Fall’s Essential Seven

Cheers to Friday! We’re in the middle of monsoon rains here, and it’s expected to continue through the weekend…which means hello, pink rain boots! Actually, I’m part of a Mother & Son service group that’s working at a women’s shelter all weekend, so as fun as my pink boots are, we’re really hoping the weather allows us to spruce-up the house as much as possible.

For today’s Fashion Friday, I’m sharing what I consider to be Fall’s Essential Seven. It wasn’t easy to narrow down the options…because let’s face it, Fall is a bounty of cute clothes! #punny But I stuck with seven, mostly because I liked the alliteration of ‘Essential Seven’…but also because if I drill it down, these are my staples for a stylish, easy to mix, Fall wardrobe.

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven

{SCARVES}
1 | We’ll start with the obvious choice…scarves. Wool or cotton, plaid or striped, there’s not a Fall outfit that isn’t made cuter by a scarf. I prefer colorful ones since my Fall wardrobe is a little more neutral. I use this technique to tie my scarves so they look like an infinity…except with blanket scarves, those I just loop around my neck.
Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
{Boots & Booties}

2 | This is another obvious choice, but wearing boots with everything from jeans to dresses is a darling Fall transition. I tend to stick with neutral shades, like taupe and cognac, that wear with everything from black to brown. If I could only own two pair, I’d start with a taupe bootie and a cognac or medium brown knee-high boot (I like these and these). This {5 Ways | Fall Boots} post shows more boot styles in action.

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
Low Ankle Booties | Heeled Booties (similar)
{Jeans}

3 | In the warmer months, I’m all about skirts and dresses, but as soon as the temps drop, I wear jeans more than anything else. My top three styles, to wear for everything from casual weekends to work, are a dark-rinse jean with no fading or distressing, a pair of white jeans, and a distressed pair. See my {5 Ways | White Jeans After Labor Day} and {3 Ways | Dressed-Up Denim} for some styling options.

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
{Utility Jacket}

4 | A rugged jacket like this adds the perfect finishing layer for all kinds of outfits. Obviously it looks great thrown on with jeans, but also lends a masculine, edgy touch to dressier outfits of skirts or dresses. Utility (or military) jackets come in a variety of colors, but I stick with a neutral olive to go with just about every color, including brown or black.

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
Utility Jacket (similar here & here)
{Striped Top & Winter White Pullover Sweater}

5 & 6 | I think striped tees are year-round closet staples…particularly a black and white stripe. In fact, in my closet, you’ll find a sleeveless tank, short-sleeve tee, 3/4-sleeve tee, long sleeve tee and a turtleneck…all black and white striped. They pair with every pattern from floral and gingham, to plaid and solids, plus add a fun preppy touch.

Crewneck, v-neck, or turtleneck, a pullover sweater in a creamy winter white is always a great closet addition. Of course I love sweaters of all colors, but if I had to choose just one, I’d choose ivory. I love it layered over a colorful plaid shirt, the crispness of it paired with denim, and the chicness of wearing it with white.

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
Striped Tops: Turtleneck | Long Sleeve Tee
Ivory Pullover Sweaters: Tulip Hem | Crewneck | Turtleneck
{Vest}



7 | Bottom line, Fall is all about the layers…for warmth, but also to create varying colors, patterns and textures in an outfit. Vests are the perfect outer layer when it’s not too cool, but wear well under a jacket without bulking up your arms when the weather is colder. For that reason, I tend to choose quilted vests that add color and pattern, but not bulk. If you only buy one, stick with a solid color or one with a minimal pattern like this herringbone, so it mixes with more items in your closet.

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
Herringbone | Checked (similar here & here)

And coming in as close runner-ups on my list of Fall’s Essential Seven, are a cognac bag and stylish hat. Whether you prefer a tote, hobo or cross body style, a cognac bag will never go out of style, and wears with every color…yep, even black! And with the cooler temps come dry, frizzy hair and cold ears…so why not cover that up with a cute beanie or wool hat?! You’ll be warmer, and your outfit will be cuter for it, too.

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven

I rounded up a few of my Fall outfits to see the Essential Seven in action…

Hat + Scarf + Vest + Boots + Cognac Bag

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
Striped Top + Scarf + Jeans + Boots + Vest + Cognac Bag

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Earrings | Watch | Utility Vest (similar
Scarf + Striped Top + Jeans + Boots

Winter White Sweater + Jeans + Boots + Cognac Bag (kind of)

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
Vest + Jeans + Boots + Cognac Bag

Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirt / Work to Weekend
Utility Jacket + Vest + Boots + Cognac Bag + Hat

Hi Sugarplum | Fall's Essential Seven
Military Jacket (similar) | Plaid Dress | Puffer Vest | Pendant Necklace | Hat (similar)
Boots (similar) | Bag (similar under $50) | Leopard Cuff | Watch | Spike Bracelet
Vest + Jeans + Boots

Scarf + Jeans + Boots + Hat + Cognac Bag

It was difficult leaving plaid or gingham shirts and dresses off the list, because clearly I’m a fan! But I figured plaid was represented with the scarves. With these seven items, you can build countless Fall outfits that are both stylish and warm. What items do you agree on, and what would you add to your list of Fall Essentials? Happy weekend, lovebugs!

P.S. Did you catch yesterday’s post? We’re chatting all about our favorite beauty products & procedures! I shared my must-haves, and would love to hear yours!

*photos of the essential seven by mary summers, shot on-site at the dallas arboretum




Leave a Comment

26 Comments

  1. Hi Cassie,
    This is probably my favorite post. So many fabulous outfits and combinations – I'm set! You're adorable and I look forward to reading your blog everyday! Take Care,Sandi

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
    • Thank you so much, Sandi…I really appreciate your kind comment, and I'm thrilled you liked the post! I had fun putting it together!! xo

      Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  2. Momma wrote:

    You have such great style! Love these looks! Lol, I did have to do a double take at the top pic with you balancing the pumpkin on your head. At first glance, because the pumpkin is a similar color as your hair, it looked like you were sporting a half down top knot!

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
    • LOL…It does look like a top knot! Too bad I can't get my hair to do that sometimes! 🙂 Mr. SP took that shot…I think he's starting to enjoy our outfit sessions! xo

      Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  3. i just ordered yet another stripe shirt! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  4. Joanne wrote:

    I love the way you used pumpkins, straw and iron gates as props. Great outfits!

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  5. Julia wrote:

    Same as Joanne just said, I really liked the shots using props. And your pumpkin on the head shot too. 🙂 Love me some inventive photography! It really brings a different element to fashion posts.

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  6. Liz Jo wrote:

    you are the most stylish mama I know!

    liz @ sundays with sophie

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
    • You are the sweetest! Thank you, Liz!! xo

      Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  7. I love your 2nd outfit!
    Abbie E.
    http://abulouslife.blogspot.com/

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  8. Christina wrote:

    It's no wonder you graced the cover of RedBook! I love this post a lot. I think the props bring something special to clothing pictures and also love the suggestions about "if you only could buy one pair of boots,etc".

    Stay dry!

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
    • Ohmyword…thank you!!! Funny you mention Redbook…I'm working on the behind the scenes post! Thrilled you loved this post, and hope you got some new inspiration!!

      Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  9. Where have you been? I love love love your style. Was looking for some fun fall staples and you did not disappoint. I actually ordered a few things online and look forward to wearing them. Thanks for sharing your style. I really appreciate it.

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
    • Thank YOU! I'm thrilled you found my blog and some new inspiration! Hope you love the items as much as I do! xo

      Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  10. jilluk97 wrote:

    I'm looking for the perfect ivory cable knit…could you share info about the one in the picture?

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
    • The one pictured is Gap from several years ago (I don't part with clothes easily!). They haven't stocked anything similar yet this season, so I linked a few other similar ones that I liked just as much. I hope this helps!

      Posted 10.23.15 Reply
  11. Thanks for this great post! You are my favorite style blogger! I look forward to all of your posts. They are always jam packed with great tips and ideas and everything is always affordable! Keep them coming;)

    Posted 10.23.15 Reply
    • Thanks so so much, Suzanne! I'm thrilled you find inspiration here! I love creating the posts, so I'm glad you enjoy reading them!! xo

      Posted 10.25.15 Reply
  12. You had me at mother/son workday….but the fall essentials are pretty sweet too. I hope you two have a wonderful experience. He's a lucky boy to have a mom like you to guide him!

    Posted 10.24.15 Reply
    • Well, girlie, that's about the nicest comment ever! thank you for saying that…it gave me the boost to be even more appreciative of the time we spent together working this weekend…even though it started at an unnecessarily early hour!! 😉 xo

      Posted 10.25.15 Reply
  13. So many great outfits! I'm curious to know your thoughts on flare jeans coming back in style. Of course, just when I gave all mine away! I will be shopping soon to update my wardrobe and your picks will be perfect to help me!

    Posted 10.25.15 Reply
    • Thanks Kristen!! I love the flare jeans…but I haven't personally found a pair I like yet. Since I'm on the shorter side, many of them make my legs look even shorter! #notcute I'll likely gravitate more towards a bootcut…but those never went out of style in my opinion! It's always a flattering cut! xo

      Posted 10.25.15 Reply
  14. Cassie! Love your posts! I so admire the way you layer clothing and you have inspired me. What size do you buy from Old Navy in the vests…regular, petite, or tall? Also, the plaid treasure and bond dress…do you find it wrinkles throughout the day? Thank you!

    Posted 11.7.15 Reply
    • Thanks so much, Andrea! I wear an XS Regular in Old Navy vests, but I've tried the XS Petite and could easily wear it, as well. And the plaid dress just crease across my lap from sitting, but not in a way that bothers me much. Maybe I'm just sloppy!! 😉 xo

      Posted 11.9.15 Reply
  15. Nancy wrote:

    Do you size up on sweaters to allow room for layers? I always seem to struggle with the layers not being smooth. Any tips? Love your style!

    Posted 11.11.15 Reply
    • Thanks Nancy! It depends on the sweater, really. Most of my shirts are fairly fitted, so I don't need a lot of extra room to layer on top. And sometimes there is some wrinkling or bulging underneath…but that doesn't really bother me, kind of part of the layered, Winter look! 🙂 xoxo

      Posted 11.11.15 Reply