3 Must-Have Fall Pieces Your Wardrobe Needs Now

Fall is officially here! I love this time of year for so many reasons: Cooler weather, changing leaves, pumpkin everything. But, the thing I love the most is getting my closet ready for Fall. I usually start the transition in late September. I get all my warmer clothes out of storage and assess each piece to determine if it has earned a spot in my collection for another season. If it has, I try it on, style it a few ways, and make sure it is ready to wear. I sell or donate the rest. At the start of each season, just as I do for my clients, I create an Essentials List for myself with items I need to round out my wardrobe. If you are just starting to build your wardrobe, this can seem a little overwhelming. You might feel like you need, well, everything! But, there is no reason to fret. If your closet is stocked with the basics, then just a few key pieces will help you carry over and extend your wardrobe into Fall. These are the 3 must-have Fall pieces your wardrobe needs now! I think they great transitional pieces and can be tailored to your specific personal style, region, and budget! 1. JACKET  

The denim jacket is a great transitional piece that can be worn nearly year round! It can be worn as a top layer or worn as a layering piece underneath a heavier coat for a sporty, chic look. Denim jackets can be worn over dresses, with maxis, with denim (as long as it is a different shade/wash), or even over a cocktail dress on a girl's night out! The denim jacket is a great piece to tone down dressier items or add an element to your overall look that is effortlessly cool. Pair your denim jacket with a great chunky scarf during the cooler months for even more interest (and warmth)!

While the jacket here (by Michael Kors) is gorgeous, you don't have to drain your bank account to find a great (faux) leather jacket. There are plenty of options out there. Just use your discerning eye and buy the best quality you can afford! If it is too shiny, use this stylist tip: sand down the elbows and other naturally wearing areas for that "lived in" look. Just don't go overboard. Less is more! Look for styles with vertical and diagonal or angled lines for a longer, leaner look, like the one above. The leather jacket is timeless and can be worn with so many items in a ton of ways. Much like the denim jacket, the moto jacket is a great way to tone down dressier items but adds a special edge to ensembles that is just downright fierce. Try pairing your leather jacket with an ultra-feminine dress or skirt for an eclectic, unexpected look. Or, keep it simple and edgy by wearing it with your favorite denim, tee, and a long chunky scarf, and a killer boot. Either way, the leather jacket is a Fall season "DO"!

The military trend has been around for several seasons now and I don't see it going anywhere, anytime soon. The military jacket can be tough for many body types as it is typically very boxy with large pockets placed on the horizontal. Unless you are tall and thin, stay away from that style. Instead, look for jackets that are a little nipped in at the waist and that have slanted pockets instead of horizontal ones, like the bottom pockets in the picture above. Diagonal and vertical lines are universally flattering, as they create length visually. The military jacket adds a little romance to a lace or floral dress, mixing masculine and feminine. It also looks great with shorts in warmer months or the early days of Fall. Try wearing it as a belted shirt with your favorite denim and heels.  Or, wear it open, over your favorite tee with canvas sneakers. The possibilities for styling are really endless.

Let's face it, a (faux) fur jacket just adds an element of luxury and glamour to any ensemble. It can instantly take a simple look and turn it into something supremely special. Doing just the opposite of the denim jacket, the fur dresses up just about anything you pair it with. The fur jacket is a great addition to your wardrobe, especially if you are looking to take your look to the next level and add some elegance to your style. Pair your fur with dark denim and a simple top to allow the coat to be the showpiece, or wear it draped over your shoulders to channel old Hollywood glam. Worn with a gorgeous dress and heels, you will be the "it" girl of the party. One thing to remember, just like the leather jacket, buy the best quality you can afford. There are so many amazing designs out there at varied price points. Hunt for yours until you find the perfect one.   2. SWEATER

While cashmere is the ultimate in luxe it can be quite costly. The thing to consider is price per wear. If it is something you will wear a lot, then the price per wear will most likely make it affordable, even if it is a splurge. This is precisely why it is important to have a budget and an essentials list! This H&M sweater is rather affordable at $60, so you do have options!

Cardigans are probably my favorite thing on this list. They are so versatile and, they can be implemented into almost every wardrobe, regardless of  your personal style. Cardigans are great for layering, wearing them long and slouchy over slim pants, or cropped and fitted with a skirt. Cardigans can be casual or dressy, edgy or classic. They really are a workhorse.   3. BOOTS  Fall is definitely a time for boots! These military inspired combat boots are the prefect way to add something special to your look. Paired with a dress and tights and topped off with a cardigan is a great way to mix masculine and feminine. They also look great with skinny jeans. One thing to note about this type of boot: They don't look great on everyone. If you have thicker calves or ankles, steer clear. These boots are most flattering on women with a straight figure and/or slim legs.

Now these are great for creating that slimming silhouette if you have heavier or short legs. A lower vamp shows a little more skin and helps to elongate your gorgeous gams instead of hitting at your widest point. Boots or booties that hit higher on your legs will only make them appear shorter. Remember the tip about vertical and diagonal lines? Well, it applies to shoes too! Unless you need to add width, try to avoid horizontal lines and look for styles that hit lower on the ankle.

This bootie would look good on most legs as well. The dip in the front helps to give a peek of skin and creates a curved (read: diagonal) line across the front of the ankle. This style of bootie can be worn with skirts, denim, and dresses. They are especially well suited for you if you have a bohemian style or romantic style. Pair these with an Aztec print and turquoise jewelry or a soft floral print and denim. You will be a sight for sore eyes!  

A black (or brown) heeled boot is essential. They are great for wearing to work with a dress or a skirt, with tights, or under pants or jeans. The almond toe, like the ones pictured above, are flattering on just about everyone; they are neither too pointy nor too round. Look for a style that is near or at knee height. This type of boot will also look great on the weekends and for nights out on the town. Tuck a pair of your favorite denim into your boots, throw on a vintage graphic tee, a statement necklace, and your fur jacket for an exquisite, unexpected look.  

Riding boots are easy. They look good with pretty much everything. They are versatile and can take a beating from rain, snow, and mud. Riding boots are classic, chic, and necessary. They span the personal style spectrum and can fit into most wardrobes with ease. Pair them with a dress, tights, cardigan and a scarf for a cozy look. Wear them on game day with your favorite denim, team shirt, and military jacket. Throw on your favorite sweater dress, chambray shirt, and statement necklace for a cute date look. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.   I hope you enjoyed this post and I would love to hear what you have to say about it! If you are looking for help with your personal style or creating your very own Essentials List, please leave me a comment below! Happy Fall! XO, Kara