Lately, I have been thinking much more about my purchases and what I actually need versus just a purchase on a whim. Sometimes this involves shopping and coming back for the item and looking in my closet to see what I already have which is a big change from what I normally do. The first thing I did was go through my closet and get rid of everything that I don’t touch. I noticed that most of these purchases that were getting thrown out of my closet were either items that I bought years ago and no longer fit into my style, which is fine or they were purchases that I bought without putting a whole lot of thought into. I prefer fall fashion over any other season and I find it much easier to “build a closet” for this season than any other so I thought I would share what has worked for me here. This list obviously doesn’t cover all of the bases but it is definitely a great place to start if you’re looking where to start on the essentials of a great wardrobe.

Let’s start with shoes, they are the most fun to shop for after all because they always fit. For us here in Minnesota, shoes are a little more difficult in the winter because of the snow situation. Until we are trudging through 2 feet of snow, I like to wear ankle booties for most of fall until it is no longer an option. I currently own these boots carried by Urban Outfitters and it was a great purchase because I know they will be in my closet for years and they are under $100. I love the open toed option above as well. I tend to wear boots with a lot of my summer outfits as well so booties are a great transitional piece in my wardrobe from summer well into fall. I also own a pair of leopard cow hair booties like the ones pictured above. I love them for work because they have the smallest of heels that are great for long hours on my feet. Something to keep in mind with shoes is choosing a color that goes with the rest of your wardrobe. I like to wear the same few pairs of shoes day after day rather than buying a ton of different pairs for each outfit for obvious reasons. I keep the rest of my clothing neutral for that reason, mixing in lots of grey and black so everything can be mixed and matched together for more options. A nice pop of color can be added with a fun pair of tennies like the new balance tennis shoes pictured above. When winter comes, I switch out my booties for an over the knee boot instead so my feet stay warm and the snow is not a problem. The chinese laundry over the knee is a great option pictured above at a good price. I also like the idea of buying a cute winter boot that you can just keep on for the whole day like the Top-Sider duck boots.

As far as pants go, I would rather not. I find them so uncomfortable but I can’t wear leggings every day. I literally have one pair of black jeans and one pair of classic colored blue jeans that are my go to and they rotate between my skirts. I really don’t think you need more than that especially if you work an office job because you won’t be wearing them often anyway. I never used to be a skirt person but I love the way it can transform your wardrobe and give you so many more options. This fall I bought a jersey grey pencil skirt that has been on repeat and it is just so much cuter and more comfortable than wearing jeans. I love the midi tweed skirt pictured above but I didn’t even list it in the references because it is designer and I’m not about that pricing on this blog. I found mine at the consignment store I work at and I’m sure H&M and Forever 21 have some great leather mini skirts and pencil skirts that would be a great additional to your fall closet. I would also recommend a pair of high-waisted thick leggings. They work great with boots and the ones I have hold everything together which is always nice.

Coats might be the most important part of a fall/winter wardrobe because it is what you are seen most in. If you are going to invest in something, this would be the place to do so. In my opinion, the more coats the better because it’s the easiest way to give your fall closet personality. I would say a cape or two (pictured above, I love the patterned zara coat), one heavier winter coat, a blazer or two and a leather jacket would be a good start. I am the biggest fan of capes because it finishes off an outfit so nicely and they just seem to give an outfit such a polished look.

My rule for tops in the fall is oversized everything and when in doubt, add a patterned scarf. I also love this peplum sweater for a day when I’m feeling girly (pictured above by Ted Baker, I found one just like it at a consignment price). Fall makeup is the easiest, I always start with smash box primer, and finish with dark nails, nude or deep lips, a brush of mascara and when I’m feeling fancy a cat eye is the perfect. If you’re looking for a great finishing powder, I like this one the best and have been using it for years.

**All of the products are examples of clothing that would be a great start for a wardrobe. Many listed are much above the price point that I would choose to spend and similar products can be found at much more affordable prices.**

xo-

qk