The Top Ten Items You Need in Your Fall Wardrobe

Every year fall rolls around, seemingly out of nowhere, and before you know it your favorite sundress or pair of shorts is no longer suitable for the chill of the DC air. You can still layer your favorite summer shirt under a cardigan or throw on tights and boots with your favorite flowy skirt, but there are a few essential items that will make your fall wardrobe both stylish and easy to manage.
 
 
 

 
 
1.     An Oversized Sweater
Whether you’re going to a class or taking a walk down to M Street with friends, an oversized sweater is a wardrobe essential. These typically come in different styles such as slouchy cardigan, crewneck or cable knit, but it’s up to you to decide which your fit is! For class pair it with leggings and ballet flats, but if you want to take it to the next level, add boots along with a slouchy scarf, high ponytail and hoops and you’re good to go.
 
2.     A Denim Shirt
Denim shirts are one of my staples because of their versatility and comfort factor. A big denim shirt is great to wear with a belt, grey leggings and your favorite pair of basic shoes, like Toms. Try a fitted denim shirt tucked into a high waisted skirt with a pair of pumps or high heel boots for a chic take on this classic shirt.
 
3.     Reliable Pair of Boots
Keeping a sturdy pair of boots in your closet is a necessity. They can be brown or black, leather or suede, tall or short as long as they fit your style and can work with different outfits. The perfect pair will be able to carry an outfit from day to night. For a:
·         classic take – brown leather riding boots
·         chic take – black or tan suede slouchy boots 
·         edgy take – short black motorcycle boots
 
4.     Jewel Toned Dress
Everyone knows the LBD (little black dress), but fall is the perfect time to break out a classic silhouette in an unexpected color. Whether it is a shift, day dress or a long-sleeved mini, a richly toned color will add unexpected dimension. Colors such as emerald, mustard, royal purple, burgundy and cobalt may seem daunting, but if you find the perfect shade to suit your tastes you’re in good shape!
 
5.     Go-To Scarf
A scarf is perfect for one of those days when you know your walk to class will be chillier than others. Aside from warmth, a scarf is great for either dressing up or dressing down an outfit. There’s the classic scarf, one that you wrap around your neck yourself; the collar scarf, which sits around your collarbone; and the infinity scarf, a loop that you can twist around your neck. When making a shopping trip into DC, try an infinity scarf with a big button down and leggings, or pair a patterned scarf with a solid dress and blazer for special events.

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6.     A Touch of Animal Print
Sometimes animal prints get a bad reputation. They’re viewed as tacky, cheesy or Jersey Shore-esque when actually they could be that subtle detail your outfit needs. Start off simply by pairing a leopard belt with black jeans and a white button down or switch out the belt and try a ballet flat in the same print. A white v-neck tucked into a black pencil skirt is simple enough that you can add a cardigan in a grey leopard or cheetah print and be able to pull it off.
 
7.     The Perfect Pair of Jeans
This may seem obvious but jeans have always been and will always be a necessary part of almost every wardrobe. They come in different washes, lengths, styles and fits, which makes it a little tricky to find your perfect pair, but you can do it! Refer to your favorite magazines or look online and get suggestions so next time you go shopping and you’re still in need of your “Holy Grail” jeans you’ll know what to look for.
 
8. Your Statement Jewelry Piece
There are many different mantras when it comes to wearing jewelry: mix metals, wear a lot, wear a little, match to your outfit, etc., etc., etc. My motto is probably a combo of all these ideas, but the one thing I would stress is to not over-do it. When people can’t tell what item of jewelry you’re wearing is when you’ve gone too far! If you’re wearing some attention-grabbing earrings, skip the big chunky necklace and wear a thin bracelet or a ring. Try to have one piece be the feature and keep the rest of the jewelry balanced.
 
9.     A Bright Blouse
It’s easy to only wear dark and neutral colors in the fall, but breaking out of this pattern can give your style a breath of fresh air. A chiffon blouse in green, blue, pink, or any lively color will brighten up your whole look. For class, tone your shirt down by pairing it with jeans and a big, loose cardigan. To take this look into night mode for a party or dinner with your closet friends, wear black skinny jeans, your blouse, nude pumps and a leather jacket.
 
10.             Mixed Men’s Wear
 Mixed men’s wear may sound masculine, but most of you probably practice this style every day. Some of my favorite examples of this style are blazers, boyfriend jeans, button downs, and flannel shirts. Items such as boyfriend jeans are perfect for casual wear but make sure to pair them with a fitted top so you don’t look completely shapeless! Blazers can almost always pull together any look, making it a perfect transition piece. When going on a casual date with your boyfriend or a nice lunch with friends, pair a blazer with boyfriend jeans, a white tee, scarf and flats. If you’re heading out at night to a party, put together a pair of dark jeggings or leggings (your choice!) with a flowy top, high ponytail, hoop earrings, and you’re set.
 

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