With summer in the rear view mirror and winter on the horizon, it’s one of the best times of year to take inventory of what’s in your closet and move the sleeveless dresses and cover ups to the back, and bring forward sweaters, jackets, and boots. I fully believe in the power of manifestation, so maybe if we wished it to be fall, the cooler weather would actually come. Well, it did, and feeling this crisp weather outdoors here makes us truly ready for the season.
Julie Lauren here today (it’s been a while – hi!), and I am in a fall state of mind. It might not stay 50 degrees out yet, but you better believe I’m taking the opportunity right now and dressing for fall while I can.
When it comes to fashion, while trends can be fun, they can be fleeting. And I’m all about staples. Those tried and true pieces that never disappoint you. Those items you reach for time and time again. The ones worth the investment.
Below I’ve traveled the web and pulled together from some of our favorite sites, the 12 fall fashion staples that I feel you need in your closet for the season ahead. Keep on scrolling!
1. A Leather Jacket
This could be my absolute favorite fall item. I live for my leather jacket. As soon as it’s even slightly chilly enough, that leather jacket is at the forefront of my closet. You can pair it with jeans for a casual look or over a cocktail dress for a night out. It’s versatile and timeless. I also want to mention the rise in popularity of leather as a “fabric of choice” in many other items as well……so after you are sure you are covered in the staples, think about adding a leather skirt, pant or top in true investment styling.
2. A Pair of Booties
While tall boots seem to be trending more this year than booties, I am all about booties. I wear mine all the time, even when it’s warmer out. Get yourself a great pair or several (a bootie wardrobe is recommended here!) and you’ll have them for a lifetime.
3. A Pair of Tall Boots
And that leads me to tall boots. This season we’re seeing tall boots in a variety of colors, fabrications, and prints. If you tend to want to wear a trendier piece, you can do so by way of a tall boot in a bold color or texture such as skin, and of course you can always get a trusty black or brown tall boot that will last for seasons to come, too.
4. A Great Pair of Jeans
This is a staple no matter the season, but especially in the fall because what’s better than a chunky sweater, a great pair of jeans, and boots? The key to buying jeans (at least in my mind) is to NOT purchase just because it’s the “trend” of the season. That trend might not work on your body type and that’s ok. If skinny jeans make you feel best, go for those. If you like boyfriend jeans, get a pair of those. Whatever you feel your best in is what you should buy.
5. A White Button Down Shirt
Crisp, cool, sophisticated, and can be layered any which way. Get yourself a white button down immediately if you don’t have one. You’ll wear it with everything all the time…..and the secret to any well-stocked closet is that you can never have too many white shirts!
6. A Lightweight Sweater
Itchy sweaters will be the death of me. I can’t do it. Turtlenecks can be challenging for me but I know that they are having a serious comeback and are a must for any closet. I need lightweight sweaters Lightweight sweaters that can be layered up and dressed both up and down.
7. A Blazer
Blazers are the best way to take your entire look up a notch. My favorite way to wear a blazer is with jeans and a tee. It adds a touch of sophistication while still looking very cool. Tailored suiting is in this season, as well, so a blazer is definitely something you want to get your hands on. You should have this in your closet from days past but you should check for a possible update to this classic. There are just so many ways to style a blazer that this is a wardrobe investment, in either black or navy (or both) that you can wear so many different ways.
8. A Trenchcoat
This is another fall must have. A trenchcoat is especially perfect for climates like Houston because it’s not too heavy. It’s just heavy enough. Whether you get a neutral trench or choose one as a way to add pattern to your wardrobe. Any version of this is a must-have you’ll wear often when the temperatures drop.
9. A Sweater Dress
This is an easy piece to have in your closet and throw on at any time. A one piece outfit is kind of the best when rushing in the morning, right? Wear booties, boots, or heels, add a leather jacket or a trench, and you’re good to go and out the door.
10. A White T-Shirt
I’m all about a great white t-shirt. Really, I’m all about t-shirts in general (specifically graphic t’s). A white t-shirt might be one of THE most important item to have in your closet. Throw it on with jeans, with a skirt, with an “athleisure” look, with a dressy look… a good white t is SO important and you should have many!
11. A Sequined Pair of Pants
Or skirt. While you might not wear sequins every day of the week, it’s a fun way to add a little pizzaz to an otherwise more basic outfit. Don’t just save your sequins for evening, though they are still the go-to-for evening. You can pull them out now and dress them down with a simple tee (see above) or for cocktail with a cashmere sweater, a fitted blazer or a leather jacket.
12. An Animal Print Jacket
Or suit or dress. Animal print is truly seen as a neutral these days, and it’s especially relevant this time of year. Grab anything animal print (if you want to start small, start with accessories or shoes) and complete your look with this fun and timeless print.
And there you have it! What fall staples do you have in your closet? What is your favorite item from above? Let us know in the comments below or find us on Instagram at @myredglasses.