Fall outfits have a special place in my heart. From cozy sweaters to chic jackets, fall is the perfect time to show off your style with layering and moody colors, without having to worry about the heavy weight of a thick winter coat. However, if you struggle a little bit with your fall wardrobe, know that the right fall staples will make autumnal dressing a breeze. The best part? The 8 fall essentials listed below won’t go out of style, so you’ll be able to wear them for many years to come.
1. A Wool Coat
wool coat | dress | heels | earrings | purse
There aren’t many pieces more classic than a timeless belted wool coat! This staple piece definitely deserves a hard-won place in your capsule fall wardrobe. When the weather takes a turn and starts to cool down, you’ll be grateful for this autumn staple piece that’s as chic as it is warm.
The great thing about this style is that the belted waist also helps to accentuate your natural figure, even under the thick wool fabric. This little detail is so important in giving your outfit a tailored appearance and making you look more put together (and expensive).
Pair your wool coat with your go-to casual outfits, or dress it up for a night on the town with a sweater dress, pearl earrings, slingback heels, and a classic leather bag.
& Other Stories
Voluminous Belted Wool Coat
2. A Blazer
blazer | t-shirt | pair of jeans | loafers | bag
An oversized blazer is another fall staple you won’t regret investing in. If you’re trying to create a capsule wardrobe for the fall season, this is a closet superhero, and it’s worth spending a little more for a cut that suits you, along with a comfortable fabric that will hold up well over time.
In the cooler months, layer a blazer over your favorite t-shirts, on top of a classic midi dress, or elevate it for a big meeting at the office with a button-down shirt and trousers. It’s one of those versatile pieces that can take any outfit to the next level with the right styling. From work to the weekend, you’ll probably find yourself wearing this piece more than you might think!
everlane
Oversized Blazer
3. A Trench Coat
trench coat | jeans | ankle boots | bag | sweater | earrings
The classic trench coat has been a longtime staple in a French woman’s closet. It’s both chic and practical, perfect for transitional fall weather that might bring unexpected gusts of wind or rain. It’s also another style that can flatter your natural figure, thanks to the belt around the waist. Just like a blazer, a properly fitted trench coat can elevate any outfit, even black leggings and a sweatshirt.
When it’s not quite cold enough for a thick wool coat, reach for your trench coat instead. It’s the perfect layering piece for in-between weather. On the weekend, try pairing it with wide-leg jeans, a sleek leather bag, gold hoop earrings, and a pair of leather ankle boots for the quintessential casual chic look.
banana republic factory
Trench Coat
4. Silk Maxi Skirt
silk skirt | heels | tote bag | earrings | lady jacket sweater
If you’re already thinking ahead to holiday parties, or maybe just want to upgrade your office style, a silk or satin skirt is the perfect investment. A quality silk skirt is elegant, classy, and even versatile enough to pair with a simple white t-shirt. The longer length makes it acceptable for your work dress code, and is the perfect look to wear out for date night or other special occasions. Plus, the longer length of maxi and midi skirts makes them more appropriate for cooler fall temperatures.
A quality version of this piece will last much longer than artificial fabrics. Another bonus? This style from Quince is also 100% washable, and will save you from paying a regular dry cleaning bill.
Want to dress up your skirt for a busy day when you’re heading straight from work to a nice dinner? Pair it with a relaxed lady jacket cardigan in black for a tonal look, then add a pair of gold hoop earrings, a tote bag, and slingback heels to finish the outfit.
quince
100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt
5. Wide-Leg Jeans
lady jacket cardigan | loafers | jeans | pearl earrings
Quality denim makes all the difference if you’re looking to get that perfect casual chic vibe that French girls are known for. A great pair of well-fitting jeans is an important factor in how they get their staple look. Although you can certainly source inexpensive jeans that fit well, the majority of the time, they might end up costing a little more than you think. Or, if you find a pair you like that might not fit perfectly straight off the rack, you can always choose to take them to the tailor instead to get that perfect fit! Either way, denim isn’t something you want to skimp on when it comes to your classic fall wardrobe.
Out of any jean style, wide-leg jeans are a great choice to invest in. They’re timeless and versatile. You can wear them with nearly any kind of shoe, and they flatter every body type. If you’re just starting to upgrade some of your fall capsule wardrobe essentials, a pair of quality wide-leg jeans is a must-have. After that, straight-leg jeans would be next on my list!
For casual Friday or a nice weekend lunch, pair your jeans with a relaxed lady jacket cardigan, pearl stud earrings, a leather bag, and loafers for a French girl-inspired outfit idea this fall.
Madewell
Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans
6. Leather Ankle Boots
leather jacket | jeans | boots | bag | earrings | sweater
When it’s too cold for sandals, you’ll want a pair of quality (and comfortable) boots to reach for! Although there is an endless number of styles to choose from, black leather ankle boots will serve you well. Depending on your preference, you can easily find a pair with a block heel or no heel.
You may ask why you should be investing in accessories for your fall capsule wardrobe. The answer? Accessories can truly make or break your outfit! Think of them as the frosting on a piece of cake. Even if you have the most delicious base, the frosting can throw off the whole aesthetic (and taste) of your cake. The lesson here – don’t neglect your shoes!
If you want to lean into a slightly edgy look this fall, pair your ankle boots with wide-leg jeans, a chunky knit sweater, a leather jacket, silver hoop earrings, and a woven leather bag.
quince
Italian Leather Stretch Sock Bootie
7. A Cashmere Sweater
sweater | skirt | boots | earrings | bag
Investment pieces aren’t just staple items that fit well and won’t go out of style by the following year – fabric is also a key component that you should be paying attention to when you’re shopping for more expensive staples. After all, you want to be sure you get your money’s worth! Good fabric content will ensure that your piece doesn’t fall apart after a few washes, and also feels great on your skin. Cashmere is one of my go-to investment fabrics because it’s crazy soft, holds up well if you take care of it, and is perfect for layering in the colder months.
A cashmere sweater is the perfect starting point for your go-to fall casual outfits. If you’re dressing for a low-key shopping day, try pairing a basic gray cashmere crewneck from Everlane with a leopard print skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch. Then, accessorize with sleek leather ankle boots, a coordinating leather bag, and simple gold hoop earrings.
everlane
The Boxy Crew in Cashmere
8. Loafers
sweater | tee | loafers | bag | earrings
Loafers are another addition to our fall staples list because of how versatile they are – from work to the weekend! This classic shoe has been around for decades, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Originally worn primarily by collegiate students, this penny loafer is now the perfect piece to add a bit of preppiness or academia style to your fall outfits. Pair them with jeans to instantly add polish and class, or wear them with wide-leg trousers for an elegant, smart look for the office.
madewell
The Grayson Penny Loafer
Fall Staples at Your Fingertips
It’s never too early to start thinking about your fall capsule wardrobe! Even though the temperature outside might still be soaring, daydreaming about chic fall staples is a great way to stay cool through the height of summer.
Already looking forward to fall outfits? We’ve got you covered! Up Next: How to Dress Like a French Girl This Fall With These 7 Must-See Tips
