The Fall Accessories That Make an Outfit

When we talk about fall fashion, sweaters and jackets tend to get most of the attention. But I’m also looking forward to cooler weather as an excuse to break out some of my favorite accessories. Scarves, bags, shoes, and jewelry have always done a lot of the heavy lifting in my wardrobe. They’re often the details that make even a simple outfit feel more interesting and more like me.

And there’s something about fall that makes those finishing touches especially appealing. A beautiful scarf, a great pair of shoes, or a bag in a rich seasonal color can shift the mood and make even familiar pieces feel more fall-coded. Even fragrance and lipstick can help signal a change of season, without requiring a major wardrobe overhaul.

So today I’m focusing on some of those smaller pleasures of fall dressing: accessories and finishing touches that can refresh what we already own, add some personality, and make getting dressed feel a little more fun.

And I’m joining up with several of my blogger friends, who will be sharing their favorite fall accessories, so do give them a visit!
Annie at Most Lovely Things | Cindy Hattersley Design | Mary Ann at Classic Casual Home

How I’m Transitioning an Outfit for Fall

Our weather stays warm well into fall, so I’m not putting away my lighter pieces just yet. This linen-blend sweater has been in heavy rotation, and a switch of accessories makes it feel more seasonally appropriate. Above, I’ve traded my summer cotton bandanas for a silk scarf, open-weave flats for suede loafers, and raffia bags for a favorite leather one. The outfit itself hasn’t changed much, but these small swaps give it a decidedly more autumnal feel.

(I’ve had that Loewe bag for a few years now, and it’s still the one I use most often. It’s softened up a bit with use, but other than that it shows almost no wear. Here are a couple of budget-friendly options with a similar look: The Horse | Quince )

Scarves: An Easy Way to Add Color & Pattern

Silk Scarves

Silk carrés (square scarves) are perennial, though their popularity does tend to ebb and flow. They’ve been enjoying a resurgence lately, and this fall there’s a particularly good selection, in sizes ranging from small bandanas to generously sized shawls. If you’ve either wanted to try silk scarves or have some already languishing in your wardrobe, fall is the perfect time to bring them out. I’ve shared some easy ways to tie them (inspired by Parisiennes) here: How to Wear a Scarf: Easy Techniques for Every Season.

My friends at Castanohel have some gorgeous and unique silk scarves available, and will help you select the right color for your palette. And here are a few more that caught my eye: Madewell | Kate Spade | rag & bone | Elizabetta | Johnny Was

Cashmere Scarves

For cooler weather, and especially for travel year-round, these cashmere-silk scarves from Black have been favorites of mine for years. The leopard print is one I always pack for travel, and for color, I love these Liberty archive prints.

These scarves are lightweight and provide warmth without bulk. They’re incredibly soft and large enough to wear as a wrap on chilly flights or cool evenings. And they make wonderful gifts. Use code SUSAN15 for 15% off. (And Black will refund any customs duties you may be charged, so ordering from the UK is worry-free.)

Fall Shoes: Sneakers & Loafers

Shoes are another easy way to shift an outfit into the new season. Even when it’s too warm for heavier layers, changing the color, texture, or style of my footwear can make an outfit feel more like fall.

While I do wear sneakers year round, during the late spring and summer I stick to light colors. Come fall, the darker sneakers come back out. I purchased this pair earlier this year. They are SO comfortable, and I love that they slip on!

I’m wearing socks with them above, but while it’s still warm I like these no-show socks. Save 15% with code SUSAN15OFF.

I picked up these Tory Burch suede loafers during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and find them as comfortable as slippers! Even without socks. They’re currently 40% off, and most sizes still seem to be available.

The loafers I’ll probably travel with, though are these from Veronica Beard. They’re currently at the cobbler getting a rubber half-sole added, but I’ll share my own photos once they’re back. I went with the Espresso patent which is soft and comfortable right out of the box. There’s plenty of padding in the insole, and enough arch support for me.

Fall Beauty: Lipstick & Fragrance

Yes, I consider lipstick and fragrance accessories too. They’re finishing touches that can change the mood just as much as a scarf or pair of shoes, and I tend to switch both up with the seasons.

Lipstick

I wear some color on my lips year-round, but during the summer months I tend toward a sheer lipstick or stain that works well with lighter clothing. Come fall, I’m ready to switch back to richer, more pigmented shades.

Fragrance

I also like to switch up my fragrance with the seasons, and during the cooler months I tend to gravitate toward warmer, gourmand scents. Earlier this year I stumbled across Maison Louis Marie perfumes and recently tried their No. 15 Vanille Infinie Eau de Parfum. LOVE! It’s a lighter, fresher take on vanilla that doesn’t overpower, and feels just right for fall.

Sometimes It’s the Little Things

One of the things I enjoy most about seasonal dressing is that it doesn’t always require a big wardrobe change. Especially while the weather is still warm, swapping a few accessories can be enough to make familiar pieces feel fresh again. A scarf, a change of shoes, a richer lip color, or even a new fragrance can help ease us into fall, one small detail at a time.

Which accessories do you look forward to bringing back into rotation for fall?

And now, let’s see what my blogger friends have shared. They always inspire me!

Most Lovely Things | Cindy Hattersley Design | Classic Casual Home

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