I know summer is a popular season with the kiddos out of school and fun family trips, not to mention the golden bronze skin and cutoff shorts and tanks. But, when fall starts to roll around I really get excited. While I don’t put together capsule wardrobes, I love pulling pieces to style that I consider the seasonal essentials. Of course, there are the regulars. Leather jacket? Check. Cashmere sweater? Yes, please! Then, there are the new trends. Scrunch ankle boots? Love them! Wide leg trousers? I’m onboard. Today’s post rounds up my fall wardrobe must haves. It’s everything you need for the best fall outfits.
You can SHOP the image below by clicking on the item you like!
Fall Wardrobe Must Haves
Forget those pumpkin spice lattes. To me, fall is synonymous with boots and booties, faux leather leggings and dark denim. And, I can’t forget oversized knits! My closet is full of way more sweaters (love the tunic length on this one) than a Floridian should own. But, they pair perfectly with leggings or jeans and you can dress them up or down so easily. My picks for the best fall clothing essentials can be mixed and matched to create countless outfits. Some of my favorites are below.
Shop the Post
Fall Clothing Essentials Every Woman Needs
1. Leather Jacket
The first building block of any fall wardrobe is a great leather jacket. Early in the season you might just drape it over your shoulders for that cool girl look. But, when the weather gets colder it not only elevates your outfit but also keeps you warm as you dash from your car or Uber into a restaurant.
Throw your jacket over slip dresses. Or, wear it with your dark denim. Bonus points if it’s a fun color like burgundy or camel (so on trend)! But, you can’t go wrong with black leather either.
2. Cashmere sweaters
You might hear the word cashmere and think… yikes, too expensive. But, the reality is there are many great retailers like Everlane and Nordstrom who carry affordable cashmere pieces. This one is under $200 and this one is under $130! Sweater weather really is the best!
3. Wide leg trousers
A new fall wardrobe staple that will be popping up everywhere are wide leg trousers. You will likely love them or hate them! There seems to be no in-between. But, comfort is definitely on trend and when they’re tailored like this pair by Vince they’ll become an instant classic. It helps when they have an elastic waistband in the back to help with that fitted look. Dress it down with a graphic tee and denim jacket. Or, pair them with your cashmere sweater above for an office appropriate look.
4. Denim Jacket
Quite possibly the MVP of my entire closet, this denim jacket is one of my most worn pieces – ever. This essential honestly transcends seasons, making it the perfect layering piece between summer and fall.
I love wearing my jean jacket (got this one years ago and it’s become one of their classic pieces) over dresses. But, I also think it balances any look with faux leather leggings too.
5. Anine Bing Graphic Tee
Sure, I could’ve said get any graphic tee. And, you can. But, the ones from Anine Bing are my favorites, including her sweatshirts (see this post). Again, these will go with your dark denim or your faux leather leggings. Then, you can go casual with sneakers or be date night ready with some suede boots.
6. Faux Leather Leggings
It was tough not to list this as my #1 fall wardrobe must have! There are some cult favorites out there. But, the best faux leather leggings are by Commando, in my humble opinion. They look more “real” and are a bit dressier. More than that, they are the most flattering! They don’t pinch your waist at all. I’ve had my pair for nearly 4 years and just bought new ones before I got pregnant (great timing). So, they last a while!
7. Suede Boots
For the last decade over-the-knee boots were all the rage. But, this year is all about knee high boots! I normally love anything from Sam Edelman. They make an amazing beige suede boot every season that will take you from the early days of fall paired with mini or midi dresses (love this one) up until winter. Then, you can wear them with your denim or maxi dresses.
8. Leather Tote Bag
Of course, your fall clothing essentials need to include some accessories! Camel is still very much the color of the season. This leather tote bag comes in two sizes (this is the bigger one) and is perfect for day to night. I know people who have it in multiple colors – it’s that good!
9. Midi Dresses
While I love a mini dress for spring and summer, midi dresses are perfect for fall. I normally peruse the options at Shopbop because I love the brands they carry. But, Target also carries so chic and affordable options!
Midi dresses like this one pair perfectly with ankle booties in September and October and then work great with taller boots later in the season.
10. Dark Jeans
Last, but definitely not least – you need a great pair of dark jeans for fall. You can choose a dark indigo like these or black denim like this pair. Personally, I wear both a lot during fall. I’m still a skinny jean girl! So, you’ll see me wearing that style, especially since boots and sweaters can potentially add weight to your frame if they’re chunky. Skinny jeans work well to tuck inside of boots and they’re also slimming.
Over time you’ve likely accumulated some of these fall clothing essentials. So, you won’t be starting from scratch! Part of the fun is finding new favorites each season that helps build your wardrobe bit by bit. Hopefully you can find a few fall wardrobe must haves here! Let me know which ones you love in the comments below.
