We spent all day yesterday enjoying our extended weekend… and spent it hanging out in the pool, jumping off the diving board, and lathering on sunscreen (despite the fact that it was uncharacteristically overcast for this time of the year…). 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 last season… with one of two recent new additions that will fit seamlessly with my lifestyle and current wardrobe.
Hope it helps a little with your fall wardrobe planning!
MY 16 BASICS FOR FALL 2020
BETTY LONG SLEEVE TEE: I bought this top two seasons ago and still love it. I have it in 3 colors and it’s a great layering basic. It does run long, and a little oversized, so size down if you want it more fitted. The fit is slouchy, but I love how it looks fully tucked into a pair of jeans or shorts. It’s a thinner material so you can comfortably layer it under jackets + cardigans in the fall.
J.CREW COATIGAN: This has obvsiously 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.
BLACK DENIM JACKET: I’m adding this one to my closet this year. I love the look of an oversized black denim jacket with leggings, black jeans, and joggers… and the oversized fit allowed for comfortable layering underneath. For those in climates that might not get as cold during the fall, I think a denim jacket is an excellent option… also classic and able to work across seasons.
FELT FEDORA: I’m a hat lady… and same goes in the cooler months. I love a beautiful felt fedora as an easy option for when I don’t want to do my hair. I’ve had this one for two seasons and always think this taupe + gold fedora is a beautiful option as well.
BALLOON SLEEVE SWEATSHIRT: So I purchased a variation of this sweatshirt last season and still wear it to this day. The cream color is great because it can easily be worn with some many different options. I wear mine with leggings, jeans, joggers, and lounging around the house. I always layered it under coats on our trips to Park City. I did size up for a slightly looser fit, since I don’t like my sweatshirts to be fitted.
RIBBED 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 is super chic, and I love the wide-waistband and pocket detailing. I also always include my favorite Lou + Grey Signature Soft Joggers as well…
OATMEAL SWEATER DRESS: I’m obsessed with this dress from last season. 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 (if you’re able to go back yet…), and anything in between. I wore it for family photos last fall, as well as Camille’s baptism. It was also just released in a black color if you like darker shades for fall.
JERSEY JUMPSUIT: So I bought this three years ago and still wear it to this day…. I love that you can wear it with a sweatshirt, denim jacket, leather jacket, and oversized cardigan and be super comfortable + chic. It works with sneakers, or sandals if you live in the warmer climates. Great for lounging, work from home, runnings errands, playing with kiddos, etc…
PERFORM LEGGINGS: I typically always recommend my SPANX leggings, and I still do, but if you want to add a little color, comfort, and practicality to your closet for fall, I really like these leggings in the copper color. I’m loving this copper color for fall and feel like it adds depth to the wardrobe while still remaining relatively neutral. I own these leggings in the black color and they’re amazing. Super comfortable and high waisted… really hold everything in, if you know what I mean. I also appreciate that they come in ankle, regular, and tall lengths.
EASY STREET TUNIC SWEATER: Another pieces I’ve had for two seasons, and own in multiple colors. It’s an oversized, comfy fit, and it looks so great with jeans, leggings, and joggers… and shorts as well. I have it in Pearl, Black, and Painted White and they’re all very neutral and work with so many closet staples. I do recommend sizing down as it does run large.
CASHMERE TEE: I think a beautiful cashmere tee is a great option when the weather makes a transition. I have this one in the rose color 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.
THERMAL BODYSUIT: I love the look of bodysuits, and when they’re in a chic thermal henley style, even better. I own one similar (same brand) in a light grey color and wore it a ton last season, and since it’s a thermal material it’s super comfy + cozy.
ANGELIC PULLOVER: Another favorite from last season is this oversized sweater. I caution those who are “itch” sensitive to materials that this is not the sweater for you. It doesn’t bother me, but just wanted to put it out there! If itch doesn’t phase you, then this is a beautiful oversized knit that it great for layering. It’s not super thick + chunky, but rather a fine, lightweight material that still provides a lot of warmth. I was able to layer it under my go-to leather jacket, comfortably, last season since it can bunch without bulge.
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 fit trench coat, so I would recommend sizing down.
TEXTURED COTTON CARDIGAN: I don’t own this item personally, but I own one that is almost identical (in white, that I bought last January) and it’s easy to style multiple ways. You can fully button it and front tuck it into pants, wear it unbuttoned with a fitted layer underneath, or even wear it over your favorite fall dress. What drew me to the style was the chunky knit + the oversized wood buttons.
