5 Favorite Fall Wardrobe Essentials

The little boys and I went to Michael’s the other day for a photo box and I about fell over at the sight of ALL THINGS FALL nearly exploding out the doors. By the way, when did Michael’s become like THE spot for adorable home furnishings? If I hadn’t already committed to a Cape Cod design theme in our house there’s a very real chance it’d be exclusively decorated in cottage-chic decor from Michaels.

Never did find that photo box.

Anyway, all that to say fall’s a comin’ my friend – are you ready?? As I mentioned earlier this week, I cannot wait. Bring on cool mornings, apple picking, leaf gazing, and homemade pumpkin spice lattes. Let’s get chili bubbling on the stove, college football on tv, and meat in the smoker. Most importantly, let’s bust out some sweatshirts!

I’m no fashionista, but I love getting dressed in the fall. It’s like stepping into a hug each morning, right? I hate tight and revealing clothing, which seems hard to get away from in the summer when it’s 95 degrees outside, but when the temps dip I relish being able to pick out a cozy shirt, snug boots, and a warm scarf. That said, I couldn’t be more excited to talk fall wardrobe essentials in today’s episode of Just 5 Things!

From lightweight coats to athleisure wear, and the only flats you’ll ever need, these 5 fall wardrobe essentials are what’s taking up space in my closet this time of year!

Anorak/Utility Coat

My fall wardrobe MVP is this Market & Spruce Anorak – I LOVE THIS PIECE! Anoraks are lightweight yet definitely protect against chilly fall mornings and evenings. My wardrobe is predominately blues, creams, whites, and greys, which means this army green color goes with everything I own.

The only catch with this jacket is that it’s from Stitchfix. That said, ask your stylist to hook you up, or here are a few similar options. Again, can’t stress how much I love this piece.

• Twill Field Jacket // Old Navy
• Short Hooded Parka // H&M
• Josie Anorak Jacket // Kohls
• Cotton Twill Utility Jacket // Nordstrom
• Hooded Twill Utility Jacket // Old Navy

Scarves

Whether we’re going pumpkin picking or I need a fall date night accessory, scarves fit the bill. I hardly wear any jewelry so they’re a great way to liven up an outfit and keep cozy at the same time. Here are a few of my favorites. Also be sure to check out 25 ways to wear a scarf (aka the cutest video of all time!)

• Madewell Soft Plaid Fringe Scarf // Nordstrom
• Lightweight Printed Scarf // Old Navy
• Drapey Oversize Scarf // Gap
• Stripe Jacquard Scarf // World Market
• Heritage Houndstooth Scarf // Nordstrom
• Plain Infinity Scarf // Nordstrom

Denim Jacket

Being a child of the 80s and 90s, I can appreciate a good denim jacket and have held onto my obsession through three or four cycles of them going in and out of style. What can I say, it pays to be patient! It also pays to have a distressed denim jacket in your fall wardrobe. I like to wear mine with moto jeggings, leggings, or skinny corduroys, plus it’s a must for pairing with fall dresses. I have an old Jessica Simpson jean jacket but here are a few similar options.

• AEO Classic Denim Jacket // American Eagle
• Icon Denim Jacket // GAP
• J. Crew Denim Jacket // Nordstrom
• Distressed Denim Jacket // LOFT

Sweatshirts

I’d like to try and save face by calling the following fall wardrobe essential “long sleeved tops” but let’s be real, they’re sweatshirts. Maybe we could call them athleisure wear?? Whatever you call ’em, they’re life! I live in these types of tops when the weather cools down – warm yet lightweight, I pair them with jeans and sneakers then I’m out the door. They are a busy girl’s must-have for fall and here’s a few I love.

• Crew Neck Sweatshirt // Old Navy
• Good Vibes Sweatshirt // Nordstrom
• Studio Cinch Sweatshirt // Athleta
• Luxe Pose Top // Athleta
• Aerie City Sweatshirt // American Eagle

Boots

I’m not really a shoe gal – I’d rather spend my money on food! – but I gotta give it up for my favorite fall foot covering: boots. Up until a couple years ago I bought a cheap, $30 pair of mid-calf riding boots almost every year because they’d end up horribly wrinkled and cracked by the time spring came around. Then I invested in a good pair of leather boots and they’ve held up SO well. Boots keep my feet warm, of course, and they also instantly dress up any outfit – even if there’s a sweatshirt on top! Being 5’2, I’ve found that a 15″ shaft height or shorter works best for my legs. Here are my top picks:

• Sebago Nashoba High Boot Waterproof // Zappos
• OluKai Kaupili // Zappos
• Frye Paige Tall Riding // Zappos

Honorable Mentions

I have to sneak in a mention of my other favorite fall footwear – Azika Ballet Flats from Steve Madden. I am 100% brand loyal to Steve Madden’s flats and buy a new pair of black and cognac (tan, y’all) every year because they’re such a classic and go with everything – aka I wear.them.out. Highly recommend!

I also just purchased this Ahh-Mazingly Soft Boyfriend Shirt from American Eagle that will be perfect for layering over T’s or simply wearing on its own over a pair of jeans. Legit THE SOFTEST MATERIAL in existence, and what do you know? It’s longer in the back to cover the buns – my favorite type of shirt cut!

What are a few of your fall wardrobe essentials?