When it comes to getting dressed with ease this season and feeling great about your outfits, having high-quality fall wardrobe essentials that fit you perfectly is key! These items have maximum outfit-making capacity. Some of these essential items stick around all year, but most of them are season specific.
Today I’m sharing my fall wardrobe essentials for 2021. These are the most versatile, core pieces that I use when making my fall outfits. Sometimes I wear them all together and other times I mix them with trends/statements pieces. Many of these items I’ve had for years. I’ve gotten so much wear out of them and they continue to be essential in my fall wardrobe.
If you missed it last week, I shared my process on building your fall wardrobe, layer by layer.
Long Sweater Blazer (I sized down one size) | Tee | Jeans (I sized down one size) | Sunglasses | Earrings | Necklace | Sneakers
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Fall Wardrobe Essential Clothing:
Green Military Jacket | Cream Cardigan (old from H&M – similar) | Denim Jacket | Long Sweater Blazer (I sized down one size) | Skirt | Blue Jeans (I sized down one size) | Black Jeans (I sized down one size) | White Button Down Shirt (I sized down one size and it’s fitted, stay true to size for a relaxed fit, use code: MICHELLETOMCZAK for $25 off of your purchase) | Graphic Sweatshirt | Black Crewneck Sweater | Gray Crewneck Sweater | White Tee
Top Layers:
- Denim Jacket: This is a classic piece that layers well over just about anything. It can even be paired with denim if the washes are different enough.
- Green Military Jacket: I’ve had my jacket for years and I wear it pretty much year round. It’s not technically a neutral, but it pairs well with so many things.
- Cream Cardigan: Perfect in both spring and fall, this piece adds warmth and texture to any outfit.
- Long Sweater Blazer: (I sized down one size) This piece elevates any fall look. It layers over sweaters, sweatshirts or shirts, with a hybrid sweater-coat vibe.
Bottoms:
- Blue Jeans: (I sized down one size) Right now I love straight leg jeans, but not matter what your favorite cut is, a pair of blue jeans is the most repeatable fall wardrobe item that also sticks around all year long.
- Black Jeans: (I sized down one size) I love washed black denim— it looks casual and adds depth and variety to fall looks.
- Midi Skirt: A neutral midi skirt can be worn with so many things as it can be dressed up or dressed down. I love it with sneakers and a graphic sweatshirt.
Tops
- White Button Down Shirt: (gifted – I sized down one size for a fitted look, stay tts for a relaxed fit, use code: MICHELLETOMCZAK for $25 off of your purchase) A white button-down is a super classic piece— it will literally never go out of style. It can be styled so many different ways. For outfit ideas, head here.
- Black Crewneck Sweater: Another classic, steadfast piece— a black crewneck sweater can be worn with everything.
- Gray Crewneck Sweater: Just like the black sweater, this classic, neutral piece can be worn with everything and will last in your wardrobe for years.
- Graphic Sweatshirt: This is a fun, versatile staple item that is a personal favorite of mine. I wear mine more times than I can count in the fall and winter.
- White Tee: A classic piece that works alone and is also perfect to layer over.
Fall Wardrobe Essential Shoes & Accessories:
Coin Necklaces | Black Belt | Tan Fedora | Woven Mules (size up 1/2 size) | Black Belt Bag | Cuff Bracelet | White Sneakers | Tan Crossbody (same style in a new color) | Cognac Belt | Hoop Earrings | Tote Bag | Black Boots
Shoes:
- Boots: If you invest in a great pair of leather boots, as they wear in they form to your feet and end up having a lived-in quality to them, which I love.
- Sneakers: I’ve had my white sneakers for years and they are for sure my most worn, year round shoe. I love how they look with skirts and dresses, shorts and jeans. They are always a part of my seasonal go-to outfit combinations. If I could only have one pair of shoes, these would be it.
- Flats: I love woven mules— leather and texture are favorites of mine. They always give a casual look, which is definitely my style. If you have a more elevated aesthetic, a dressier flat might work best for you.
Bags:
- Tote Bag: I’ve had my leather tote bag for years and I love it so much. It’s my favorite for carrying my laptop to a coffee shop, or for a full day away from the house when I need to carry more than my everyday items from my handbag.
- Neutral Crossbody Bag: A neutral, everyday bag that fits all your necessities and works with all of your fall outfits.
- Black Bag: I love belt bags. I love how they look and how many different ways you can wear them. I’ve worn this black one with so many of my outfits. If belt bags aren’t your thing, your favorite style of bag in black will go a long way in your closet.
Hats:
- Neutral Hat: If you’re not a fan of fedoras, here is another wearable, neutral hat option. Great for dirty hair days and a cute addition to fall looks.
Belts:
- Brown Belt: I love how brown belts give a casual yet this finished feel to any outfit.
- Black Belt: Black belts feel chic, and elevate any fall look.
Jewelry:
- Coin Necklace: This is the coin necklace that I have and I wear it every day! My friend has a company and she hand makes amazing jewelry. You should definitely check out her pieces!
- Hoop Earrings: I wear these gold hoop earrings almost every day as well. They work with every outfit.
- Cuff Bracelet: My sweet friend got this bracelet for me. It has my sister’s and daughter’s initials engraved on it. It’s so special and I wear it every day.
Things I’m Gravitating Towards This Fall:
It is always fun to see what feels new and fresh each season, as well as what I still love from the year(s) before. So far this fall I am loving:
Straight-leg Jeans, Mary Jane Shoes, White Sneakers, Sweater Vests, Quilted Items, Graphic Tees & Sweatshirts, Rib-Knit Cardigans, Full-Length Trousers, Shackets, Brown, Combat Boots, Chelsea Boots, Dad Sneakers, Woven Mules, Ripped Jeans, Shearling Accessories, Oversized Blazers, Turtlenecks, Half-Zips on Tops, Polo Sweaters, Exaggerated Collars, Loafers.
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Thanks so much for reading along! What are your fall wardrobe essentials and/or what are you gravitating towards most this season? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Coming up next, I will be sharing my go-to fall outfit combos with you so be sure to come back to check that out!
P.S. Here are the table and basket you see in all the photos in this post!
Kara says
Ah the shoes and accessories section is stealing my heart!! Love them all. Living in the PNW, I also wear a long puffer jacket and short rainboots in the fall.
Michelle says
Ah thanks Kara! A puffer and rainboots makes so much sense for where you live!