Fall Wardrobe Essentials

As you go through this list, keep your personal style and lifestyle in mind. I like to keep things general so you can choose the pieces and silhouettes that work best for you. I’ve also included shopping widgets with plenty of options in each category to make updating your fall wardrobe a little easier.

1. Top Layers

Avery Barn Jacket (S) // Z Supply tank (M) // MOTHER Insider Flood, more sizes here (31) // beaded necklace // Jenny Bird hoops

My favorite part of fall fashion is all the layering options—and in my opinion, this is the most important wardrobe category for the season. They’re called “outfit completer pieces” for a reason! Adding a stylish jacket or cardigan is the easiest way to take a simple outfit to the next level.

For that reason, I like to keep a few different styles on hand. A leather jacket is great for date nights or for toughening up feminine blouses and dresses. Blazers and cardigans work well for the office or layered over a tee with jeans on the weekend. Barn jackets are having a moment this season, and I love the cropped options, like the one I’m wearing above. And a utility jacket is always a go-to casual option that pairs perfectly with denim.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite styles for the season below.

2. Base Layers

Harper Matte Coated Tee (M) // London Fog trench (S) // MOTHER Insider Flood, more sizes here (31) // Dolce Vita Roslyn (8.5) // Frame belt (M) (similar for less) // Clare V. Midi Sac (similar for less) // Baublebar link necklace // beaded necklace // Jenny Bird hoops

Base layers are the tops you wear under cardigans, blazers, and jackets—but they can also stand on their own with jeans, trousers, or skirts. Think simple t-shirts, white button-downs, woven shells, and pullover sweaters.

This year, we’re seeing shorter lengths and more fitted, body-con silhouettes, which pair nicely with the wide-leg jeans and trousers that are trending right now. These can be solid or printed, and subtle details (like ribbing or texture) add interest without making them hard to layer.

3. Transition Tops & Sweaters

Aiden V-Neck Vest (M) // PAIGE Anessa 31″ (29) // Jeffrey Campbell Fathom Flat (8.5) // Jenny Bird hoops // Baublebar link necklace // Jenny Bird Ola Bangle

These are the stand-alone tops that add personality to your wardrobe—think lightweight sweaters, graphic tees, or blouses with statement sleeves. They usually have more detail than your base layers and are interesting enough to wear on their own, though many can double as layering pieces too.

This season, sweater vests are having a moment, and I’m also seeing lots of funnel necks, soft cowl necks, and strong-shoulder silhouettes. I also love an elevated sweatshirt with unique details for casual denim looks. I linked up some of my favorites linked below.

4. Current Denim

FRAME Lax (30) // Bevan Crew Neck Sweater (M) // similar boots (8) // Michael Kors leather jacket (S) // FRAME belt (M) (similar for less) // J.Crew link bracelet // Jenny Bird hoops

Denim is the foundation of most fall outfits, so it’s worth having a few go-to pairs that look current and fit well.

Right now, the most up-to-date silhouettes are relaxed styles—think wide-leg, relaxed flare, barrel, and relaxed straight jeans. Slim straight and kick flare styles are still around too if you prefer a more classic fit.

When it comes to washes, darker denim is making a comeback, but light washes remain popular, along with black, ecru, and even colored denim. I’m seeing more shades of brown and camel this year—and I’m especially loving my rust pair.

Read more about the Denim Trends for Fall 2025 and how to wear them.

6. Versatile Dress

Click to Shop

I always like to have one or two versatile dresses in my closet for each season. I don’t need them for work wear, but they’re perfect for church, dinners out, or anytime I want to look a little more polished without much effort.

For fall, I recommend transitional styles that work now with bare legs and booties or flats, and can easily transition to tights and boots (and maybe a layer on top) once it gets colder.

This year, I’m loving a denim dress for that in-between season look—it pairs beautifully with warm brown accessories and feels effortlessly chic.

7. Transition Shoes

Dolce Vita Roslyn Mary Jane Ballet Flats

When you’re tired of sandals but not quite ready to break out the boots, a versatile transition shoe is a lifesaver.

This season, ballet flats and Mary Janes are still going strong, boat shoes are sticking around for fall, and loafers are officially making a comeback. Mules are also having a moment again—especially in more refined styles. And when you need something dressier, kitten-heel slingbacks are still a chic choice.

See all of my favorite transition shoes for fall, and shop more options below.

8. Street Sneakers

adidas Handball Spezial

Sneakers as a fashion item are here to stay, and there’s truly a style for everyone. I always love a sleek white leather low-top, but this season the classic white sneaker is taking a back seat to warm neutrals—think shades of brown, beige, and taupe, often done in suede for a softer look. I picked up a pair of adidas Spezials in soft brown suede last year, and I’m excited to bring them back out again this season.

We’re also seeing lots of retro-inspired runners and minimalist silhouettes this fall, both of which pair beautifully with jeans or casual trousers. And if you prefer something bolder, statement sneakers are having a moment too—look for metallic finishes, animal prints, unexpected textures, or pops of color.

See more of my favorite fashion sneakers for fall, and shop more options below:

9. Boots & Booties

Sam Edelman Saige Bootie

And of course, we can’t talk about fall wardrobe essentials without mentioning boots!

Ankle boots are still going strong this year, but we’re also seeing a resurgence of knee-high styles. I tend to reach for ankle boots most often with jeans, while knee-high boots are showing up more with dresses and skirts this season.

Western-inspired silhouettes continue to trend, along with sleek pointy-toe styles that feel modern and refined. And the good news is, lower heels are still everywhere, making these styles just as comfortable as they are chic.

10. Neutral Handbag

Clare V. Moyen Messenger (similar for less) // EVEREVE Eden Button Front Sweater Top (M) // MOTHER Hustler Roller Skimp (29) // Sam Edelman Saige Bootie (8.5) // Lili Claspe Cuff Bracelet

A fabulous handbag is the finishing touch to any outfit, and if you’re carrying just one main bag this fall, I recommend choosing a neutral tone like taupe, brown, or camel. Black is classic, of course, but it can feel a bit harsh and isn’t always as versatile as a lighter neutral.

Shades of brown are especially popular this year, but only go that route if it complements your wardrobe. When I’m buying a new bag, I always think about the shoe colors I already own—it doesn’t have to match exactly, but it looks more polished when your shoes and bag complement each other.

Handbag styles this season tend to have a bit of slouch while still keeping a structured base. And if you want to add something trendier for the season, look for a style in rich suede—it instantly adds texture and feels perfectly autumnal.

If you have all of these categories adequately represented in your closet, you truly have everything you need to get dressed each day. From there, it’s all about the finishing touches—just add accessories! I rounded up my favorite options for the season in The Accessory Edit: Must-Have Finishing Touches for Fall 2025.