Happy Sunday, ladies! August is wrapping up and September is right around the corner. We’re taking this week off over here on the blog. But before we do, I wanted to leave you with one more fall preview post: 5 Fall essentials you need in your wardrobe.
All August, I’ve been previewing various pre-fall collections from
Every fall, I run some version of this essential list. This year, I’m focusing on:
- blazers;
- denim;
- cardigans;
- booties; and
- ponchos.
Each of these items is a timeless classic. No matter the trend, they will always be in style. So for today, I put together 5 inspiration outfits; 1 for each item type. And in addition, for each item type, I pulled in 4 of my favorites from my favorite retailers.
The Summary
Today’s featured item is the graphic tee, styled 5 ways
The outfits I’ve modeled are all old, but I’ve put together similars for each
For each outfit, I’ve put together budget alternatives, a new feature we’re trying out
My top 10 graphic tees for Spring 2022 are at the end of the post, so don’t miss them!
5 Fall Essentials You Need in Your Wardrobe
1. Blazer
If you have followed me for any length of time, you know I regularly sing the praises of the mighty blazer. It always makes my list for fall classic wardrobe essentials.
My personal style is decidedly preppy, and the blazer is the cornerstone of my preppy style. Having a few blazers in your closet is not excessive at all! A well-fitting, well-made black blazer will see you through office outfits, date night outfits, and over jeans for brunch—trust me, you cannot go wrong with a black blazer.
But consider a tweed blazer for fall and winter when you need an extra layer. A tweed blazer over jeans and a sweater is a picture-perfect outfit for any day of the week. Trending this year are cropped blazers and boyfriend blazers.
Similar outfit
Board: Khloe Crepe Ruched Blazer (Cinq a Sept) | Perfect Shirt (Ann Taylor) | Nora Pointed Toe Flat (Linea Paolo) | Lemon Blossom Scarf (Ann Taylor)
Shop Blazers
2. Denim
Y’all know I am a true blue jean mama. I am more likely to be found in blue jeans on any given day than most other items from my closet, which is why i have a steady rotation of styles.
I have classic straight leg and boot cut styles and the new classics: skinny, wide-leg, cropped, and flare. Well-made, well-cared-for jeans can last for many years, so even if a particular style has fallen flat one season, it will definitely come back around.
If you have the space for it, store them and wait until they make their way back to the top of the heap. Read my ultimate denim guide for tips on fit and styles.
Similar Outfit
Board: Cable Knit Sweater Vest (Ralph Lauren) | Oversized Poplin Shirt (Banana Republic) | Le High Skinny Jeans (FRAME) | Wanda Pointed Toe Flat (Sam Edelman)
Shop jeans
3. Cardigan
What beats a cardigan when it comes to a must-have staple in your closet? Perfect for the office or the weekend, they are the quintessential layering piece or third item.
Yes, there are still traditional button-front crew neck cardigans available. But grandpa cardigans and cropped cardigans are still in.
Similar Outfit
Board: Ribbed Cardigan (Banana Republic) | Mid Rise Skinny Jeans (Ann Taylor) | Espadrille Loafer (Cole Haan) | Classic Denim Shirt (Banana Republic)
Shop the cardigans
4. Boots or Booties
Every season I try to add one pair of boots or booties to my collection. Sock boots and over-the-knee boots are still trending. Riding boots and booties are classics that are here to stay.
But one of my all-time favorites is the Chelsea boot. Frye boots are always a good choice. they look fantastic with blue jeans.
Similar Outfit
Board: Turtleneck Sweater (Free People) | The Trouser Pant (Ann Taylor) | Everly Cutout Boot (Toms) | Shawl Collar Coat (Avec Les Filles)
Shop booties
5. Poncho or Ruana
Ponchos or ruanas are the perfect third layer for fall. The difference between a poncho and ruana is that a poncho is slipped overhead. In contrast, a ruana can slide over your shoulders.
Ponchos are loose-fitting, so there are lots of opportunities to layer up. One reason this makes the poncho an excellent piece to wear when the weather transitions.
Fall is full of in-between days when it’s too warm for a big jacket but not warm enough for your t-shirts. Plus, ponchos are perfect for any body type.
If your legs are long, and you’re on the taller side, you can get away with wearing blanket-size ponchos and not look like you’re drowning in them. If you tend to be on the petite side, wear ponchos that hit just below the waist.
Board: Oversize Turtleneck (LaQuan Smith) | High Waist Skinny Jeans (PAIGE) | Wool & Cashmere Ruana (Nordstrom) | Leather Bootie (Blondo)
Shop ponchos & ruanas
In Case You Missed It
It’s birthday weekend in the Djalali househould. To celebrate, Kelly shared 6 cake recipes perfect for any occasion. Click the title or image below to read the article.
6 Cake Recipes Perfect for Any Occasion
About The Author
I love your Sunday feature. It proves that classics are always in style! I have two Diana’s that I absolutely live and am so excited when fall comes to wear them again.
I have purchased a cream cabled sweater vest in anticipation of layering.
Love, love, love your Sunday feature! Please keep posting. You continue to show us how to look our best! You put together colors that look awesome!
I love the brown and white flats that you are wearing in one of your pictures. Do you recall where you got them?
I especially liked the tips on styling at a certain age in your blog post. Perhaps I’m a little late to the game.