15 Fall Fashion Must Haves That Every Girl Needs

 

Are you going through your closet and wondering what you need to prepare you for the Fall season? This post is all about fall fashion must haves you need.

 

Fall is truly my favorite season. There is something so refreshing when the first breeze hits and you need a sweater to go outside. I love Fall, but I love Fall in New York City even more. There is nothing more beautiful than taking walks in the city, on the Upper East Side (yup, you guessed it), and maybe Brooklyn Heights. It is truly like a movie scene. Then there is Central Park with its foliage. What can I say, I guess I’m biased.

So many brands really kill it with their fall collection. Aritzia and Sézane own the fall season, like Meg Ryan owns the 90’s effortless look. Those clean lines and that pragmatic look. In my mind, she’s always wearing a vest, perfect jeans with undone hair.

I have constantly looked for fall fashion must haves with very specific styles and items in mind. I think I love my wardrobe this year more than ever. So this is very personal to me.

 

This post is all about the 15 Fall Fashion Must Haves That Every Girl Needs, so you don’t miss out on classic quality pieces.

 

#1 OUTERWEAR

It would be nothing new to say that a trench coat is absolutely necessary for the season. I mean it literally wouldn’t stop raining in New York City during the entire month of September. This will probably be the first and last time I recommend H&M, but they really do a good job with trench coats. They create different styles every season, heavily inspired by designer trench coats that are trending. For several years they created trench coats quite similar to the Burberry classic ones (thinking about the Kensington and the Chelsea), and then it was the Totême Signature Trench. I’ll save myself from the embarrassing details on how I got my hands on this nearly sold-out piece, but it saved me almost a 1000 USD. The trench cost me 65 USD, and it was a better height for my frame.

Remember when Isabel Marant used to make leather jackets every season? I say that because I haven’t seen any classic styles come out during the last fall seasons. I don’t have room for 5 leather jackets. I’ve always approached my hunt for this as ‘the leather jacket’ I will have and use for many years and hopefully replace the lining at one point to continue wearing it. Several years ago, they made a bomber jacket style in all leather. I couldn’t get my hands on one, I looked on the second-hand market for years and couldn’t find my size. So you can imagine how I felt when I spotted that style randomly at Massimo Dutti (in brown) while on vacation.

Did Chanel get us all hyped about those cute little tweed jackets and suddenly everyone wanted a knitted cardigan? I’m not exactly sure. Either way, it is my go-to piece for a put together look. It can perfectly match a good pair of tailored pants or jeans. With as simple as a t-shirt underneath. Whether you’re going for a job interview or a fancy café (on the Upper East Side! Hah). My favorite is the Ba&Sh Gaspard Cardigan. The material feels and looks so luxe. The buttons are very vintage inspired. It has small shoulder pads, which I normally wouldn’t go for, but they really add something to this cardigan.

 

#2 BOTTOMS

Nothing says fall wardrobe essentials like a good pair of high rise and front pleats tailored pants. This combination of masculine, effortless yet still very put together look is the kind of things I live for. My favorite is Aritzia’s iteration of this style in the Japanese crepe fabric. So many different colors and fabrics to choose from if that’s not your cup of tea. They even carry pastel colors in linen. Have fun with it!

Another basic is a good pair of denim. The brands and price ranges are endless. My go to brand for denim is Madewell, my favorite cut used to be the balloon jeans. It had a mom’s jeans yet vintage look to it. Almost as comfortable as a pair of joggers. Madewell, if you’re reading this – bring them back! Everyone’s shape is different, so find a staple that fits you well.

And when the warm days hit, you need to be ready with maxi and midi skirts. I added a few to my collection this season but my favorite remains a midi going on maxi skirt from Ba&Sh. Nothing like a black and white classic and the real winner is the design and material for me. An absolutely stunning piece. I wore this with a silky top for an elevated look and a t-shirt for a more casual outing.

 

Full Size Mirror Selfie at Bergdorf’s: H&M Trench Coat, Sézane T-shirt, Madewell Jeans, Church’s Fisherman Sandals, and Céline Triomphe Canvas Bag.

 

#3 TOPS

My absolute non-negotiable pieces for the season are a good sweater with some mid-weight fleece layered over a good quality and rather thick, white crew neck t-shirt. I love that masculine look. I think Aritzia makes such a high-quality basic sweater. I’ve bought several COS and Sézane t-shirts over the years that have served this purpose.

A good vest that can truly cover your chest and serve as a standalone top is not easy to find. Massimo Dutti really nailed this style this season. They came out with several colors and materials, when I saw this navy dashed stripe suit vest, I was really impressed.

Oversize shirts are a look of their own, but also serve as a great layering piece under sweaters or outerwear. My favorite is the Sézane Max shirt.

 

#4 SHOES

Depending on where you live. Your shoe collection or needs might look different. While the rain boots are a non-negotiable item for the season, I think you need a solid pair of leather Chelsea boots to be able to walk around with, but also look put together when you get to your destination. I was on the hunt for a flat pair of well-made Chelsea boots. While I stumbled into my bomber leather jacket, I started looking for more leather items at Massimo Dutti and low and behold I spotted these.

Another staple is the flat ballerina. The brands are endless. I never understood why anyone would invest in Chanel’s ballerina until I tried them on a few years ago. It is divine. My real favorite though is the Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina because it has a high vamp, truly mimics the shoes that ballerinas wear.

Lastly, you need a comfortable pair of sneakers for the days you are going to walk more than usual, run errands or you just want to be in something a little more comfortable. The brands are endless here, the most popular ones are probably Veja, New Balance or luxury brands like Miu Miu or Chloé. Pick your favorite, I go for more of a neutral color palette when I pick mine so they don’t completely stand out in my outfit.

 

#5 BAGS

For the fall season, I really love to go into the brown color scheme. My two favorite bags are very French girl style inspired. The first one is the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag. They just rolled their classic collection and brought back some old colors. The Brandy/ Avion color combination is so unique, but you can also go with any of their black bags with red, blue, or pink interior, in the mini size (my personal favorite). Another new favorite of mine is the A.P.C. Genève bag. This one never really caught my eye in NYC or social media. But it was all over on the streets of Paris, and it is one of their bestsellers.
I particularly love crossbody bags for Fall as it is easier to hold an umbrella, and store it, without having to worry about a bag in your hand.

 

This post is all about the 15 Fall Fashion Must Haves That Every Girl Needs, so you don’t miss out on classic quality pieces.

 

As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. If this content interested you, you might want to follow my Instagram account @girlontheues

See you next time,

Girl on the Upper East Side

Xx

 

If this interests you, you might enjoy reading My Top 10 Purchases of 2024, Transitional Pieces, and Best Summer Shoes.