These five things are staples in my wardrobe once the temperatures start to drop and crispness returns to the air!
I am so excited that the humidity is finally waning in the South and it’s starting to feel like fall!! While part of me is grateful I’ve been pregnant during the warmer temperatures (wearing dresses all the time was so convenient but let’s not talk about my swollen feet and ankles), I’m really excited to pull out some warm sweaters and cozy up with our little babe!!!
I have five fall wardrobe staples: tall boots, booties, sweaters, Patagonia jackets, and casual shoes.
Let’s get into it!
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. I’ve had my tall boots for YEARS. And while I won’t wear tall boots for a bit this year (no where to go except snuggling a newborn!), they’re always nice to have in my closet for holiday parties and dinner dates.
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.
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 running shoes). They go with everything – jeans, dresses, skirts — and they’re a great transitional piece as the seasons change. Lately, I’ve been sporting these perforated booties (seen on me here) or an open toe pair (seen on me here), but once it’s colder, I’ll wear a warmer option like the ones in the photos below.
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. So I just make sure they’re still slim through the torso to avoid overwhelming my frame. Also if I am wearing an oversized sweater, I roll the sleeves a little to show some more skin to balance it out. Cropped sweaters paired with high waist jeans, like pictured below, is another great option beyond oversized sweaters!
I love a semi-fitted turtleneck. It’s perfect tucked into jeans and paired with tall boots.
turtleneck | Good American Jeans | Tall Black Tory Burch Boots (similar here and here) | similar glasses
This chenille sweater is incredibly soft and works well for fall, winter and spring! I love the eyelet detailing on it. I bought it last year and now it’s 70% off!! (Side note: I hunted for the best black booties for YEARS and finally found the ones pictured below last year. I LOVE THEM. So comfy and go with everything without looking too moto!)
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 have a number of Patagonia jackets and coats and it’s definitely a brand worth investing in. Not only is Patagonia a great company (it’s a B-Corp like Beautycounter) with an amazing lifetime warranty, their stuff is cute, comfortable and functional.
I wear my black Patagonia Nano puff jacket almost every single day in the fall and winter once temps drop below 50. It’s warm but SO lightweight and I’m never too hot or cold (it’s magic). And I love that it can compress into a small built-in pouch which makes it great to stuff in my purse, and it also packs super well, which is great since I like to pack light!)
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket | Jeans | Sneakers | Top
I also love the Patagonia Better Sweater and Snap pullover. They have a fun patterned one this year too, which you can see on me here.
Nano Puff | Snap-T pull over | Better Sweater | Red Booties | Gloves | Beanie
A good vest is a MUST for fall!!! Again, the one pictured below is Patagonia one. The down vest a little bit thicker (and warmer) than the Nano puff vest.
White Polo | Vest | Jeans | Booties
I love this suede drape jacket that came in my Trunk Club! It’s lightweight but the material is perfect for fall. It’s great for an evening out and works well over dresses too.
Jacket | Jeans (one of my top picks for pants that aren’t skinny jeans) | Striped t-shirt | loafers
My picks:
5. Casual shoes
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 know 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!
8 Comments
Karen
atWhat do you think of the Zyia leggings? Are they worth the price?
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atI 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. :/
Karen Harris
atI 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.
Michelle Baxter
atThose black booties and black skinny jeans are on my fall wish list as well!
Arianne
atWe 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.
Katherine
atI’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!
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atI 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. 🙂
Kylie
atOkay 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??