You know or have had the pleasure of meeting the woman we’re talking about. When she enters a room, the world stops and stares. She’s poised, graceful even, and constantly oozes unmatched feminine energy.
Oh, and don’t get us started on her signature scent – it’s sophisticated yet warm, sensual yet mysterious, subtle but with a dash of intensity. She’s everything you aspire to be: a put-together woman who doesn’t need to try that hard.
And while we might never unlock the secret to looking 100% that put together (what is life?), there’s one sure way for you to look as put together or at least pretend to have it all figured out. Enter closet staples.
A well-coordinated outfit can take you from basic bih to badass boss bih in seconds. And the best part? You don’t have to spend all your savings to achieve that. So, this fall, if the goal is to look a little more put together or at least manifest a put-together-kind-of-life, these ten fall closet staples need to be in your rotation, stat!
PSA: Macy’s is currently having a 20% off sale (ends Nov 25) on these fashion picks, so hurry while stocks last!
The Basic Black Turtleneck – And Now This Women’s Mockneck Eyelash Sweater, $50 ($25)
Whether you wear yours tucked into a pair of wide-leg work pants or underneath a roomy knit, a slim-fitting turtleneck or long-sleeved top is a non-negotiable fall closet staple.
And you don’t have to go with one look – you can choose a chunky knit, the fitted classic, or the slouchy mock neck – the bottom line is, you’ll need them all.
Bonus Tips:
- Turtlenecks are the ultimate layering essential and the epitome of timeless style for your fall wardrobe. To maximize potential outfit pairings, go for neutral turtlenecks – black, brown, or dark blue.
- Opt for cowl, funnel, and mock styles for a less traditional ensemble
- Luxurious cashmere is incredible, but chunky knits are equally as warm, cozy, and long-lasting
The Wear Everywhere Black Boots – Alfani Women’s Tackoma Lug Booties, $100 ($50)
Trust us when we tell you you’ll get more wear from rocking a pair of black boots than any other pieces you might consider. They’re trendy, a fall closet staple, and go with almost every chic look.
Top Tips:
- Go for boots in a classic suede or leather
- It’s best to choose neutral tones that effortlessly go with any ensemble
- Ankle boots pair perfectly with all types of fall outfits, from casual to preppy
A Statement Coat = Olivia Pope Vibes – INC Women’s Solid Belted Wool Coat, $200 ($100)
It doesn’t matter if it’s a trench or an oversized blazer. A true fashion girl knows a statement coat is a critical building block to a stylish and sophisticated OOTD. Plus, isn’t it the ultimate fall closet staple?
Sure, you might be wearing a pair of joggers or silky pajamas underneath, but a wool coat on top makes you look like you’re ready for anything – Matrix style!
The Cole Haan Double-Breasted Belted Wool Blend Trench Coat, $450 ($!80), is perfect for anyone obsessed with runway fall fashion.
A Chic Sweater Dress? Yes, Ma’am! – Nina Parker Trendy Ribbed Mock-Neck Bodycon Dress, $100 ($40)
It’s the fall closet staple that’s been taking over our feeds. And it isn’t just a nice-to-have dress but a one-and-done piece that will always give you comfort, look chic, and take you less than five minutes of effort.
Bonus Tips:
- Sweater dresses make it effortless to add a dash of glamor while staying warm and cozy
- Try various fabrics – alpaca, cashmere, cotton, or wool to find which works with your body type and likes
- Pair a sweater dress with fall closet staples such as leather or faux leather for that va-va-voom appeal!
The Structured Work Tote – Michael Kors Hadleigh Large Leather Tote, $300 ($104.30)
Treat yourself this fall and add this always-selling-out Michael Kors bag to your work handbag collection.
But if you want a smaller, mini version, the Logo Jet Set Charm Pouchette, $200 (89), would be perfect for a drinks-after-work affair. If not the ideal fall closet staple of 2023.
The Sleek Smoking Loafer – Steve Madden Women’s Lando Tailored Lug Sole Bit Loafers, $79 ($47.40)
For fall, quietly luxurious loafers are any fashion-obsessed girl’s favorite. And if you’re 28 and above, you know how having two comfortable pairs elevates your look, not to mention serving as the best alternative to your six-inch heels.
And with over 10,000 positive reviews, it’s safe to say that Steve Madden is the go-to for snug, foot-hugging loafers.
The Classic Relaxed Denim – Style & Co Plus Size Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $50 ($25)
Looking put together doesn’t mean rocking a suit or a pair of heels every day. In fact, the most polished fits can be effortless to assemble.
Like foundation builds a flawless base for makeup, denim fits create the perfect canvas for every Black Girl look.
And you don’t have to go for the classic fit. There’s the bootcut, high-rise, wide-leg, and the ridiculed skinny jeans.
Bonus Tips:
- Relaxed, high-waist cuts look seamless on any body type
- To create the illusion of longer legs, slim-fit jeans are a great fit
- Always consider dark-wash denim or black jeans as your fall closet staples
- Tuck your skinny jeans into your boots for an effortlessly chic ensemble
Flattering, Proper-Fitting Black Pants – Trendy Plus Size Satin Wide-Leg Pants, $50 ($25)
Try putting on a pair of black well-tailored (wide leg, pleated, or straight leg) without feeling extremely put together. Not possible, right?
Make it completely matte black, or go for the classic snake print high-rise option – all styles of tailored pants are a must-have fall closet staple in our book.
These Bar III Plus Size Snakeskin-Print High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants, $60 ($30), are perfect for rocking on days when you feel a little chilly but want to add a little brightness to your day.
A Cozy, Snug, Cold-Wrangling Scarf – Charter Club Women’s Cashmere Ribbed Scarf, $129 ($40)
By now, you understand the value of investing in a good coat. In the same spirit, you should also look to add one or three cashmere scarves to your fall closet staples collection.
Trust us, there’s something luxurious and posh about having one in your arsenal – plus, you don’t have to worry about a cold neck area (said no one ever).
If cashmere’s not your forte, a stylish, silky one is the next best thing. Macy’s has a few fall closet staple options we think you’d love.
The Long-Lasting Leather Jacket – Nina Parker Trendy Plus-Size Quilted Moto Leather Jacket $120 ($48)
Ok, maybe you’re not the edgier aesthetics enthusiast (prim and proper is more your style than grungy rock-and-roll), but a leather jacket is that one fall closet staple that you can’t afford not to have in your outerwear rotation.
Top Tip: Leather jackets only get better with age (like you, sis), so don’t be afraid to splurge on one. If you want the trench leather coat option, BCB Generation Women’s Faux-Leather Belted Trench Coat, $250 ($99), is just for grabs at Macy’s.