Downsizing? You Really Only Need These 11 Items in Your Fall Wardrobe

Certain wardrobe pieces are worth the initial investment, especially when they’ll be in your wardrobe forever. This trench is no exception. Not only does this particular cut by ADAY have a beautiful drape, but it has some genius features, too: There’s a removable hood that you can snap on should you get caught in the rain, a belt that can easily be added or removed based on your mood, and the cuffs are adjustable, too. This one comes in black and tan, both of which are made from 96 percent recycled materials.

One reason we don’t mind the end of summer is that it brings us sweater and boot season, which is a welcome reprieve for our feet after uncomfortable flip flops. Protect your toes from crunchy leaves and murky rainwater with a pair of water-resistant boots. These Sam Edelman Chelsea boots are a reader favorite, and they come in a variety of colors and textures, so you’re sure to find a pair that suits your style. 

Much like black or navy, we consider plaid a neutral pattern. Choosing one in a subtle color palette like this checkered number will keep the print from feeling busy, so don’t be afraid to wear it often. You can dress it up with a blouse and trousers for the office, but it looks equally chic styled down with jeans and sneakers on the weekends.

Mini dresses can feel dangerously short, especially as we enter the fall season, and more modest hemlines can offer more coverage, warmth, and are suitable for almost any occasion. While we’re all about showing off what you’re comfortable with, a longer dress like this one ensures you can bend down without flashing those around you. Plus, a calf-length skirt is universally flattering, even if you’re on the more petite side like Katie. 

If a leather jacket feels too rocker for you, hear us out: You can easily soften its look by pairing it with more delicate, feminine textures like lace and linen. A moto-inspired cut adds an instant dose of cool to any outfit, and it’s also a perfect mid-weight jacket to throw on during brisk autumn days.

Whether you wear it alone or under a button-up (à la Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give), a turtleneck is a versatile wardrobe staple that will last decades. Find one that has a little stretch, like this one from Everlane. It’ll hug your figure and won’t bunch if you layer it under a jacket, but it also won’t feel too tight on your torso.

A comfortable, medium-wash pair of jeans is the ultimate wardrobe workhorse. They’ll fit into any outfit, whatever the season, and after a while they’ll mold to your body shape like a glove. This pair from Faherty is made from a carefully calibrated cotton blend that gives it a vintage look with just the right amount of stretch, and its mid-to-high rise is supportive without feeling suffocating.*

We love the flexibility of a jumpsuit, which can be worn for work, play, and everything in between. This one from Alex Mill is a favorite of Katie’s because it’s so comfortable and, surprisingly, looks great with both heels and sneakers. Our favorite part? This jumpsuit is fitted with a zipper instead of buttons, so it’s a lot easier to take care of business in the restroom if you’re in a rush. Admit it, we’ve all been there. 

It’s time to transition your white button-down from a swimsuit coverup to a normal shirt again. In the fall, you can wear this buttoned up and tucked into pants (using a French tuck of course, to make Tan France proud), open and styled over a tank top, or half-buttoned over a lacy bra or bodysuit if you’re feeling sultry on date night. 

To be honest, we’re not too upset about the alleged death of the skinny pant. You can find us rocking high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, just like dear Diane Keaton taught us to. This pair from Abercrombie is a Katie Couric Media editor favorite, and they come in a curvy fit, too. Even better, they have an elastic waistband to guarantee a comfy but tailored silhouette, without anyone being the wiser. 

Fall calls for thick frames, in our opinion. Summer is a season for lightness, so a thin metal glasses frame pairs well with airy sun dresses, and won’t make your face sweat. But we like to swap our glasses out seasonally, and in the fall we go with a patterned, thick frame, like this Rufus style from Warby Parker. This tortoiseshell pattern has a hint of blue, which makes them stand out from more traditional patterned styles, and the angular details will complement any face shape. Not in need of vision assistance? You can buy these as readers!