Fall Fashion Essentials

Hello my lovelies! 

A post I have been dying to do is Fall fashion essentials! I absolutely adore Fall- it’s my favorite season. Friday night football games, pumpkin everything, boots, sweaters, changing leaves, and crisp weather are all right around the corner and I could not be more excited. I have already started school for this year, so I am completely over summer and in my Fall state of mind. The below list are things that I find absolutely necessary for a great Fall, so without further ado- here are my top 10 Fall Fashion Essentials.

10) A great tote bag: I absolutely love totes. They’re so versatile while still being fashionable! You can throw everything you could ever need in them. The only downside to totes are that they can quickly become bottomless pits. I avoid the aforementioned scenario by keeping everything organized by category in small, zippered pouches (i.e. hair stuff, makeup bag, meds, etc.) The tote that I’m using this Fall is pictured above (purchased from Elder-Beerman.) It’s an Anne Klein “Raising The Bar,” tote, and I fell in love the second I saw it. Navy with gold hardware, two HUGE sides separated by a zippered pouch divider. P-e-r-f-e-c-t-i-o-n. It’s also on sale right now, so run and get it while you can!

9) Riding boots: another great Fall staple. You can wear them with jeans, leggings, leg-warmers, and high socks. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so there’s likely a pair out there for everyone! My riding boots have been in my closet for a few years and are constantly utilized. It’s my personal belief that they’re something worth investing in, because they will last for years if you take care of them! There are too many good boot brands to name, but three of my absolute favorites are Bandalino (currently in my closet,) Vince Camuto (very high quality,) and, if you have a high budget, Tory Burch. (picture via dillards.com)

8) Oversize sweaters: ridiculously versatile. Big sweaters can be worn with leggings for lounging around the house, or dressed up with accessories and jeans for lunch dates with friends. They also come in a HUGE range of styles and colors, so everyone from the preppiest of preps to the soft-grunge crowd can find an oversize sweater that they like. (picture via shopbop)

7) Button downs: they can be layered under sweaters, or worn alone. They also come in a large range of prints and materials, so once again they’re appropriate for most people’s styles. Even better, they can be super dressed up, or extremely casual. Personally- I’m partial to Ralph Lauren button downs (I just think they’re very high quality and last forever,) but you can find button downs everywhere from Forever 21 to Dillard’s. Which ones you choose completely depend on your style and budget, but, overall they are a great staple no matter where they’re from! (picture via ralphlauren.com)

6) Quality jeans: self explanatory. Jeans go with almost anything, and almost everyone has a favorite pair. Find a style that works for you to be your go-to, but don’t be afraid to branch out, either! I’m usually a dark-wash skinny jeans/jeggings kind of girl, but I own a few pairs of colored denim and also a pair of distressed jeans. It’s always good to have a wide variety! My absolute favorite pair of jeans are my Lucky Brand Sofia Straights. They’re so comfy and very well made, but jeans are also a very personal thing and everyone has their preference- so find whatever works for you. (picture via luckybrand.com)

5) Tights: opaque, sheer, patterned- snatch them all. Tights are relatively cheap and can be worn in a variety of ways depending on the look you’re shooting for. Bonus Jonas: tights can also help transition some of your favorite summer skirts and dresses into fall (depending on the skirt/dress, obviously.) (picture via anthropologie)

4) Blazers: boyfriend-fit or tailored, blazers are always an excellent bet. They’re a nice alternative to sweaters if they’re worn over dresses, but they can also be worn with jeans and a tee. I, being the prep that I am, adore blazers and wear them any chance I get. They’re classic and will most likely never go out of style. They also can be found in every color possible-from neutrals to jewel tones- so dare I say there’s probably a blazer for nearly every outfit? All I know is that blazers are a wonderful addition to a Fall wardrobe (but, please, ladies- leave the shoulder pads in the 80s.) (picture is of me at a school function)

3) Pea coats: absolutely fantastic for nights when the temperature dips below crisp and into the 40s (or lower, if you’re in Ohio like I am.) They’re so timeless and can be held onto for a long time. Camel, charcoal, and black are always great color choices for pea coats- but in recent years I’ve seen a lot of red and cobalt blue ones, and, I must say- I’m loving them. (picture is a Ralph Lauren coat via dillards.com)

2) Vests: they’re perfect for days when it’s chilly enough that you can’t get away with wearing nothing over your main clothes, but it’s still too warm for a full-on coat. I prefer vests in neutral colors, but that’s completely personal. Vests can also be purchased at a variety of stores and in a variety of styles and colors, so you’re likely to find one you love! (picture via jcrew.com)

1) Ballet flats: my absolute number one Fall Fashion Essential is a stash of ballet flats. It is quite possible that in my lifetime I have seen ballet flats in every store, in every color, and embellished in so many ways that there truly may be endless combinations. Another reason ballet flats are great? They’re practical. As much as I love stilettos, they aren’t ideal for everyday wear. Flats can be worn to work, school, out to dinner, walking at a park with friends, football games, shopping dates- the sky is the limit. Flats also go with most outfits, so you never really have to worry about your shoes looking funny! Find yourself some flats, homegirl. I promise you wont regret it. (picture via samedelman.com, I LOVE gold flats for Fall!)

So those are my Fall Fashion Essentials! What are your essentials? What are you most excited for this Fall?

Forever on the fifty,

C