Edit: Fall Foundation Pieces

boots, bags, denim, and more.

Fall — the time of year where fashionistas squeal in excitement over boots and jackets, gorgeous earth tones, and the endless possibility of layering potential.

Indeed, Fall a fun season to for the closet. It’s probably the single season where I really sit down and think deeply about my foundational pieces.

Maybe that sounds odd—to think deeply about fashion—but I find when I am intentional with my purchases, my closet become a collection of timeless treasures. More importantly, the process of getting dressed becomes easier, almost mindless, because anything I pull from my hangers work seamlessly together.

Ultimately, that’s my goal in every realm, whether it be my home, my food, or my closet—I want to make living as simple and beautiful as possible.

With that in mind, there’s no need to “buy it all” this season — I have hung onto my Toteme jacket, my Toteme cable knit, my park tote, my Bambi belt and more from previous years. The curation, the collection, is what makes it so special.

So for you, I share: some beautiful foundational pieces to consider for your Fall wardrobe this year and many to come.

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ON TOP

Tees

Doesn’t need to be complicated — a simple white tee is a good foundation piece. I like a heavier cotton option for the Fall, but also, I love the weight and texture of a raw silk tee. If you’re down for a serious investment, this is my favorite tee ever.

Oversized Button-Up

Really, this is not just for Fall — a big button-up is an essential no matter the season. My latest favorite is by Another Tomorrow, but I also love Leset’s Yoko, The Frankie Shop, Toteme (this on sale), and for an affordable option, Sezane’s Max.

Ideally, go for a white button-up and stripe for rotation purposes.

Knits

Pick a couple good crews and cardigans (boyfriend and tailored) to alternate.

First, a boyfriend style — the oversized slouchiness where cool meets cozy. Lately, I’ve reached a lot for my cream Marin (and black striped Mini Marina) from La Ligne. Make sure to get a cardigan that has can be worn as a sans layer, like this from G Label. Also, this cable-knit by Doen… wowza.

As for a more tailored piece, I love slightly cropped fitted black cardigan. Another option here, and another here. Great as a sans layer, over a white tee, or draped over an elegant dress.

A Good Jacket

Fall is really the time we get jazzed for jackets — so I'll give a few options here.

Going into Fall, I have found myself reaching for this cropped darker denim jacket, but as the weather gets cooler, I like to transition over to lady jacket or a wool blazer jacket. I also recommend this wool fringe jacket — it’s one they bring back every year, and instantly brings chic to literally any attire (personally love it with athletic attire, ha).

I also plan to invest in a leather jacket (considering this one, which also comes in black). This one is also classic and less expensive (would size up for cool oversized look).

ON BOTTOM

Good Denim

Khaite’s Abigail denim is a staple for me—I have the Bryce wash, this ecru wash, and I will get this Montgomery wash once it’s in my size (size up for all these!).

On that note, dark denim is a must this upcoming season (hence the Montgomery), but also, I find a low-rise relaxed leg (like this cargo) will be a good staple to add subtle interest to the foundational tees and button-ups.

Pleated Pant

I just ordered this low-slouch pant (a similar look to The Row pant) and this cropped version in black for a little shoe show-off.

ON FEET

Flats

We all need a good ballet flat and a good loafer.

For ballet: I got The Row Claudette as a more elevated flat, but I do find my elastic ballet flats by The Row are a bit more transitional (I have the black and milk colorway). A more affordable sweet option: Doen and Reformation.

For loafers: Jamie Haller makes some of my favorite loafers (they are literal slippers on your feet; size down in loafers). The Adam is a worthy investment, and for more price-friendly, check out the Oscar by Aeyde, and also, FREDA’s Elba.

Sneakers

Nice for on-the-go — I like a good elevated sneaker, but often, I think an affordable athletic-style sneaker can be equally as cool.

If you have Samba fatigue, I really like Asics (I own these) — not only comfortable (I run in mine), but I find the style looks quite cool with denim, trousers, wool coats, etc.

Boots

An everyday boot, but also, a sexier boot.

For everyday, I think a sleek Chelsea will always be classic (these are gorgeous), but this year, I think I’ll invest in something slightly edgier, like this this magic by The Row (a returning style). I also reach for my FREDA Brooke boots every year, too.

For sexy, see this little heel or this high knee for silk skirts, dresses, occasions.

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

An Elevated Bag

What I consider mot important: the bag. An elevated bag pulls together an outfit effortlessly — truly the “high” of the high-low trend, I think. A high bag can make leggings or sweats look chic AF.

If I could only invest in one bag, I would choose one by The Row. The medium-sized N/S bag is my favorite, but also love the ease of the Banana (a fancier fanny, IMO) and the masculine nature of the Margaux (love that brown).

I tend to love suede this time of year, too — feels rich and cozy. Khaite’s Lotus (again, the color!) or a woven Bottega.

Belt

I never thought a belt could do so much, but truly, I always reach for my Bambi belt (I have the black) to pull a look together. Less expensive and equally chic, check out Anderson’s on Net-a-Porter.

Hair/Jewelry

I have to say I find a good signature hair accessory a must: a classic headband, claw clip, or even a hair pin.

Lastly, add something silver (I like silver in the cooler season—feels cooler, whereas gold is warmer), so I’d go with the silver Elly by Lié Studo, the silver Kate by Dorsey, and I love my silver everyday hoops by Sophie Buhai.