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Fashion-wise, fall is my favorite time of year. I’m all bundled up in winter, so who sees what I’m wearing? In summer I’m sweltering, wearing as little as modesty permits. And the spring? Well, I live in the northeast, and for the last several years of much rain and not much snow — well, a slicker and rain boots aren’t my idea of haute style.
In the fall, the leaves are changing, the weather is crisp and I happily layer some of my very favorite pieces. Here, is a guide to the seven essentials you’ll need to make the perfect transition to this colorful and cool season.
Chunky Knit Sweater
A chunky knit sweater is the epitome of fall fashion. This season oversized silhouettes and textured knits are particularly on-trend. For a casual look, pair an oversized sweater with straight-leg jeans and ankle boots; layer your sweater over a collared shirt and wear it with tailored trousers and loafers for a more polished appearance. I’m obsessed with the Color-Blocked High Neck Hand-Knit Chunky Sweater from Chicwish. It comes in three different color combos: two feature trios of white and fall browns; to go bolder, check out the red, pink and purple version. H&M’s boxy Knit Sweater has a mock turtleneck and wide raglan sleeves. The cable knit Aelfric Eden Oversized Knit Sweater has a vintage feel and, among other colors, it comes in a creamy white, electric blue and ochre.
Dark Wash Straight-leg Denim Jeans
In 1873, an enterprising Levi Strauss combined metal rivets to denim trousers to create the first pair of durable pants for miners — dubbed “jeans.” By the 1950s, bad boys like James Dean made jeans cool; in the 70s, bellbottoms were embraced as a symbol of love and peace. In the 80s, creators such as Gloria Vanderbilt ushered in the era of “designer denim." And while the skinny jeans that reigned a decade ago are still in vogue, there’s a trend toward a looser fit and dark-wash, straight-leg denim jeans have never been more popular. The iconic Levi’s 501 Original Fit Women’s Jeans are still my go-to, big on comfort and a timeless style. Madewell’s 90’s Straight Cargo Jeans are available in petite, standard and tall sizing — and feature a higher back rise to give a lift to the butt. The Women’s Curve Love Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jeans from Abercrombie & Fitch feature additional room through the hip and thigh for curve-hugging appeal.
Tailored Blazer
Whether you're headed to the office or meeting friends for brunch, a well-fitted blazer instantly elevates your look. This fall, experiment with unconventional fabrics like velvet or corduroy for a modern twist on a classic staple. Ladyful Women’s Lapel Corduroy Blazer is single-breasted, washable and features a baggy fit that works well over vests, shirts and sweaters. The two-button, wide-whaled, navy blue Women’s Corduroy Blazer Jacket from Lands’ End features a hint of stretch in the fabric for comfort. Garnet Hill’s Relaxed Velvet Blazer comes in a pretty mustard color, has long lapels and a shawl collar and is meant to be worn open, for an easy fit.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are an autumn essential. This season, consider a pair with unique details like chunky heels, metallic accents or animal prints. With leopard print fabric and stacked block heels, the Roper Ava Leopard Boots will add a “kick” to any outfit. The Women’s Northbound Chelsea Boot is available in a bright red color, and since it comes from Dr. Scholl’s, you know it’s comfortable. Snappy faux silver fasteners add a touch of pizazz to the classic black Bellissimo Ankle Boots with Metallic Buckle.
Trench Coat
Characters in trench coats have always looked chic in the movies: Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's; Catherine Deneuve in Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde — the list goes on. A trench coat is a timeless outerwear piece that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. Cinch it at the waist with a belt for a flattering silhouette that's both stylish and practical. Throw the Camel Panel Front Button Down Midi Trench from PrettyLittleThing on over a sweater and a pair of jeans for a put-together, tailored look. The shoulder pads featured in H&M’s Shoulder-Pad Trench Coat add a retro vibe to this classic piece. And how about adding a little pizazz to your outfit with a colorful coat? The Women’s Waterproof Long Trench Coat from Poonyfesh is double-breasted with a removable hood and among other colors, it’s available in red, navy and olive green.
Plaid Scarf
Nothing says fall quite like a cozy plaid scarf, which adds a pop of color and texture to any outfit. Wrap it around your neck for added warmth or drape it over your shoulders for a chic layered look. The Glory Max Unisex Classic Tartan Plaid Winter Scarf is available in a variety of colors, including a beige version, with red, white and black checks and stripes that mimics the look of a classic Burberry scarf for a fraction of the price. The Spree Scarf from Pistil Designs is vibrantly colored and generously sized. The Irish Plaid Lambswool Scarf for Men and Women, sold through The Vermont Country Store, comes in a red or a dark blue and green Black Watch plaid, fringed at both ends and super soft.
Sweater Dress
A sweater dress may be my favorite fall fashion. It’s cozy and comfortable and provides just the right amount of warmth without too much bulk, making it a perfect choice for autumn’s transitional weather. Sweater dresses come in a variety of styles — from fitted to flowing midi designs — so there’s a silhouette for every shape. These dresses can be glamorized or dressed down effortlessly. With the addition of a leather or spangly belt, a denim or suede blazer, a casual pouch or a fancy pocketbook — the sweater dress is instantly transformed for casual or formal events.
The fabric blend and texture of the transitional weight Cotton Cashmere Ribbed Long Sleeve Crew Midi Dress from Quince make it a perfect piece for layering. The name says it all: Prettygarden’s Women’s 2024 Fall Knit Long Sleeve Button V Neck Loose Maxi Sweater features a comfortable fit and comes in a crayon box of colors. The roomy A-line All Buttoned Up Knit Dress from Coldwater Creek has a mock turtle neckline; decorative buttons along an asymmetrical side seam; and comes in two jeweled-toned colors that are so popular this year — a wine-colored “Bordeaux” and olive “Kale Green."
Here's to a fashionable fall!
Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Courtesy Quince; Courtesy Lands End; Courtesy Abercrombie & Fitch; Courtesy Zappos; Courtesy H&M; Anna Egorova/Alamy Stock Photo; Courtesy H&M; Background: Getty Images
What's a fashion item you ALWAYS pull out for the fall season? Let us know in the comments below.
