2020 Fall Wardrobe Essentials
It may not be that chilly in Cincinnati yet, but the dropping temps have me feeling inspired and eager to break out my favorite fall wardrobe essentials. Plus, last week marked the official beginning of fall, so it’s time to start outfit planning! There are plenty of trends to consider adding to fill in your fall wardrobe. Between all the new sweater, jacket, and boot options being churned out by every label, it can be a little overwhelming. Not to worry! This is one of the best times of year to showcase your style. Layering and re-layering your favorite pieces will give you endless outfits with only a few key items, so it’s the perfect time to invest in essentials that you love or hire us to find them for you. Classic pieces with a modern twist are the name of the game. Keep reading for a guide to the must-haves of the season that will keep you stylish (and warm) in the months ahead.
Chunky Knit Cropped Sweaters
I adore this trend for a few reasons. For one, thick, chunky knits are as cozy as it gets. I love that the thick fabric maintains its shape to keep you looking polished. While cropped silhouettes have been in style for tops for many seasons now, a cropped sweater is one of the newer iterations. There’s a reason for its popularity: the cropped shape prevents a chunky knit sweater from overwhelming your body by defining your waistline. This look is flattering on so many body types!
High waisted jeans, skirts, and pants aren’t going away anytime soon — thank goodness — and these styles will pair perfectly with this look. Make a sweater, high waisted jeans, and ankle boot part of your fall wardrobe essentials. It’s a great outfit formula that you can spice up with jewelry and scarves to ensure you always have an easy-but-fresh look ready for every day of the week. If you’re still mourning the end of summer, go with a cropped sweater layered over a dress or paired with a midi skirt and boots for a seamless transition look. I recommend starting with a solid and/or neutral to get the most mileage out of this item in your fall wardrobe.
Plaid Blazer
Every woman needs at least one blazer that she can throw over anything. A basic black style is always a wise choice, but there is certainly a case to be made for plaid. You’ve probably noticed it popping up more and more in stores and on your Instagram feed. What’s great about this look is that a plaid done in browns and subtle oranges, as seen here, is a neutral fabric despite having a pattern. This is the jackpot for creating easy-to-style looks that are a little more intriguing than an all-solid outfit. This blazer will become a staple in your fall wardrobe essentials collection precisely for its versatility and visual interest. The plaid blazer adds vintage flair to a t-shirt and distressed jeans, a masculine twist over a flirty structured dress, or a playful sophistication over a hoodie. Because it’s such a timeless look, you may even have luck finding great options at thrift stores. Consider adding this piece to your closet – it will keep you inspired all season!
Ankle Boots
If there is one piece you cannot go without this fall, it’s an ankle boot. There are so many variations which means you’re sure to find one that suits your personality. By nature, the ankle boot is endlessly versatile and cross-seasonal. It’s my go-to in the fall and winter with jeans and the aforementioned chunky sweaters. I also find myself reaching for them in-between seasons. They feel just right with a slip dress and moto jacket (more on this later…) during times like these when the weather is a little non-committal. Again, this is the perfect place to showcase your style. A neutral suede boot for a classic variation, a heeled bootie for added femininity, a platform sole for an edgy look…it’s the easiest way to inject your personality into every outfit without a total wardrobe overhaul. To make the best selection, prioritize finding a shoe that is versatile enough to go with the majority of your fall wardrobe while still having some thoughtful details you’ll love for years. Doc Martens are one option that is worth considering. They’re known for their durability and are an excellent example of how one pair of shoes can add some edge to every outfit. These freshen up just about any look, which make them great fall wardrobe essentials.
Moto Jacket
The moto jacket is absolutely timeless. This is another piece to include in your fall wardrobe essentials because it compliments classic styles as well as trends that change over the years. It’s perfect for tying all your outfits together. I especially love the classic leather and suede varieties because they have a good weight, will last you decades, and provide good warmth. Vegan leather is on the rise with designers this season and is no longer synonymous with a cheap “pleather” appearance, so be sure to consider these styles too. Although moto jackets are an edgier style at heart, they still work well with many styles. Look for minimal hardware and earth tones or pastel hues if you prefer to tone down the rock and roll vibe. Another bonus for cropped varieties is that they create a waistline, which is great for this time of year when we tend to wear oversized hoodies and sweaters that may hide our figures. Consider adding this to your fall rotation for effortless dressing!
Gold Hoop Earrings
Gold hoops are another classic style you’ll never get tired of. It’s amazing what a good pair of hoops can do for otherwise basic jeans + tee + cardigan combo. Adding these to your casual coffee-run looks will make you look instantly more put-together and boost your confidence. This is an easy essential to add to your fall wardrobe because there are so many affordable options at stores like Target and Zara. If you find yourself wearing them often, take the plunge on a pair of real gold hoops – they’re a worthy investment! This simple metallic accent is a great way to brighten up your look and translates well in many outfits. Try a large pair for a bold look, a small hoop for a look you can wear every day, and play around with adding coordinating hoops if you have additional ear piercings.
Wrap-Up
Another season of new trends can be daunting. Avoid the option-overload by reminding yourself what wardrobe essentials you truly need and will be wearing all season long. Though by no means an exhaustive list, investing in these not-so-basic basics is a great place to start for an effortless, confident style this fall. The best part? These items are best styled together. If you are feeling a little lost with how to style your pieces, our video content page is a great place to start. Shop with intention and choose quality items with details that showcase your unique point of view, because ultimately, these are pieces that should last you years to come. Whether you choose classic fall hues of brown, camel, olive, and burgundy or take a risk with neons and pastels, these silhouettes will look incredible on you. Stay inspired, and have fun assembling your new favorite fall looks!
