The smells and sights of autumn have finally arrived! Leaves are cascading from branches and the temperatures have finally begun dropping, so it’s time to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall.
The Fall 2013 collections offered many trends, but we consider those wardrobe embellishments. Autumn closets should be flavorful and bold, but they should also have go-to pieces that can be reworked many times throughout the season. We’ve compiled 15 essentials for a fabulous fall wardrobe:
15. Trench Coat
Trenches are light, but perfect for crisp fall mornings. We prefer beige, brown and maroon trenches in autumn, but forest green trenches are also a versatile addition to a fall closet.
Sneaker wedges are a hit or miss, but they’ve slowly inched onto catwalks and into mainstream retailers. The power of the sneaker wedge rests in its ability to be both fashionable and comfortable. We don sneaker wedges with traditionally-feminine attire – like skirts, ruffled blouses and crop tops – to create an interesting feminine-masculine contrast.
Here Christina shows us how it’s done, rocking the sneaker wedge with a feminine leather dress and a bold blazer (our next must-have) from her LBS Chic: Sneak Peek post last October.
13. Bold Blazer
Blazers are ideal for fall because they can be worn as a jacket substitute, depending on how cool the air is. They’re also chic, especially in bold hues like pink, light and navy blue, yellow and purple. The blazer is both upscale and casual, depending on what it’s paired with. A change of accessories and shoes can transform the blazer from a suit separate to club attire, so it’s a great option for girls on-the-go.
No outfit is complete without a sexy handbag. The trapeze is especially popular in autumn since it is large enough to carry umbrellas and other necessities for turbulent weather. Many are also sold with both a handle and an optional shoulder strap for those women whose hands tire from carrying a heavy bag.
Christina has been rocking this Phillip Lim for Target trapeze bag from her LBS Chic: Love Lump in Lace post religiously all season.
Related: Bootie Calls: 8 Must-Have Fall 2013 Boots
11. Booties
The bootie is a fall staple. It covers the toes (and wards off those dreaded fall colds) but can be worn with dresses, skirts and even trenches. I especially love suede booties. Nobody appreciates sweaty feet, so I limit my suede booties to the autumn and winter seasons.
10. Peplum
Peplum is one of the greatest fashion inventions ever! For curvy girl with wide waists, the peplum hem camouflages flaws while also accentuating other aspects of the frame. Peplum has been popping up on catwalks from London to Dubai, and it’s definitely a go-to option for autumn.
Here Christina rocks the peplum look for Spring/Summer from her LBS Chic: One Dress From Day To Night post.
Every woman needs a Little Black Dress in her closet, no matter the season. It is a classic wardrobe staple that has no expiration date. I prefer LBDs with intricate details, like this Alice + Olivia number. The lace-stitched sleeves add an extra oomph that upgrades the dress from average to extraordinary.
8. Plaid
We’ve been pining to dust off the plaid that’s been hanging in our closet for years. But finally plaid has resurged, and it’s a definite necessity for fall wardrobes. The playful print is present in blouses, skirts and even blazers. We’re fond of plaid-and-leather blazers and plaid dresses like the playful ASOS Curve ($75) one above.
Our high school days are in the rear view mirror, but varsity jackets are offering up homecoming nostalgia. The varsity jacket has experienced a sudden revival for grown women. It is a fun essential, and can be worn with jeans and pumps or sneaker wedges and a skirt.
We featured the one above in our 10 Under $100: Leather-Accented Jackets For Fall post last week.
6. Gold Link Chains
It is easy to take this trend over the top. Layering chains is an old practice, but this must be done carefully with gold link chains. However, the gold link chain is in and can be worn with almost everything. It’s an ode to the brilliance of the 80’s. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Christina wears her ASOS Curve Exclusive Shield Chain Necklace in her recent outfit post HERE.
5. Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend jeans are the perfect autumn pant. They’re sexy, trendy and versatile. Add in distressed denim, and boyfriend jeans become ideal for those casual Mondays when the sky is dreary and the clock is ticking slowly.
4. Funky Tights
Tights are not just for church girls anymore. They’re sold in an array of funky colors and patterns that will accentuate an outfit while also keeping your legs warm underneath a skirt or shorts.
Related: LBS Beauty – The Perfect Red Lip
3. Red Lipstick
There is a red lipstick for every woman, no matter her complexion, and Autumn is the ideal time to experiment with different hues.We’re personal fans of MAC’s Ruby Woo, but there are many reds to choose from. Red lipsticks can add a pop of color to an otherwise simple face palette, and the hue works well with almost every outfit.
Looking for the right shade? Christina shared her Top 5 Fave Red Lipsticks HERE and has been known to rock MAC’s Ruby Woo on the daily.
We can’t overstate how excited we are for leather in the Fall! Whether it’s stitched into the elbow of a jacket or a shirt’s collar, leather is an essential texture for a fall wardrobe. It’s adaptable, and offers an edge to the simplest outfit. The Blank Denim Vegan version above ($114) is a great transitional piece.
Hear me out: Sweatshirts aren’t often associated with progressive fashion, but retailers and designers are adding intricate details to make the sweatshirt a fall essential. We’ve nabbed several sweatshirts this season – from jeweled ones at Old Navy to comic-book themed ones from Phillip Lim for Target’s collection. They’re both chic and comfortable – a winning combination. Graphic and jeweled sweatshirts can be pulled on for a quick shopping run or an afternoon in the city. Best of all, the material is heavy enough to forgo an additional jacket.
There you have it folks! Our complete list of Fall 2013 must-have closet essentials.
Do you agree with our list? Have any of these pieces in your closet already? Leave us a comment and let us know what pieces you’re planning to rock this season.
Definitely need to get the sneaker wedge in my closet asap. I have being looking at the for the longest but, I am yet to make a purchase. As for the red lipstick I have them in abundance. I love me some red lipstick 🙂
Girl get on the bandwagon! I have like three pairs, I LIVE in sneaker wedges lol
Love love love it all. Perfect options to have anyone ready for the Fall. Thanks for making it easy for the ‘rest of us’! lol:)
Haha thanks Mia! I’m so glad you like our options.
Love, Love, LOVE that Peplum…
Thanks love! It’s one of our favorite trends too.