I’ve been thinking about and working on this post for a few weeks now, and I’m so excited to finally share this with you! I thought long and hard about what pieces I considered to be basic and essential for mix-matching and creating multiple fall-looking outfits. These are a few of my favorite items that I use as a starting point when putting together outfits this time of year, but it was SO HARD to narrow it down.
I think I might make another round up with a few more items that I think are just as essential but that didn’t make it in the first round up 🙂 For instance, you need a pair of black pants (right?! I love these bc they’re high-waisted and super stretchy) and I would also suggest a denim jacket and a plain white button down (also LOVE the Ann Taylor ‘Perfect Shirt” because it fits nice and tailored AND it’s longer-ish).
See what I mean? Stay tuned for round 2 ladies.
Blazer
Everyone needs a good blazer to spice things up with a touch of professional chic. I currently have the J.Crew Regent blazer (in camel color) but am still on the hunt for one that has more stretch to it so it’s a little more comfy. And I’m also on the hunt for a navy one….I think both are great basics. I just got this grey one from BR and I LOVE it. I love the length and how it’s stretchy and I feel like I can actually MOVE in it!
Fur Vest
I can’t decide if fur vests are trendy or not. I guess it’s not necessarily a ‘basic’ but it has proven to be useful in putting together outfits these past few seasons (for me, at least). And I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that fur vests are HARD to come by. So if you happen to find a good one that’s in your size, I would snatch that baby up fast! Because I can’t ever find any that look legit and not super fake-ish. I currently have the one pictured above; it’s not my favorite but it’s the best one I can find that’s not outrageously expensive ($125). But if you’re looking to invest this year, I’ve been eyeing this beauty…so pretty 🙂
Utility Vest
Army/olive green is such a useful color for when it comes to putting fall looks together. It looks goods with just about all neutrals and can make a boring outfit interesting by adding another dimension/layer
Cognac Belt
A great, classic cognac belt is such an underrated closet staple if you ask me. I love this one from GAP and wear it ALL the time. And I also love this classic one by Madewell.
Aviators
because I just love them (year-round, actually)…in any color but especially my black ones. I just feel a little cooler when I wear them (dont make fun though…ha!)
Plaid
Plaid is such an easy pattern to mix and match and great for adding accents to a basic outfit. I love this classic red and black plaid and it’s under $50!
Black Hat
A classic black hat adds a touch of sophisticated chic to any outfit. I personally prefer the fedora style, but that’s mostly because I think I look a little silly in just about ALL hats.
Stripes/Striped Shirt
do i even need to say anything here? Stripes ARE #neccessary and I’m starting to think that I really can’t have too many because they all serve different purposes. Am I crazy here?
Chambray
Chambray is great for layering and just a necessary basic. I love mine and it’s just the basic one from J. Crew. But I also love the ones that Bella Dahl makes – the quality is amazing.
Cognac Booties
The ones shown in the photo are the much-coveted Rag & Bone suede booties and they’ve been on my list for quiet some time. But I actually don’t own these because I just can’t justify the price…maybe one day! I actually have a pair that I purchased a few years ago and am still sporting.
Riding Boots
These are the Frye Melissa Button Boot (my FAVE riding boot). I love the look to them and how they’re the perfect bridge between a true equestrian style riding boot and a quasi-cowboy boot. I also LOVE the color and the cut/look of the top.
Leopard Accents
It took me a while to finally bite the bullet and purchase the Clare Vivier leopard clutch, but I must say that it has proven to be VERY useful and I find myself wearing it ALL the time. But in addition to this clutch, I think leopard pumps are pretty crucial for classic outfits and tying together brown and black. I have a leather belt as well that comes in handy often.
Black Flats
I love these lace up ones for under $100
Puffer Vest
talk about the quintessential fall staple…I think we all have one of these by now. Right? If not, you can get a cheap-ish one at Old Navy, but honestly I prefer the J.Crew ones because I like the fit and it just looks better.
Basic (cognac) tote
to match your cognac belt
Distressed Denim
because there’s just something about distressed denim that looks undone and effortlessly chic. I hope they NEVER go out of style. I have several pairs but my favorites are these and are the ones you’ve seen me wear the most often
Leather Leggings
Leather Leggings a great alternative to your everyday black jeans/pants and they automatically add a dressier/sassier look to a simple outfit. Maybe they’re not essential, but I do think they’re fun to play around with and are super cute with longer-ish tunics (like, remember this one from my instagram?)
Want to see more?! See #BTDFALLBASICS ROUND 2 here
