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5 key fall wardrobe essentials

key fall wardrobe essentials that every closet needs. the list could easily stretch to 10, but today we’re focusing on 5 key fall wardrobe essentials that will take you through fall in style.

what’s on my must-have list? let’s take a peek. many of the photos are from the blog archive and are no longer available for purchase. so i’ve linked similar items that you can add to your shopping cart today.

 

key fall wardrobe essentials

leather jacket

leather or suede jackets are the first items i reach for once the temperature drops. they’re classic, modern, and edgy all at the same time. and they add instant chic to any outfit. don’t forget leather or suede jackets are an investment that will last a lifetime. let’s see what’s next on our list – key fall wardrobe essentials.

brown suede jacket, green cashmere sweater, leopard flats

Shop Leather Jackets

sweater

what is it about sweaters that make my heart go pitter-patter? well, for one, they’re cozy, and they come in a variety of styles. sweaters can be oversized or slim-fitting, turtleneck or crew. what can i say, except they’re the perfect layering piece?

cashmere sweater, leather skirt and leopard scarf

Shop Sweaters

boots or booties

every season i try to add one pair of boots 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. what’s next on our key fall wardrobe essentials list?

Shop Boots & Booties

poncho

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.

ff 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. 

fall fashion with Walmart

favorite fall layers

Shop Ponchos & Ruanas

sweater blazer

last on the key fall wardrobe essentials list is a sweater blazer or coatigan. it’s half sweater, half blazer or coat. it’s a fantastic layer that exudes casual chic. typically oversized a sweater blazer can layer over a bulky sweater with ease. this is a wardrobe staple i reach for time and time again. it also pairs with gym clothes, pajamas, loungewear. anything and everything goes with a sweater blazer.

nine to five chic

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a red stadium coat, houndstooth cashmere scarf, white denim, striped cashmere crewneck, black ankle boots and quilted hobo handbag

Shop Sweater Blazers

About The Author

  1. Judy Feyen

    Leather/suede jackets, sweaters, vests OH MY! I can’t pick a favorite for fall and into winter. I love them all.

    1. the best season for fashion!

  2. Eve

    My favorite post of all! There is just so much to see and learn from these outfits. Thanks Beth. I love your blog and look forward to it every day.

    1. thanks for being here!

  3. petites can absolutely pull off most of the outfits on SaaCA. it’s all about proportions. if i pointed you to several petite-sized blogs you might change your tune.
    as a matter of fact, my dil is petite and we wear many of the same outfits.

    1. Judy

      I agree with you Beth. Iโ€™m 5โ€™1โ€, about 128 lbs. I use your blog as inspiration & oh my! I get lots of inspiration! I look for similar styles in petite sizes. Certain OOTDs wonโ€™t work for me because Iโ€™m pear shaped but again, I can still take some parts as inspiration or just wait until the next post. Keep inspiring us Beth!

      1. Aysun

        Tarzฤฑnฤฑzฤฑ ve sizi seviyorum.Kendi tarzฤฑma รงok benziyor belki de benim de baลŸak burcu olmamdan dolayฤฑdฤฑr MuฤŸla Tรผrkiye’den selamlar ๐Ÿ™‚

      2. NC Flower

        I too am a petite: 5’2.5″ (notice I have to get that half inch in!) and 125 lbs. I have a couple ruanas, booties, boots and think I can pull them off. I really liked today’s post — and kept nodding, “Yep, Yep, Yep”!

  4. MW Gillis

    Would love to know where the camel coatigan [you are on the porch in your photo] is from? I think you used to have links under your photos of where something can be found and that’s super convenient for your readers. Thanks…good post.

    1. on posts where there are lots of photos for inspiration, there are shopping widgets for shopping ease. check out Shop Sweater Blazers. hope this helps.

  5. Hetty

    Wonderful post. When we see so many fabulous outfits at one time sometimes we forget that a wardrobe such as Beth’s is not put together in a month or even a few months. But from years of curating classic quality pieces that stand the test of time. Terrific photos with something for everyone.

  6. Kathy

    IGreat post today. I love fall fashion, cozy sweaters and leather jackets. I love ruanas, too. All your basics I have and love their classic lines. Every fall I add a new sweater or two, pants, too. But most I have had for several years and they still look great. I add a new pair of booties as needed. I especially like the waterproof lines for here in the Pacific Northwest.

    1. classic style stands the test of time. if you have the basics on hand it’s easy to add an item or two every year.

  7. Tina

    Personally I love booties with skirts and dresses in the fall! Just curious, how tall are you Beth?

    1. it’s a very chic look! there’s a FAQ section on the blog that answers all the common questions. https://www.styleatacertainage.com/about-beth-djalali

  8. Deb Adams

    Loved this post. Some great styles. I really like your old format much better than the daily now. Show us style at a certain age. Itโ€™s why I subscribe. Be well.

    1. same content updated site.

  9. Lois Puglionesi

    I like the gray, turtleneck poncho you have on in the photos. Don’t see anything on the shopping widget I like as much. Is it available?

    1. the green turtleneck poncho is no longer available but there is a similar green turtleneck in the widget from Talbots. take a look.

  10. Excellent combinations
    Love the last black blazer.
    I wonder where is from
    Thank you for sharing

    1. that is an old sweater blazer from J.Crew.

  11. Paula Diekhoff

    I would be interested in knowing the petite size blogs you think would be helpful to those of us in that size range. Thanks!

  12. That cover photo with the grey poncho, jeans and booties is so my style. I live in Dallas and can wear that late fall, winter and early spring! Gorgeous! You look fabulous!

  13. Maeve

    Despite Beth’s lead-in, I don’t get the whole poncho/ruana thing. I used to keep a shawl at work b/c I could discard it quickly for meetings, but it was there if I got cold. I don’t know anyone who wears them in a business setting. They mess up your hair when you remove them and restrict movement. IMHO driving in a long or fringed poncho is dangerous. I’ll take a blazer over a shawl any day.

    1. if you’re nursing a shoulder or arm injury a poncho or ruana is the best remedy. plus, they รผber chic.

  14. rarz

    Where did you find that fabulous suede crossbody bag you are wearing with the rust jacket and olive pants? Thanks!

Navy Coat winter outfit

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