The Fall Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Over 30 Should Own
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The T-Shirt
Not everyone is a “pair of jeans and T-shirt” dresser, but few can deny the appeal of a perfectly fitted T-shirt. White and grey are both classic choices, though fashion girlies will tell you it’s all about grey this season. The two below are Glamour editor and reader favorites; they have a crewneck silhouette and mid-weight fabric. (If you prefer a V-neck over a crewneck, check out our edit of the best V-neck tees.)
The Black Leggings
You abandoned your black leggings for shorts this summer, but now they’re back. Lululemon’s styles can stand up to near-daily wear, though there are a bunch of leggings on Amazon that reviewers love for buying in bulk—like the set linked below that has almost 33,000 five-star reviews. (Whew!)
The Button-Up
Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up—a striped or white button-down shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to straight-leg jeans and slip dresses.
The Slip-On Shoes
The window for wearing mules and slips on is a short one, so maximize this time with a design that’s foolproof to style. Ugg’s platform slipper is treaded and raised enough that you won’t mind wearing it out of the house, but if you can’t bear to pack your Arizonas up, opt for its shearling-lined cousin and style it with fuzzy socks from Amazon.
The Sneakers
A comfy sneaker style is one you can wear for 10,000 steps without thinking twice about it—the below two allow for that—and look cute too.
The Silver Accent
Earrings are an especially effortless way to zhuzh up an outfit, and we’re really vibing silver right now for a more modern take. Éliou’s are cute and chubby and snuggle the ear just so, while Mejuri’s bestselling huggies have a similar look for under $50.
The Long-Sleeve Top
When it’s too brisk for a T-shirt but not quite sweater weather, a basic long-sleeve top is the move. Bonus: You can use it as a base layer later on if a turtleneck is too stuffy.
The Bodysuit
Even though you can get away with wearing a sleeveless (or short-sleeve) bodysuit in the warmer months, fall and winter are where this second-skin piece really shines, since it can act as both a standalone top and mid-layer underneath a knit sweater.
The Cozy Sweatshirt
We love Lululemon’s oversized half-zip for throwing over everything without feeling sloppy, as well as J.Crew’s navy sweatshirt for sporty-chic vibes.
The Even Cozier Sweatpants
Is it really fall without joggers so comfy they make going pantsless feel overrated? Absolutely not—and both Vuori and Wilson have great athleisure options for living in.
The Cashmere Sweater
You don’t need to fill your closet with 10 different cardigans and cashmere sweaters; just buy one or two really good knits and wear them on repeat.
The Cardigan
Remember what we said about red and grey? A cardigan—like Alex Mill’s which had a thousand-person waitlist last year—is a stylish, but still very wearable way to embrace the color trend.
The Loafers
Want to put Allison Bornstein’s wrong shoe theory to the test? Try pairing a sharp loafer with a white pants or a denim skirt.
The Ballerina Flats
For the classic dressers among us, there’s no going wrong with a simple ballet flat.
The Bag
If a new designer bag is on your wish list, consider Gucci’s mini shoulder bag for day-to-night, or DeMellier’s suede tote, which we saw in elbow crooks of editors and influencers everywhere this past New York Fashion Week.
The Fall Coat
The best winter coats have arrived! Loulou Studio’s wool-and-cashmere iteration is slouchy but still elevated and worthwhile if you have the budget. If you want to snag a long style under $300, be sure to check out the options at Mango—we can already see Katie Holmes stepping out in the oversized coat, below.
The Puffer Jacket
Puffers, too tend to sell out really fast once the weather turns, so now’s your best bet at grabbing outerwear you really want.
The Fall Wedding Guest Dress
Something for when the occasion calls, so you don’t find yourself freaking out in a dimly lit changing room at the eleventh hour.
The Jeans
Jeans—including petite styles—are seemingly wider and baggier than ever, but to offset the roominess of it all, brands are introducing exaggerated cuffs that also fulfill another purpose: Preventing the hems from dragging in puddles of rain. Win-win. (The styles below don’t show it necessarily but just imagine them folded.)
The Cargo Pants
Cargo pants are wide-leg jeans’ cooler sibling, and you can find them at a range of prices and in different materials and colors. We love the ones from AG—designed in collaboration with Emily Ratajkowski—and Agolde, which are admittedly on the pricier side but wear in beautifully.
The Weatherproof Boots
Let this be the year your shoes don’t get unexpectedly soaked in the rain. You’ll love Moncler’s leg-warmer-inspired version for its warmth and versatility, while Hunter $150 style is one of the most popular Chelsea boots in the game.
The Black Boot
Equal parts practical and chic, black leather lace-up and knee-high boots (or booties) with a low enough heel you can actually walk in are ideal for punching up a work or going-out look.
The Sweaterdress
Unless they’re dark and stormy prints, too-colorful dresses just don’t hit the same way this time of year. A long-sleeve knit one, on the other hand, is a versatile piece that delivers the same ease as your favorite summer midis, just in a cozier material.
The Fleece Jacket
Is it really leaf-peeping season without a great fleece involved? Don’t answer that. FP Movement’s snap-button jacket has been a celeb staple for years and comes in a bunch of colors and styles, including a quarter zip pullover with contrasting piping. Equally great is, yes, The Great’s printed pullover which looks like long hikes in woods and s’mores by the fire and in a sweater.
The Vest
When styled with relaxed pieces for contrast, vests prove their worth by making you look both put together and completely relaxed.
The Hair Accessory
Swap your big statement headband for a thin headband this fall season—quiet luxury’s take on hair—or revisit your favorite velvet bow in the form of a giant claw clip, courtesy of Jennifer Behr.
The Eye-Catching Necklace
Tiny statements that wear themselves.
The Belt
The unassuming accessory to tie your fall wardrobe together.
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