10 Things You Need in Your Closet this Fall – From Classics to Accessories

When it comes to fashion choices, spring and summer are fun and flirty. Fall, however, is the sophisticated season. It’s the most comfortably chic we are all year. Layers and lattes abound, and it’s socially acceptable to buy excessive amounts of candy. Think of the children.

Besides sugary indulgences, fall is the time of foundational fashion. Before “basic” became a dirty word, it was a term used to describe staple items in your closet. These are pieces you traditionally invest in so you can go a little less expensive when picking up trendy pieces.

Here’s a cheat sheet for key items you need to keep you looking polished this season:

Hat. Pick up a fedora, beanie, newsboy or whichever hat you feel is flattering on you. Not only does it make any ensemble instantly look put-together, but you don’t have to spend as much time on your hair.

Leggings. If you’d rather wear leggings than skinny jeans, invest in thick ones that are opaque enough to cover your bum. These are great to layer under skirts, dresses, or to wear on their own under longer tunics with boots. But please don’t wear them with crop tops.

Button-down shirt. White, plaid, denim…whatever you like best. They’re more versatile than you might think. Wear loosely over a fitted tee or camisole, or button up to your neck. Layer a jacket over it and let the bottom peek out, or wear a white tee and tie one around your waist. Yes, that look is back!

Leather jacket. Find a tailored one fitted for your shape, and you won’t regret it. It can be worn to dress down a dress or to dress up jeans, and it adds a flattering edge to your look.

Off-the-shoulder sweater. Sweaters are a go-to for fall, but the cut is important. Showing a little shoulder and neckline is the key to being feminine and having some shape while in a chunky knit.

Boots. Grab at least two pairs: one set of riding boots and one set of short ankle boots. Both are perfect to wear with leggings, dresses or skirts all season.

Wrap/cape. These are so easy to throw on as a perfect topper to your outfit. They always make you look posh while staying warm and sipping a salted caramel hot chocolate.

Scarf. Here’s where you can have a lot of fun and incorporate some great colors… burgundy, copper, red…or something unexpected like royal blue or purple. Even if simply paired with a white tee and jeans, a scarf adds instant oomph to a look.

Leather handbag. Soft, supple leather (or pleather, if you prefer) caters to the senses of smell and touch that come alive in the fall. The right bags still look sophisticated while having a nonchalant, slouchy shape that goes perfectly with casual or dressy layers.

Statement jewelry. The ultimate cherry on the sundae is jewelry — especially necklaces you can layer. No longer do we have to choose between dainty or chunky…wear both! Paired with #3 above, wearing a sparkly statement necklace with a plaid button-down shirt adds an interesting, feminine twist to a more masculine top.

These are your wardrobe staples, and likely items you’ll have for years to come. But don’t forget to have fun with trendy pieces inspired by designers across the globe. We can all likely agree, though, that runway trends aren’t always wearable for the average person; eight-inch stilettos, muppet-inspired bows and fifteen pounds of freshwater pearls aren’t exactly suitable for the office, but that’s not to say there aren’t trends that can be easily incorporated into everyday life.

We saw a throwback to the 1970s grace the runways for fall 2015, with burnt oranges, olive greens and tons of fringe and faux fur. Think Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams in American Hustle, and have fun with a faux fur vest over leggings and ankle boots. Or go in another direction and mix plaid with florals. It can be done…it’s simply a matter of paying attention to tones, textures and patterns.

The important thing to remember is to be comfortable in your own skin and in whatever you wear, in every season!