Photo: @sullivancounty
The weather is getting colder, the leaves are changing colors, and the pumpkin spice latte is back. It’s official: fall is finally here! And if you’re like me, you’re hyped for the moody weather, because now it’s time to dress for the season. If you ask me, fall is unquestionably the most comfortable time of the year. When else can you wear fuzzy, soft clothing all day long (seriously, my fall wardrobe is basically made of blankets)!? Here are a few pieces you have to wear if you want to live your best, warmest, and coziest life this season.
Soft, Chunky Sweaters...
Cable knit sweaters are a fashion staple during the fall and winter months. They’re warm, oversized, and so comfy that you’ll never want to take them off! Best of all, these are some of the most versatile pieces in a cold-weather wardrobe.
You can wear your women's sweater with a pair of slacks or a pencil skirt for a laid-back fall look that’s still office-appropriate. Additionally, you can couple it with jeans for a casual weekend out. Or, if you really want to double down on the relaxed look, slip into your most comfortable yoga pants for an afternoon of lounging.
Do you live in a climate where big, chunky clothing might be a bit too warm? No problem! With an open-front cardigan, you can have that chilly fall-to-winter look without feeling overheated. Make it into an ensemble with your favorite tee or tank and jeans for an outfit that’s super cute but looks absolutely effortless.
Make sure you look for options made from ultra-soft material and do your best to wash and dry them properly so they don’t shrink (follow the care instructions, ladies). Trust me, you’ll be coming back to these babies year after year; cable knit sweaters are a classic fall look and one trend that won’t be fading away any time soon.
Open Weave Scarves...
Fall can be kind of unpredictable. Sure, there can be a nip in the air, but it can just as easily hit 80 degrees in September out of nowhere. Of course, unpredictable weather won’t impact fall fashion –we’ve waited all year to wear our boots and plaid thermals, and dang it, we are gonna wear them! However, it is wise to look for options that aren’t too stifling.
One perfect example of weather-friendly clothing is the open-weave knit scarf. The loose design of this style makes it light and breathable, so your neck doesn’t start sweating while you’re sitting in traffic. You can wear these throughout the fall season, before switching over to the thicker scarves come wintertime.
Photo: Nadin Mario
Cute Corduroy Bottoms...
If you ask me, corduroy is the perfect fabric for the latter part of fall. This material is thick and sturdy, giving you plenty of protection from the cold, but its old-school texture makes it a fun way to create a vintage-style look.
You can incorporate this material into your ensemble in many different ways. Pair a corduroy midi skirt with a long-sleeved black turtleneck (and don’t forget your scarf) for a classic mod look. Dress up for some fall apple picking in a casual tee with corduroy overalls (overalls are in right now). You could even throw a corduroy pinafore dress over a long-sleeved top for a 90s-inspired fall look.
Obviously, how you decide to style your corduroy pieces is up to you. But here’s the great thing about this fabric: you can’t go wrong! Any time you bring this classic material into your fall fashion, you’ll always end up with a cute, cozy look that will keep you warm and have you looking 1970s-chic.
Luxe Layers...
Layering has always been one of my favorite fall trends – particularly in October and November when the weather really starts cooling down. I know that many people are afraid to play with layers. Trust me, I get it; it’s a fine line between fashionable and frumpy! But if you figure out how to combine the right textures, fabrics, and fits, you’ll be wearing your coziest look ever.
The trick to proper layering is to start with tighter-fitting pieces and work your way up. For example, start with a body-hugging long-sleeved top, then add a looser-fitting jean jacket, and top it off with a long, flowy poncho (ideally one without sleeves). The varying fits will prevent you from looking too bulky, and it will give you some extra warmth. You can even cinch everything together with an oversized belt if you want to highlight your curves!
Photo: Anton Darius
And a Pair of Beautiful Booties...
Of course, no look will be complete without the right pair of shoes to go with it. During the fall, you need shoes that are both cute and practical. Your summer sandals won’t cut it in the cold, and your heels or flats with softer fabrics (say, cotton or suede) won’t be any good in a fall rainstorm.
For shoes that look cute and keep your toes warm in the fall, I suggest wearing either leather or faux leather booties. Ideally, you’d want them in a neutral color like black, brown, or tan, as this will help you get more use out of them all season long.
Most booties feature a low, wide heel, which means you’ll have plenty of support walking around town (even if the ground gets prematurely frosty). Best of all, you can reuse these shoes throughout the year, as they aren’t fleece-lined and overly warm in the summer months.
Wrapping up...
Dressing for fall is all about looking cute while also feeling comfortable, and these pieces are the perfect staples for achieving that goal. If you add these to your fall wardrobe, I guarantee that fall will become your new favorite season. Don’t forget to also have fun experimenting with darker lip colors, and you can switch up your nail polish colors for the perfect fall look. What is your favorite fall look? Do you have a go-to piece you pull from the closet every September?
Lots of love,
Liz
