My Fall Wardrobe Short List
There’s just something about turning the corner into fall that feels like hitting the “refresh” button. I know we’re not quite there yet, but I’ve been scanning new fall styles with an eye toward a few strategic additions, and replacing some old favorites that are ready to be retired.
Early fall is when I most often find the pieces that earn a permanent spot in my wardrobe. We’ve got until about mid-October before things start to shift toward holiday and winter styles, so now’s the window for pieces that layer well, pack well, and in my mostly-mild climate, get worn most of the year. Here are a few of the pieces on my short list.
Jackets
Lightweight jackets are Wardrobe Gold for me, so I’m always on the hunt for those. Non-bulky styles that can be worn indoors or outdoors (and can layer underneath a raincoat for travel) top my list.
Suede Swing Jacket – $440
I’ve been looking for a leather or suede jacket in a lighter neutral shade, and this one looks promising. (It’s a shape that usually works well for me.) This taupe suede would go with everything, but I’m also eyeing the smooth camel leather. (Autumns, the Chestnut suede is a good one for you.)
Wool Bomber – $170
It’s becoming increasingly harder to find 100% wool pieces these days, and I’m very tempted to try this double-face 100% merino wool bomber jacket. Refined, but not uptight. Other colors available too.
Funnel-neck Windbreaker – $158
Sporty chic! The classic check print is an elevated take on activewear. Cotton blend, so perfect for transitional seasons and mild climates.
Available for pre-order, and per reviews runs large.
Sweaters
Cashmere Crewneck – $148
Full disclosure, I spotted this one in the store last week and couldn’t leave without it. This warm green is just so yummy, good for Springs and Vibrant Autumns. I also like the rolled bottom hem, which gives it a more slouchy, relaxed fit. Took my usual size Small.
Tie-neck Merino Cardigan – $175
This pretty cardigan is part of Sézane’s new collection. (I’ll have more on the rebrand and new look soon.) The collar can be worn tied or loose. The fit looks to be a bit relaxed, but it’s sometimes hard to tell with how Sézane styles their models. I have this one on order in my usual size and will report back.
Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan – $89.90
I’ve been looking for a medium brown cardigan for travel, and think this might be the one. The matching color buttons are a small detail that make it look higher-end. I ordered my usual size Small, will report back on sizing.
Tops
Silk Leopard Print Blouse – $398
I have this top in another color, and it’s such a good one! It layers well under sweaters and jackets, and provides just enough arm coverage to wear on its own on warmer days. (This leopard is good for warm palettes; those of you with cool palettes, take a look at the Garnet color.)
Cropped Cotton Shirt – $99*
Gingham is plaid’s more playful cousin, and this blue and camel mix takes it into fall. In both Regular and Petite sizes.
*discounts often available, check website for codes.
Pants
I’ve added a couple new pairs of jeans to the fall rotation, but will be covering those in a separate post.
Wide-leg Ponte Knit Pants – $120
I love ponte knit pants for travel, and these look promising! They’re offered in several neutral colors, in Regular, Tall, and Petite lengths. They’re machine washable too.
Shoes
Yes, one more that’s already made the leap from wish list to wardrobe… 😉
Patent Ruched Loafers – $395
I’ve been on the hunt for loafers for travel, and these tick the boxes. They’re sleek, but really comfortable and supportive, and the crinkled patent finish adds refinement that makes them easy to dress up. (Cool palettes, check out the Pinot Noir color!)
I’ll have my cobbler add a rubber half-sole for traction and weatherproofing.
This is what I love about building a wardrobe over time: you’re never starting from scratch. A few pieces mixed into what you already have opens up new combinations and makes everything feel fresh.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Hi Susan. Because of my eczema I’m always looking for 100 percent cotton sweaters. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Places like Land’s End, L.L. Bean, and Eddie Bauer will have 100% cotton sweaters.
Also – try Garnet Hill – they have lovely things, with natural fiber fabrics!
These are lovely choices — and I’m looking forward to wearing fall clothes, especially lightweight jackets. Also looking forward to your upcoming post about jeans, since I spend so much time in them. There are SO many styles to choose from, and I get confused about what’s on trend and what isn’t. (I want to be comfortable, but I don’t want to look outdated.) I’m still enjoying the barrel-shaped jeans — Eileen Fisher’s are slimming and not too baggy — but wonder if this is just a passing trend? I do find the wider legs are much more comfortable than skinny jeans. Anyway, I look forward to your jeans update!
Beautiful pieces, Susan. I would wear these until the end of time. Now please share which pieces will be leaving your closet. Other than signs of wear, what pushes them out the door?
Thanks for the scouting! I’ve been wondering about the Sezane rebrand as well as the Quince cashmere cardigan in the brown, and am looking forward to your thoughts.
Hi Susan! Is it my imagination but are several Sézane cardigans this season in the color ECRU ( the Amelie merino wool cardigan above is one of them) trending more cooler, almost a creamy white, rather than a warm beige tone?
Hi Anita! I just received the cardigan this afternoon, and it’s a soft white, leaning warm but with a slightly less yellow undertone than the ecru Betty.
Hi Susan,
Lovely fall post thank you. I thought the Sezane launch was more exciting on the day than I originally thought by the teaser.The Robb jacket is so beautiful but too expensive for me so I went for the Will in Chocolate leather and its gorgeous. Love the sweater you got from J. Crew! What did you think of Sezane Fall 2026?
Susan I love that green sweater! The color is gorgeous. I’m really into that warm green color right now as autumn approaches.
In fact I just bought this cute mossy green knit jacket from Boden. It looks a bit like the Sézane Betty but is a bit longer and is mostly cotton, with a bit of wool. Perfect for our SoCal climate. It comes in other colors as well and is currently 20% off!
https://us.boden.com/products/women-phoebe-collared-knitted-jacket-forest-green-k1296grn?variant=49189155897596&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=pmax&tc_me=cr&tc_campid=21218203631&tc_adgroupid=&tc_targetid=&tc_locphys=9031583&tc_matchid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21221688172&gclid=CjwKCAjwwL_UBhAjEiwAEhuT5CLMUy82RfpdN4YEUgY_4w3mzNMmg2uSU2lZWJpnKEZ9hf6wYgT0ERoCuKAQAvD_BwE