autumn wardrobe essentials

Style
Written By Cate

Even though it’s plus 32 (celsius…that’s 90 for my American friends) as I write this, I am hyper aware that autumn is just around the corner. And while I’m usually the type to savour every last bit of summer, there’s something about having a fashion-centred platform that really kicks seasons into high gear. As I put together my shopping list for this year’s fall fashion, I thought I would share my essentials with you. These are the pieces I can’t go an autumn without; and I truly believe most of these transcend style types, fitting into almost every wardrobe.

1. sweater weather

A girl resting her arm on her chin with layered dark academia sweaters with a white turtleneck and a brown Johnny collared sweater and beige vintage trousers.
a girl leaning on a glass balcony railing wearing burnt orange wide leg pants and a cream cardigan in the fall
a girl grabbing the collar of her layered autumn shirts, beige Johnny collar wool sweater over a floral patterned blouse, vintage inspired fashion, dark academia

a cozy sweater might be THE quintessential staple for any fall wardrobe. For me, a turtleneck is timeless and elegant; lengthening the torso and providing a blank canvas to build an outfit upon. For others, a cardigan is a safer bet, lengthening the necklace, drawing attention to a décolletage, and providing opportunities to be worn open or closed. Maybe you’re the type to wear a classic pullover; something branded, or perhaps a knit. Whichever your sweater of choice, autumn wouldn’t feel like autumn without one.

crewnecks:

  • cropped sweatshirt - the perfect plain sweatshirt. No debating this.

  • printed sweatshirt - I’ve been obsessed with printed sweatshirts as of late; they have an 80s Diana/ academia / coastal grandmother vibe.

  • cable knit sweater - I love the shape of this one. Normally cable knits are too bulky and fall at the wrong spot on my pear frame, but since this one is cropped it works out perfectly.

  • Johnny collar sweatshirt - I’m a fan of this recent Johnny collar trend; I think it really lengthens the body in ways other sweaters don’t, and draws attention to the neck and face. Also yes, I do know they aren’t technically a crewneck.

  • comfy mini crew - perfect for my other short torso girlies.

  • 90s graphic sweatshirt - I told you, I’m obsessed!

  • striped knit - this is such a great layering piece, and fits my classic vibe. Definitely a year round sweater.

  • merino crewneck - If you can invest in better quality fabrics like merino or cashmere, I highly recommend it! It really makes all the difference in keeping you warm.

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cardigans:

  • knit cardigan - I would wear it exactly as pictured in case you were wondering.

  • fine knit cardigan - I have one similar and I get compliments on it all the time!

  • classic tipped cardigan - your official coastal grandmother cardigan.

  • cardigan & tank set - this set is perfection! I love them as separates too.

  • cardigan coat - if you are looking for a timeless long cardigan staple - this is it.

  • openwork cardigan - a more feminine version of the latter.

  • jewelled cardigan - I love the elevated details on this cardigan! It’s giving old money vibes.

  • long cardigan - a lighter (both in colour and weight) version of the classic long cardigan

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turtlenecks:

  • turtleneck - a statement turtleneck - yet also a basic.

  • high collar wool - high collar tops are a great alternative if you don’t love how turtlenecks feel.

  • wool turtleneck - love this more relaxed vibe.

  • fine knit turtleneck - this is MY turtleneck. The one I wear almost daily in the winter. The store has had it for years & keeps bringing it back for a reason.

  • soft mockneck - mock necks are also a great option if turtlenecks are just too much! This one is perfect for layering.

  • oversized merino - another statement turtleneck, This one is worth the coziness!

  • turtleneck - a statement turtleneck - yet also a basic.

  • oversized merino - another statement turtleneck, This one is worth the coziness!

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2. jacket (leather, denim, canvas, etc)

a jacquard carpet jacket blazer with a dusty floral pattern. Girl is clean girl aesthetic with low slicked back bun, gold hoop earrings, and a woven basket bag.

a jacket for every occasion. I’d say a denim jacket is a great place to start, but then the sky’s the limit. My jacket collection has grown a lot - ever since I realized that it’s the layer that gets seen the most where I live (hi from Calgary!). If you already have your basics covered, why not make a statement? Here are some ideas:

  • oversized denim jacket - this one comes in a variety of shades, but you can’t go wrong with a classic blue.

  • wind jacket - I love how this one falls at the knee - longer than your average jacket.

  • faux leather sherpa - can be grunge, folk, western, oh so many vibes.

  • quilted jacket - quilted jackets aren’t for everyone, but I adore the shape of this one! Give me a little waist definition and I’m sold.

  • blazer jacket - I’ve been on the hunt for one of these myself, maybe coming soon to my wardrobe?

  • wrap coat - if you’re looking for something a little more substantial for fall, this is a great option.

  • quilted shacket - this seersucker is perfectly coastal and classic.

  • reversible jacket - I mostly want you to get this so I can live vicariously. This is a work of art.

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3. trousers

“A pair of brilliantly cut cotton trousers can be more beautiful than a gorgeous silk gown.” ~ Yohji Yamamoto

arguably what I’m most known for. A well-fit trouser is a timeless staple (we’re not talking oversized à la Djerf here). While most probably feel comfortable wearing a trouser only at the office, I think it’s a great addition to your street style, or even something to rock for the upcoming holiday season. My top tip for finding the perfect pair of trousers: look at the sizing, choose the largest size based on your measurements, and tailor if needed! It is a rare day that trousers fit perfectly in all places. A belt makes a great substitute for a good tailor, and hem tape is an affordable fix for pants that are too long.

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4. ankle boots…booties? boots.

here’s another good rule of thumb for you: narrow pant = chunky shoe; wide pant = narrow shoe. Ankle boots are a great place to balance out the proportions of your outfit. It’s also a great place to really play up your personal style.

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5. button up or down

I know, I know. “bUtToN dOwNs ArE jUsT tReNdY” - tell that to your grandma, Becky. Sure, sizing up 3 sizes and wearing them with absolutely everything is very Gen Z, but you can never go wrong with a classic button down. Layer it under or over, tuck it in, leave it out, button it up, keep it open - I’ve styled this piece in a million different ways. Hence, why it made this list.

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6. loafers

I have yet to invest in a good pair myself (I prefer a backless version, the mule), but I think the time has come. As a lover of #oldmoneyaesthetic and academia core, it just works. I think grunge, clean girl, cottagecore, - anyone really - can also pull this off. Here are the ones I’m deciding between for my closet:

  • latte suede flats - the comfiest pair of shoes I own (which is why they are included even though they aren’t technically a loafer).

  • sage suede loafer - same brand as the comfiest ever pair of shoes, but more loafer-ish

  • backless loafers - if you’re like me and prefer backless shoes, these one’s are for you

  • suede penny loafers - ah the classic penny loafer. This one is the perfect neutral colour imo and a lovely soft suede

  • platform loafers - these chunky platform loafers are more ‘of the moment’

  • timeless loafers - THE loafer

  • elegant loafers - I love the elegant cream and buckle detailing with the square toe. It screams (or more likely whispers) old money.

  • patent leather penny loafers - the most classic loafer but patented.

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7. trench coat

wearing a trench coat with a dress in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

need I say more than this photo? A trench coat can transform an outfit. It can almost be worn on its own. It’s a very flattering silhouette on every body type. I’ll take one in every colour, please!

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8. leather / vegan leather handbag

a girl holding a brown croc effect bag with gold hardware at her waist wearing a cream leather belted jacket.

get one in your neutral…whatever that neutral may be. Maybe your colour is red, I don’t know. One that’s sturdy; and not under (trend) or oversized (trend). If you prefer hands-free, go with a crossbody. The options are endless, but you’ll have this one forever, so choose wisely.

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9. (dad) sneakers

sneakers, trainers, commuter shoe, runners - call them whatever you’d like. It’s a necessity no matter who you are and what your lifestyle looks like. Here are a few with a few different vibes:

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10. blazer

A girl looking down in front of a glass city window wearing a brown herringbone blazer with a cream turtleneck and vintage mens inspired tapered trousers with a croc effect leather handbag and white ankle boots.

I heard that the blazer was going out. I beg to differ. The blazer has never been “out”. Do blazer styles change with the times? Absolutely. At one time, it was shoulder pads and neon; another decade, it was the tiny cropped blazer; the next, oversized. While it’s hard to predict which of these blazers will transcend time, it’s always a good thing to have one in your closet.

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Are there any autumn essentials that I missed? Anything that you’d change or take away? Don’t forget to subscribe for upcoming news, and thanks for reading!

Best,

Cate.

PIN IT for later:

a practical style guide to autumn wardrobe essentials - a girl holding a leather croc effect bag and a cream jacket
Autumn Wardrobe Essentials for 2022, closet classics, fashion basics, style guide for minimalist, timeless fashion.
10 wardrobe Essentials for Fall from your practical style guide. Trousers, sweaters, jackets for autumn 2022
top ten fall closet staples from your practical style guide, text layered over an image of a sweater layering in dark academia style
Cate http://catekittlitz.ca
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