10 Items You Need In Your Fall 2021 Wardrobe

There’s no denying how big my closet is. I’ve got clothes coming in and out of my door left and right and yet there are a handful of pieces that I come back to time and time again. Today I’m rounding up those favorites and sharing ten items you need in your fall 2021 wardrobe. Plus, I’m sharing four outfit ideas with them to give you a little bit of outfit inspiration for this season!

1) Shacket: I’ve got a gazillion shackets sitting in my closet and let me tell you, they truly are the perfect layering piece. If you don’t know what a shacket is, they are an in between of a flannel and a jacket. They typically have a little extra material to them making them that ideal “in-between” piece. Leave them buttoned up or leave them undone. They are so easy to dress up or down and come in a gazillion styles!

2) Heeled Booties: A good heeled bootie is an absolute must. This specific style from Franco Sarto is my favorite. I have these in two colors: a tan and a neutral and they work with everything from jeans to dresses. They have about a two-inch heel which is the perfect height for everyday wear. I’ve walked miles at a time in these and have never had any issues—just make sure you have a pair of tall crew socks.

3) Straight Leg Jeans: Straight leg jeans are the denim style of the year. If you’ve yet to get your hands on a pair—what are you waiting for?! I’ve tried so many different retailers but Express is truly the only brand that does it right. These hug my waist beautifully and are just the right length.

Now just throw those three pieces together and you’ve got a killer outfit…that’s how these essentials work! Because straight-leg jeans are rather shapeless, it’s key to wear something fitted on top. This burnt orange bodysuit seamlessly tucks into the jeans and with a heeled bootie, I’m able to keep things dressy. To add a little bit of texture, I’m popping on a sherpa shacket. Of course, I’m pulling that brown back into the look with a matching felt hat!

Outfit Details— shacket: Romwe, bodysuit: SheIn, jeans: Express, shoes: Franco Sarto, hat: Lack of Colors, earrings: SheIn, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Ana Luisa, bracelets: Ana Luisa

4) Chunky Sweaters: I’ve got a gazillion sweaters in my wardrobe. They are a never-fail for every occasion. Whether it be with leggings or jeans, a puffer coat, or a flannel they are crazy versatile. I recommend grabbing one in ivory, black, and brown. I have a cropped version and a longer version too to really maximize my outfit combos.

5) Puffer Jacket: Last year plaid jackets were all the rage and this year I’m seeing puffer jackets left and right. These add just enough shape to an outfit and again can be dressed up or down. Bonus points if you find a faux leather one to add some texture to your outfit. Plus, you’ll get tons of use out of these for college tailgates + parties.

6) Felt Hat: I know hats aren’t everyone’s thing but they are certainly mine. I’m a sucker for a good felt hat during the fall. Well, really for any month… lol. Lack of Colors and Lulus are my favorite places to shop for these. Make sure you read the measurements—a good hat will have different sizes and will definitely be an investment.

This outfit is the perfect representation of what I wear on a weekend outing with my girls. I’ve gotten several new chunky sweaters from SheIn and love this cropped turtleneck paired with high-rise jeans. These bottoms have a straight-leg, ankle fit that works perfectly with a pair of booties. These are the Steve Madden Hutch boots and they too are some of my most reached for shoes this season. I’m popping on a brown leather puffer for a little extra warmth + a fun pop of brown!

Outfit Details— sweater: SheIn, jacket: SheIn, jeans: Express, belt: SheIn, shoes: Steve Madden, hat: Lulus, earrings: SheIn, rings: Ana Luisa, bracelets: Ana Luisa

7) Flannel: I can’t describe the chokehold flannels have on me during the fall time. Whether I’m lounging around the house or headed to class I almost always am wearing one. Check SheIn, Princess Polly, and Target for some of the best.

8) Leather Leggings: Leather leggings have been trending for a few years already and I don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon. There is plenty of knock-offs on the market but the OG Spanx leather leggings are the only ones worth buying. I’ve had them for years now and they’ve held up great. They suck you in at all the right places and keep their sheen—plus they don’t make any noise when you walk!

My favorite thing about leather leggings is they give a casual outfit a dressier element. I always wear these when I want to have a “lazy” day but still want to look cute. Pop on a classic crew neck sweater and toss over a flannel to match! I do this with sweatshirts too but this time around I’m wearing a cozy knit from Aerie. Style with a pair of Converse or Chelsea-style boots. Don’t forget to pop on crew socks to match your sweater for an added element!

Outfit Details— flannel: SheIn, sweater: Aerie, leggings: Spanx, socks: SheIn, shoes: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Ana Luisa, bracelets: Ana Luisa

9) Leather Jacket: Every girl needs a good leather jacket. I’ve had a few over the years but this shacket style is my current favorite. It’s super oversized and can be buttoned up too. I use these all the time to layer—plus, they’ll never go out of style. I promise you’ll be wearing one of these for years!

10) Basic Bodysuits: I’ve talked a lot about layering in this post: with flannels, shackets, puffers, and more. However, what are you laying them over you may ask?! You definitely need a few basic bodysuits in your collection. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good cropped tank/tee/long sleeve however when it cools down, bodysuits are my favorite. Express is my favorite place to grab these since they are thong style and snap along the crotch.

Oh, and a bonus essential for this fall is a good pair of knee-high boots. These are back in style this year and really help elongate the legs. I love wearing these with dresses and skirts but they also work with skinny jeans. Tuck a basic black bodysuit into your bottoms and pop a leather jacket right over top! Bam, instant outfit.

Outfit Details— jacket: SheIn, bodysuit: Express, jeans: Express, boots; Franco Sarto, purse: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Ana Luisa, bracelets: Ana Luisa

Well, now you know what my go-to pieces are out of everything in my closet. I’m sure you recognize most of these pieces already… if not, I can promise you’ll be seeing them more as the season rolls on!

With love, McKenz

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