10 Closet Must-Haves for Fall

The first day of fall is always so exciting, especially in a year when time has seemed to stand still.

As much as I love summer, I’m definitely a fall-winter girl when it comes to clothes. I am all about the layers!

This year, without many places to go, I don’t see myself investing in a lot of new pieces for my wardrobe. So I came up with a list of my “10 Closet Must Haves” as we move into fall, keeping it pretty simple. This isn’t quite a capsule wardrobe, but all of these pieces can be worn with each other– giving you enough variety to keep it fresh. As always, I tend to go with pieces that are a little more casual and classic. I don’t think you’ll find many surprises on my list.

Please note: I’ve tried to link all of the pieces I mention here to make shopping easy if there is anything you’d like to buy. Just think of me as your personal shopper and fit model.

Here are the 10 things I have in my closet to get me from summer to fall:

Blue and white striped blouse. I have a slight problem when it comes to anything blue and white striped…I love it all! But a true staple in my closet is a blue and white striped blouse that I can wear with jeans, under a cardigan, or dressed up with a blazer for a work meeting/zoom call. The one I’m wearing above with a ruffle collar is a dream. (I’m wearing a S.) J.Crew is currently offering 30% off your purchase or 40% off purchases over $200 with the code FALLISHERE.

Great pair of jeans. Denim is part of my daily uniform. I’m a huge fan of J.Crew’s high-rise 9″ or 10″ skinny jeans in a darker wash. This year, I’m also experimenting with some high-rise straight-leg jeans and this pair from Mother Denim has just the right amount of stretch. If you’re a local, Lake Forest’s Lillie Alexander Ltd. has a huge selection you can choose from and try on. (I wear a 28-29 in both brands.)

Loafers. I’ve never met a loafer I didn’t love. These from leopard calf-hair Sam Edelmans are my favorite from last year, and lucky for us, they have them available again. Great price point, so comfortable, and an easy way to infuse a little animal print into what you wear.

Statement sunglasses. These sunglasses from the brand Quay are one of my top-five purchases from quarantine. They can be sporty or glam, and I think they take everything I wear up a notch. And, you can’t beat the price!

A versatile tote. I’ve always had a weakness for bags and the minute you put my monogram on it, I’m a goner. But this fantastic utility canvas tote from the brand Bagging Rights has been my favorite of late. It has loads of pockets, and works well as a crossbody and a top-handle bag. I have it in navy. While mine isn’t currently on sale, there are three colors (khaki, natural, and slate gray) that are 50% off with the code BIGSALE. But, if your heart is set on the navy, you can get 10% off with the code ANNMARIE10.

White blouse. Give me a ruffle and I’m a happy girl. I love this sleeveless blouse from J.Crew. It looks great on its own, or under a sweater or blazer. (I’m wearing a small. This piece definitely runs large.)

Navy blazer. I pull this blazer out of my closet year after year and it still looks as fresh as it did the first fall I bought it. This classic staple adds just a little polish to anything I’m wearing, and is a great layering piece for cool days, or for when I get to start traveling again.

Silk scarf. Sometimes it’s all about the little details that can take a fine outfit to a fab one. A little scarf tied at the wrist will take any jeans and tee combo up a notch. This Goddess scarf from Deseda is my absolute favorite. It also looks terrific in hair, at the neck, or tied on a tote bag. Deseda is offering 20% off your purchase with the code ANNMARIE at checkout, both in-store and online.

Long cardigan. A long cardigan can carry you far, or at least until you need to wear a real coat. These open-front cardigans are an absolute favorite and J.Crew often issues new color ways throughout the season. A gray or black one is a must.

White tennis shoes. I love Tretorn all-white tennis shoes as much as I did when I was in high school. This platform style makes these a little a more modern and promises to make any outfit a lot more fun.

Please let me know if you have questions about any of these items. I’m happy to help find the right one for you. This year, it’s all about keeping it simple.

Happy happy first day of fall!

xo,

My name is Ann Marie Scheidler and I'm thrilled you've decided to check out my blog. I'm a pearl-loving yogi with a thing for travel, a weakness for beautiful bags, and a passion for storytelling. In this space, I'll be sharing stories about my family, go-to recipes, my wellness journey, fashion and beauty favorites, and my love for Chicago’s North Shore. I find new inspiration wherever I go. Thanks so much for coming along for the ride!

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0 Comments

  1. Judy Powell wrote:

    You look terrific in each and every look!!! And, your new black door and fall touches motivate me to do the same! It’s fall!!! (Florida too)

    Posted 9.22.20 Reply
  2. You are so cute Ann Marie! Those jeans look fab on you, and I love you in that long cream sweater – such an elegant vibe. But of course, the Goddess scarf style is my fav!! Perfect wrist wrap, girl, and so much fun!

    Posted 9.22.20 Reply
    • Ann Marie Scheidler wrote:

      You taught me everything I know! xo

      Posted 9.26.20 Reply
  3. Jenny wrote:

    Ann Marie – I have long admired your style. This season its my hair that needs a little help, any chance you could give us some tips on how you style yours lightly curled… iron, rollers, natural air dry….

    Posted 10.1.20 Reply
    • Ann Marie Scheidler wrote:

      Jenny, thank you so much for your note. I struggle with my hair, too. I literally wore a wet ponytail for all of quarantine. When I need to go somewhere nice or take pictures for my blog, I actually head to the local blowdry bar for a little help. But I think a tutorial is a great idea. I need to learn! In the meantime, one of my favorite bloggers “Living With Landyn” does a tutorial on beach waves. I think if you search her blog for “beach waves” or “hair tutorial,” it will pop up!

      Posted 10.1.20 Reply
  4. […] 10 Closet Fall Must Haves […]

    Posted 11.5.20 Reply