Fall Style Essentials

fall must haves, fall essentials, fall capsule wardrobe, fall basics for cute fall outfits

Outerwear:

outerwear

[Row 1] Utility Jacket // Leather Jacket // Tan or Black Blazer // Denim Jacket

Utility Jacket – If you’ve followed me for awhile you know I love wearing utility jackets for fall. They are an essential in my closet because they are so easy to layer and the olive color really acts as a neutral. I mix and match mine with different colors and patterns that add depth to my wardrobe. My favorite on is this one from BP. because it’s light weight and cinches at the waist making the jacket not to boxy.

Leather  Jacket – It’s really hard to find the right leather jacket that isn’t too heavy, too tight, or too chunky (especially when you have small shoulders). This leather moto jacket has been amazing to pair with some of my edgier outfits. I also love the idea of mixing it with outfits that are a bit more feminine, it really adds an extra level to your outfit. The one above comes in black and brown and I recommend both they are so easy to throw on.

Blazer – Everyone should have at least one good blazer in their closet that makes them feel confident. I have the J.Crew Regent blazer and I can’t tell you enough how flattering it is on anyone. It’s tailored in just the right places and for us short girls it comes in a petite which is great if you need it to fit you right at your waist.

Denim Jacket – I currently own two different styles of jackets. I have a distressed denim jacket and a basic denim jacket . If you can’t tell I love denim jackets. They both have a different vibe to them and serves their own purpose. My distressed jacket is perfect for a laid back look that might be a bit edgier. While the basic denim jacket is my go to for any classic prepster outfit I might wear. The wash makes a big difference as well so it’s nice to have to different colors.

vests and cardigans
[Row 2] Trench Coat // Puffer Vest // Waterfall Cardigan // Utility Vest
Others: Wool Coat, Camel Coat, Faux Fur Vest, Open Front Drape Vest

Trench Coat – I have had my eye on the  Burberry trench coat for awhile now and just haven’t quite made up my mind, but I definitely love the length and cut of it. For now though I have a similar from London Fog that I think can be just as flattering and so handy for those rainy days.

Puffer Vest – Ya’ll these are a must have for fall. I love the  J.Crew one  and probably have it in more colors that I would like to admit. The small gold details really dress it up and make it look so cute with plaid shirts and striped long sleeve tees.

Drape Front Cardigan – Cardigans are a must for me here in Texas, especially since we don’t have a true winter until almost December. I like to throw on a drape front cardigan for an extra layer of warmth without being too bundled. Something about the draping in the front makes it look more put together and easier to transition from day to night.

Utility Vest – Vests are so fun to add to an outfit because it can really take a plain t-shrit and make it an outfit. I recommend at least one nice utility vest in your closet because you can make an infinite amount of outfits with them. I even layer mine under coats and they can look so effortlessly chic.

Tops:

chambray, striped tee, plaid, white oxford
[Row 1] Chambray // Striped Shirt // Plaid Button Up // White Oxford

Chambray – Chambrays can be worn in so many ways I would argue it’s not just a basic for fall it’s an all year round basic. I love this  basic one from J. Crew because it’s the perfect shade of denim and fits really well. I’ve worn mine with striped turtlenecks underneath, around my waist with leggings and a tee, and dressed them up with pumps.

Stripes/Striped Shirt – I can not explain to ya’ll how much I love  Stripes . They are #neccessary and I probably own every stripe combination, width and color you can think of. The 3 styles I most recommend are a striped t-shirt, striped long sleeve tee, and a striped turtleneck. They will really come in handy when layering for those chilly fall days.

Plaid – Plaids are so much fun to play with during the fall. This classic plaid is a must for any wardrobe, but you really can’t have enough plaid color options. They are also super cute with white jeans and riding boots like in this outfit.

White Oxford – Plain white button downs are nice to have in your wardrobe as a transitional piece that can be worn in the office and out on the town. This white button down is great with a camel blazer and pumps for a dressy, snappy casual date night (also LOVE the Ann Taylor ‘Perfect Shirt” because it fits nice and is tailored well).

sweaters
[Row 2] Grey Sweater // Turtleneck Poncho // Cableknit Sweater // Colored Sweater
Others: Solid Cream Pullover, Solid Camel Pullover, Turtlenecks (Solid & Striped), Simple White Tee

Grey Sweater – My all time favorite grey sweater is from Nordstrom (duh!) and it fits longer-ish which is perfect for wearing with leather leggings. Grey sweaters are such a great staple piece that allows you to add pops of color to your outfit. They also have this chic look to them that immediately says ‘put together’.

Poncho/Cape – Ponchos or Capes are a great alternative to wearing a chunky sweater for the Fall. They can easily be dressed up or down or layered with a striped long sleeve underneath! I’ve recently been wearing them on repeat and love the dimension it can bring to an otherwise simple outfit.

Cable Knit Sweaters –  Cable knit anything is so cute for the fall. It can often be the piece that ties your outfit together and adds just enough texture to complete your look. Plus they are so comfy and warm! Personally, I think everyone needs two types of cable knit sweaters. One to layer with a gingham or plaid underneath and another oversized cable knit with jeans and booties. 

Colored Sweater – It is so easy to get stuck wearing neutrals all Fall and into the Winter. I constantly have to remind myself to add pops of color to my wardrobe. Some colors that really work during the season are olive, burgundy, and navy. One sweater in each one of these shades will add a little ‘umph’ to your wardrobe. It doesn’t have to be just pullovers either you can easily incorporate those colors through cardigans as well.

Bottoms:

bottoms
[Row 1] Distressed Denim // Black Leggings // Suede Skirt // Grey Jeans
Others: Black Denim, Leather Leggings, White Jeans, Leather Skirt (mini or pencil)

Distressed Denim – because there’s just something about distressed denim that looks undone and effortlessly chic. I hope they NEVER go out of style. I have several pairs but my favorites are these and are the ones you’ve seen me wear the most often.

Leather Leggings –  a great alternative to your everyday black jeans/pants and they automatically add a dressier/sassier look to a simple outfit. Maybe they’re not essential, but I do think they’re fun to play around with and are super cute with longer-ish tunics (like, remember this one from my instagram?)

Skirts – In the south it’s hard to wear pants everyday because we don’t have that cold chilly air for most of Fall. I like to incorporate skirts into my wardrobe as transitional pieces that still keep me looking seasonal. A thicker suede or leather fabric can keep you warm and work well with tights if need be. The two skirts above are great worn with crewneck sweaters and can easily be dressed up and down.

Swing Dress –

Accessories:

accesories
[Row 1] Gold Necklace // Black Hat // Plaid Scarves // Statement Watch

Gold Accents –

Black Hat – A classic black hat adds a touch of sophisticated chic to any outfit. I personally prefer the fedora style, but that’s mostly because I think I look a little silly in just about ALL hats.

Scarves – they’re not as much fun to buy (kind of like belts), but they’re great to have when you need that one little detail to pull an outfit together

Statement Watch –

bags
[Row 2] Cognac Tote // Black Bag // Leopard Clutch // Lighter Bag

Basic (cognac) tote – to match your cognac belt

Black Bag –

Leopard Accents – It took me a while to finally bite the bullet and purchase the Clare Vivier leopard clutch, but I must say that it has proven to be VERY useful and I find myself wearing it ALL the time.

Lighter Hued Bag –

Shoes:

fall essential shoes
Suede Booties // Black Flats // Black Slip-ons // Peep Toe Booties // Neutral Pumps // Tall Boots
Others: Hunter Boots, Riding Boots, Duck Boots, Sneakers, Neutral (cognac) Flats

Booties – The ones shown in the photo are the much-coveted Rag & Bone suede booties and they’ve been on my list for quiet some time. I just got them last year in the Cognac color and am obsessed with them! They go with everything and are SO comfortable.

Black Flats – I love these lace up ones for under $100

Peep Toe Booties – Peep toe booties are a great alternative when the weather is just not chilly enough for full on boots, but it’s already fall and you can’t wear your favorite pair of sandals anymore.

Tall Boots -Above I’ve featured one of the newest over the knee boots which are great with dresses and skirts, Dolce Vita Over The Knee Boots. However, my fave riding boots and probably the ones I wear the most casually are the Frye Melissa Button Boot. I love the look to them and how they’re the perfect bridge between a true equestrian style riding boot and a quasi-cowboy boot. I also LOVE the color and the cut/look of the top. *note hunter boots & riding boots* Hunter Boots – they’re actually more of a year round staple for obvious reasons, but I think they’re super cute to wear more regularly (even when it’s not necessarily raining) during the Fall. I have the matte red color and the shiny black :) and wear mine all the time.

Slip Ons – Slip Ons and Sneakers are so in this year and I’m not mad about that. I love the athlesuire look and definitely think it’s here to stay. A cute pair of slip ons is a great way to make

Fancy Pumps –