Sure, it sounds clich\u00e9 to say black pants and a turtleneck are fall essentials, but it\u2019s not about the pieces themselves\u2014it\u2019s about the magic you can make with<\/em> them! Any good wardrobe is built upon a handful of hardworking, versatile pieces like my go-tos; I can throw on a fully sequined jacket from the thrift store, a hot pink faux fur collar, or a shoulder-grazing pair of cobalt blue earrings and go. They allow me to get creative when I\u2019m in a fun mood or keep things simple when I need to get out the door fast. They\u2019re tried and true old friends who never let me down and always make me feel good\u2014the cornerstones of my fall looks both dressed up and dressed down.<\/p>\n 01<\/p>\n Ankle-length cashmere or wool coat.<\/p>\n Any color will do, but I prefer a camel shade for the autumnal months. Throwing this over anything, even stretched-out sweats, makes it feel like an outfit and not just what I\u2019m wearing to walk the dog. A camel coat is so versatile and can go literally anywhere, from a gas station in the middle of nowhere to a fancy wedding party. It\u2019s also infinitely customizable according to your signature style; I like to pin vintage fur pieces to the collar to change things up, or add a few sparkly brooches to the lapel. It can be very Ralph Lauren with a high-necked plaid blouse and trousers or downtown cool with skinny black pants, a turtleneck, and a kitten heel. These are easy to find at vintage and secondhand stores, so don\u2019t feel like you need to drop a ton of cash on a fall coat unless you really want to.<\/p>\n 02<\/p>\n Loafers.<\/p>\n You name them, I\u2019ve got them. Croc print vintage Ralph Lauren? Check. Classic Bass Weejuns? Yep. Platform \u201890s-inspired? Uh-huh. Loafers are the ultimate fall shoe, especially when you\u2019re not entirely ready to transition back to socks and boots. Plus, they go with literally everything and work for any personal style vibe\u2014and they\u2019re always<\/em> at the thrift store.<\/p>\n 03<\/p>\n Eileen Fisher stretch crepe black skinny pants.<\/p>\n on earth, quote me. I have them in a bunch of colors but black is always my go-to. They never lose their shape, they pack up like a dream, and they\u2019re so flattering and comfortable\u2014they hug your body but aren\u2019t skintight. The pants are part of Eileen\u2019s \u201cSystem\u201d of pieces meant to wear forever and match with everything you own, and I reach for mine at least twice a week in the fall and winter. Move away from the idea that Eileen Fisher is for older ladies. Eileen is for people with taste. I would never steer you wrong on something so important!<\/p>\n 04<\/p>\n A slouchy beanie.<\/p>\n Back in 2006, I was obsessed<\/em> with the \u201cindie girl\u201d beret look (think Kirsten Dunst in Elizabethtown<\/em>) and I still love it today, though I tend to wear my hats on my forehead and not pushed back on the crown as in Urban Outfitters days of yore. My favorite is a fuzzy alpaca beret, but I love a classic wool or felt beret too. It covers up a bad hair day, adds a little oomph to a bland ensemble, and keeps your head warm on those unexpectedly chilly mornings.<\/p>\n 05<\/p>\n A pleated midi skirt.<\/p>\n Call it the eternal allure of back to school. A pleated midi skirt is a cornerstone of my fall wardrobe; if I were Olivia Rodrigo, I\u2019d go for the mini cheerleader style, but these days I\u2019m more of a midi girl. I like to wear them with a cropped crewneck sweater for a \u201850s vibe or a lace cami or vintage tee and cropped tweedy jacket. They\u2019re perfect with heels, sneakers, and boots and if they\u2019re long enough, you may be able to sneak a few extra days sans tights. <\/p>\n 06<\/p>\n Turtlenecks.<\/p>\n I think about turtlenecks like apple varietals: there\u2019s something for everyone, and there are delicious options for all sorts of activities. At the very least, I believe you need a super tight classic black piece for layering, a cashmere or merino wool that can be dressed up or down, and a slouchy, super-soft version for cozy days. Black is always the icon but there\u2019s much to be said for navy, evergreen, cream, and camel. Even my seven-month-old son has a turtleneck, that\u2019s how much I love them. <\/p>\n 07<\/p>\n Hot pink or lemon yellow.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to go full fall palette with reds, oranges, mustards, and darker jewel tones, but you know what looks fab with burgundy? Hot pink. What pops with camel? Bright yellow! Adding a hint of vivid color to your fall looks bridges the gap between summer and autumn and adds an unexpected dash of fun.<\/p>\n 08<\/p>\n The cable-knit sweater.<\/p>\n
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