If you ask me, the best part of the turning seasons is the chance to transition my closet. As much as I love summer, come August, I can’t help but get excited about all things fall. The temps finally cool, the leaves start to turn, fall produce fills the grocery stores, and my favorite jackets and jeans make their reappearance into my wardrobe. Denim shorts are great and all, but every year I look forward to adding a few new fall wardrobe essentials to my repertoire, without breaking the bank.
20 Fall Wardrobe Essentials Under $200
There’s something so exciting to me about fall fashion. It’s a season that invites creativity, layering, and a touch of coziness. The right fall wardrobe essentials work overtime, creating countless outfit combinations that keep you looking fresh throughout the season. From the perfect chunky knit to a comfy pair of boots, I’m sharing every seasonal item I have my eye on this year. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte, and get ready to fill your cart with fall wardrobe essentials—all for under $200.
Agolde Cherie High Rise Straight Jeans
The number one thing your fall wardrobe needs is a good pair of straight-legged jeans. While I still love baggy denim, I tend to opt for a more fitted pair in the fall to balance out chunky sweaters and jackets. I love the Cherie jeans from Agolde, as they are the perfect straight-fit that can still be worn with booties and sneakers alike.
Madewell Suede Essentials Slouch Hobo Bag
It’s officially suede season, and this suede hobo bag from Madewell is an affordable option for fall. I love the look of suede, but due to the material’s fragile nature, I am always a bit hesitant to spend a large amount of money on it. I appreciate that this bag is still super high quality, but it’s also durable enough to take everywhere. Big enough to hold everything you might need on a fall day—including extra layers—this bag is a must.
J.Crew Winona Penny Loafers in Spazzolato Leather
While chunky loafers were all the rage last fall, I predict that a more sleek and slim look will be popular for fall 2024. Ballet flats’ more mature older sister, a loafer is one of my favorite shoes to style alone with denim or with socks and shorts. This pair from J.Crew is at the top of my fall wardrobe essentials wishlist.
Dissh Elle Dark Chocolate Blazer
If you know me, you know that an oversized blazer is my go-to outfit any time of the year—especially during the fall. I’ll throw on an oversized blazer with jeans and loafers for work or with shorts and knee-high boots for going out and always feel my cutest. Chocolate brown is my favorite fall hue and I can’t wait to get my hands on this blazer from Dissh.
Everlane The Barn Jacket
Barn jackets are one of the top trends emerging for fall 2024, and this jacket from Everlane is everything. Similar to the viral Dôen jacket that sold out almost immediately, this lightweight, khaki-colored jacket is the ultimate fashion-forward fall layer. Before the temps get too cold, I would style this with boxer shorts, a white tee, and socks with loafers.
Sézane Lucas Jumper
Stripes are going to be everywhere this fall, and this Sézane sweater is the perfect timeless but trendy piece to add to your fall wardrobe. The neckline, buttons, and rib knit are to die for, and I love that the white and navy stripes will go with everything while still being a statement. You can truly never have too many chunky knits in your closet, and this is a fun one to add to the rotation.
Mango Double-Button Trench Coat
While temps cool in the fall, in many parts of the country, it’s still not cold enough for a full-blown coat. Enter: the trench coat. Thin enough to layer and warm enough not to freeze, a trench coat truly is fall’s perfect jacket. If the full-length look isn’t for you, there are plenty of cropped versions that still do the trick.
Reformation Delanie Top
This houndstooth vest is the fall version of my favorite linen vests. There’s something about a structured vest that looks so elevated and sharp, even though it’s essentially just a tank. I’d pair this vest with dark denim and layer it with an oversized blazer if it’s chilly.
Steve Madden Delvie Brown/Red Leather Boots
Pointed-toe boots might be my favorite trend that came out of last fall. Lucky for all of us, they aren’t going anywhere this year. I love the way the pointed toe elongates the legs, feeling super feminine and sexy. These booties from Steve Madden are a deep merlot (which I think will be one of the colors of the season) and the perfect height to wear under jeans.
Sézane Sofie Dress
I’m a firm believer that denim is the fabric of fall, and this denim dress is most definitely a fall wardrobe essential. Styled with sneakers, loafers, boots or heels, this is a dress that can do it all. I’m excited to get creative with belts this fall and think this dress would look amazing belted at the waist with a pair of to-the-knee boots.
Petite Moments Phoenix Belt With Disc Studs
As I said, I’m excited to get creative with styling with belts this fall, and this Khaite look-a-like is at the top of my list. Worn simply with jeans, at the waist over a dress, and even over a blazer, the addition of a belt can transform an outfit. I love the dark brown and gold combo, but it also comes in black and silver if that better suits your style and vibe.
Levi’s Vintage Overalls
White denim overalls were on my summer wardrobe essentials list, so naturally, these vintage-inspired Levi’s had to make my fall wardrobe faves as well. Layered over the perfect white tee with a cardigan over your shoulders, these overalls make for an effortless, yet styled fall fit.
Banana Republic The 90s Denim Trucker Jacket
One of the most basic, but hardest to get right, fall wardrobe essentials is a denim jacket. I’m sure almost all of us have one in our closets, but only a handful of us are actually obsessed with the one we have. I love a denim jacket that has a slightly more interesting shape than the classic fit, and this trucker jacket from Banana Republic is just that – boxy, oversized, and perfect for fall layering.
Daily Drills Ribbed Baby Tee
Ringer tees are the perfect layering fall wardrobe essential, as the colored neckline adds a touch of color when worn under sweaters and jackets. The Daily Drills Ribbed Baby Tee has long been a favorite of mine, and this colorful rendition is the perfect addition to my closet. I’m excited to think outside of the box when it comes to styling this red ringer tee. It would be so fun paired with a Canadian tuxedo look.
Abercrombie Mid Rise Barrel Jean
Though I typically gravitate toward light-wash denim, a dark-to-mid-wash pair of jeans is essential for fall. I love the barrel shape of these jeans from Abercrombie. They would look perfect with pointed-toe booties and a fitted sweater. If you’re scarred by the Abercrombie graphic tees from your teens, I urge you to set your prejudice aside, because the brand’s jeans are truly among the best of the best.
Jenni Kayne Everyday Slim Crewneck
Speaking of a fitted sweater, if you’re looking to invest in cashmere for fall, let it be the Everyday Slim Crewneck from Jenni Kayne. The perfect weight and fit for layering, I guarantee this sweater will be the base for all of your cozy fall fits. This is a sweater that will last you for years to come.
COS Cropped Wool Cardigan
A grey cardigan is arguably one of the most essential fall wardrobe staples. It goes with everything, can be worn open or closed, and is simultaneously comfy and chic. I’m currently loving this slightly cropped wool cardigan from COS, as it hits right at the waistband of my jeans and keeps me at the perfect temp. If grey isn’t your thing, this fit also comes in black.
Aritzia The Effortless Pant
Previously only an office staple, black trousers are one of my favorite pieces to revisit when fall rolls around. I love that they can be dressed up with a heel and a blouse or down with a tee and sneakers, and the Aritzia Effortless Pant truly makes doing both feel effortless. Available in a range of lengths and colors, the perfect pair exists for us all.
Clare V Corduroy Baseball Hat
Another staple fall fabric, corduroy is ready to make a comeback in your closet. From pants to jackets, corduroy is super warm and comfy, but I’m currently eyeing this unique Clare V baseball hat to add a seasonal touch to the most basic of outfits. The color and the fit are both a definite “oui” for me.
Heaven Mayhem Ribbed Gold Earrings
Every turtleneck needs a statement earring to go with it, and Heaven Mayhem is home to the best. During a season when necklaces and bracelets are often hidden, it’s a great time to invest in earrings. This vintage-inspired, gold ribbed pair will go with every outfit you create this fall and will earn you compliments everywhere you go.
