NSale PUBLIC ACCESS: 11 Fall Staples to Build an Awesome Wardrobe

11 fall staples for versatile wardrobe

11 Fall Staples For a versatile mix-and-match Fall Wardrobe

Huge thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post

YESSSSS, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to EVERYONE, so if you’ve been waiting to shop, now is your time! I’m partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle to share my favorite fall staples from the sale that you should TOTALLY snag while they’re on sale to build up your fall wardrobe.

I’ve said before that I recommend building your wardrobe with a mix of foundational staples and then adding filler items (i.e., the more statement-making, trendier, or more interesting pieces) to keep your wardrobe fresh. Today we’re talking about foundational fall staples that are timeless and classic and that you’ll probably wear for several years. Then, in another blog post in a couple of days, I’ll share some “fillers” that you can add to elevate those staples for this coming season.

As you know, many of my wardrobe staples come from Nordstrom, and a lot of them are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. There are some great quality items that are VERY comfortable, and this is such a good time of year to get them!

On top of that, I just love shopping at Nordstrom because they offer free shipping and free return shipping on all orders, making it very easy and hassle-free to shop online. And, you can also utilize Nordstrom’s in-store or curbside pickup if you don’t want to wait for shipping. LOVE IT! You also earn points on purchases as a Nordy Club member, which is totally free to join. Plus, you get other benefits like free basic alterations and more. Check out the Nordy Club HERE!

Okay, let’s talk through some super versatile fall staples to snag during this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (that are still relatively in stock)!

SIZING: I’m 5’6” and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.

 

Nicer Casual Outfit: cream oversized sweater + medium blue ankle skinny jeans + gold initial pendant necklace + tan suede booties + tan tote

1. Dark or Medium Wash Jeans
Dark or medium wash jeans—of any cut—are a great staple. You can of course have lighter washes, too, but I recommend starting with dark or medium wash jeans, since they can be more easily dressed up and down.

Naturally, I’m going to recommend Wit & Wisdom’s Ab-Solution jeans, which you should definitely try now while they’re on sale! They are SO COMFY because they’re STRETCHY through the legs and have stretchy waistbands thanks to a sewn-in elastic strip! They are available in skinny cuts, straight crops, boot cuts, and boyfriend jeans during this sale.

The skinny ankle jeans I’m wearing above are sooo soft, and these jeans in a different wash are my go-tos. Check them out HERE! I wear size 4.

The bootcut jeans look really polished for work but are super comfy! I sized up to 8 in these for a looser fit around the thighs, but if I didn’t have fuller thighs, I’d go with size 6. Find them HERE.

If you’re looking for other great jeans outside of Wit & Wisdom, check out some in the widget below:

 

Nicer Casual Outfit: cream oversized sweater + medium blue ankle skinny jeans + gold initial pendant necklace + tan suede booties + tan tote side

2. Pullover Sweater
Is it really fall if you don’t wear a sweater? 😜 A pullover sweater is a fall staple, and there are several great ones in this sale! The one I’m wearing above is by Treasure & Bond, and it is SO soft and cozy while still being super lightweight and comfy to wear! Seriously comfy. It has some added details, like slight balloon sleeves and a hi/low hem which gives it extra style points! It also drapes well and front-tucks well without sticking out awkwardly from the sideview. (See pic below.) This might be one of my favorite items from the sale just because of its easygoing feel and how comfortable it is! It’s available in 3 colors, HERE. I wear size S.

If you’re looking for more of a classic silhouette, try this v-neck sweater that is also by Treasure & Bond. It is equally as soft, cozy, and lightweight, and it’s also easy to tuck. This one is REALLY good, too, with great reviews! I wear this in size S. 

Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9)
Bag: Nordstrom BP (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact)

 

Nicer Casual Outfit: cream oversized sweater + medium blue ankle skinny jeans + tan suede booties + tan tote side

3. Ankle Boots
For a pair that serves as a super versatile staple, I always recommend one with a simple silhouette, like these Vince Camuto booties. The upper is pretty flexible and easy to wear, the footbed is slightly cushioned, and the toes are pointed, which elongates your leg line, but the point isn’t so sharp that you’d feel overdressed in casual outfits. Also important—the heel is pretty low at just 1.5″, so they are easy to walk in! Find them HERE. I wear size 9.

 

Business Work Outfit: black polka dot sleeveless top + black ankle slacks + blue heels + black tote

4. Black Pants
Black pants are a workwear staple, and these Vince Camuto Stretch Tech Pants are a PMT fan-favorite! If you haven’t tried them yet and want SUPER COMFY black pants that look polished and professional, you’ve gotta try them while they’re on sale! Smooth, soft, stretchy as heck, and thick. They are just awesome! Find them HERE. I wear size 4. Another pair with a skinnier silhouette are the Everyday Fit Stretch Cotton Ankle Pants by Nordstrom, which is great under tunics!

Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Pants: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)

 

Athleisure Casual Outfit: blue sweatshirt + black leggings + black puffer jacket + white sneakers + gold initial pendant necklace + gray small crossbody bag

5. Black Leggings
These are a staple for activewear and athleisure, and the Zella 7/8 Live-In Leggings are my favorites! The material is thick, the waistband stays up and flattens out your midsection, and there is compression to firm things up. And, these have POCKETS! The pockets sit vertically on the hips as opposed to diagonally on the thighs, and I much prefer this placement. Keeps my phone more secure and doesn’t stick out at all or add bulk. Find them HERE. I wear size S. If you don’t like the 7/8 length, then my other favorite pair is the full-length Zella Live-In Leggings, HERE. I wear those in size M.

6. Black Joggers (not shown)
Another athleisure staple! The Zella joggers are smooth, soft, and stretchy. So comfy! These have a sportier feel as opposed to feeling like sweatpants, which makes them automatically look great in athleisure. Find them in several colors, HERE. I wear size S.

 

Athleisure Casual Outfit: blue sweatshirt + black leggings + black puffer jacket + white sneakers + gray small crossbody bagAthleisure Casual Outfit: blue sweatshirt + black leggings + black puffer jacket + white sneakers + gold initial pendant necklace side

7. Puffer Jacket
This would not have been in my personal staples list prior, but now that I’m moving to somewhere I’ll actually need it, it’s definitely on my radar. And this jacket is AWESOME! It’s a medium weight that keeps you really warm, and it’s super comfy. There are neoprene side panels that make the jacket hug your curves in a super flattering way—no bulky, boxy coat here! And, since the panels provide stretch, they make the jacket even comfier and easier to move around in. Just so good! There are also thumbholes, a hood, and a removable inner layer. Last, you can scrunch it up into a bag! It pairs perfectly with leggings for sporty, athleisure looks, but you can wear it with jeans, too! It comes in black, a very pretty teal, and blue-ish gray, HERE. I wear size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Sweatshirt: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Leggings: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Jacket: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact)

 

Nicer Casual Outfit: black and white striped long sleeve tee + medium blue jeans + cream long cardigan + tan suede booties + gold pendant necklace + tan earrings + tan tote

8. Long Cardigan
Want that easygoing casual look? One of the key pieces to that is a long cardigan! Paired with jeans, these provide a relaxed, yet stylish, vibe. I always recommend getting them during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and this one is great. It’s pretty thick and warm without being bulky and seems like it’ll retain its shape well. I find it mildly itchy against bare skin, but I’m usually wearing these with long sleeves, so it’s not an issue. I also hope that it’ll get better with washing. This one comes in 4 colors, HERE. I wear size XS, as these run very large.

Shop the Outfit:
Long-Sleeve Tee: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size M; similar—I wear size M)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size XS)
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Necklace: (similar)

 

Nicer Casual Outfit: black and white striped long sleeve tee + medium blue jeans + cream long cardigan + gold pendant necklace + tan earrings + tan tote

9. Long-Sleeve Striped T-Shirt
This is great to wear under cardigans and utility jackets as the weather cools, and stripes provide visual interest. You can go for a more fitted one, which is great for tucking into higher waisted pants or skirts. This fitted tee by Halogen that I’m wearing above is VERY soft, stretchy, and oh-so-comfy! It’s available in stripes as well as a few solid colors, HERE. I wear size M.

Or, go for one that is a little more relaxed, like THIS one by Caslon. It’s very lightweight and is a little looser than the Halogen tee. Check it out HERE in a few colors. I wear size M in this one, too.

10. T-Shirt
A basic t-shirt is great to pair with jeans and the long cardigan for a casual look, or you can dress it up with a skirt, or dress it down with leggings and joggers. I’ve had this tee for several years in white and yellow. It’s really thin, so it drapes really well and looks good in a partial front tuck. I find the rounded v-neckline really flattering. It’s a tad see-through in white but is generally fine if you are wearing a nude-colored bra. It comes in lots of colors and a few prints, HERE. I wear size S.

 

Nicer Casual Outfit: black and white striped long sleeve tee + light blue straight leg raw hem jeans + cream long cardigan + tan suede flats + gold initial pendant necklace side Nicer Casual Outfit: black and white striped long sleeve tee + light blue jeans + cream long cardigan + tan tote side

11. Tan Flats
If you’re looking for a classic, standard pair of tan flats, these are great! The upper is fairly flexible, there is a bit of cushioning in the footbed, and the color is awesome! You can pair these with jeans and sweaters or cardigans for casual outfits or wear them to work. Find them HERE. I wear size 9.

There you have it, 11 foundational fall staples that will help your wardrobe mix and match like a pro! Check these out while they’re on sale because they are SUCH good pieces, and having good, quality items that feel comfortable will make getting dressed way more enjoyable!

Check out more options for fall staples in the widget below:

In a couple of days, I’ll share a few wardrobe add-ons to consider mixing in with your staples this fall to elevate your outfits and keep your style fresh. Until then, check out the rest of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale HERE and find all the items I’ve reviewed this year so far HERE.

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