"I look forward to fall fashion all year long, starting to think about the recommendations I’ll make (to myself or others) as early as June. And no, that’s not an exaggeration. I grew up (and still reside) in the rolling hills of Upstate New York. As a resident of the Northeast, I’m blessed to be well acquainted with idyllic fall. There is vibrant foliage as far as the eye can see and more local apple orchards and pumpkin patches than one can count. A constant blanket of crisp sweater weather creates a longing for warm drinks and sweet, spiced treats. My home instilled (and continues to foster) a very genuine, very devout love of the season.
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I look forward to pulling out my trusted fall fashion essentials year after year (my KJP Cozy Pumpkin Sweater and Sézane Adéle Boots come to mind). But I do also look forward to shopping new arrivals to celebrate the season. After all, the first official day of fall is practically a national holiday. Or at least, it should be. From wardrobe-building essentials to overly-seasonal accessories, these are the 12 fall fashion recommendations I’d make to anyone looking to build out their autumn wardrobe.
How I narrowed down my fall fashion recommendations for 2024
Heavily influenced by my surroundings—and with a penchant for seasonal dressing year round—I have a reputation for leaning in hard when it comes to fall outfitting. My friends, family, and even fellow community members will tell you it’s one of my identifiers. And, at this point, just a part of who I am. Staying true to my own style (in a nutshell, I’d describe it as cozy, seasonal, and preppy), I’m far from a minimalist this time of year. I enjoy using clothing to embrace and amplify the best that fall has to offer. Autumnal fair isle, plaid, and suede are just a few of my favorite things.
I recognize cozy maximalist fall fashion may not be everyone’s cup of tea (er, pumpkin spice latte?). But it’s something that’s brought me a lot of joy over the years. Especially now that I’m a mom and can enjoy dressing seasonally alongside my kids. Some of the items below are ones I’ve recently added to my wardrobe (and have obsessed over this year). Others are my tried-and-true favorites.
1. Sézane Gabrielle Low Boots
I can’t remember the last time I was so excited to open a package. These boots are both fashionably stunning and practical enough to wear day in and day out. Since becoming a mom, I’m constantly on the hunt for footwear that suits the needs of my lifestyle without sacrificing style. This time of year it’s doing “all the fall” activities with the fam—and these boots fit the bill. The crust leather is absolutely breathtaking. I love that they embody a trending equestrian vibe without straying too far into either cowboy or English riding boot territory.
I am so excited to wear these every single day this season with dresses, trouser shorts, and skirts. While the price point makes these boots a bit of a splurge, I can attest that the quality is second to none. And having owned Sézane boots for years, I know that they will stand the test of time.
2. Sézane Wallace Shorts
In the fall, I love styling trouser shorts with long sleeves and tall boots. The combination is unexpected and underutilized, and yet utterly well suited for 60-degree fall days. When I saw these wool shorts hit the Sézane site, I knew I had to nab a pair in taupe. It’s a demure shade that will complement many of the fall sweaters and boots I already own. The button detailing is eye-catching, adding a hint of the preppy twee aesthetic a number of us associate with the fall.
3. AE Pleated It Knit Plaid Skort
Call me basic, but when the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing I love more than a preppy plaid skirt. I consider it to be one of my best fall fashion recommendations. As a mom to an almost-2 and almost-4-year-old, I’ve been embracing the skort trend for several years. I wear these fun, shorts-included skirts at least twice per week. I love this skort in particular, as it throws academia without sacrificing comfort. The material is soft, and the waistband is forgiving. This piece—styled with crew neck sweaters and cardigans—has truly become a fall staple in my work-from-home fashion rotation. Bonus: This skort also comes in tall sizing for those seeking extra coverage.
4. Abercrombie Rugby Polo Shirt Dress
There’s something about a rugby polo that I just can’t resist. Double the sentiment when a piece is comfortable but still allows me to look put-together on Zoom calls. I recently purchased this affordable shirt dress. After wearing it, loving it, and receiving many compliments on it, I couldn’t resist clicking “place order” on the second color.
I’ve been enjoying styling this dress with my favorite fall boots and jackets. I have even been layering tennis skirts underneath for an additional visual layer and increased functionality.
2 colors available
sizes XXS – XL; 3 lengths
5. EllandEmm 1989 Classic Trench
I’ve been wanting to add a reliable trench coat to my wardrobe for years. They’re the epitome of fall chic. While I’ve tried a few here and there, I had—up until recently—failed to find one that didn’t leave my 5’3’’ frame drowning in fabric. When I saw one of my favorite small brands was releasing a trench coat this season (with an adjustable length!), I couldn’t help but clear space in my coat closet.
Spoiler alert: EllandEmm delivered yet again. This trench coat is absolute perfection. From a flattering fit to corduroy detailing to the chicest little brand embroidery on the collar, this piece will have a place in my wardrobe until it’s threadbare.
6. Quince Cotton Cable Crew Sweater
I’d argue that no piece screams “fall fashion” more than a cable knit sweater. Last year, I scoured the internet for a cable knit in autumnal orange (that didn’t cost $150+) and came up short. I was so excited to find this absolutely perfect sweater from Quince in a beautiful queue-up-Gilmore-Girls ginger hue. Sweater in hand, I can attest that the quality surpasses the price point, making Quince sweaters one of my top fall fashion recommendations. The weight is heavy enough to wear on even the chilliest of fall days. This piece practically begs to be worn to a pumpkin patch or out trick-or-treating with the kids.
7. Kiel James Patrick Pumpkin Queen Hat
My friends and family know me for my love of all things pumpkin. Considering it’s an obsession I’ve touted since childhood, I’m beyond caring if it makes me “one of those girls.” Instead, I have chosen to just embrace it. I’ve found Kiel James Patrick to be an essential brand for shamelessly embracing and expressing a love of fall.
While I already own a number of the brand’s fall sweaters and sweatshirts (including the aforementioned Cozy Pumpkin sweater), I had to add this Pumpkin Queen hat to my collection. It can instantly fall-ify any outfit.
8. Abercrombie Mid Rise Slouchy Jean
Is it even fall if you don’t add a new pair of jeans to your wardrobe? Up until recently, I was one of the many who had fallen into the trap of thinking high-rise was the only rise. Then, a couple of months ago, I realized high-rise was neither the most comfortable nor flattering silhouette for my body shape.
Since coming to this realization, I’ve been on the hunt for a go-to pair of mid-rise loose denim. Knowing that Abercrombie jeans are a league above the rest in quality and fit, I scoped this pair out as “the ones.” I’m looking forward to styling them with all my favorite sweaters and blouses this fall. And I know the loose silhouette will look both so cozy when styled with UGGs and chic when styled with flats.
9. Abercrombie Oxford Mini Shirt Dress
In my experience, the best way to make a fall outfit pop is through layering. A cozy cardigan, boot socks, a colorful headband, tights… these are the fun pieces that make the outfit. But amidst the excitement that is finishing touches, you can’t forget about the base layer. I recently added this Oxford shirt dress from Abercrombie to my closet and am confident it will be worn close to once a week from now until December. I’m looking forward to pairing it with my favorite fall sweaters and boots.
10. J.Crew Retro Leather Headband
Between the morning workouts I refuse to sacrifice and school drop-offs, I don’t often have time to style my hair during the workweek. I love throwing a headband on to feel a little more pulled together.
I recently nabbed this quality hair accessory on sale for $18, and it’s the best less-than-20 purchase I’ve made in a while. While it feels especially appropriate for the fall and holiday season, I know this piece will also receive plenty of wear at any time of year.
11. Madewell Vest in Yarn-Dyed Plaid
Vests have been popular for a while now. While I hadn’t previously gotten into this particular sleeveless top trend, last fall I found myself wishing I’d added one to my closet. Both the color and pattern of this Madewell vest feel height-of-autumn. And as a mom to young children, I love that it’s machine washable.
I’m heading to a professional conference this year, so I’ve been on the hunt for pieces that are both weather and occasion-appropriate. This top fits the bill. Of all the fall fashion recommendations I can make, I firmly believe that workwear-inspired pieces are some of the most timeless.
12. UGG Tasman Slippers
I do not (repeat: do not) care if these shoes are allegedly on the way out. They are simply too comfortable and too practical for mom life to relinquish. They also go with 99.9 percent of fall outfits and amp up the cozy factor by approximately 1,000 percent simply with their addition. (And yes, these figures are exact.)
I shamelessly added a new pair to my closet this summer and am looking forward to wearing them with pride all fall long. As a size 9.5, I intentionally opted for the low heel (versus the popular Tazz Platform Slipper) to avoid my foot looking like a boat. I’m excited to style these UGGs with both jeans and skorts.
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Emilee Janitz, Contributing Writer
Emilee is an accomplished communications strategist and lifestyle journalist. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies. She is a Contributing Fashion Writer for The Everygirl and has additionally been published on POPSUGAR, Motherly, MSN, and Yahoo.