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These five things are staples in my fall wardrobe once the temperatures start to drop and crispness returns to the air!
While we haven’t *quite* gotten rid of the humid summer weather here in the south, it feels like we’re inching closer to fall by the day. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer. But by mid-August I’m ready for cooler temps, crunchy leaves, jeans, and fall foods. here’s nothing better than starting to notice the leaves changing and hearing the leaf blowers start running.
Lucky for me, we’re now in Boone (in the mountains of NC) for a month while our new house in Winston-Salem is being renovated, so I get to start my fall-vibes even earlier. It’s about 15 degrees cooler during the day and even more at night and the air definitely has fall crispness! I love it! Don’t get me started on how cute Thomas (my two year old) is with puffer jackets and jeans on.
Since I’m in the spirit, and goodness knows I don’t want to buy any more summer clothes, I decided to round up some fall fashion favorites. There are a few items that are staples in my closet every fall which I’ll share below, and I’ve also included a fall wishlist at the bottom of the post. Some of my favorite retailers haven’t launched their fall collections yet, so I’ll be sure to update this post with my favorite items as they launch. I also post daily on LiketoKnow.it so be sure to follow me there!
Let’s get into it!
I had to drop a fall photo from the month we brought Thomas home two years ago. Our (old) house was decorated which made me SO happy. Look how small he was!
My Fall Wardrobe Staples
1. Tall Boots
Tall boots are one of my favorite things to wear in the cooler months. I doubt they will ever go out of style, which makes them a great investment for your closet and a staple for your fall (and winter) wardrobe. In fact, I’ve had my tall boots for YEARS. And I especially love them for dates in the fall and winter, since they’re a little too dressy for my work from home lifestyle.
I recommend having both a pair of brown leather boots, and black leather (or suede) boots. I feel like leather is a little more casual than suede, so I love tall black suede boots for a more dressy look. When you’re styling tall boots, think of the boots like you would tights. Since they cover half of your leg, they can be worn with shorter dresses all winter. They’re a great way to get more wear out of your short dresses throughout the winter.
Similar sweater | Jeans | Similar boots
Here are my tall boot picks to add to your closet!
2. Booties
Booties are the most worn type of shoe in my closet in the fall (okay, maybe second to my loafers and my running shoes). They go with everything – jeans, dresses, skirts — and they’re also a great transitional piece as the seasons change. I find that heeled booties are MUCH more flattering than booties without a heel. I’m 5’1, so flat shoes don’t do a ton for me (although I LOVE a flat loafer), but a small heels makes a huge difference for me. It makes my legs look longer and my outfits more flattering.
I always try to find a pair with a heel, and always something pretty comfortable.
If you’re going to wear them with skinny jeans, make sure your jeans are tight enough to tuck into the booties without extra fabric. If your jeans are too long or too baggy, cuff or hem them so that your jeans hit about 1-1.5″ above your shoes, on your ankle.
Also take into consideration the shaft height when shopping for booties.
You want the top of the bootie to hit the most narrow part of your ankle instead of hitting at a wider part. The goal of heels booties is to elongate your legs, not make them look shorter. A bootie with a super short shaft is going to make your legs look shorter than they are. Go for something with a taller shaft, like this.
One last thing to consider when shopping for booties is the material.
Booties with a wooden heel are more casual than a suede bootie with a suede heel. If you’re only going to buy one pair this season, a wooden heel is likely more practical. Leather booties are even more casual than suede (but can easily be dressed up).
Booties with a taller shaft are cute with cropped straight leg jeans too–in fact, maybe more so than skinny jeans.
Here are my booties picks this year:
3. Sweaters
Fall weather = sweater weather = best weather. Super oversized sweaters aren’t my main go-to since I’m so petite (I’m 5’1″). But leggings call for longer sweaters. When I wear an oversized sweater, I just make sure it’s slim through the torso to avoid overwhelming my frame, or I tuck it in the front. Another thing I do is roll the sleeves a little to show some more skin to balance it out. I also love a cropped sweater with jeans and a cardigan (buttoned up, worn as a top!).
While I have a ton of basic sweaters in solid colors (that can be worn 1oooo ways), I do love having a few fun, colorful sweaters too. I tend to miss the pattern and colors of warm weather tops and dresses when I’m in the dead of winter, and fun sweaters like the one below help fill that void.
Here are my picks for sweaters this year:
4. Cardigans, Coats & Jackets
I love having a variety of cardigans, coats and jackets for the fall since the weather is so finicky, especially in the South. It can be 80 degrees one day and 40 the next! I think a packable black down coat is great for almost every day in the fall and winter. I have the Patagonia nano puff jacket but I also like this Eddie Bauer packable coat which is more affordable! And you can also return your Eddie Bauer at any time for any reason if something becomes messed up, and they replace or fix it.
For a heavier coat, I got this Miss Metro II Hooded Water Resistant Down Parka by North Face. I know I’ll appreciate how heavy and warm it is since we spend a lot of time in the mountains.
A good vest is a MUST for fall!!! The down vest a little bit thick which is great for colder days.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket | Jeans | Sneakers | Top
My picks:
5. Casual sneakers
While I practically live in boots and booties, there are a few other pairs of shoes I think are absolutely necessary. I love casual sneakers –– not running shoes, but true day-to-day sneakers. And I’ll love this option even more for lots of stroller walks!! I also LIVE in Sam Edelman loafers and Ugg Slippers.
Here are my casual shoe picks!
Happy fall!
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9 responses to “Five Fall Wardrobe Staples”
What do you think of the Zyia leggings? Are they worth the price?
I felt like they fit really well, were super flattering and I loved the colors but the quality didn’t seem to hold up. Granted, I’m VERY hard on workout clothes but the stitching came undone pretty quickly on both pairs I had. :/
I have been running and lifting for about 45 years- I have worn just about every brand that is out there! What I have found that works best for me, is Victoria’s Secret sport leggings. Although they have a new line out now that is a thinner material and I’m not really sure I like it.
Those black booties and black skinny jeans are on my fall wish list as well!
We have such similar taste, I need to raid your closet! Love all those pieces you have your eye on. I actually recently bought the madewell pocket sweater in cream and I love it. And that mustard blazer is giving me life. Need.
I’m so grateful you do these posts! You’re basically my personal shopper 😉 I feel bombarded by things to buy all over social media, but appreciate that you buy things to last and wear what you showcase again and again. Now, do you wear socks with the cut out booties? What kind? Thanks!
I really appreciate that feedback and I’m so glad these posts are helpful! Thank you for sharing!
I don’t wear sock with the cutout booties. 🙂
Okay but I came to this post for the red booties in the Patagonia pic and they aren’t linked! ? Does that mean they’re old/sold out??
Thank you for sharing your staples! I have to say, cardigan and knee-high boots are definitely my own staples for fall. Those huge shawls also give me the vibe straight away. I live in Italy and it’s not yet cold here, but I can’t wait to wear my little fall goodies!