Top 11 Items You Need in Your Fall Wardrobe

Everyone likes a sprucing up of the wardrobe come the season changing. Fall is honestly my most favorite time to dress. Layers. Cardigans. Booties. Scarves. Am I alone in this? The problem is, I’m on a budget. If I buy a clothing item actually for myself, (and not my kiddos!) I need it to be 1) quality enough to stand the test of time and 5 kids 2) not crazy expensive 3) Multi functional.

Also, free shipping and returns never hurt anyone. (Who wants to leave their house to shop or worry about paying MORE money to ship something back when it doesn’t work???)

With these things in mind, I took the liberty to do a little shopping for you. These are true and tested items that pack a mean punch. Some of them are more inexpensive (some even on sale!), and some are more investment pieces that I PROMISE will last forever and are worth every penny. (BONUS: They all have FREE shipping and FREE returns. Try it and hate it? Return with no skin off your back. BUT, I hope you’ll love it.)

1. The Perfect Tunic

I made this #1 for a reason. It’s my favorite shirt! I love the fit -flowy around the tummy and it’s so comfy! I love the 3/4 length roll tab sleeves. I love the colors. I love that you can throw it on with jeans and flats or dress it up with a skirt and heels. I’ve seen this shirt on many shapes of women and it looked great on all of them. I would say two things. If you’re busty, size up. Everyone else, size down. I usually wear a medium, but wear a small in this shirt. I own it in 3 colors. New Olive is my favorite for fall, but you can’t go wrong with black!

Also, if the long length isn’t totally you or you worry it will be too long on a shorter frame, this is another option. Same designer (Lush) and flowy structure, but a shorter fit. I like this one specifically for skirts. I have it in a jade color and it’s gorgeous on.

2. The Sculpting Jeans

When a jean under $100 claims to have  “power mesh to hold and mold”, I think, “YES PLEASE”. These Wit and Wisdom jeans have just the right amount of stretch and fit like a glove, and glove that lifts your bum and makes you look 21 again.
Ok, that might be pushing it.
But seriously, never owned a more comfortable pair of jeans. I like the rise on them. Not too high to look like “mom jeans” but not to low to let the world see your underwaer. Plus, they come in lots of different styles, colors, and even plus size. I own the black skinny version and am obsessed. They have thick elastic in the waist band that makes them even more comfortable while ever so slightly molding any “looseness” in the tummy area.

They’re my go-to Fall jeans. I love that they are easy to dress up or down and the color never fades as many of my black jeans of the past have.
These slimming boot cuts are on my list next! They really slim your silhouette with their dark wash and fit. PLUS they’re on sale!

3. The Blanket Scarf

In all sorts of plaids and colors, this is a awesome, inexpensive way to dress up a basic outfit. Throw it on with a plain tee and jeans, or use as a wrap around a chambray dress and boots. We also adore these in all those Fall family pictures. It’s a great POP of color and pattern for only $15!

4. The Perforated Bootie

These booties (or any bootie really!) have been popping up everywhere. They’re the perfect bootie to transition to winter, and wear into Spring.  I found several at different price ranges.

These are from Nordstrom, and are high quality. Read the reviews. People LOVE them. I love that they are pull on style, making them easy to throw on with a sweater and jeans. I also love that they are a little lighter than most boots, enabling you to pair them with a skirt or dress.

Here is a less expensive version in a cool grey color under $50.

And these are still in the $100 range, but on sale and great quality. (I don’t mind spending a  bit more on shoes….they last forever!)

Also, these are under $25 on clearance!

5. The Plaid Shirt

You just can’t go wrong on a plaid shirt. It’s timeless. Perfect for Fall and winter, or even into Spring with shorts. This one comes in a few colors and I love the longer length. I love anything I can wear with leggings! This one is on sale with free shipping and returns!

I also always find great plaids at Old Navy. Like, this one under $30:

6. The Long, comfy, cocoon Cardigan

I’m a sucker for comfort. These are like wearing blankets all day! They pair great with leggings and the lace up flats or skinny jeans and a white tee with booties. You just can’t go wrong. I invested in a couple good quality ones a few years ago, and they still are my constant GO TO come colder weather. Stick with neutral colors and they’ll be worn FOREVER.

If you don’t want to spend that much, you can find a cheaper version HERE  (but it won’t hold up as long as mine! Promise.)

7. The Chambray Shirt

Again, timeless. Sturdy. Goes with everything. If you don’t have one yet, stop everything you are doing and get one. There are a TON of options for Chambray shirts. Popover. Tunics. Short sleeved. Light wash. Darker Wash. Polka Dots. Pockets. No pockets.

I personally love this classic version.

Here’s one a little bit darker.

8. The Lace Up Flats

So these may be a  bit adventurous for some of you, but I feel like shoes are a “safe” place to take risks, and in these classic prints, you can’t go wrong. They are so darling on! Promise! These ones are a little pricier but under $100, and FREE shipping and FREE returns.

These are a little more inexpensive, although, not as great quality (I have to warn about that!) They’re a good option if you’re not sure about the idea!

9. The Utility Jacket

This is the way to appear effortlessly in style, without trying too hard.  Throw on with jeans, a tee and your Converses and you’re ready for the day!
My two favorite versions I actually found at Target!

THIS:

And a Lighter weight version HERE (with a hood!)

10. The Leggings

There is ONLY one choice for leggings. THESE. Zella Live in Leggings.  I’ve talked about them before and I won’t stop. Worth every penny. They’re thick enough to no show skin or lines when stretched out. They’re ridiculously comfortable. The waistband is the perfect size. The fit just snug enough to comfortably squeeze. You will never buy another pair of leggings again. They have several different styles, but I like  the classic “live in” style best. The cropped ones are great for summer.

11. The Converses

You’ve been seeing these on all your favorite fashion bloggers, and there’s a reason why. They look good with EVERYTHING. Truly! I especially like these Shoreline style, because the back is elastic, making them super easy to slip on. They have a few fun colors too. I’m currently really liking the grey. I will say, if you have an extra wide foot, stay clear of these. They are not friendly to wide feet. 🙂 Also, you should also be sure to wear with no show socks like these.

Well, there you have it. Tried and true and almost necessities for Fall (and really, any time of year!) I know a lot of you have asked for tried and true recommendations that might help take the guess work out of shopping. I hope this helps!

Happy Shopping!