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The Ankara Queen

Hello there! My name is Brenda and I am a thirty something year old mid size fashion lover. I have been blogging and creating content for about 15 years now with no sign of slowing down.

I love sharing affordable finds that can be repeated in multiple ways. My email inbox is always open at: [email protected]

The Ankara Queen

Fall Wardrobe Essentials You Must Have (2023 guide)

Whether we’re ready to admit it or not, the Fall season will soon be around the corner. *Gasp*

Soon, crop tops and shorts would be replaced with cozy sweaters and trench coats in store windows.

Fall is a lot of people’s favorite season, and for good reason: the colour palette nature gives us during this time is nothing short of breath taking.

These different colors tend to be incorporated a lot of people’s personal style during this season.Post ImageI’m here to make your Fall wardrobe transition as seamless and fashionable as possible by giving you some major Fall wardrobe inspo with key and Fall essentials you can mix and match from September – November and beyond.

Getting on top of your Fall shopping early could save you a lot of time, heartache and MONEY.

A lot of Fall items are actually on sale at the moment and waiting longer would just mean items would be sold out by next month, when the rest of the world would be Fall shopping.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.Post Image

It does not take a whole lot of money nor hard work to have an enviable Fall wardrobe and I am here to make you see that.

Just like last year and the years before, a great Fall capsule wardrobe includes: moto jackets, knee-high boots, an oversized sweater or oversized cardigan, black jeans, a camel coat or longline coat in a solid color, ankle booties and a midi skirt.

I have split up my Fall wardrobe staples into the following categories:

1. Denim: 1st on the list is denim! Denim has been a staple from time and it’s amazing how a colour and cut of the same denim can make a huge difference in your look.

For denim jeans, Fall usually means a darker shade/wash. This cropped look is a great transitional pair as it could be worn with a bodysuit or crop top in the Spring and then paired with a sweater and ankle boots in the Fall.

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I’m a sucker for a little black in the wardrobe all season long and so this wide leg high rise pair of jeans is making it to this list. It would be flattering on women with a little belly thanks to the high rise cut and leg elongation.

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Speaking of black denim, to date, my favourite pair of black skinny jeans is still the Joni jeans by Topshop and now they have a coated version which is an absolute must-have! At under $50, it’s a steal.

Post ImageThese black jeans give you a faux-leather look without the struggle of getting into a pair of leather or faux leather pants.

In addition to denim bottoms, a denim jacket is a great Fall staple, taking a more dressy outfit down a notch while making a basic outfit more cool.

This River Island denim jacket is the perfect length and colour of denim to make it a versatile closet piece.Post ImageIf you’re ready to splurge on a denim jacket to take you through years and years, this 7 for Mankind version might be what you are looking for.Post ImageConsider pairing it with wide leg pants or jeans.

2. Sweaters & Cardigans: We all love a cozy Fall sweater and in my opinion, it’s important to have the following: a chunky sweater (preferably a turtleneck sweater), a brightly coloured sweater, a sweater you use to layer, a long cardigan and a short cardigan.

Starting off with the chunky sweater, this Vero Moda wool knit sweater gives you both colour and chunky for under $30!Post ImageIf by the time you’re reading this post, that sweater is sold out, check out this Cream version (currently on sale for under $30) which is also a great option in a neutral color and offers more length. Think about pairing it with leggings.Post ImageNow moving on to the brightly coloured sweaters. I always smile whenever I see someone confidently rocking a brightly coloured sweater during the colder months. It’s so refreshing. Comfy sweaters are like a warm hug on a chilly Fall day

This colour block sweater would be a great pick me up during some of the colder Fall days.

Post ImageThis Mango sweater combines both colour as well as warm chunkiness, It would be great to wear to work if paired with a pair of trousers and a white shirt.Post ImageIf you’re one of those people who easily goes from hot to cold during the Fall, layering is your friend.

A lighter sweater such as this one is a great layering piece. Start with this before adding either a cardigan, blazer or jacket/coat.

Post ImageLong cardigans are great because not only do they keep you warm, but their length also makes you appear taller than usual.

They go great with jeans, leggings (even faux leather leggings) or even skirts meaning you can wear them at home or to the office.

This Longline cardigan from Topshop would be a great addition to your Fall wardrobe.

The bonus – the 2 front pockets!Post ImageA shorter cardigan can keep you warmer when you have a more dressy outfit on during the Fall.

I am really loving this ribbed cotton blend cardigan in green.Post ImageA great way to add a little sexiness to your wardrobe during the Fall is with a cardigan.

Take for instance this zip detail cardigan which allows you to expose as much or as little cleavage as you feel like.Post Image*Do note that as per reviews, the cut runs on the lower side.

3. Sweater dresses: What’s better than a comfortable sweater? A comfortable sweater dress!

It’s incredible how a sweater dress can be so flattering on different body types and can also make a Fall outfit more dressy. I like to pair mine with ankle boots to make me appear leaner and taller.

I love me a sweater dress with buttons from top to bottom and so this Revolve sweater dress has caught my eye. P.S. It’s on sale for under $100!Post ImageIf you’re all about adding some heat to your Fall date night outfits, I present to you 2 sweater dresses that would do just the trick:

This pink open back option is sure to turn heads. I would style it with minimal jewellery and a pair of heeled boots.Post Image

Then there is this cream sweater dress also featuring a cut out back.

Do note that reviews say to size up if you end up purchasing it!Post ImagePost ImageIf you love your Fall tones AND love a good ribbed dress, then this sweater dress is for you.

It comes in a classic cut and colour and is over 50% off at the moment.Post ImageYou may want to snatch it up now!

If you’re looking for that statement sweater dress without all the cut-outs, I present to you the Heartloom Antonia Dress. The cut does all the talking.

Post ImageThis  ASOS sweater dress offers knitted warmth in a classic colour and is currently on sale.Post ImageTo round up the list of sweater dresses, how about this more casual one featuring a V-neck?Post ImageThis is the perfect one to wear for a Fall lunch/dinner or drinks.

4. Fall Boots: If you live in Canada (not on the West Coast), then Fall is the only season and time of year when you get to actually wear and show off fashionable boots with heels and platforms.

The brutal snow does not tend to be accommodating of these styles so while Fall is here, whip our your favourite combat boots, heels thigh highs and more.

When it comes to Fall boots, it’s important to have a pair of booties, a a pair of mid calf boots and if possible, a pair of thigh highs. That should have you sorted for the Fall.

The fashionista in me says your staple black bootie should be these Jeffrey Campbell’s. Such a hot item right now. Look at that heel!

Surprisingly, the reviews say they are very comfortable – just do not purchase if you have really wide feet.Post ImageIf you’re not as daring, I invite you to try these more conservative but still stylish black booties.Post ImageIf you’re all about that comfort in the Fall, I would suggest investing in a pair of Doc Martens.

They’re some of the most popular boots right now thanks to their comfort and versatility. Their Chelsea boot aesthetic is also very appealing and in fashion.Post ImageIf you do not own a pair of white booties, Please do yourself a favour and get a pair. You won’t regret it. They go so well with dressier Fall outfits.

I love these ones here for under $60!Post Image

These brown booties would also pair nicely with neutral colors as well as black and green.

I love the faux-leather look.

Post ImageIf you’re one of the fortunate people with thighs and calves that can fit into higher boots, good for you! These next options are for you.

A black thigh high boot is a Fall classic and this one on sale would be a great addition to your closet.Post ImageHere is another option for heeled black thigh high boots.Post ImageFor more of a leather look, try this knee-length option, currently on sale for under $50.Post ImageIf you’re tired of black boots in the Fall, this River Island Jacquard boot would be sure to catch your eye. I love the gold heel on the boot.Post ImagePost ImageInvesting in a pair of good quality thigh high boots may be one of your goals this year. If so, I highly recommend these Stuart Weitzman suede boots.Post ImageInvesting in a pair of good quality thigh high boots may be one of your goals this year. If so, I highly recommend these Stuart Weitzman suede boots.Post Image5. Jackets & Coats: I had to end with these because to be honest, your jacket and coat are the most important Fall pieces. It’s the 1st thing folks notice when you dress up because it covers whatever else you may be wearing under.

If your budget is super tight, I would strongly encourage you to start your spending here. However, nowadays there is a Fall coat for every price point.

A high-quality leather jacket is the 1st item on the jacket list. It may be a faux or real leather jacket.

I love the gold zipper details on this Blank NYC faux leather jacket.Post ImageNext, you need a classy belted longline coat. I promise you, this coat is a great staple piece and instantly steps up any look you have going on underneath.

This camel Ted Baker longline coat in classic Fall cut and colour is a definite yes. It would also work great as a Spring coat – talk about versatility.Post ImageAnother more affordable option for a classic longline coat would be this grey version.Post ImageI just have to add this Soia & Kyo coat to the list because of the beautiful colour, ribbed collar and feminine cut. Their coats are known for having the perfect fit!Post ImageIf you’re feeling more bold in the Fall coat department, why not try a Check pattern long coat such as this one:Post ImageThere’s no way I could write a Fall wardrobe essentials list and not include a trench coat!

I decided to go with this classic neutral colour because it would be easier to dress and style if this is your first trench.Post ImageShorter jackets are also great to have because sometimes you want to show off your jeans/pants/skirt or the weather may not warrant a heavier coat.

This puffer jacket with monogram print screams streetwear chic without trying hard.Post ImageIf you’re not fully into the puffer look, why not try a fleece Fall jacket for your more casual looks

This ASOS zip through fleece jacket would be a great place to start.Post ImagePost ImageI own a fleece jacket and I can tell you they’re surprisingly warmer than they look!

As usual, this list is not exhaustive and I would be adding items as I deem fit and as some of the items on this list sell out, because most of them are selling fast!

Need tips on how to style your ankle boots, with jeans, check out THIS POST.

You need to check out this post if you are in your 30s: Where to shop for clothes in your 30s.

Until the next post,

XOXO

Theankaraqueen