16 Fall Fashion Staples Katie Can’t Live Without

katie's fall fashion

Graphic by KCM

Cozy, chic, and comfy!

Katie is a summer gal at heart, but she doesn’t hate a cozy lightly lined jacket. Fall will soon be here, and with it comes fun home décor, fresh apple cider, and cozy loungewear. And we’re not afraid to admit it — we’ve been looking forward to grabbing a pumpkin spice latte since last year.

Many argue that fall is arguably the best season for dressing, and we can totally see why. We love a sundress, but a wool coat just makes you feel put together. Layering in November is a chic choice, but donning a puffer mid-winter is just maintaining survival mode. Your sweaters and jackets may be stored in the back of a closet right now, but let’s collectively prep to swap linen for cashmere with some thoughtful tips from Katie herself.

Building a fall wardrobe can be hard, which is why we turned to our style leader to hear all about her seasonal staples. For Katie, it’s all about having a foundation of basics to build upon, then indulging in a fall trend or two to add some (pumpkin) spice to your outfit. From her favorite jeans to versatile jackets, plush beanies to utilitarian boots, see what Katie reaches for every season.

J.Crew Corduroy Pant

J.Crew

The ‘70s are back, baby! It seems like everyone has been embracing the mod styles of the decade with groovy patterns, bell bottoms, and ascots, and we’re happy to announce that corduroy is making a comeback, too. Katie has this pair in a dark green color that’s no longer available, but she says the stretchy fit is everything. We’re eyeing the cappuccino color, which is currently on sale with code SHOPNOW.

$80+ at J.crew

Boston Proper Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket

Boston Proper

A denim jacket is a year-round staple, but chances are you’ll break it out of your closet more often once the temperatures begin to drop. Katie’s been loving a puff-sleeved version she got from Alice + Olivia a while back, but this one from Boston Proper is nearly identical to the designer version.

$99 at Boston Proper

Sara Campbell Flannel Sheri Pants

Sara Campbell

Katie’s go-to lounge-to-lunch meeting pants from Sara Campbell just got a fall weather update we’re pumped about: You can now get the Sheri Pants in soft, cozy flannel and equally autumnal colors. These pants feel like leggings but look like tailored trousers, so you can dress to impress without sacrificing comfort.*

$178 at SC

Tecovas Annie Tall Cowgirl Boots

Tecovas

Once summer officially ends, Katie is retiring her white sneakers for white cowboy boots. She’s had this pair from Tecovas for a couple of years now, and she wears them with everything from feminine dresses to jeans and a T-shirt.

$295 at Tecovas

J.Crew Ankle Rain Boots

J.Crew

There’s nothing wrong with a knee-high pair of wellies, but they can get awfully heavy if you have to walk around in them for any length of time. These ankle rain boots are lightweight and completely waterproof, so you can splash in puddles without fear of getting your feet soaked. Katie loves these because they’re easy to slip on and off, and they can pass as regular Chelsea boots when it’s not raining, making them perfect for those uncertain days. Buy them now before the sale ends! 

$50 at J.Crew

Everlane Way-High Jeans

Everlane

These jeans are loved by both Katie and team Katie Couric Media as a whole. A super high-rise waist keeps you feeling supported and covered, and thanks to the slight stretch in the denim, you never feel like you’re being squeezed too much. These jeans come in two inseam sizes and a curvy fit.

$118 at everlane

Talbots Quilted Vest

Talbots

Layering is your best friend during the changing seasons, especially if you find yourself getting hot and cold throughout the day. This microvest is a staple for Katie, as it’s lightweight and thin, but it will keep you warm on chilly evenings. It can be comfortably layered over tops or under jackets for some extra warmth.

$129 at talbots

Walker & Wade Carrie Dress

Walker & Wade

You can still wear summer dresses into autumn, especially if they have longer sleeves and skirts. This midi number from Walker & Wade comes in a bunch of gorgeous colors, but we think this mint hue is the perfect transitional shade. Plus, if you style it with knee-length boots, no one will know you also wore it as a swimsuit coverup last June.

$238 at W&W

VINCE Painted Bouquet Sleeveless Dress

VINCE

It’s time to trade in bright florals for something a bit moodier. You still get to show off pink, blue, and orange flowers on this wrap dress, but the dark background makes the print feel more autumnal. Katie recently rocked this dress at the US Open with a pair of pointed-toe heels, but we’d venture to guess that it would look just as fabulous with easy flats for a casual event.

$298 at VINCE

Barbour Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket

Nordstrom

Katie loves a classic Barbour jacket because of the high-quality construction, but they’re also extremely practical. The high price tag is a bit of a doozy, but a waterproof jacket like this will last you a lifetime, and it may even become something you wear for the majority of the fall season. 

$398 at nordstrom

Argent Vest Dress in Stretch Wool

Argent

Katie recently sat down with Argent to talk about all things career — including some of her all-time highs and lows. She also showed off some killer office-ready outfits, like this swingy vest dress. Not only can you wear it alone, but it would look great under a blazer or over a button-down shirt. Getting 3+ outfits from 1 dress makes the higher price tag a little less shocking.

$450 at Argent

Jenni Kayne Cocoon Cardigan

Jenni Kayne

A simple cardigan is a year-round staple, but Katie likes to upgrade to a soft and cuddly cashmere one in the fall and winter. This one from Jenni Kayne is slightly oversized for a lived-in look and feel, but it’s not so big that you’ll feel like you’re drowning in it. You can easily wear it open, buttoned up, cinched with a belt, or tied around your shoulders — the styling possibilities are endless. 

$495 at jenni kayne

Alex Mill Denim Jumpsuit

Alex Mill

While the exact jumpsuit Katie lived in on her book tour is from a store that no longer exists, this one is a close match. It’s made from a lightweight denim that has a slight stretch, so you can easily sit and move around in it. It’ll look great on its own in early fall, and as temperatures begin to drop, you can easily layer a turtleneck underneath it or toss a jacket on top.

$265 at alex mill

Sh*t That I Knit Beanies

Sh*t That I Knit

Keep your noggin protected from the brisk breeze and hide a bad hair day with Katie’s go-to beanie. Made by artisans in Lima, Peru, from sustainably sourced materials, this merino wool number will keep you warm on the coldest of days, and it’s topped off with an adorable pom-pom.

$90 at STIK

Derek Lam Sailor Pants

Saks

No matter what Gen-Z says, we are sticking to our high-waisted pants over low-rise ones. We’ll take their word that skinny jeans are out, though. This pair of flared trousers has nautical-inspired buttons up both sides of the waist, giving them a slightly dressier feel than a plain pair. Do be warned that the inseam on this pair is pretty long, so you may have to look into getting them hemmed if you’re on the shorter side like Katie. 

$385 at Saks

*Denotes a paid placement.