It’s the beginning of September, which means fall is right around the corner. Starbucks has already rolled out the pumpkin spice latte, and Home Depot’s 12-foot skeleton is back in stock. We all know that just as the seasons change, fashion changes too. Today, I’ll be showing you my fall 2023 closet essentials, and I hope you can gain some inspiration from it.
1. Striped Sweater
If you don’t have a striped sweater in your closet yet, get one. They will never go out of style and are a serious fall fashion staple. I’m personally pretty picky about the striped sweaters I have in my closet. I personally think a classic striped sweater is black and white, with even-width stripes. Navy blue or brown stripes come in close second to me. These colors are all neutral, so they won’t rotate out of style.
2. Turtleneck
A turtleneck is another staple that will never go out of style. I personally like white for the transition from summer, and black for the transition into winter. Before investing, try a mock neck sweater or shirt to see if you prefer it to a turtleneck. They’ll both give the same vibe. Fall fashion is all about layering, and a turtleneck can be layered while still visible with any jacket. Adding this higher neckline will add an extra detail to make an outfit more interesting. Plus, it’ll keep you warmer during colder temperatures.
3. Sherpa Jacket
A sherpa jacket just makes sense in the fall. It lives, breathes, and speaks fall. You’re not finding a sherpa jacket in the winter, spring, or summer. Those seasons have their own jacket (or lack thereof). Ok ok… of course, you’ll find sherpa jackets in the winter, but it’s just not the same. Sherpa jackets give pumpkin patches and leaves changing color, not getting crusty from snow. If you get it, you get it. If you don’t, you don’t. There are so many different styles of jackets using sherpa, so I’ve laid a few out for you below. And you can’t tell me they’re not screaming fall.
4. Leather Jacket
In my opinion, a leather jacket can make its way out of fall and into other seasons. But for the girls who live in places that actually get cold, a leather jacket is essential for fall. Once winter comes around, our puffers and parkas will be the only jackets warm enough. Leather jackets are great because you don’t have to spend a fortune on them. They are by far the easiest thing I’ve ever thrifted. I actually have five leather jackets, four being genuine leather, that have individually cost less than $20. Just like sherpa jackets, there are so many different styles of leather jackets. That’s why I have so many, they’re all different (maybe I’m just making excuses).
5. Denim Maxi Skirt
This is by far the trendiest item on the list, and I’m not sure how long they’ll last in the fashion cycle, but they are SO CUTE. It’s a riskier take on the usual cotton/satin maxi/midi skirts. They’re also a bit warmer for the fall. They can be dressed grungy or classy, so they’ll most likely fit your style. I’ve seen these skirts style with sneakers, heels, and booties. Graphics tees and blazers. For a clothing item that seems kind of scary to style, it’s actually very versatile. I’ve seen most people get their denim maxi skirts from Urban Outfitters. If you’re looking to invest, I would suggest checking out your local thrifts first. You might get lucky!
6. Black Leggings
I know someone is going to be annoyed at this one, but it’s true. Black leggings are a staple for the season. Just like a sherpa jacket, you may see them in the winter, spring, or summer, but fall is where they truly belong. It’s the season for basic b*tches. There’s not much to say about black leggings, they are who they are. They go well with sneakers and Uggs (spoiler alert), but there is a line that cannot be crossed unless you want a fashion disaster. Please, PLEASE don’t dress them up in any way. They’re casual, comfortable, and not meant for blazers or booties. I’m not suggesting an avant-garde or trendsetting outfit can or will be put together using black leggings. They are a staple for your closet, and something that goes really well with other fall pieces, like a vest or graphic crewneck. I will die on the hill that everyone needs a pair of basic b*tch black leggings.
7. Uggs
Tis also the season for wearing warmer shoes that won’t get ruined from the snow. Uggs have officially made their comeback in the past couple of years, and I think they’re here to stay. They’ve been coming out with so many new styles, a lot of which are popular in their own right. That’s why I don’t think they’ll be going away, each year a new style of Uggs is trending. Along with everything else on this list, they’re seriously comfortable and keep you warm. There tends to be long periods of sell out with this brand, but there are luckily a lot of other brands that make the exact same shoes. Just be sure to waterproof them if you’re taking them into winter.
8. Boston Clogs
Boston Clogs have me in a chokehold, you can blame it on my Dutch. I remember getting a pair of dupes from American Eagle in 6th grade and wearing them EVERY DAY with bootcut jeans. Exhibit A of how trends always come back no matter how much you think they won’t. But seriously, they’ve come back with a vengeance. It’s probably due to the rise in the popularity of Scandinavian style. I’m not sure if they were being styled this hard back when I had my first pair, but if they were I was seriously missing out. Boston Clogs are unseemly versatile, with people dressing them up and down. And I’m eating all of it up.
9. Chunky Scarf
COMFY AND WARM. And if you want to make it really fall, buy it in plaid. I love a good chunky scarf for fall because it makes a great transition piece. If you’re not in the mood to wear a heavy coat, then a chunky scarf could be the fix. They are very versatile (Are you seeing all my trends yet?) Wear it with a dress, or a hoodie. With trousers or jeans. It’s a practical accessory that will elevate your outfits for the fall.
10. Fur Bucket Hat
If you want to add interest to your outfit without wearing a beanie or baseball hat, try a fur bucket hat. Instead of an athletic or street style look, it looks more fashionable while staying (you guessed it) comfy and warm. There’s also an interesting phenomenon with fur bucket hats: the larger the hat, the more luxurious it is. Either way, this is one to have fun with. Check out the looks below.
Check out my Closet Essentials: Fall 2023 Pinterest board for more fall fashion inspiration.
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