It’s September— fall is officially rolling in soon so let’s talk about fall wardrobe essentials 2024. These are the core, foundational pieces in your seasonal wardrobe. If you’re been living from an intentional wardrobe, you might have most or all of these pieces already in your closet. Foundational pieces make it easy to make a lot of great outfits. With them in place you can seamlessly weave trend pieces into your seasonal wardrobe, if you like.

If you see something you like you can shop for the item(s) and support my blog at the same time by purchasing through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Items are true to size unless noted. As always, I’m so grateful for your support!

TOP LAYERS:

These six styles consistently make my list. They’re all versatile yet stylistically different. They cover it all— having something to add to the most casual outfits, the most dressy outfits, and everything in-between. The casual three are: cardigan, denim jacket, green military jacket. The elevated three are: trench coat, leather jacket, blazer.

Casual Styles

CARDIGAN— this cozy staple is the embodiment of fall, adds warmth to every outfit, and a light, natural color goes with everything. (similar for less)

DENIM JACKET— once more of a spring staple, as denim only continues to rise in popularity this piece has solidified its spot to be worn on repeat in the fall. (similar for less)

GREEN UTILITY JACKET— this adds color, but is just as versatile as any neutral and adds a lived-in feel to outfits. (free assembly modern utility jacket – link opens to category, have to search specific item)

Elevated Styles

LEATHER JACKET— chic and edgy, a statement piece that is versatile and timeless.

TRENCH COAT— makes absolutely any outfit look more chic, from a matching sweatsuit to trousers and an oversized button down— I wear my trench with anything and everything. (similar for less)

BLAZER— this smart casual piece is perfect for workwear outfits but also looks great with dresses and jeans—currently loving in more oversized silhouettes. (similar for less)

TOPS:

A mix of casual and elevated options here as well— always on my list are: sweater, tee, sweatshirt, and some kind of shirt or blouse. Right now I’ve been into oversized button-up shirts. If that’s not something you like, fitted styles or feminine blouses work as well.

Casual Styles

PLAIN TEE— a timeless classic that is the perfect base for every fall outfit.

GRAPHIC TEE— a comfy, casual, interesting choice that can be kept casual or paired with elevated items for a juxtaposed look.

SWEATSHIRT— loving the crewneck version, a more casual and sporty vibe compared to its cousin, a crewneck sweater.

Elevated Styles

OVERSIZED DENIM SHIRT— with jeans and a cool belt and shoes for a double denim look, or with trousers for a casual chic look. (similar for less)

OVERSIZED BUTTON UP SHIRT (code: MICHELLET for 15% off)— a super versatile staple piece that can be dressed up or down and worn with just about anything. (similar for less)

SWEATERS— classic fall, warm, textured, beautiful. (butter crewneck)

VEST— a smart casual piece for workwear or everyday outfits.

BOTTOMS:

I hadn’t noticed this before, but my picks here mirror the top layers in color, style, and fabric. As in the categories before a mix of casual and elevated styles: denim, neutral trousers/dress pants, green military pants, and a skirt.

Casual Styles

LIGHT/MEDIUM WASH JEANS— this is your most-loved, perfectly fitting, everyday pair of jeans that goes with everything.

GREEN MILITARY PANTS— like the jacket, an addition of color that remains versatile and feels laid back and cool. (similar for less, similar for less)

JUMPSUIT— my favorite one and done piece of the season, you can swap for a dress if you prefer. (similar for less)

Elevated Styles

BLACK SLIP SKIRT (code: MICHELLET for 15% off)— can be dressed up or down and adds a feminine touch to outfits. If you’re not into skirts, you can swap for a dress or stick with pants. (similar for less)

NEUTRAL TROUSERS— versatile, perfect for both work and everyday outfits. (similar for less)

DARK WASH JEANS— look chic when elevated with heels and a date night top or blazer, works well with casual pieces too. (similar for less)

FOOTWEAR:

I am noticing this repetition as I’m writing this out, but it seems that there are about six styles per category, three casual and three elevated that round out the foundational pieces. For footwear it’s: sneakers, flat black shoe, flat tan shoe, boots, heels, statement shoe.

Casual Styles

SNEAKERS (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order)— my choice is always plain white as they’re so versatile and pop against fall hues. (similar for less)

BALLET FLATS (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order)— a flat shoe worn in neutral goes a long way in your wardrobe, can be worn with every style from skirts, to trouser, to jeans. (similar for less)

LOAFERS (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order)— timeless but also having a moment, perfect with every style and can be worn alone or with socks. (similar for less)

Elevated Styles

BOOTS— with a kitten heel, loving ankle boots as the versatile staple this fall.

HEELS (code: TOMCZAK for 10% off)— a kitten heel is my pick, in a neutral to dress up any outfit.

STATEMENT SHOE (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order)— adding some whimsy through shoes and accessories is one of my favorite things to do, my choice is a pop of red this season. (similar for less)

ACCESSORIES:

I keep the selection pretty minimal here, but they make a high impact on making outfits feel complete and interesting. This is the only category that I don’t see the casual and elevated breakdown so clearly as the rest. Foundational accessories include: minimalist jewelry (necklace & hoops), hat, belt, crossbody/shoulder bag, sling bag, tote bag.

MINIMALIST JEWELRY (code: TOMCZAK10 for $10 off your first ordeR)— everyday hoops, necklaces to layer, stackable rings, heart necklaces are my current favorite.

HAT— casual and easy, in a neutral color it can easily be added to any outfit giving it a casual and cool feeling.

BELT— always great for adding interest, living the embellished ones the most this season.

SLING BAG (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order)— my favorite hand-free, everyday bag.

CROSSBODY/SHOULDER BAG— I love this in an elevated, smooth leather to be worn with dressy or laid back outfits. (similar for less)

TOTE BAG— for when you need to carry all of the things, and when an oversized silhouette is something you want in your outfit. (similar for less)

Thanks for checking out my fall wardrobe essentials 2024! I hope this selection and breakdown can be helpful for you as you look to organize and/or build your fall wardrobe this year. Of course, my choices align stylistically with my style, and as I mentioned above, you can swap items to match your style.

After doing this for years, I only added a few things to my wardrobe that I would consider foundational. This being the case feels great, and reduces stress and completely eliminates the “I have nothing to wear” feeling that can arise if you haven’t thoughtfully planned and rounded out your wardrobe. If this isn’t something you’ve gone before, there is no time like the present and I would highly encourage you to do this as it truly is rewarding and makes getting dressed so much easier and more fun. If you have any thoughts of question on this, feel free to drop them in the comments below!