Hi friends! It has been a minute since my last post. We celebrated Liam’s birthday at the end of September and I swear time is flying by faster than ever. But, today I want to take some time to share the 16 fall fashion must-haves for this year. Fall has always been my favorite season and all the fun fashion this time of year is just the cherry on top. I love wearing layers without freezing outside, and I love the warm colors that that come with the changing leaves and fall fashion. Though, I always seem to have an eye for expensive things.. is it just me?! So, I want to share an updated version of one of my most popular posts about fall style essentials. I’m sharing a mix of trendy and classic pieces that will elevate your fall wardrobe this year. And, I’m giving you options to splurge and save, so you can find something that works for your budget.

Directly below, are the splurge options and the save options are listed after the link listing. Numbers for the save option and splurge option correspond to the same must-have piece. So for example, the number one item is a sweater vest, so you’ll see the save and splurge options listed together under number one. Almost all the save options are under $50 and most of the splurge options are over $100, though you will see some under $100 options in there for pieces that aren’t typically priced high.

Now, let’s dive in to the 16 fall fashion must-haves!

> FALL FASHION PICKS <

#1. SWEATER VEST — saving or splurging

Sweater vests are a clear must-have this fall. They are so cute for layering. I love how they look under a white button down shirt with leggings or a skirt. But there are so many other fun ways to wear this trend. If you are on the fence about it though, I’d try the save option. It’s under $20, very soft and the neutral beige will go with so many things!

#2. BUTTON DOWN SHIRT — saving or splurging

Button down shirts are really a piece you can wear year round, but this fall they are getting extra attention, especially the more oversized ones. Of course you can get different colors, but if you are wanting to just try this trend I would start with a white one. You can never go wrong with a white button down!

#3. SHIRT JACKET — saving or splurging

I got the save option of shirt jackets at the Nordstrom sale and it is great quality for something under $50. I have tried cheaper amazon versions and other ones at the price but this one is the best. It’s thick, super soft and lined. It fits true to size with some room for layering. Shirt jackets are definitely a trend worth trying this fall and into the winter months.

#4. HENLEY TEE — saving or splurging

There’s something about a henley tee that is just the best during the fall. They work so well for layering under shirt jackets, cardigans, sweaters.. you name it! Both of the options I linked are more fitted, which I prefer when layering and wearing with wider leg jeans.

#5. TUNIC SWEATER — saving or splurging

This style sweater is truly classic — a style that will last for many many years. They look great styled with leggings, especially the faux leather ones I have linked below, or skinny jeans. I got the save option (pictured below)recently and LOVE it. It does run big. I got a small but could definitely wear an extra small and still have room in it. It’s not too chunky, so you can tuck it in to jeans, like I did, or you can wear it long and it will cover your bum!

#6 TURTLENECK SWEATER DRESS — saving or splurging

Another classic piece for fall, turtleneck sweater dresses are a great mix of cozy and chic! You can add a belt to give yourself more shape and/or style with a vest and knee high boots.

#7 FLORAL BLOUSE — saving or splurging

Warm floral prints are a long time fall favorite of mine. So, maybe it’s not surprising that I have ordered the save and splurge option to try out. I’ll keep you posted on my Instagram stories on which one I like best! Floral blouses look great with jeans and booties, and of course can easily translate to the office (for those of you who are going back).

#8 COLLARED SWEATER — saving or splurging

Collared, polo-esque sweaters are on trend right now and it’s a perfect twist on a classic, fall fashion must-have. You cannot go wrong with the save or splurge options. There are so many ways to wear these sweaters and I have a feeling this trend will be here to stay for at least a few years.

#9. SHERPA VEST — saving or splurging

The splurge-worthy sherpa vest was a recent purchase of mine and I have been wearing it nonstop. It’s such a cute a cozy fall piece that you won’t regret adding to your wardrobe. I love styling them with layering tees, plaid shirts and turtlenecks most of all. The save option has amazing reviews, comes in lots of colors and the best part is it is reversible!

#10. COGNAC CROSSBODY BAG — saving or splurging

Arguably the most classic fall essential for your wardrobe, I think this is an item you can justify splurging on. The cognac color will add the perfect pop of fall to any outfit, and you can surely wear it year round. Plus, crossbody bags are easy to take from day to night.

#11. STRAIGHT LEG, HIGH WAISTED JEANS — saving or splurging

Yes, please! The roomy, straight leg, high-waisted jeans are having a major moment this fall. This is another trend I am predicting is here to stay for quite a while. I am pretty picky with my jeans and have tried a lot of straight leg jeans recently that have been total FAILS, but the splurge option shown above is a true winner. They have the right touch of stretch and also come in petite and tall lengths.

#12. QUILTED JOGGERS — saving or splurging

Quilted anything is trendy right now. But, if you are going to get anything quilted, go for some cozy joggers. The pandemic has made joggers a true staple and I love that the quilted pattern elevates the jogger look. I got the save option recently, and they are SO comfortable. They fit true to size and also come in tall and petite lengths.

#13. FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS — saving or splurging

This is the only item from my original fall style essentials list that is back, two years later. It’s for a very good reason. Faux leather leggings will take your style game up a notch, and they really shine in the fall and winter. I bought the splurge-worthy ones a couple years ago and they’re super versatile for fall fashion. They look perfect with tunic sweaters, shirt jackets, booties, knee high boots.. I could go on and on!!

#14. KNEE HIGH BOOTS — saving or splurging

Knee high boots are such a classic piece for any wardrobe, but especially during the fall. I love the simple, sleek style of both pairs I found for y’all. Both options I shared have a lower heel and can easily go from day to night. They’re so chic!

#15. LACE-UP BOOTS — saving or splurging

Combat boots or any type of lace-up boot is a must this fall. They look *amazing* with so many things, but dresses, jeans, skirts, leggings and shirt jackets are some of my favorite ways to style them. I got the save option recently so I will report back on Instagram soon how I like them. The reviews look promising though!

#16. WHITE SNEAKERS — saving or splurging

White sneakers have been a must-have this whole year, but I couldn’t leave them off this list. They are the perfect casual, comfortable shoe for your fall outfits. I had the save option earlier this year and just recently got the splurge option for my birthday. The splurge ones are amazing quality, but the save option is a solid option if you are looking for something more affordable. I got my normal size in both.

Related: Affordable Outfit Ideas for Fall

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your fall outfits this year, and encouraged you to try a trend or style something in your closet a new way!

I’d love to hear what fall style essentials you’re saving and splurging on this year. Is there an investment piece you’ve been eyeing for fall, or maybe recently purchased? Are there any fall fashion must-haves that I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments.

Cheers!

Disclaimer: All  the opinions and thoughts I share are my own unless stated otherwise. I only share content that I have a personal connection with. Your clicks, comments and engagement are very much appreciated, and may allow me to receive a small compensation. Your support of SC’s Scoop and the brands I share help me keep doing what I love — thank you!