Searching for some affordable Fall essentials that are perfect for your workday business casual attire? Here are 15 stylish pieces that will make getting dressed for work so easy!
It’s almost that time of year again! Fall sweet Fall!
And as the fashionistas that we are, we really appreciate the fashion style that comes with the cooler weather.
Every Summer we anxiously await the latest Fall trends for the upcoming season. After a long hot Summer, we are all more than ready to pull out our chunky sweaters and boots.
Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year! I love the changing of seasons and all the Autumn colors that come with it.
And as far as fashion is concerned it really is exciting to pull out a whole new wardrobe to put on rotation!
As a capsule wardrobe fashionista myself, I am constantly adding a few new layering pieces to my wardrobe collection every year.
One thing I really anticipate every Summer is the annual Nordstrom Anniversary sale every July to get inspiration!
In this post, I will cover the best business casual Fall essentials for every busy working woman. These pieces all mix and match seamlessly and will have you looking cute and sophisticated!
More importantly, they are all capsule wardrobe-worthy!
These are Fall essentials staples that you need to easily style with existing pieces in your closet as well as with any additional pieces that you will add on next year.
Best Business Casual Fall Essentials:
1. Blazer
CHICMONY Plaid Blazer ($50)
A plaid blazer is a beautiful ideal capsule piece to own in your Fall essentials wardrobe. It adds an adorable neutral printed pattern to almost any business casual outfit for work.
Its versatility makes it a must-have to mix and match with anything from a pencil skirt to jeans.
Add this plaid blazer to a collection of neutral-colored blazers you may already own. Houndstooth-printed blazers are another option.
And of course, black and camel-colored blazers are also ideal for this time of the year.
Try This Look:
Petite Longline Check Blazer | boohoo
Lapel Neck Dual Pocket Blazer | SHEIN USA
2. Button-Down Shirt
BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY Silky Oversized Shirt ($39)
Neutral, solid button-down shirts are classic Fall essentials. Denim button-downs are also perfect for mixing and matching with anything in your closet.
Any of these shirts will style easily with pants, jeans, skirts, and under a pullover sweater. I personally like to style them over a dress and tied up in front.
They can be blousy button-downs, silky, or cotton. The idea is for the shirt to be a good neutral staple piece.
This is also a piece that can easily transition into other seasons of the year.
Try This Look:
Button-Down Blouse | SHEIN USA
Denim Long Sleeve Button-Down | Amazon
Satin Button-Down Shirt | Mango
3. Long Sleeve T-Shirt
FREE PEOPLE Rickie Top ($30)
Aside from keeping you warm, a long sleeve t-shirt can be styled under any blazer, cardigan, or sweater for work attire.
They come in so many options including waffle, ribbed, henley, turtle neck, mock neck, and even bodysuits.
A long sleeve t-shirt is a great investment to make and is even perfect for transitioning seasons from Winter to Spring when it is still cool outside.
Try This Look:
Timeless T-Shirt | Banana Republic Factory
Long Sleeve Waffle Knit Tunic Blouse | Amazon
{RELATED POST: CAPSULE WARDROBE BASICS | 11 BEST BASIC PIECES TO HAVE IN YOUR CLOSET TO MAKE GETTING DRESSED EVERYDAY INSANELY EASY}
4. Pullover Sweater
TOBI Mock Neck Sweater ($60)
Sweaters! Who doesn’t love a good pullover sweater? If I could live in an outfit I’d easily choose an oversized sweater and jeans.
Sweaters add instant style to any outfit in the Fall. Turtle neck, sweatshirt style, oversized, or cropped.
They all pair easily with knee-high boots, booties, mule slides, and even a chunky sneaker.
For work style it over a long-sleeve button-down, pants, and pumps.
Try This Look:
Round Neck Light Weight Sweater | boohoo
Chunky Oversized Cable Knit Sweater | Amazon
Chunky Ribbed Sweater | Banana Republic Factory
5. Plaid Skirt
LUCY PARIS Plaid Skirt ($65)
A plaid or tweed skirt is the very definition of a Fall essential skirt. And any style will do.
More on-trend are the long pleated skirts. However, a fitted midi or mini skirt will also provide a fashionable professional look for the workplace.
Corduroy skirts are also another option that offers the perfect amount of warmth in cooler seasons.
It is perfect for business casual attire for work.
Style with a button-down or long-sleeve t-shirt, a blazer, and knee-high boots or pumps.
Try This Look:
Elastic Waist Plaid Pencil Skirt | SHEIN USA
Plaid Elastic Waist Bodycon Pencil Skirt | Amazon
Longline Pleated Skirt | Amazon
6. Black Dress
LULU’S Black Midi Dress ($38)
A good black dress is a must-have for a business casual capsule. And don’t be afraid of a fitted or bodycon dress, especially during the Fall season.
It is so easy to layer chunky pullover sweaters or cardigans that will help you feel more comfortable with the look.
Adding a knee-high boot will also help you feel more covered up and warm in this cooler time of year.
Try This Look:
Casual Bodycon Tank Dress | Amazon
Solid Bodycon Dress | SHEIN USA
Fitted Perkins Neck Dress | Mango
7. Black & Neutral Color Pants
SEZANE Damon Trousers ($160)
A good pair of work pants are a must-have for a business casual look. Dressy trousers, corduroy pants, straight-leg pants, skinny, or flare pants.
There are so many options and all look great in the Fall.
Style flare pants with a button-down, blazer, and pumps for a dressier look. Or try a corduroy style with a shorter chunky sweater and some booties for a more casual look.
Try This Look:
Talaren Pant – Tan | Petal & Pup USA
High Waisted Trouser Pant | Express
High Waist Basic Crepe Wide Leg Pants | boohoo
{RELATED POST: 13 MUST-HAVE ON TREND FALL AND WINTER JACKETS THAT ARE IDEAL CAPSULE WARDROBE STAPLES}
8. Leather Skirt
ARITZIA Vegan Leather Pencil Skirt ($98)
How sophisticated is a leather skirt? It instantly elevates the look of any outfit! And I believe there is a professional way to style them as in this pic above.
The versatility they offer is unmatched. A leather skirt is probably just as much a Fall essential as a leather jacket is.
A mini leather skirt styled with knee-high boots, a button-down, and a blazer will have you looking like a true fashionista for your workday.
Try This Look:
Faux-leather pencil skirt – Women | Mango USA
Zipper Back Solid PU Pencil Skirt | SHEIN USA
Neave Faux Leather Skirt – Tan | Petal & Pup USA
9. Coatigan
THE MINT JULEP BOUTIQUE Coatigan ($46)
A cardigan in coat style. The perfect cozy option for the more structured old-school coat. This cardigan gives you the look of a professional-style coat with the comfort and warmth of a cardigan.
So basically you get the best of both worlds!
I absolutely love the look that a coatigan offers. I have a camel-colored one that I have received numerous compliments on.
Style with a black dress and knee-high boots and feel confident all day long!
Try This Look:
Elura Coatigan – Camel | Petal & Pup USA
Soft Oversized Coatigan Sweater | LOVESTITCH
10. Trench Coat
SEZANE Scott Trench Coat ($305)
And for the professional fashionista, we have the trench coat of course! If you are a professional you need this coat in your closet.
Reminiscent of the busy NYC woman (think Sex and the City)… the trench coat is for the busy on-the-go gal who needs to look put together but still has a stylish layer of much-needed warmth.
I specifically favor this one in a camel color, however, it is great in any soft neutral color like gray and cream.
Trench coats are here to stay which makes a must-have capsule wardrobe staple.
Try This Look:
Modern Trench Coat | Gap Factory
Double-Breasted Trench Coat | Ralph Lauren
11. Leather Jacket
ASOS Faux Leather Jacket ($76)
A leather jacket is perfect for dressing up or down. They come in so many different styles that you are sure to find one that works for you.
Biker, moto, bomber, aviator, and blazer styles are some of the most popular trendy styles today.
Any one of these styles will mix and match well dressed up or dressed casually.
Style with jeans and booties for a casual weekend. Or just as easily for a Fall wedding with a formal or floral dress!
Try This Look:
Topshop Faux Leather Biker Jacket | ASOS
Oversized Faux Leather Biker Jacket | boohoo
Belted Wrap Faux Leather Jacket | boohoo
12. Loafer Mule Slides
ASOS Loafer Mules ($32)
The mule slide has become quite the trend in recent years and I am here for it! They are the perfect quick add-on of style for a day when you are just not feeling like wearing a heel.
Any neutral color is good to wear in any season but is truly ideal for the Fall season.
Try them with some skinny pants, a button-down shirt, and a pullover sweater for work.
Try This Look:
Metal Decor Loafer Mules Black | SHEIN USA
Metal Decor Flat Mules Beige | SHEIN USA
13. Knee-High Boots
BOOHOO Knee-High Boots ($28)
I don’t know about you but I know that the instant I put on some knee-high boots I feel confident and ready for the day!
A knee-high is a perfect length for style and warmth making it one of the best Fall essentials on the list!
Style with a skirt or dress and a trench coat for instant business casual style!
Try This Look:
Orchard Walks Boots | Vestique
Black Square Toe Stiletto Knee High Boots | Missguided
Minimalist Suede Slouchy Boots | SHEIN USA
14. Booties
DSW Vince Camuto Bibestie Bootie ($100)
A neutral-colored bootie is worth the investment. Booties have pretty much kept the same style year after year.
And going with a very neutral tone will get you through quite a few cooler seasons in the upcoming years.
Style with a skirt or dress, blazer, or coatigan.
Try This Look:
CATREENA TAN NUBUCK | Steve Madden
15. Pointed Toe Heels
NORDSTROM Pointed Toe Pump ($67)
The classic pumps are a go-to for almost any season and any outfit. These are an absolute must-have for a capsule wardrobe shoe collection.
They never go out of style and never will. Not to mention their versatility of pairing seamlessly with any outfit possible!
Style them with pants, skirts, or a dress. Add a blazer or oversized cardigan for a comfortable yet professional look!
Try This Look:
Point Toe High Heeled Chunky Court Pumps | SHEIN USA
To Wrap Things Up:
Any of the 15 items on this list will provide so many great outfit options with pieces you already own.
They will be in style for years to come and will have you looking cute and professional and ready for work in no time at all!
This post is about fall essentials.
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