Last week I participated in an Instagram challenge with some amazing blogger gals, hosted by Lindsay & Tarilyn. We were challenged to show our top 5 must-haves for fall & winter. Check out #the5musthaves for lots of inspiration & everyone’s list! I shared my top 5 over the course of the week on Instagram, but I also wanted to list them in one place for easy reference. I know, I know, it’s almost springtime (it’s been in the 70’s here until today). But, it’s also a great time to get fall & winter items on sale, so stock up on these wardrobe essentials for next year! I’ve rounded up my top 5 below & linked up tons of great options for each.
1. Over-the-Knee Boots
Every gal needs an over-the-knee boot in a neutral color. I wear mine like crazy all winter. They work with jeans & a sweater for a more casual look, or leather leggings for a more edgy look. They’re perfect with a mini skirt for a sexy date night. I prefer mine with a bit of a heel, but I prefer most of my shoes with a heel, lol. I’m hoping to snag a pair in taupe on sale soon & stash them away for next fall!
2. Neutral Sweater Dress
This dress was actually a full post last week. Quite simply, a sweater dress will never go out of style. There’s a reason that it appears, year after year, season after season. I wear it with tights & heels for work, with over-the-knee boots for date night, or layered with a jacket & heels for a girls dinner – it’s one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe.
3. White Button-Down
A white cotton button is always a classic. It works on its own with dark denim or you can layer it under any spring & summer look to extend a sleeveless top into fall & winter. I spent a long time struggling to find the perfect white button down. I wanted a crisp shirt with just the right amount of tailoring & stretch. You know what I mean, just a little fitted but not too tight, no strained buttons in the chest (aren’t those the worst?), & a length that will stay tucked in. Enter Ann Taylor’s Perfect Shirt! Seriously, I need it in black now, too.
4. Blanket Scarf
A blanket scarf is one of the most versatile pieces in my fall/winter wardrobe. It’s the perfect accessory to add to any sweater or dress, or layer under a jacket. I’m a bit of an addict & am developing quite the collection. They’re a great way to add a pop of color & a bit of interest. Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune to change up your look, I found so many great scarves at Target this year & they are on sale now for $10! I love wrapping one around my neck to keep warm on the way to work, then cozying up with it around my shoulders at my desk! It’s like a meat locker in my office, so it’s not surprising to find me bundled up at the computer during the day.
5. Dark Denim
Whether classic or distressed, skinny or bootcut, a great pair of dark denim will take you from the earliest days of fall to the coldest days of winter. I tend toward skinny denim because of my height, but I’m looking to try some bootcut or flares this spring – #staytuned. AG is my favorite brand, but Articles of Society, Topshop, & Express all have great denim options. I love the polished look of a darker wash for casual Friday’s at the office or a dressier date night.
[…] Monday friends! Last year I rounded up my top 5 pieces for fall/winter & a great sweater dress was one of my must-haves. It’s one of those items that is never […]