My Fall Edit: What I'm Adding, What I'm Avoiding & Why It Matters
The full guide on how to edit & build your fall wardrobe like a stylist
Every fall, I do the same thing: I pay attention.
During those weird transitional weeks when it’s 70 degrees one day and 50 the next, I take mental notes. What am I reaching for? What’s missing? What would make getting dressed easier?
I have the advantage of studying trends for work, so I’m constantly asking myself: Do I actually wish I had that? Would I wear it? Most of the time, the answer is no. But when something passes that test—when I can see exactly how it fits into my life and my wardrobe—I add it.
This year’s fall edit is all about statement pieces that elevate my basics, evolve my style to match where I am now, and fill real gaps. Not clutter. Not trends for the sake of trends. Just smart additions that set up the season and make getting dressed effortless.
Here’s what’s coming in, what I’m refusing to buy, and why it matters.
What I’m Adding:
I’ve been gravitating toward bombers over leather jackets lately. They’re softer, easier to style, and feel less “trying” than a moto jacket—which honestly started to feel like a costume on me.
The ones I’m adding have texture (suede, nylon with interesting details) and work over everything from dresses to denim. They’re that perfect third piece when a blazer feels too formal and a cardigan feels too cozy.
Why it matters: This replaces my leather jacket in rotation, so I’m not adding—I’m upgrading. One piece, more versatility, better fit for my current style.
I love the look of leather pants, but the reality is they’re expensive, high-maintenance, and honestly a little much for my everyday life. Waxed denim gives me the same edge with way more wearability.
I can wear these to a casual Friday at the office, out to dinner, or on the weekend without feeling like I’m overdressed. They’re also a fraction of the price, which means I’ll actually wear them instead of treating them like precious event-only pieces.
Styling note: These with the bomber jacket and a simple tee = my new weekend uniform.
Why it matters: This is about finding the accessible version of a look I love—something I’ll actually wear, not something that sits in my closet waiting for the “right occasion.”
I’m done with basic crewneck sweaters that do nothing for me. If I’m investing in knitwear, it needs to have a point of view—interesting texture, an unexpected neckline, subtle detailing that makes it feel special.
These are the sweaters I can throw on for a casual day and still look intentional, or style with a leather skirt and the suede flats for an easy elevated look that works day to night.
Why it matters: Statement basics are the key to a functional wardrobe. I don’t need more sweaters. I need sweaters that actually get worn because they feel like me.
These are my secret weapon for fall layering. They add texture and warmth without bulk, they layer beautifully under blazers or over button-downs, and they work on their own when it’s not freezing yet.
I’ve been reaching for these constantly during transitional weather, and I realized I need more of them in my rotation.
Why it matters: Layering pieces that don’t add bulk = looking polished without overheating. This is how I stay comfortable and elevated at the same time.
I’ve been moving away from sneakers and toward flats this season. Not because sneakers are “out,” but because my style is evolving and I want something that feels a little more refined for everyday.
Suede flats fill a real gap: polished enough for client meetings, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and they work with everything from denim to dresses.
Styling note: These keep skirts and dresses on the go without looking undone. That’s the move.
Why it matters: I identified a gap (elevated flats) and filled it strategically. I’m not buying three pairs of trendy shoes—I’m buying one great pair I’ll wear 50+ times.
Okay, I said I’m moving toward flats, but I did add ONE sneaker. The difference? It’s low-profile and clean—not chunky, not overly branded. It feels more elevated than the chunky sneakers I used to wear, and it integrates better with my wardrobe now.
Why it matters: I’m evolving my style, not abandoning comfort. This sneaker works with my current aesthetic in a way my old ones don’t.
I love a good set. Throw it on together for a complete look, or style the pieces separately to maximize versatility. These aren’t matchy-matchy loungewear—they’re elevated knit sets or coordinated pieces that look intentional whether worn together or apart.
Styling note: The pullover from a set with a silk cozy pant or leather skirt = instant elevated outfit. The pant from the set with a simple tee and the bomber = casual chic.
Why it matters: Two pieces that work together AND separately = maximum ROI. This is how I keep my wardrobe simple without sacrificing style.
What I’m Avoiding:
1. Oversaturated Trends
If it’s everywhere—on every influencer, in every store, all over TikTok—I’m skipping it. Not because it’s bad, but because I don’t want to look like everyone else. And honestly, most trends die fast. I’m not interested in pieces that feel dated in six months.
2. Chunky Shoes or Shoes That Feel Too Basic
I’m over chunky sneakers and basic flats that add nothing to an outfit. A statement shoe is the easiest way to elevate a simple look. If the shoe isn’t doing something for me, I’m not buying it.
3. Anything That Lacks Texture or Personality
Flat, boring basics don’t excite me anymore. If a piece doesn’t have interesting texture, subtle detailing, or a point of view, I don’t need it. I have enough plain tees and generic sweaters.
4. Pieces That Only Work One Way
Single-use pieces don’t earn their place in my closet. If I can’t style it at least three different ways, it’s not versatile enough. I’m not here to collect clothes—I’m here to build a wardrobe that actually works.
5. Colorways That Don’t Work With My Wardrobe
I don’t care what Vogue says is trending. If the color doesn’t integrate with what I already own, I’m not buying it. I’m building a cohesive wardrobe, not chasing every color of the season.
6. Uncomfortable Clothes or Fabrics
Life’s too short for scratchy knits, stiff fabrics, and shoes that hurt. If it’s not comfortable, I won’t wear it. Period.
How to Decide What to Add?
Here’s how I approached this fall edit—and how you can approach yours:
STEP 1: Identify Real Gaps
I didn’t just buy things because they were cute. I noticed what was missing during transitional weather. What scenarios am I dressing for where I struggle? What would make getting dressed easier?
For me: I needed elevated flats, softer outerwear, and statement pieces that work with my basics.
STEP 2: Test Against My Wardrobe
Before I bought anything, I asked: Does this work with at least 3 things I already own? If not, it’s not versatile enough.
Example: The waxed denim works with my bomber jackets, my pullovers, my simple tees, my blazers. That’s integration.
STEP 3: Prioritize ROI
Every piece I added is something I’ll wear 10+ times this season and beyond. I’m not buying single-use pieces. I’m investing in things that compound over time.
The math: A $200 bomber jacket I wear 50 times = $4/wear. That’s ROI.
STEP 4: Avoid Clutter
More clothes = more decisions = more stress. I’m not adding just to add. I’m upgrading, replacing, and filling real gaps. My closet stays edited, which means getting dressed stays effortless.
This is how simplicity works. Not deprivation. Just intention.
This fall edit isn’t about having more clothes. It’s about having the right clothes—pieces that work together, fill real gaps, and evolve with where I am now.
Closet clutter leads to decision fatigue. When you have too many options (especially options that don’t work together), getting dressed becomes exhausting. You stand in your closet overwhelmed, feeling like you have nothing to wear even though you’re surrounded by clothes.
Smart shopping solves that. When you add strategically—when every piece integrates with what you already own and serves multiple purposes—you set up the season for effortless style. Less decisions. More confidence. Better ROI.
That’s what this edit is about. And that’s what I want for you too.
xx,
hiiii thanks for this fabulous guide! what 3 pieces out of all these would be your top most