A Few Must-Have Fall Accessories
I’ve been thinking a lot about fall fashion lately. Maybe it’s because I’m joining some friends today (links at the bottom of this post) to share ideas on the subject — or maybe it’s because we’re moving to New York City in a few short months. Trading my house for an apartment in the city will make my day-to-day wardrobe in the suburbs a thing of the past.
I’ll still be very much a minimalist. I love that I repeat outfits, and I’ll need to keep doing that with even less space in a New York City apartment. With equal parts solid basics and the right accessories, I think I can still get that polished look I’m going for.
A new season is always a fun excuse to add a few fall accessories to summer clothes while it still feels like summer.
The new “it” shoe for fall
Tuckernuck // Veronica Beard // Aqua – Bloomingdale’s // Banana Republic // Dolce Vita // Rag & Bone // Sézane // Cos // The Row
Long shorts & dresses
Left: Tuckernuck Loafer // J.Crew Lightweight Oxford Shirt // Scarf // Longline Denim Shorts // Maxi Solal Bag // Right: Houndstooth Will Jacket // Cotton Sateen Maxi Dress // Cotton Trapeze Shirt Dress
A great way to transition from summer to fall is with the latest shoe trend. You can wear a moc loafer with long shorts, skirts, and dresses starting right now. Then, as the weather turns cooler, wear them with socks, jeans, and sweaters or blazers.
Sweaters, jackets & blazers
Left: Black Blazer // Stripe Shirt // Silk Scarf // Jeans // Maxi Solal Bag // Loafer//Right: Black Sweater, Will Jacket // Jeans // Loafers
Two pairs of jeans I keep reaching for are the Bow High Rise Jean from Frame and the Slim Wide-Leg Jean from J.Crew. Both have that current, slightly relaxed fit, but still look polished with a jacket on top.
I’ve had the same black blazer from J.Crew for at least 12 years. Whenever a new blazer style comes out, I try it on — and end up going right back to my basic black one. Why replace something when you already have the perfect (or almost perfect) version in your closet?
Another jacket I rely on is the Will jacket from Sézane. It comes in a range of options, from unlined denim and canvas to fully lined leather and wool. The Will jacket is a cross between a blazer and a coat — but like a blazer, you don’t feel like you need to take it off once it’s part of your outfit.
Red accessories are perfect for fall
Left: Alex Mill Monogrammed Tote// Black Blazer // Jeans // Stripe Shirt // Red Mary Jane Flats // Right: Larroudé Mary Jane Flats // Red Bandana // Sézane Ballet Flats // Vince Ballet Flats // Reformation Ballet Flats // Red Knit Scarf // Skinny Scarf // Sézane Scarf // Tkees Ballet Flats
Add one (or two) red item(s)
Left: Knit Sweater Vest // Red Knit Scarf// Long Sleeve White Layering Tee // Jeans // Black Bag // White Trouser Socks // Loafers // Right: Loafers // Warby Parker Sunglasses // Denim Trouser Jean (Rustic Teak) // Red Long-Sleeve Tee // Alex Mill Monogrammed Tote // Bandana
Add a pair of red socks, a knit scarf, or a bandana — or even a red monogram on a tote — and the whole outfit changes.
Socks with loafers
Cotton Cashmere Socks in Beige // Cotton Cashmere Crew Socks in Red // Cotton Cashmere Socks in Petal Pink
I love that wearing socks is in fashion. For years, I wore no socks and pretended my feet weren’t freezing! Now, socks as an accessory in fun colors can change the whole look and feel of an outfit. We’ve always known a pair of shoes can do that — turns out socks can too.
Adding a pair of socks in a fun color or texture is such an easy way to update a look. A must-have sock for winter is the Cotton Cashmere Knee High Sock. My favorite sock brands for both color and comfort are Stems and Comme Si.
So that’s my take on fall fashion: update with a few accessories you probably already own, and maybe pick up a new pair of loafers you can wear with everything. Let’s see what Susan, Mary Ann, and Cindy have to say on the subject.
What is so good about the loafers you feature for the city is that they have sturdy heels. And I LOVE your pops of red! Thanks for getting us to do this, Annie.
You are really going to have to purge moving to the city…like I did moving to SF. I remember Alie saying “Dad, you can get rid of a few coolers! Mom is donating Christmas decorations and our old toys!” But we never really missed anything.
Great selection of loafers, Annie! I have those Veronica Beard ones and they are SO comfortable. And I’m loving the colorful socks + loafers look you’ve show here. I think I need to add some in red…. 😉
Hallelujah! The other three did a remarkable job on these posts. But you knocked it out of the park. Your decision to use black as a base and red as an accent. With a bit of camel. Colors I have and look great in. Every fall the magazines go heavy on traditional autumn colors. But you have delightfully created looks that are perfect for transitioning to cooler weather. Thank you so much for posting these fabulous looks that someone who doesn’t look good in autumn colors can embrace.
I love all the fun things the others posted but in my opinion you hit it out of the park. Why? Because you chose a core color of mostly black with accents of red. And denim. Every year I cringe at the magazine offerings of “autumn” colors. I look like death warmed up in those. But I can picture myself wearing your picks. Hallelujah! This just made my day!!
Thank you Annie! What a great selection! I’m wondering if you can advise me about ‘urban sneakers’ and loafers (which I haven’t worn in years). I don’t have a narrow foot so the Adidas Sambas and Veronica Beard shoes don’t work for me. Ditto Tori Burch. Have any suggestions? Most of the brands you’ve shown I don’t have experience with. Thanks!