Building a wardrobe can seem daunting especially doing so season after season, but there are a few key pieces that are great to have in your closet that you can rewear year after year. Some items can work for multiple seasons and easily be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. I thought I would share some of my top suggestions for items to have in your fall closet that timeless and worth buying. This post will just focus on clothing rather than accessories, but I can definitely explore accessories in another post. Here are 10 fall closet essentials:
How to Build a Wardrobe – 10 Fall Closet Essentials
Closet Essential #1: A Slip Skirt
Cardigan | Skirt (similar) | Pumps | Bag | Sunglasses
Wear these pieces together or separately, but a slip skirt and cardigan can be styled a variety of ways. I personally love a cardigan that hits at the waist with higher buttons so it can be worn alone or left open and layered over a camisole. A slip skirt is more versatile in my opinion that even a pencil skirt. I have worn this particular skirt with sneakers and a tee though it can easily be dressed up for an evening out or evening worn for the workplace.
Closet Essential #2: Black Trousers
Shirt | Trousers | Shoes | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
While trousers have always been a closet staple, I love the way they are being styled now. Dressed up professionally, dressed down with sneakers, worn out for an evening – there are so many ways to style a classic pair of trousers. And if you are someone who doesn’t love to wear denim, I highly recommend trying trousers as an alternative. This is a splurge pair but for a more mid range priced pair, these are hands down the best!
Closet Essential #3: Black Turtleneck
Blazer | Turtleneck | Pants (similar) | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sunglasses
It’s not fun or exciting to buy these basic pieces but honestly it’s necessary. I own so many black turtlenecks because I buy a new one nearly every year since I wear them non-stop through fall and winter. I have tried a few different styles over the years but I actually love the exact one I linked from Mango in the above photo. It’s a REALLY reasonable price and the quality is so good.
Closet Essential #4: A Neutral Blazer
Blazer | Tee | Jeans | Belt | Shoes | Bag | Necklace (Code: MAREE20) | Sunglasses
Blazer | Tee (similar) | Jeans | Loafers (similar) | Bag
Whether it’s a statement piece with chic gold buttons or something more simple, a blazer is always a closet essential. Black, camel, white – whatever you prefer, just make sure it is neutral. If you want something that is timeless, avoid something cropped or too oversized as they can look more trendy. A regular style that hits around the hips is the best option. Another feature I like to look for with my blazers are ones that dart in at the waist like the ones I am wearing above. I find it looks flattering and creates a nice shape.
Closet Essential #5: Camel Coat/Trench Coat
Cropped Trench (similar) | Tee | Trousers | Sandals | Bag (code: MAREE15) | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sunglasses
Trench (similar) | Tee | Jeans | Bag | Shoes | Belt | Sunglasses
Coat | Turtleneck | Jeans | Loafers (similar)
Either a classic trench coat or a simple wool camel coat are great closet essentials for the fall leading into winter. In some parts of the country that stay warm well into winter, a trench coat may be a better option. Whereas those places that get chilly very early in the season may benefit for a wool camel coat instead of a trench coat. Look for one with a very simple and clean line to it – nothing too oversized or embellished. A belted detail is classic though not necessary. And if you want to venture into the cropped trench territory, it is still a classic silhouette that you can wear for years to come.
Closet Essential #6: Dark Wash Straight Leg Jeans
Blouse | Jeans | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Belt | Sunglasses
I have more jeans that I would like to admit but the ones I reach for the most during the fall and winter is a dark wash non-distressed straight leg fit. I would even lump a slightly wider leg fit in this choice because a wide leg at this point looks timeless.
If you struggle with finding a length that works for you because you are on the shorter side, choose a cropped style which most of the time will come right to the ankle. Or the option that I have been doing for 10+ years is cutting a few inches off the bottom to be the length I want. I used to take them to be hemmed but if I’m being honest, the hem was never as good as the original and I ended up regretting my choice to do so. I prefer to just cut the bottoms of my jeans and let them fray a bit over time.
Closet Essential #7: A Lady Jacket
Lady Jacket | Bag (code: MAREE15) | Jeans | Sunglasses | Shoes
Yes this is technically just a regular ol’ cropped cardigan but the new terminology is lady jacket and I am here for it. The main difference between a cardigan and a lady jacket is a lady jacket has a bit more structure to it and cardigans tend to be very flimsy. Whatever you want to call it, just get yourself one this season. Wear it closed as a top or open over a cardigan. They look polished enough for the workplace but still look great worn casually with jeans and flats.
Closet Essential #8: Coatigan
Coatigan | Sweatshirt (similar) | Leggings | Sneakers | Bag | Sunglasses
For the in between weather that we often experience from summer going into fall and then the beginning of fall, I reach for a coatigan more than anything else. There are a ton of options available now but this particular one from Mango has been popular for yearsssss and for good reason. It has the most perfect drape that looks effortless but not sloppy. The weight is heavy enough to keep you warm but not too heavy that you will overheat. I reach for this more than any other piece of outerwear because it’s so comfortable and easy to dress up or down. This particular one that I have has really roomy arms so I can comfortably wear a chunky sweater or sweatshirt underneath without feeling like my arms are in a compression stocking.
Closet Essential #9: Crewneck Sweater
Sweater | Trousers | Sneakers | Bag | Sunglasses
Sweater | Jeans | Sandals | Belt | Bag | Sunglasses
So basic but so necessary. A simple crewneck sweater is a fall closet must have. There are honestly too many variations, styles and fabrics to choose from so just go for what you personally prefer. Opt for a solid color so it is more versatile and be sure you have one that is nice and thin so you can layer it easily if you want. An oversized chunkier crewneck sweater is great too to wear as more of a statement piece.
Closet Essential #10: Long Sleeved Tee
Tee | Jeans | Sweater | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses
Tee (similar) | Jeans | Shoes | Belt | Bag | Sunglasses
Again, so boring but SO NECESSARY! A simple long sleeved crewneck tee is vital to the foundation of a fall wardrobe. As you can see from my two pictures above, you can wear them alone and add some interest with accessories and styling. They are also essential when layering so find a brand that you personally love and buy a few in neutral colors to last you all fall and winter.
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