What to Wear This Fall

One of the things we know about the Proverbs 31 Woman is that her clothing is fine!  I get excited about this because I like to have fine clothing and knowing this about the Proverbs 31 Woman makes me know that this is an acceptable goal.

“Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool].”

– Proverbs 31:22b AMP

We also know that she is a good steward over what she has; she is wise with her money.  That means we should not recklessly drop a ton of money on flashy designer labels.  That also means not wasting money buying cheap items that you will have to replace over and over again, or needlessly on multiples of the same item, or on items that are trendy and will therefore only be in style for a season.  Instead, we should spend our money on superior pieces that are actually necessary.   

The best way to get quality items is to purchase them during Black Friday or other sales. Therefore, now is a good time to go through your wardrobe.  Are there any fall (or winter) essentials missing?  If so, plan to get those items while you can capitalize on the major savings that come during next month’s sales.

Wardrobe Basics

Wardrobe basics are the foundational pieces that make up your wardrobe.  Some of the basics you can wear every season, and some are season specific, such as shorts in the summer.  If you are just starting to put together your wardrobe, you should start here.

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See Related: What to Wear This Summer

The basics that you build your wardrobe with will depend on where you live.  I live in Southern California where we do not get a fall so I have to make adjustments to this list, for example.  The basic pieces from summer that you should keep, include:

A white button-down shirt.  It is very versatile and can serve as a layering piece when it gets colder. 

You can pair it with your all-season dress pants, which is also a fall essential.  Get these in black and you will be able to wear them for many different types of occasions. Black jeans are another fall essential. A pair of skinny ones are always in season.  Change out your white pair for a fall color, like wine.

In addition to classic white, a chambray button-down shirt is another option for fall. Here are some of my favorites:

Tees.  I switch to long-sleeve in the fall.  I purchase 100% cotton tees and tanks in basic black and white.  They serve as base layers, but can be worn alone before it gets cold.

A denim Jacket is an essential during the early part of the fall before it gets too cold. Another fall classic is a utility jacket.

At least one cardigan.  A long-sleeve crewneck is classic, but you may want to get a long cardigan for fall or for later in winter. 

Crewneck sweaters.  They are in season all year, but for the fall, swap out your lightweight one for a chunky-knit one and pair them with your jeans or leggings.

The basics that you should add to your fall wardrobe are wool sweaters, either cashmere or 100% merino wool: a classic black turtleneck and v-neck or scoop neck sweaters that you can layer over your collared tops and blouses.   

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Wardrobe Staples

Staples are the pieces in your wardrobe that go with everything else.  Here are some fall alternatives for your staples:

A dressy top.  One in animal print is nice for fall, or one in a bold fall color.

Fitted jacket or blazer in a solid or a in a check or plaid print.

A little black dress is a classic that is always in season. Sweater and fit and flare dresses are good options for fall.

An all-season office skirt, such as a versatile pencil skirt.  If you live in a colder climate, maybe get a tweed pencil skirt instead of a classic black one. Otherwise, get a lighter transitional pencil skirt. Other skirts to add are a denim skirt such as this denim pencil skirt, and a wool skirt.  

A black suit.  Pair your white button-down shirt with it to wear for an interview or to the office.

Pinstriped oxford to pair with your pencil skirt or all-season dress pants adds variety to your work wear. Add a pair of gray trousers for even more variety in your office wear.  You can also wear these with your pinstriped oxford.

  

A camisole.  Layer a lace-trimmed one under your cardigan or fitted jacket or blazer.

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Statement Pieces

The statement pieces are those that let your personality shine.  I am also going to include in this section some pieces that go from day to night, easily.

Dresses (or a jumpsuit) in fall patterns. Try a floral print on a dark background, an animal print, or a rich solid color such as a burgundy slip dress.  Pick dresses that you can transition from wearing with sandals to wearing with boots and layer under cardigans or jackets. A sweater dress is also a good option here.

A pair of trouser jeans to add some more style to casual Friday, and a pair of classic tweed pants.

A graphic sweater to go along with all of your solid colored ones and a patterned jacket such as a plaid blazer.

To go from work to an after-work event, try a bold blouse in a fall color, a flouncy black skirt, and an artsy silk shell to layer under your cardigan, fitted jacket or blazer.

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Shoes

Fashion sneakers to wear with your jeans to keep it casual, either slip-ons or lace-ups.

Ballet flats to wear with your skinny jeans or ankle pants. You could also get loafers to wear with your trouser jeans. Whether ballet flats or loafers, maybe try a leopard print.

Boots.  I get open-toed ankle boots for the fall because it is still so warm here, but you can also get closed-toe or tall boots. Or all of the above!

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Accessories

At least one neutral handbag, cross-body or tote. Gray and taupe are cool neutrals, cognac and beige are warm neutrals.

Scarves in animal prints or other fall patterns and colors.

Jewelry, including hoops in a size you feel comfortable with.

A statement belt to accessorize with.

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Outerwear

Some outerwear that you may want for fall includes a utility jacket, a moto jacket to layer over tees and thin sweaters, an anorak, a leather jacket, a quilted jacket, and maybe even a rain jacket.

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When I did my summer wardrobe essentials post, I had a lot of requests for photos, so this time I added as many as I could. I hope doing so has helped you envision how all of the pieces work together to create a complete fall wardrobe. Which piece is your favorite? Please comment below.

I hope you see something that you want to pick up during the Black Friday sales!

“She does not fear the snow for her household, For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool].”

– Proverbs 31:21 AMP

Blessings!

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