As much as we love fall and all it has to offer, we’ll admit wearing the same old sweater and jeans no-thinking-necessary uniform of fall has gotten a little boring. No, we’re not telling you to ditch your comfy, cozy sweaters just yet. Just imploring you to incorporate a few other fall fashion essentials into your personal style this season. Not only will it give a new spin on the old duds hanging in your closet, but wearing your beloved sweaters with some other stylish must-haves can do wonders for elevating any everyday look.
1. Jackets
Dressing in layers is all the rave during fall and nothing adds depth and stylish dimension to a basic sweater and jeans ensemble than a too-cool jacket. Of course, not just any jacket will do (we’re looking at you, windbreakers) when you’re looking for style and warmth. Opt for a fashion-forward jacket that hits at the waist like a denim, leather or moto jacket perfect for wearing over long, thin sweaters or button-down shirts.
If you’re looking for something more functional on those crisp fall days, a classic trench coat or puffy jacket or vest are all great choices for tackling the great outdoors in style and comfort. Can’t beat that.
2. Ankle Boots
Everyone knows that a pair of good shoes can make an outfit. Step up your wardrobe with some stylish ankle boots, bringing your fall wardrobe to new heights. Add some serious sass to an otherwise basic ensemble by adding a pair of animal-printed booties, guaranteed to turn heads when you walk into the room. With a variety of colors and styles to choose from, you could have a different ankle boot for every day—and mood—of the week. Plus, they look great with skinny jeans. Yeah, we know what it takes to get your attention.
3. Oversized Sweaters
We know we just told you to lay off the sweater look, but oversized sweaters are a layering essential you are going to want to have on hand this fall. A long, loose sweater is a great choice for pairing with leggings and boots for a leisurely stroll to take in the changing leaves. An open-faced cardigan can make the chilliest office job a little extra warm and cozy when you mix them into your work wardrobe rotation. And then, for those nights you want to turn heads without completely stealing the spotlight, a big sweater paired with skinny jeans and heels is hardly ever the wrong choice.
4. Scarves
Having the right accessories is half the battle when it comes to your being a fashion star. Ditch the chunky necklaces and flashy earrings this fall and add a vibrant scarf for that little something extra instead. Not only can scarves keep you toasty on those brisk fall days, but they can also be exactly what you need to add a pop of color or a layer of fun to any basic attire.
You don’t have to always wear them around your neck, either. Change things up by tying a colorful, thin scarf in your hair, instead of just wearing your basic hair tie and watch how easy it is to step into the role of “It Girl” with barely any effort.
5. Hats
If you had fun rocking a stylish hat all through the summer, then you are going to love the hat choices you have in the fall. Whether you’re looking to keep things cozy outdoors with a classic knit cap or just raising the bar on casual Fridays with a wide-brimmed can’t-ignore-this-girl hat, stock up on what you need to fix your hat fancy this fall.
6. Button-Downs
Nothing beats a crisp button-down when you need to look stylish and professional in a pinch. Have a few at the ready this fall in various colors—both solid and patterns—to ensure you always have something to wear to those occasions you’re just not sure how dressy you need to be. Adding a jacket, blazer or cardigan over a button-down is a great way to dress it up. Or just wear it untucked with jeans and sneaks for a more casual look. Whatever the need, a good button-down goes a long way toward having your back and making it look good.
7. Cross-Body Bags
Of course, you’re going to need a bag as fantastic as the rest of your fall attire. Trade in those oversized totes of summer for a sleek and stylish cross-body bag large enough to hold all of your essentials and cute enough to lay front and center in all of those Instagram pics you’ll be posting this fall. Trust us, with all of the adventures you have in mind this season, the last thing you’re going to want to worry about is where you put your bag down while you’re apple picking. Opt for a versatile bag in black or brown and make it your go-to bag of fall.
8. Stripes
Have you ever looked in the mirror midway through the week and thought “this old thing?” If (and when) you find this happening, then it’s a pretty good indicator that you’ve been wearing too much of the same old same old. Snapping yourself out of a fashion rut can feel a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Even wearing a brightly colored striped top or an eye-catching striped sweater can be enough to pull you back into the world of the fashion-forward. Keep a few striped pieces you love in your closet and you’ll always have something fun and fabulous ready to go.
Mix It Up
This fall, keep your style feeling fun and fresh by mixing in a few other closet essentials with your tried-and-true pieces. Don’t let another season pass you by–get all of the must-have pieces you need to build a killer fall wardrobe.