Fall 2022 Wardrobe Staples
It’s not a coincidence that the largest issue of fashion magazines always comes out in the fall. There’s even a documentary about it. Something about starting over in the fall injects a shot of creativity. Plus, the weather is perfect for experimental fashion - cold enough for chic sweaters, jackets, blazers, and layers, but warm enough to show some skin and still indulge in some minor impracticality.
Trends are moving towards the oversized - but that doesn’t just mean “big.” Ensure that clothes fit your shoulders, limbs, and torso length the way you want. That way you can get the silhouette you want without looking like you are drowning in fabric.
FYI - this post does not contain affiliate links. I’m just out here trying to be helpful.
Chunky Knit Sweaters
Trends change, but fisherman sweaters are forever. Current trends lean towards looser and warmer knits (thank goodness). Classic pattens include cable knit, fair isle, and relaxed cashmere.
Get your sweaters from timeless brands and vintage shops. You may pay a little more, but your wallet will thank you in the long run. And please, I beg you, take care of them!
Kiel James Patrick Apple Sweater - $128
J. Crew Green Ribbed Cardigan - $128
Old Navy Mustard Ribbed Cardigan -
L.L. Bean Cream Crewneck Cable Knit Sweater - $60
Everlane Striped Cashmere Polo - $185
Old Navy Brown Variegated Knit Sweater - $40
L.L. Bean Ivory and Brown Fair Isle Sweater - $89
Straight Denim
The stranglehold that skinny jeans had on us for nearly 15 years is officially finished. Moving forward it’s all about relaxed denim - boot cut, straight leg, mom jeans, and my favorite, dad jeans. A true dad jean is a touch baggy (think Monica Geller, not JNCO) - and very comfortable.
J. Crew Full Length Demi-Boot Jean in Kamari - $128
Everlane “The Baggy Jean” in Inky - $118
Old Navy Loose Ripped Jean - $55
Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise 90s Jean in Light - $89
Levi’s Baggy Dad Jean Classic Wash - $108
Madewell Perfect Vintage Straight Jeans - $128
Chunky Boots
One way to easily elevate your current clothes to the moment - pair them with a chunky shoe. Loafers rule the spring and summer, and they’ll serve you well into fall. But with rain, snow, leaves, and everything in between, thick-soled and square toed boots are practical as well as cute. Pro trip from a Coloradoan: get thee some waterproofing spray. You’ll thank me when your favorite suede boots escape the winter unmarred by salt and slush.
Madewell The Rayna Lace Up Boot in Olive - $198
Target Off-white Olly Platform Boot - $40
L.L. Bean Fleece-lined (!!) Duck Boot - $179
Old Navy Faux Suede Chelsea Boot in Chestnut - $40
Dr. Marten’s Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots (the classic) - $170
& Other Stories Chunky Tall Leather Boot in Cream - $279
Mia Alejandro Bootie in Stone - $80
Mango Square Toe Leather Boot - $249
Relaxed Trousers
One nineties trend that is absolutely roaring in - pleated slacks as casual wear. TikTok It Girls are wearing graphic tees with pleated slacks, chunky sneakers, and minimalist jewelry. but they pair beautifully with a camisole and cardigan, full-size vest, or any number of tops. Not only is this trend nostalgic, it’s also practical. No squeezing yourself into punishingly tight pants.
Abercrombie Brown Tailored Wide-Leg Pant - $90
Gap Green Pleated Khaki - $35
Levi’s Dad Corduroy Pants - $118
Madewell Rust Corduroy Tapered Pant - $98
Everlane Black Relaxed Chino - $98
Target Relaxed Fit Tapered Ankle Pants - $28
ASOS Pow Check Tapered Pant - $37
Turtlenecks
As a tween I couldn’t imagine anything more dorky than a turtleneck. As a perpetually cold adult, I love them. Turtlenecks in a thin knit are the perfect layering piece. Put them under dresses, sweaters, tees, crewnecks, they’ll do it all! And sleeveless turtlenecks are perfect for when you live in Los Angeles but want to look like you live in New York.
Old Navy Green Rib Knit Turtleneck - $23
J. Crew Brown Tissue Turtleneck - $25 (my favorite for layering!)
Marine Layer Mock Neck Top - $35
Gap White Sleeveless Mock Neck Top - $20
Uniqlo Brown Merino Ribbed Turtleneck - $50
Aritzia Mauve Everyday Mock Neck - $45
Norma Kamali Black 3/4 Mock Neck - $60
Slip Dresses
Slip dresses were everywhere last year, and they’re not going away. Now that we can mostly leave our homes again, people are naturally desperate to dress in something other than sweat pants. Slip dresses pair very well with leather jackets and combat boots - their delicate silhouettes provide a nice contrast to heavier garments. If you like to keep it ALL delicate though - a J. Crew tissue turtleneck under a satin slip dress with a ballet flat? Timeless.
Aritzia Wine Wilfred Mini Slip Dress - $98
Old Navy Tawny Satin Midi Slip Dress - $45
Madewell Brown Print Viscose Slip Dress - $165
Allsaints Tierney Leppo Slip Dress - $155
Abercrombie Botanical Print Satin Slip Dress - $100
Zara Teal Slip Dress - $60
Trench Coats
Trench coats are a classic fall pick. Really, a classic pick in general! Long (think ankle length) is the current name of the game. But a respectable trench coat of any length is the centerpiece of any good outerwear wardrobe. You can go full practical with a hooded waterproof trench, or pick a lightweight number good for nearly any climate.
London Fox Maxi Trench in Stone - $194
Old Navy Tan Water Resistant Trench - $85
J. Crew Leopard Trench - $300
Modcloth Navy Crepe Coat - $159 (not technically a trench - kind of an in-between trench/pea coat perfect for fall)
Gap Black Oversized Hooded Coat - $133
Buckle Vigoss Plaid Trench - $52
Knee-length Skirts
Last year, schoolgirl pleated miniskirts were everywhere. This year, we’re looking at sultry skirts in longer lengths. For a look that’s more fashion than office, go for frothy materials like satin or knits, or heavier materials like corduroy and denim.
For year-over-year classics like trench coats and boots, it’s worth a little investment. But, I promise you, a $600 a Burberry trench is not absolutely necessary. I wore my $50 H&M trench coat for nine years. I got a pair of Hunter rain boots for $20 at my local thrift store. Quality brands (J. Crew, L.L. Bean, Gap, Everlane) are always worth looking into when they popup on resale sites and thrift shops.
Building a good wardrobe is about having a mix of trends and timeless - and fall is a great time to gather stylish, timeless basic pieces while you experiment with trends via silhouette and accessories.
