I’ve been working on this post for several weeks now, and every time I thought I’d hit the publish button, something would come up. I was hoping to have it up yesterday, but with all the Halloween festivities, it just didn’t happen (and I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween…)…
Either way, I’m sharing what I consider to be my Fall Essentials today (yes, I do realize fall started a month ago). It’s filled with the bottoms I reach for, the sweaters I layer with, and the tops I wear repeatedly… and the accessories that seem to pull all of my outfits together. These are items I’ve either had for several seasons, or a few slightly newer pieces that I’ve already found myself pulling for with high frequency.
This isn’t meant to take the place of my monthly capsule wardrobes (in fact, I’m hoping to get November’s up this week), but to sort of act as the wardrobe from which I am pulling capsule pieces. If I were to only have the below items, I would have more than enough to get me by the fall season ahead (yet… I like to mix in a few new pieces here and there, which is sort of where the capsules come in… with 2-3 new pieces a month).
That being said, there’s a lot below. You don’t need these exact items. It is meant to be a form of inspiration if you’re looking to really hone in on essentials this fall season. I hope it’s helpful in some way.
And with that, I hope you have a wonderful day ahead!
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BOTTOMS
I love a good pair of denim… and I appreciate how different styles can change the way an outfit looks. That being said, there is a lot of denim in this “bottoms” section. If you aren’t as obsessed as I am, consider one cream pair, a black pair, and a regular denim wash to be sufficient for the fall season.
(Straight Leg Jeans | Black Straight Leg Jeans | Drawstring Trouser Pants | Sweater Pants | Flutter Leggings | Trouser Denim | Grey Joggers | Grey Sweater Pants | Ecru Jeans | Olive Joggers | Wide Legged Jeans: Denim, White, Black)
TROUSER DENIM: If you’re looking for a pair that’s different than straight leg, but not as wide as a wide legged, then the trouser denim is a great option. I have this pair and they are incredibly soft.
WIDE LEGGED JEANS: By far and away the Hepburn style from DL1961 is my favorite in this category. They can be worn with any shoe style, which is probably why I gravitate towards them so much. I own them in the ivory, denim, and black colors.
STRAIGHT LEG JEANS: My two favorites in this cateogry, are the Riley from AGOLDE, and the Patti from DL1961 (a cream pair). They look fantastic with sneakers and knee high boots, as well as flats. I also have this black pair from AGOLDE (another preferred style) and love the looser leg, with a pinched waist fit. All of these look excellent with all things fall (i.e. sweater, coats, basic tees, sneakers, etc…).
TROUSER PANTS: I have a more traditional trouser pant, but find that wearing them feels a bit more formal for my lifestyle. When I found this drawtstring option, I was sold. They are the perfect in between, IMO. They have a trouser like fit and feel, but the drawstring waistband lends a more casual nature. They look excellent with sweaters, tees, and sneakers which is why they are included here.
SWEATER PANTS: I became a huge fan of sweater pants last fall and winter and wore mine all the time. I have an ivory pair (sold out) and this camel pair (which I highly recommend, so well made) and they are such an easy way to elevate a fall wardrobe (and they’re incredibly comfortable as well). I also own a grey pair (which is sold out), but these look almost identical and I would recommend them if you’re in the market.
JOGGERS: Hands down a “must” for my fall wardrobe… and the slim cuff pant from Varley is wonderful (I have them in a couple of colors… recommend the olive and the ivory marl). They’re made from a luxurious DoubleSoft material and are so versatile. I wear mine all the time. Paired with the matching pullovers below and it’s a chic, elevated, and comfortable outfit.
FLUTTER HEM LEGGINGS: I’ve had these for 3 years now, and still love how easily they elevate a basic leggings outfit. They’re great for fall because they are super versatile with shoes… you can wear them with flats, lug sole boots, or sneakers.
SWEATERS + OUTERWEAR
(Shirt Jacket | Oversized Ribbed Cardigan (identical option) | Sleeveless Sweater | Trench Coat (another option)| Grey Sweater | Striped Sweater | Duster Cardigan | Cotton Fisherman Sweater (identical option) | Cropped Cardigans | Oversized Cashmere Fisherman (identical option) | Oversized Sweatshirt | Leather Jacket | Quilted Jacket | Olive Green Pullover | Denim Jacket | Sweater Dress)
I always joke with my sister that often my fall wardrobe looks like what I wish the weather was like, not what it truly is (kidding, because it does get cold here, by our standards haha, just later than usual). That being said, I do have my go-to for the months (weeks) when it does decided to get pretty cold….
I’m not commenting on every option that you see above, but if with the majority of these sweaters/sweatshirts/jackets they’re here for a couple of reasons. First, they’re versatile. They’re going to give you a bang for your buck and ensure you have endless outfits. And two, they’ve already passed my test of time. Meaning I’ve had them for a season or two and always find myself pulling for them during the fall season.
CROPPED CARDIGAN: I use the term “cropped” loosely… just shorter than the longer sweaters that are around. Either way, this is an excellent, lightweight, sweater that’s soft and so versatile for the fall season. I’ve already worn it so many times, and that’s how I know it’ll be a staple this season. It’s 40% off through 11/6.
OVERSIZED RIBBED CARDIGAN: I’ve had this for 4 years now and I reach for it all the time (and it looks just as good as the day I bought it). It’s a tried and true favorite, and an excellent wardrobe staple for fall… wear it open, fully button, tucked in… it works! (another option here)
DUSTER CARDIGAN: I’ve had a couple of duster cardigans over the past 4-5 years and they’re the best. I love them with just about any bottom. The one I have is unfortunately sold out, but this is an almost identical option.
SLEEVELESS SWEATER: This is the perfect fall sweater essential if you live in a warmer climate. It’s sleeveless, so not nearly as warm, and the color is beautiful. I wore mine with jeans and sandals the other day!
SWEATER DRESS: I love a simple sweater dress for the fall season… wear it with sneakers to dress it down, or heels and/or boots for a more dressed up option. I purchased this black sweater dress last season and can’t wait to wear it again. It’s 30% off until 11/6.
QUILTED JACKET: If you want a lighter-weight option for the season ahead, then I can’t recommend this quilted liner jacket more. Another “I bought this 3 years ago” piece, it’s timeless, and easy to layer underneath.
TOPS
I find myself rotating between a handful of tops during the fall season… and I mix and match them with bottoms and outerwear, to create slightly different looks. All of these tops are comfortable, and can act as a base layer in colder weather, or stand alone in warmer climates.
(Tan Long Sleeved Ribbed Top | Black Long Sleeve Ribbed Top (other options here, here) | Brown Long Sleeve Ribbed Top | Oversized White Button Down | Short Sleeve Ribbed Tees | Basic Tee (another favorite here) | Cashmere Tee)
ACCESSORIES
As far as accessories go, I rounded up the shoes, bags, wraps, and jewelry items I feel would pair wonderfully with all of these items. These will also be included in November’s Capsule (which will just be taking items off of all the items here).
(Black Bag | Studded Flats (I own this under $40 pair as well) | Ballet Flats (should be in the Fawm color) | Cashmere Wrap | Flats | Crossbody Bag | Booties | Shearling Slides (ITSYBITSYINDULGENCES10 for 10% off) | Bone Bag | Brown Bag | Samba Sneakers | Belts | NB 327 Sneakers | Statement Earrings | Black woven Bag | Everyday Hoops | Cap)
A few items worth noting:
This oversized cashmere wrap is amazing. I own it in 3 colors and have had it for 3 years… it’s a staple in my cold weather wardrobe. It’s 30% off through 11/6 (and a great gift option).
The studded flats are a fun way to add a little dimension to an outfit with color….
The shearling sandals are so comfortable and a great option for warmer climates… or cooler weather with socks…
And these belts are beautiful. I’ve been in the market for ones that won’t break the bank for a while and these fit the bill.
