With the weather changing it is that time of the year to start re-organizing your closet and bring in all your fall wardrobe essentials. This process is very easy for me and I really don’t have to spend a lot of money each year because I have built a solid capsule wardrobe. I have all of my basics and then I just purchase a few new accessories to add some variety!
Buying clothes is expensive, but there is a science to making sure that your money goes a long way. In order to ensure you can stretch your budget and get the most for your money, it is important to have the basics in your closet. Below is a list of fall wardrobe essentials that every mom needs to have in her closet. Whether you are a stay at home mom or working mom, these fall wardrobe essentials can be dressed up or dressed down to tailor to any lifestyle.
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To purchase the fall wardrobe essentials, see the list at the end of the blog!
Tops
Over-sized knit Sweater
My favorite outfit in the fall is a pair of leggings, an over-sized knit sweater and some comfortable boots. If you are a working mom, just dress up this look with some booties or heeled boots.
Turtle Neck
A black turtle neck should be a staple in everyone’s closet. You can dress up a turtle neck with a necklace, blazer, jeans and heels or dress it down with a vest, leggings and tall boots.
Solid Color Long Sleeve Shirts
Every closet needs a few solid color (fitted) long sleeve shirts in gray, white and black. These shirts serve as a great base for any outfit.
Cashmere Sweater
Every mom needs a nice cashmere sweater. If you are going to spoil yourself, spoil yourself with one of these. It is the best basic to have. It is comfortable, dressy and an absolute classic to have in your closet.
Long Cardigan
Every mom needs a long cardigan for those extra cold days. For a dressier look, pair it with one of your solid color fitted shirts, a necklace, jeans and heels or dress it down with a scarf, leggings, and some boots.
Comfortable Sweatshirt
A nice big comfortable sweatshirt is a must have for those lazy Sundays (or everyday😉).
Flannel
There is something about flannel that just screams fall to me. I love a nice warm flannel to pair with some ripped jeans or leggings.
Denim Button Down
If you are anything like me, black leggings are kinda my thing. This denim button down is a wardrobe essential that can be paired with a comfortable pair of black leggings. Add a scarf or necklace and some heels or boots depending on the look you are going for.
Bottoms
Jeans
There are three types of jeans that jeans you need for your fall wardrobe essentials. One nice crisp pair of dark jeans, a black pair, and ripped jeans (tomboy), for a more casual look. My ultimate favorite pair of jeans are these Hudson Jeans. They are so comfortable, soft and fit so nicely. I have purchased every name brand jeans under the sun and these are by far my absolute favorite. If you are going to splurge on anything, splurge on jeans. You will definitely get your money’s worth. Whenever I decide on whether or not something is worth the money, I always divide the number of times I will wear something vs. the cost. This helps me justify my purchase and not get buyers remorse. 😉
The next pair of jeans should be a nice black or gray pair. It is another basic color to add some options to your wardrobe.
The last jean I would purchase is a ripped tomboy jean. They are comfortable and can be worn with heels or gym shoes.
Leggings
This should really go at the top of the list. I truly believe a girl cannot have enough pairs of leggings. Legging are my daily jam. Even when I worked full time in the corporate world, I always wore leggings. I will say those leggings from Lularoe have to be my absolute favorite leggings. They are SO comfortable and soft. I am not crazy about the patterned ones but if you can find a vendor that sells the solid color leggings, you hit the gold mine!
Faux leather leggings are great to have for when you have to kick it up a notch for an event or party. I searched everywhere looking for a pair that was inexpensive (because you won’t be wearing them everyday), comfortable (I didn’t want something thick or hot), and that fit nicely. This pair from Target is by far the best pair of faux leggings.
Black Dress Pants are always nice to have in closet as well. If you ever have a more formal event or an event that you have to dress up for, black pants are a must have. If you have never heard of Betabrand yoga dress pants, check these out! They are the most comfortable, versatile pair of black pants. They even come in different lengths which I love. There is nothing worse than a pair of pants that are just a bit short. These really are the perfect fit for all body types.
Dresses
A long black sweater dress is a great fall wardrobe essential to have in your closet. It is the perfect foundation to add any accessories you like to dress it up or dress it down.
Shoes
Shoes should really have their own blog. I used to be the girl that owned every color pump there was. While my closet looked fantastic and super colorful, they were mostly just for show. I realized I was literally wearing only a handful of shoes.
Casual Boots
I think every mom probably already owns these but it’s important to have two pairs of casual boots. One black pair and one brown pair. These two pairs of boots is what I wear a majority of the time. Target sells them at a relatively inexpensive price.
Booties
These are nice to have when you want to dress up your look at bit. Target sells these booties which I really like.
Tall Heeled Boots
One pair of tall black heeled boots are good for when you want to dress a little fancier.
Slippers
Okay, so this goes straight to the top of my list, along with my leggings. These slippers are an absolute MUST HAVE. I wear them literally everyday. Uggs are so comfortable and cozy. They have a rubber bottom which I like if I have to run out and get the mail or step outside. They do not slip off the back of my heels. These slippers fit just right. I will be blogging about these again in a separate blog because I just love, love love these Ugg slippers. Get yourself a pair. You will not regret it!
Rain boots
I bought a pair of Hunter boots years ago and they still look brand new. They are another classic fall wardrobe essential to have in your closet. They will never go out of style and they will last you years!
Sorel Boots
Sorel boots are a good boot for muddy days that you just need something to throw on. A pair that you are not afraid to get muddy.
Pumps
One pair of nude pumps and one pair of blacks pumps is really all you need. Those colors go with virtually everything. I have never worn an outfit that needed any other color pump.
Gym shoes
With all the running (around) moms do, we need a good shoe that is comfortable and stylish. These Nike gym shoes go with almost anything and they are very comfortable to walk around in all day.
Accessories
Tote Bag
A fall brown tote bag will make any outfit look chic. I love this brown tote. It is reasonably priced and the perfect size. It’s even big enough to through some diapers in if need be 😊.
It is another fall wardrobe essential that every mom needs in her closet.
Sunglasss
I do not like to spend crazy money on sunglasses right now. Eventually I will invest in a nice pair when my kids are older and I don’t have to worry about them grabbing them off my face or getting scratched because I threw them in my diaper bag. I do believe this is another good investment because you wear them all the time. In the meantime, Diff Sunglasses are great reasonably priced sunglasses. I have a few pairs because I liked them all!
Gloves
A nice pair of leather gloves are another accessory that is a must have fall wardrobe essential. Believe me, you will need them in fall. Save yourself from dry cracked hands 😊. These gloves are also touchscreen gloves which is nice to have.
Scarf
Okay, I say scarf, but really you should have a few scarves. They are the easiest way to add variety to your closet. For the sake of this blog, I will share with you my ultimate favorite fall scarf which is perfect the perfect fall wardrobe essential.
Necklaces
There are only a few necklaces that everyone needs in their closet. A long one, a short one and a layered necklace. You will use these necklaces the most.
Cable Knit Socks
Ahh yes, a comfy pair of cable knit socks. These are the perfect socks to layer under any boots!
Jackets
Fall Coat
A nice fall coat is perfect for every day wear. Every mom needs to have a nice fall coat. I have had my fall coat for 10 years! It is a classic coat that will never go out of style.
Fleece
These are for those football games, pumpkin patches and short trips to the store. Everyone needs a nice warm North Face fleece! This fleece makes the list of fall wardrobe essentials. Living in the Midwest, this is an item you invest in and wear often!
Vest
What would I do without my vest. I wear a vest probably half of the week. Again vests are great because you can dress them up or dress them down. They are perfect for ANY look!
Jean Jacket
Jean Jackets are great because you can pair it with some black leggings and a solid color long sleeve shirt for a great look. Again, this is a classic staple that has been in style for many many years. I don’t see this style fading anytime soon.
Leather Jacket
A Leather bomber jacket dresses up any outfit. Throw on a leather jacket and a pair of heels and you are good to go!
Blazer
A black blazer is another great fall wardrobe essential. Adding a blazer to a satin top with some skinny jeans and stilettos is perfect for any business meeting or night out with your friends.
Summary
Once you have your basics in your closet, then it just becomes a game of mixing and matching the accessories. As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to spend some money on a nice pair of jeans that are comfortable and will last! Most people wear jeans a majority of the week. If you have a couple good pairs, that last forever and don’t fade or reshape when you wash or dry, the money is worth it. I usually spend a majority of my money on the basics and then just purchase different accessories each year. If you invest in some good basics, you will never have to purchase them again.
For a list of fall wardrobe essentials you need to add to your close, see the list below!
Tops
- over-sized knit sweater
- black turtle neck
- solid color (fitted) long sleeve shirts
- cashmere sweater
- long cardigan
- sweatshirt
- flannel
- denim button down
Bottoms
- dark blue Hudson jeans
- gray Hudson jeans
- ripped tomboy jean
- faux leather leggings
- Lularoe leggings
- Betabrand yoga dress pants
Dresses
Shoes
- casual boots
- booties
- tall black heeled boots
- Ugg slippers (you will thank me later 🙂 )
- Hunter boots
- Sorel boots
- black and nude pumps
- Nike gym shoe
Accessories
Jackets
- Fall Coat
- North Face fleece
- vest
- Jean jacket
- leather jacket
- blazer
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Kristen says
I love this! I have many of these staple items, but this inspires me to wear them more. I especially love the idea of an oversized sweater.
the list mom says
Thanks Kristen! Yes! That is my favorite! I love being comfortable and cozy 🙂
Katie Frazier says
I love cardigans and leggings for fall! I’m excited that it’s finally starting to be cold enough to wear fall cloths this week!
the list mom says
Katie, I totally agree. I love summer but I am always ready for fall and I LOVE fall fashion!
Ainsley says
Great list! I can’t wait until fall actually hits the south and I get to wear all of these recommendations!!
the list mom says
Ainsley, it is already cold here I’m sure it will hit you soon so it’s a good time to prepare!
Pamela says
I needed this! Just cleaned out my closet and told my husband I need some new fall clothes. Thanks for resisting the items too! Easier to make my checklist.
the list mom says
Pamela, Yes! I am glad that helps! If you subscribe to my blog you can also get Free Printable lists (which includes this list)!
Christen says
A lot of these are great suggestions. I live in FL so it rarely gets cool enough to wear such awesome outfits. But I have family out west and they will love these.
the list mom says
Christen, yes fall is much different for you 🙂 Yes, please pass it on to your family!
Sarah says
This is a great fall wardrobe list. I need a new pair of boots and I’m loving the ones you shared. Gotta check them out, thanks.
the list mom says
Sarah, I am so glad you liked them! They are an absolute must for fall!
Maria says
Love your selection very trendy! Perfect for fall.
the list mom says
Maria, Trendy but classic! I love to make sure that the staples are more classic so that they don’t go in and out of style. That way you get your money’s worth!
Michelle James says
I’ll take one of everything!
the list mom says
Michelle, lol.. You would never need to shop again! 🙂
Paula@SweetPea says
Great list for a fashionable fall wardrobe!
the list mom says
Paula, Thank you!
Emmie says
Great ideas for a fall outfit! Thanks!
the list mom says
Emmie, Thank you! I hope you were able to find some inspiration!