fall wardrobe essentials/2015

Earlier this summer I kicked off a new seasonal series here on the blog featuring wardrobe essentials based on some awesome feedback from you, my readers!  You gals were loud and clear that you wanted clear and concise seasonal advice on what to put in your closet.  Some of you wanted inspiration on filling in the potential holes in your wardrobe each season and others of you wanted a specific guide on creating a capsule wardrobe to minimize the amount of items in your closet while maximizing the style and ease of getting dressed each morning.

I loved the idea too… so I was happy to deliver! You gals loved the summer version of the "wardrobe essentials" so I knew it would be a great series here on the blog. Today I've got the fall version of the wardrobe essentials for you… and I think you are going to 'fall' (wink, wink) in love.  Keep in mind… some of these pieces you may already own, or you may own similar items.  Use this as a guide for a cohesive fall wardrobe filling in blank spots in your personal closet as needed.

I don't personally subscribe to a 'capsule' wardrobe but I will say that I don't own a ton of clothes… I really zero in on what I love each season and try to create outfits repeatedly out of those pieces without adding endless new clothes to the mix. I find it easier to create outfits with a smaller palate… and that is really what capsule dressing is at it's core, I suppose.

Here are my fall wardrobe essentials… which pieces do you plan to add to your wardrobe this fall?

get the pieces: (*item shown)

leather moto jacket (save | splurge*), trench coat (save*| splurge), military vest (save | splurge*), puffer vest (save | splurge*), navy blazer (save | splurge*)

black jeans (save | splurge*), distressed jeans (save | splurge*), army green pants (save | splurge*), boyfriend jeans (save*| splurge), black skirt (save*| splurge), chambray dress (save | splurge*), striped dress (save*| splurge), burgundy t-shirt dress (save*| splurge)

striped top (save | splurge*), grey henley (save | splurge*), blue striped oxford (save | splurge*), plaid shirt (save*| splurge), long line cardigan (save* | splurge), sweatshirt (save*| splurge)

riding boots (save* | splurge), ankle boots (save | splurge*), burgundy flats (save | splurge*), leopard flats (save | splurge*), lace up flats (save* | splurge)

grey tote (save | splurge*), leopard clutch (save | splurge*), cream wool scarf (save | splurge*), cross ring (save | splurge*), bold gold bracelet (save* | splurge), geode necklace (save* | splurge)

Or shop the pieces below… 

(remember some thumbnails will show items in different colors… it just means there are multiple colors available of that piece!) 

 Shop the tops and blazers…

Shop the bottoms and dresses…

Shop the tops and sweaters…

Shop the shoes and boots…

Shop the accessories…

splurge worthy basics for fall/winter!

A well rounded wardrobe is all about balance. Finding the perfect pieces at high and low price points helps to build a great closet while still watching your budget.

Over the years I have found that there are certain items that are always worth the investment.  For quality and for style… these ten pieces will never fail you!

leather shoes… I've never regretted any of the quality leather shoes I have bought.  Sure they are a little more money, but they will end up being much more comfortable and longer lasting.

leather gloves… a great pair of leather gloves is not only a gorgeous addition to your closet, but a warm one!

chambray top… I wear mine chambray top so much that the cost-per-wear is probably the lowest out of all of the pieces in my closet, even though it's at $80.

leather boots… for long mid-west winters a pair of boots that is warm, well made and beautiful will be an asset for your wardrobe.

blazers… many of the blazers I own are several years old and they still get worn a ton.  Invest in great cuts that fit well and you will have them for years to come.

cashmere sweaters… this is something I hope to invest in this winter, beautiful cashmere can last for years when cared for right and will always add an extra touch of femininity and class to your wardrobe.

warm winter boots… warm winter boots that you love will pay you back ten-fold on freezing cold winter days. These will keep your feet unbelievably warm and you won't look like an eskimo wearing them!

leather bags… a real leather bag will last forever. Literally.  I have a collection of a few bags that I know I will keep forever or that hopefully I can pass on to my daughter. I've never regretted spending money on a beautiful bag.

winter coat… treat yourself to a gorgeous wool coat this year.  You can dress it up or down and it's another piece that you will have for years and years to come.

denim… I love to go high and low with jeans. But I always make sure there are at least a couple of kick-a$! jeans in my closet at all times for days when my ego needs a little boost or I have somewhere to be that I want to feel my best.  Madewell's skinny-skinny is my current favorite - but you should find your own favorite!

timeless classics for fall with Ann Taylor!

When the calendar flips to August I immediately start thinking fall clothes (it naturally comes with the territory as a blogger). Not that I wish one day of summer away - no way… I'm still in full on summer mode.  But in between lazy mornings, afternoons poolside and bbqs I am already working on scouring the sites to see what surprises fall has in store for us style-wise.   I will feature a lot of these finds here on the blog… hopefully to make your fall shopping easier!

I randomly ended up on the Ann Taylor site recently - drooling over this jacket - and the more I poked around the more goodies I found and loved.  Ann Taylor is the epitome of classic style and what I love so much about all these pieces is that not only will they be timeless enough to wear for seasons to come but they are also great transitional wear to fall.  Black jeans can still be worn with a tee shirt and sneakers this September or a leather jacket can easily be layered over a great summer dress for a perfect summer to fall look.

And since Ann Taylor pieces are always so beautiful but conservative… they also translate well to an office environment as well.  You really can't go wrong with any of these gorgeous pieces for fall!

top row, from left: sunglasses, black skinny jeans, flats, peter pan top

2nd row, from left: tote, striped top, leather jacket, drapey pant

3rd row, from left: navy blouse, clutch, cheetah print dress, earrings

4th row, from left: tortoise belt, pleather skirt, ankle strap sandals, sweater