First, let’s make sure those essentials are in place. When you have a solid foundation of versatile pieces that work with everything, it’s SO much easier to mix in the fun stuff and actually create outfits with it.

If you’re new to my Foundations + Flair approach, you can read more about my philosophy for crafting a versatile wardrobe HERE.

So, let’s start with the Foundations! Here are the fall wardrobe essentials I rely on most.

SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.

Jeans

Of course, JEANS! They’re one of the biggest workhorses in a fall wardrobe, so having at least one pair you love makes getting dressed so much easier.

One of my main staples right now is the Quince Bella Wide Leg Jeans. On Instagram, I recently asked what your average price point is for jeans, and the vast majority of you said $50-$75.

WELL FRIENDS, if you haven’t checked these out yet, you MUST! They’re stretchy but structured, so they’re comfortable AND polished. They work on LOTS of different body shapes. (So many of our members and fellow PMTers wear them.) And they’re only $50! Available in regular, plus, short, long, and extra long sizing, HERE. I wear size 28 and own them in 5 colorways haha!!

That said…I’ve been drawn to wider jeans these days, so I recently ordered the Palazzo jeans. We’ll see how they fit!

Shop the Outfit:
– Top (wearing size S)
– Jeans (wearing size 28)
– Shoes (wearing size 9 — very comfy)
– Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Neutral Sweaters

Neutral sweaters go with everything, which makes them easy to wear on their own AND pair with livelier Flair pieces.

If I’m wearing a neutral sweater with something interesting, I’m happy to keep the sweater pretty simple. But if I’m pairing it with another basic, like jeans, I love a sweater with texture or subtle details to keep the outfit from feeling boring. Neutral does NOT have to mean boring!

I also keep a mix of short and long sleeves. It stays warm where I live for a LONG time, so short sleeve sweaters give me the fall look without making me overheat. 😆 I save long sleeves for late fall and winter.

For short sleeve options, one I’m loving lately is this one, which is soft and gives you an effortlessly relaxed but stylish look. Wearing it in black above, but it comes in several colors.

I also like THIS as a similar one that’s super affordable. I own this one in three colors and LOVE it. Very soft and effortless.

THIS one (shown in brown above) is a nicer option that you can wear in casual outfits but can also easily wear to work.

For long sleeve options, try THIS boyfriend sweater from Quince, or THIS fisherman sweater.

Shop Outfit #1:
– Sweater (wearing size S)
– Pants (wearing size 6)
– Boots (wearing size 9)
– Necklace (use code TAKE20 for 20% off!)
– Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Shop Outfit #2:
– Sweater (wearing size S)
– Jeans (wearing size 28)
– Necklace (use code TAKE20 for 20% off!)
– Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Neutral T-Shirts

Like neutral sweaters, neutral tees go with everything. Wear one with jeans for a simple outfit, or use it to ground printed pants, an interesting jacket, a skirt, or another Flair piece.

For white tees, THIS ONE is a GREAT heavier-weight option that holds its shape nicely, and it’s super affordable. I wear size S Petite (since I have a short torso).

THIS ONE is pricier but has good structure and a mildly oversized, modern fit. I wear it in size S.

I also just got THIS ONE for a fitted option that pairs especially well with voluminous pants and skirts. It’s also very affordable. I wear size S. It’s quite short, so get the Tall size for something longer.

Shop Outfit #1:
– Tee (wearing size S Petite)
– Pants (wearing size 6)
– Shoes (wearing size 9 — very comfy)
– Necklace (use code TAKE20 for 20% off)
– Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Shop Outfit #2:
– Tee (wearing size S)
– Jeans (wearing size M)
– Sneakers (wearing size 9)
– Necklace (use code TAKE20 for 20% off)
– Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Lifestyle Sneakers

Lifestyle sneakers are one of the few pieces I say every person MUST have. These are what you want to wear with jeans and a t-shirt instead of running sneakers when you want to look polished but still totally casual.

TIP: Look for a slim, sleek profile rather than something super clunky. It’ll be more versatile with jeans, casual pants, skirts, dresses, AND athleisure.

My current favorites are THESE with a cushioned footbed. I also really like THESE that I shared during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Neutral Flats

I like having flats in 2-3 neutral colors. I wear tan and nude most often. For some reason, I rarely reach for black flats—I wear black boots and heels much more—but I still keep a pair around when I need them.

TIP: Look for flats that are uncluttered around the ankle. They’ll work more easily with different cuts of jeans and pants, plus skirts and dresses.

Try THIS PAIR for a timeless option. The pointed toe adds instant polish without being TOO pointy. (I own them in red!)

THIS STYLE has also been popular for the last several seasons and continues to be strong this year. More colorways HERE.

You can also go for loafers!

Neutral Boots

Again, I recommend having 2-3 neutral colors. I reach for black, taupe, and tan most often.

TIP: Look for a sleek silhouette with a tall, narrow shaft and elongated toe box.

The tall, narrow shaft helps your boots work with almost ALL types of pants—from slim straight legs to wide legs and bootcuts, at ankle AND full lengths. An elongated toe box also helps extend your leg line and keeps your feet from disappearing underneath wider pants.

For casual outfits, I really like THESE. They’re water-resistant as well! This style pairs well with jeans and chunky casual sweaters or sweatshirts. (I have an older version from 1-2 years ago.)

For something dressier, I LOVE THESE, which are also water-resistant. Wear them with sweaters and jeans, to work, or for date-night outfits.

I also picked up THIS PAIR during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and love the taupey brown color. (Shown in pic above.)

I know some of the prices are a bit steep (they were better during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!) so HERE’S a casual option with that tall and narrow shaft.

Shop the Outfit:
– Sweater (wearing size S)
– Jeans (wearing size 27 — BUTTERY); more affordable similar pair (I wear 28)
– Boots (wearing size 9)
– Necklace (use code TAKE20 for 20% off!)

Versatile Jackets

Jacket styles have changed a TON over the last few years, and there are so many silhouettes to choose from now. Rather than saying you need one particular style, I find it more helpful to cover a few color categories:

• denim
• an olive or navy jacket, like a utility jacket or another cut
• a light-to-medium neutral jacket
• a darker neutral jacket

Between those, I almost always have a layer that works with my outfit.

For denim, I have several jackets nowadays, including THIS ONE in a classic style. It’s easy to throw over dresses or pair with chino pants. I wear it in size S.

An olive or navy jacket is super helpful, too. Try THIS adorable utility jacket (I wear size S), which I showed HERE. It’s lightweight and comfortable. Or try a navy option like THIS ONE.

I personally also love having a white or light grey jacket. For you, that might be light tan instead. The jackets I own are no longer available, but this beige one is so cute!! This tan coat also looks great and is waterproof! This tan cargo jacket is also SO CUTE!

And finally, I appreciate having a black jacket. I own THIS ONE and wear size S. If black is too harsh for your palette, try dark grey or chocolate brown.

Between all of those, I always have a layer that goes with my outfit!

Shop Outfit #1:
– Jacket (wearing size S)
– Jeans (wearing size 28); the slimmer wide leg
– Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Shop Outfit #2:
– Tee (wearing size S)
– Jacket (wearing size S)
– Pants (wearing size 28)
– Necklace (use code TAKE20 for 20% off)
– Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Shop Outfit #3:
– Top (wearing size S)
– Jacket (wearing size S)
– Pants (wearing size 28)

Wrapping It Up

And there you go — the Foundations! If you have these fall wardrobe essentials in place, you’ve got a solid base that makes getting dressed SO much easier. You can mix and match them with each other, but more importantly, they give you something to pair with all the fun stuff. 🙌

Speaking of the fun stuff, later this week, I’ll share part two: Fall Wardrobe Additions. I’ve been finding some CUTE printed tops, interesting pants, and other pieces that add more Flair to your fall outfits.

So, take stock of your Foundations today, and then come back Thursday for the Flair!