mild temperatures. This one is older from Free Assembly, but Everlane also makes a great option as well.

SPLIT HEM LEGGINGS

In keeping with the theme of elevating everyday pieces, split hem leggings are a great way to do so. I’ve had this pair since last fall, and I’ve obviously included them in many capsule pieces… they’re just an easy way to be comfortable, but not feel as if you’re wearing yet another pair of leggings. The 7/8 length is short people friendly (i.e. no need to hem)… Mango makes this under $40 option as well.

RIBBED LONG SLEEVE TEE

Another excellent layering basic is a basic black long sleeve tee… I always recommend this ribbed option… love how the ribbing adds some texture.

STRIPED TOP

So many options in this department, but a striped top adds dimension to a neutral wardrobe… navy or white, black or white, or maybe even a cream/white, cream/black. This loose fitting turtleneck is super comfortable and versatile, and I also love this mariner, that I’ve included in past capsules…

SWEATER BODYSUIT

If you’re wanting a piece in your wardrobe that can effortlessly work from daytime to night-time, then I recommended this ribbed sweater bodysuit. It fits beautifully, and the neckline would make it a beautiful evening option when paired with layered gold necklaces… and dress it down for day with a few simple pieces, jeans, and sneakers. It comes in black as well, and it’s equally as beautiful.

RIBBED CARDIGAN

This is an all season staple for my wardrobe, but I think an oversized ribbed cardigan is such a good throw on a good throw on and go option with just about any bottom you own. This cocoon cardigan is one I purchased 2 years ago from Jenni Kayne as an investment and I’ve worn it so much (SHANNONP15 for 15% off– I know have my own code). A few other great options include this one from J.Crew (almost identical), and this under $60 option.

90’s NON DISTRESSED JEANS

I’m still loving the 90’s jeans styles that are a high waisted, slimmer + straight leg, fit. And this AGOLDE pair are wonderful. Comfortable and look great with just about any shoe style… and the non-distressed option makes them a tad more versatile for day or night.

WIDE LEGGED LOUNGE PANTS

Keeping with the wider leg trend, and wanting to keep things comfortable, these wide leg lounge pants are great- they’re Vuori- so very similar to the fit of their joggers in that they maintain their shape throughout the day… I’ve worn them so much- so comfortable and elevated.

DUSTER CARDIGAN

A duster cardigan is such a chic throw on and go piece that can keep you casual, looking elevated and pulled together. A few of my favorites include the one above from Reformation (it’s basically like wearing a blanket), and this ivory one (although, as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, the price went up by about 50% from last year, so not sure it’s worth it at this new price), and this heathered charcoal duster (I don’t own it, but it looks great).

OVERSIZED WHITE BUTTON DOWN

I think this a white button down is a staple across seasons, and in the fall/winter months making it a cotton and in the spring and summer months transitioning it to a linen material. This oversized button down for fall is great- sturdy, comfortable, and the perfect amount of oversized.

WIDE LEGGED JEANS

Very on trend lately, but still classic, and even very comfortable. My favorite pair of jeans for this style is this DL1961 pair– I have them in white, denim, and black… and think they look great with flats, sandals, mules, boots, and sneakers. Dress them up or down, and pair them with a variety of tops.

QUILTED JACKET

Love quilted jackets for the fall and winter season… I’ve had the black one for 2 years now, and this tan, longer, more oversized option is a newer one from this season (under $60). They are easy to dress up or down… toss it on over leggings and a tee post workout, or let it elevate an everyday, jeans and a tee, outfit.

OVERSIZED SWEATER

I love an oversized sweater for the fall season… there is something so cozy about them… and they look good with so many different bottoms. I have a few go-to’s including this oversized striped one (seen above), white cashmere sweater, coco colored sweater, and this ribbed cabin sweater (SHANNONP15 for 15% off) but some other cute options include this striped sweater (and lots of other good colors) under $100, and this beautiful ribbed sweater from J. Crew (this one as well), and this under $50 sweater.

LEATHER JACKET

I invested in this black leather jacket about 3.5 years ago and it’s such a great wardrobe staple. I’m most people have something similar to this in their closet, but it’s a great way to add a bit of edge to your outfit.

MARBLE RIBBED TOP

Obviously, I’m into the basics for a fall wardrobe…. I purchased this ribbed top last September (styled it multiple ways here) and it quickly made it’s way into heavy rotation. Like the basic tops above, it’s an easy piece to layer with, or wear solo, and the scoop neckline makes it a bit different than a few of the other basics I own.

HALF ZIP

Any half zip will do, but when you’re wanting to be comfortable, and wanting something a bit looser, then I love tossing on a casual half zip sweatshirt. They dress down jeans, keep with the casual feel or leggings and joggers… this one comes in and out of stock… but here is another similar option.