I live in the south, where it can stay fairly hot and humid late into the year, and fall weather seems hard to imagine. But it’s here! (Well, most days.) Thanksgiving is coming fast, and Christmas decor is already exploding in the stores. I’m always sad to see summer go; it feels so easy and carefree. Just throw on shorts and a t-shirt, and you’re out the door! But fall is definitely a favorite, too. Temperatures drop, leaves change, and we get back into a routine again. And there’s even football this year! I’m honestly not a die-hard fan, but I have some favorite teams. I like the sound of a football game, no matter who’s playing. Is that weird? Football is such a big part of the season, and I love a good tailgate and halftime show.
Anyway…while we might not have an action-packed calendar this year, temperatures are dropping, and we want to look our best for it. But make it easy! Here are 10 key pieces for fall.
Long Sleeve White T-Shirt
I could wear a long sleeve, white t-shirt almost everyday in cooler weather. It goes with everything! You can throw it on with jeans, joggers, or a skirt, and layer it under sweaters and jackets. It’s the most important staple item, in my book, and will go with everything else on the list. This version from Madewell is cotton with a slightly shrunken, classic fit – great on its own with a higher-waisted bottom, and a French tuck, Tan France style.
When it’s cooler out, and you’re layering under a sweater, you can’t go wrong with this tee from Target. It’s super soft, has stretch, and is a longer, more fitted shape. It’s great for tucking all the way in.
Crewneck Sweater
A crewneck sweater is just as easy as a t-shirt, but more elevated for dressier days. The Margot style from J.Crew is lightweight merino wool, for some added warmth, and it’s a comfortable, relaxed fit. All of the neutral shades are great closet staples, but the brighter colors are a fun opportunity to add a pop of color to your outfit. I’m a fan of the flamingo!
Jeans
I already have three pairs of this same slim boyfriend style from J.Crew in my closet, and I’m sure they won’t be the last three! They are my current favorites. Comfort is key these days, and these include stretch with an easy fit, but don’t sacrifice on style. They’re high rise with a straight, slim leg, so just the right combo of boyfriend’s style and your own. This pair is also made from sustainably dyed organic Italian cotton crafted at a LEED®-certified and Fair Trade Certified™ factory. Even better!
Midi Skirt
This skirt is perfect for fall. The pleated midi style is stylish, comfortable, and flattering, and I love it in a lightweight fabric for spring and summer. But the faux-leather really takes it up a notch, and this one from J.Crew will be in rotation all the way through winter. Pair it with any of these staple pieces, or spice things up with stripes, a graphic tee or sweatshirt, or a silk top. I’ll wear it with everything from tennis shoes to heels. The list is endless!
Cardigan
I love cardigans all year long. They are comfortable, but quickly pull an outfit together. And they are easy on-and-off for changing weather. J.Crew’s Sophie is a cross between and blazer and sweater, and is a nice weight for cool temps throughout the year. It pairs well with everything from jeans to a skirt, and comes in several neutral colors. Grey is my top choice (I’m a sucker for grey), and it pairs well with almost any other color – black, navy, white, bright. You can’t go wrong.
Fleece
This fleece from Patagonia has been a staple in my closet for several years already. I love it. So much so that I have it in three colors, and wear all of them constantly. My husband is probably tired of seeing me in them at this point, but they are such great staple pieces, I wear them anyway. (And don’t be fooled, he has some of his own!) I’ve worn them on planes and trains, touring new countries and running errands around town, as my jacket or an extra layer under my coat when temperatures drop…the list goes on. My favorite color is Birch Grey. (Did I already mention how I love grey?) It goes with everything. This fleece is lightweight but warm, super comfortable, has a front zip (which I gravitate towards – a pullover equals more static), and my favorite part is the zipper pockets. If I’m running around town, or through an airport, I feel much more secure throwing my phone, ID, grocery list, mask, etc. in there without it falling out. And it’s made from 100% recycled polyester. Win win.
Trench Coat
A trench coat is a great layer for fall. It can add warmth, protect you from the elements, and help to easily pull together an outfit! There are tons of trench coat styles available these days, but I really like this one as a starter – it covers a lot of bases. It has a classic style that can be dressed up or down, but is also waterproof and windproof to 60mph. It’s lightweight (I find a lot of trench coats to be heavy), has an adjustable hood, and pockets inside and out. And if you’re a member of REI, you’ll get dividend money back at the end of the year to put towards your next purchase!
Tennis Shoe
So sandals and flip flops are back in the closet, and we’re into sock weather. (Although, my feet are often cold, so it’s sock weather year-round for me.) Nothing beats throwing on flip flops and running out the door, but tennis shoes are the next best thing. I spent years in a job where tennis shoes were part of the dress code, so now my feet demand nothing less (comfortable). Ha. If the rest of my outfit is neutral, I often like to add color with my tennis shoes. There are so many fun options these days. But the most timeless option is a neutral, and you can’t go wrong with Stan Smiths from Adidas. They are affordable, comfortable, and a classic.
P.S. If you wear a women’s size 8.5 or below, you can often buy the kids’ version, and save a few dollars. To determine your youth size, just subtract 1.5 from your regular size.
P.P.S. My husband and I got to meet Stan a few years ago, and he was so nice!
Sweatpants
We aren’t talking your traditional sweatpants here. The word sweatpants brings to mind the matching grey set of the good ol’ days. (Does anyone even use that word anymore?) But athleisure has come a long way since then! With so many of us working and schooling from home these days, we’re all stocking up on comfortable clothes. Stretchy pants and soft tees can take you straight from slumber to your “office”. But it’s great to have something more elevated, for the days you want an easy, cozy outfit, but still want to look put together. These Nike pants are soft and sophisticated, with lightweight warmth for changing temps. The wide leg and subtle pattern add a little drama to your wardrobe, and can easily be dressed up. For something a little extra, I love this color, too. They’re so nice, I don’t actually want to sweat in them!
Scarf
When I worked in an actual office, I always had a scarf with me, no matter the season. It’s so easy to throw on when the air conditioning is at full blast, or when it really is fall outside! And I always take one when traveling. Planes tend to be cold, and it can double as a blanket when the temp really drops. Scarves also easily add a little something to an outfit, like the icing on a cake. This scarf from Cuyana has a lot to love. First, it’s 100% baby alpaca, which is soft and warm, hypoallergenic, odor resistant, and durable. (Not to mention alpacas are the cutest thing ever. I have a slight obsession.) Second, the scarf is made in a woman-owned factory in Peru. That’s actually two things to love, supporting other women and Peru! My husband is from there, so I’m a big fan. The other thing is that Cuyana’s philosophy is “fewer, better”, and I think this scarf is a great place to start. Every color is beautiful, but I love it in grey!
Happy fall, everyone!
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