Early Fall Wardrobe Essentials

Hey friend! I’m starting to buy new items for my fall wardrobe, especially focusing on those transitional layering pieces that will bridge the gap between summer and fall for me.

Every season I try to add a few new staples to my wardrobe. Here’s the thing. I’m a pretty basic mom with a simple wish: skinny jeans (cropped in the summer), a cute top and some cute shoes. That’s pretty much my standard outfit of choice. And I’ll throw in a maxi dress every so often for a smidge of variety.

As I was shopping for myself for some cute early fall essentials, I found some goodies and I thought I would share them with you!

For reference, I’m 5’7″ and normally wear a L-XL in tops and size 14 or 32 in jeans. I wear a size 11 shoe. (I know… I’ve got some rather large feet. LOL)

And I live in Alabama, which means the climate is fairly temperate. We have warm weather into October and don’t really have temps that near freezing until January or February.

So, finding pieces that look like they are appropriate in the fall season (aka not spring colors), yet are lightweight and layer-able are essential for me. I can always throw a coat over a lightweight sweater or a jacket over a thin shirt if needed. Layers are KEY here in the south.

Favorite Early Fall Wardrobe Essentials

OK, so let’s dive in to some of these outfits! As always, I’ve shared videos of me wearing most of these items in my Instagram Stories (I’ll save them in a “fall clothes” highlight as well). You can watch them by clicking here! (I didn’t get video of myself in the dressing room, so some of those pieces aren’t in videos.) This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. See my full disclosure policy here.

Camel Sweater (size XL) | Distressed Jeggings (size 14) (pull on!! Also available here in non-distressed) | Open-Toe Wedge Bootie (size 11) (I LOVE these shoes for transitioning into fall)

RUN, do NOT walk and grab this sweater. It is ALL the things! Cozy (super soft), a nice v-neck, the perfect sleeve length and covers the rear end, so it’s perfect for leggings! I got it in an XL and it’s roomy, so if you’re between sizes, size down. It comes in 5 colors and I also grabbed the pink. The gray has a multi-colored speck in it – you’ll see it if you zoom in on the online photo. But I would have missed it if I hadn’t seen it in the stores.

If you know me at all, you know my favorite jeans are from Madewell. But if you’re in the market for some inexpensive skinny jeans, I really like these Skinny Jeggings. I think I’ll grabbed the darker, non-distressed wash, too) They are actually pull-on jeggings, so no button or zipper (think Thanksgiving!!) and are super comfy. One quick note: they don’t have front pockets. I find myself reaching for them sometimes and always forget these don’t have them.

I’m obsessed with the open-toe-wedge booties. They aren’t from Old Navy and they are a bit of a splurge, but they are SO comfortable and I LOVE them! This brand is quickly becoming my favorite brand of shoes.

Navy Polka Dot Split Neck Blouse (size XL) (also in light blue and white w/black polka dots) | Distressed Jeggings (size 14) (pull on!! Also available here in non-distressed) | Open-Toe Wedge Bootie (size 11)

I LOVE this top. It’s the fall version of my favorite navy and white polka dot sleeveless top I wore all summer. Except I love this one even more! The bell sleeves are the perfect length and not tight. The top can be worn loose or tucked in and I feel so comfy in it! Try the light blue or white and black polka dots, too!

Canvas Utility Field Jacket (this is an XL from last year, but I wear L now)| Pink Polka Dot Layering Tank (size L) | Distressed Jeggings (size 14) (pull on!! Also available here in non-distressed) | Wedge Sneakers (size 11)

I love this field jacket from last year, and this year their field jacket is even better with useable pockets. Yay! I bought an XL last year and it’s really too big for me now. I tried on a large in store this past weekend and ordered it online so I could get the sale! (See me in this year’s jacket toward the bottom of this post.)

The layering tank is one of my favorite Old Navy purchases ever. I have the luxe swing tank in about 10 colors from last year and love that they now have them in polka dots. The mustard color is so cute for fall! These run large, so I size down to a large.

The wedge sneakers are a new fave from the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I heart them big time!

Light-weight Quilted Vest (size XL) | Button-Down Classic Shirt (size XL) | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Riding Boots (wide calf also available) (I wear wide calf, size 11)

This is a classic look for me and I love it paired with the riding boots! I ordered the pink and green vests and tried on the pink version toward the end of this post.

The riding boots were a gift a couple years ago and are a fall and winter staple. They look better the more I wear them and they are so comfortable!

Light-weight Quilted Vest (size XL)| Button-Down Classic Shirt (size XL) | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Low-Heel Bootie (similar)

I also like it paired with these booties!

Outfits I tried on in the Old Navy Dressing Room

I tried on several things this past weekend and then ordered them online to get the discount. And they haven’t arrived yet, so I’m sharing these pics from the dressing room.

V-neck Shaker Stitch Sweater (size XL) | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Faux Suede Booties (size 10 because I couldn’t find an 11. I could wear them, but needed them a tad bigger)

Terry Cloth Sweatshirt with cute details at the neck and sleeve (size XL) | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Faux Suede Booties (size 10 because I couldn’t find an 11. I could wear them, but needed them a tad bigger)

Long Cardigan | Polka Dot Layering Tank (size L) | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Faux Suede Booties (size 10 because I couldn’t find an 11. I could wear them, but needed them a tad bigger)

Even More Fall Outfits

Sweatshirt (size XL) | Distressed Jeggings (size 14) (pull on!! Also available here in non-distressed) | Wedge Sneakers (size 11)

This sweater/sweatshirt is definitely a favorite because it feels like a cozy sweatshirt on the inside and looks more like a sweater on the outside.

Honeycomb Sweater | Polka Dot Layering Tank (size L) | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Open-Toe Slingback Wedge (on major sale as of this writing!!)

I really love the honeycomb sweater, the texture it brings to an outfit and it’s a little more structured than other cardigans I have. It’s definitely warmer than other cardigans I’ve tried.

Honeycomb Long-Sleeve Sweater | Black Camisole | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Open-Toe Slingback Wedge (on major sale as of this writing!!)

I wanted to try it with more dressed up black cami and I love the look. It might be good for a parent/teacher conference.

Open Layering Cardigan | Green Luxe Swing Tank | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Open-Toe Slingback Wedge (on major sale as of this writing!!)

Open Layering Cardigan (size XL) | Floral Maxi Dress (size L) | Open-Toe Slingback Wedge (size 11) (on major sale as of this writing!!)

Long Open Cardigan (size XL) | Polka Dot Layering Tank (size L) | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Open-Toe Wedge Bootie (size 11)

Long Tunic Sweater ( size XL) | Madewell Skinny Jeans (size 32) | Open-Toe Wedge Bootie (size 11)