Listen, we all need essentials to get us through every season. For the hotter months, I make sure I have my sandals and dresses on deck because that’s what I’m trying to wear. When it gets colder, I need a few more layers so I’m not freezing in these streets. I hardly ever feel the need to re-up because I’ve had them for several years but it’s not a bad thing to get some new pieces, right?

During the “cooler” months, I have the same fall/winter essentials in rotation so it’s easy to put a look together. All I have to do is throw on some kind of outerwear and I’m good to go. An outfit is instantly together with way less stress.

Sweater

There’s a sweater in my closet currently that I’ve had since high school. This time of year is literally the only I wear it. It’s a smidge faded so I guess I could use a new one and give my “vintage” sweater a break. A sweater like this from Old Navy is a great option. It’s lightweight which means it can be worn on it’s own for days when it’s not freezing and still keep you warm when it is.

Sweatshirt

I stan for the entire Knowles family. I started following the Fly by Knight brand last year because I liked their merchandise. Solange’s A Seat at the Table album is still in heavy rotation so when I saw this sweatshirt was on sale, I had to get myself one. When highs are in the 70s, I’ll wear a sweatshirt without the extra layers underneath with a pair of shorts.

Long Sleeve Shirts

I’m overdue for some new long-sleeve shirts, one of the most inexpensive fall/winter essentials. This year, I’m contemplating going with turtlenecks but I haven’t made a final decision yet. The only colors I’m interested in are the basics: black, white, and gray. We all know those colors go with basically everything and can be worn multiple times. Long sleeves also help transition clothes from spring/summer to fall/winter with no effort at all. I know which dresses I’m wearing with long sleeves underneath already.

Trenchcoat

A piece of advice: trenchcoats never go out of style. I bought a thrifted one a few years ago from Goodwill that I finally got to wear earlier this year in DC(see header photo). Like I mentioned earlier, I tend to lean towards a “baggier” look for fall and winter. It would be the same outfit in various iterations: trenchcoat with a hoodie/sweatshirt underneath, jeans, and chunky boots.

Camisole

Camisoles work year-round but they are the foundation of any fall/winter look. In the past, I’ve worn them underneath my long sleeved shirts for another extra layer. I feel secure and a little more warm.

Denim Jacket

Another OG fall/winter essential. I don’t know about you but wearing a Canadian tuxedo is okay as long as it’s broken up with a contrasting piece.