Fall 2025 Wardrobe Essentials: What to Buy First

Fall fashion can feel a little overwhelming, can’t it? I walked into a store the other day, and it was a sea of sweaters, jackets, and boots practically begging, “Take me home!” It’s tempting to want it all, but let’s be honest, none of us needs an entirely new closet every season. What we do need are a few smart updates that make everything we already own feel fresh and current (without blowing the budget).

That’s why I like to start each season with a short shopping list. Instead of trying to overhaul everything, I zero in on just a few key pieces that give me the most impact for the money. Today, I’m sharing what I’d buy first for Fall 2025.

1. Start With Booties or Comfortable Fall Shoes

If you ask me where to start when fall shopping, my answer is almost always shoes. Switching up your footwear is the fastest way to make your whole wardrobe feel in-season. Booties are my go-to because they work with just about everything: jeans, dresses, and even skirts. And if you’re still hanging on to the pair you’ve had for a decade, gurl, it’s time to upgrade. (Trust me, I’ve been guilty of that too!)

This year, ankle boots are still going strong, and they might be the most versatile style you’ll ever own. Knee-high boots are making a big comeback, which is wonderful news for those of us who like wearing dresses without freezing. And if you’re in the mood for something fun, slouchy boots are having a moment.

Of course, not everyone’s a bootie gurl, and that’s okay. Loafers, sneakers, and even clogs are trending too, and they’re all comfortable enough to keep up with real life.

My Tip: Stick to neutrals like black, brown, or taupe for your first pair. Once you’ve got the basics covered, you can have fun with textures like suede or croc embossing.

Shop Comfortable Fall Shoes:

Want my recommendations for fall shoes?? Head over to these posts:

• Slide Into Comfort: Mules That Look Chic at Any Age
• What Shoes to Wear with Fall Outfits When It’s Still Hot
• The Business Casual Shoes I Can Actually Walk In (Yes, Even Over 50)

2. Update Your Denim

You know me, I’ll take jeans over just about anything else in my closet. Nothing says “new season” quite like slipping into a fresh pair, and honestly, updating your denim is the quickest way to feel current.

For Fall 2025, wide-leg jeans are still going strong (good news for those of us who like a little breathing room). They skim beautifully, balance out hips, and have that relaxed vibe that feels both modern and wearable. Bootcut and flare jeans are also back in a big way, and I’m thrilled about it since they elongate your legs like nothing else, and they give you that effortless length without having to wobble in heels. And of course, straight-leg jeans remain the classic we can all count on. They’re polished, timeless, and play nicely with just about every shoe you already own.

My Tip: Buy one pair that works with your most-worn shoes. If you live in sneakers, a straight leg is your friend. If you’re a boot lover, grab a flare or bootcut. Denim is the backbone of so many fall outfits, so this update is worth it.

Shop Denim for Fall:

If you’re looking for a place to start when shopping for jeans, check out some of my most popular jean posts next:

• Great Drawstring Jeans You’ll Want to Wear on Repeat
• The Best Fitting Pants and Jeans I’ve Found in Years
• How to Wear Flare Jeans Over 50

3. Add a Statement Jacket

When the temperature starts to dip, your jacket becomes the star of the show. It’s the first thing people see, and it can completely change the mood of an outfit. A suede moto jacket is a fun way to add a little edge without going overboard, while a minimalist leather jacket is that classic piece you can wear year after year.

If you prefer something more relaxed, barn jackets are back in style and perfect for casual days when you want comfort with polish. And if you’re craving texture, boucle and knit jackets are having a moment, giving you warmth and interest without the bulk. No matter your style, a fresh jacket is one of the easiest ways to step into the new season looking current.

My Tip: If you can only buy one jacket this fall, go with a neutral suede moto. It’s versatile, stylish, and adds just enough edge without feeling over the top.

Shop Statement Jackets:

4. Invest in Versatile Knitwear

Fall just isn’t fall without sweaters. I don’t care how many I already own, I always find myself adding at least one or two new ones each year. They’re cozy, practical, and they instantly bring that autumn feel to your outfits.

What’s trending for Fall 2025? This year, textured knits like fisherman sweaters, ribbed pullovers, and pointelle cardigans are trending. I also love a lightweight turtleneck in a neutral color. If you run warm (aka, hot flashes), sleeveless or short-sleeve sweaters are perfect for those in-between days. They give you the look of fall without making you melt.

My Tip: If you can only buy one knit this fall, make it a neutral cardigan. You’ll toss it over jeans, dresses, and even leggings.

Shop Sweaters for Fall:

Ready to grab a new sweater or cardigan? Read these posts next:

• The Secret to Effortless Fall Outfits? Try These Lightweight Cardigans
• Five Fabulous Walmart Finds That Prove Style Is Not About the Price Tag
• The Best Cardigans That Don’t Look Frumpy (Even Over 50)

5. Swap Out Your Bag

Sometimes the easiest update isn’t clothes at all. It’s your bag. Think about it. You carry it every single day, and it’s one of the first things people notice. Changing your bag can make your whole outfit feel new.

For Fall 2025, structured totes, polished crossbodies, and medium top-handle bags are all on trend. I love a good crossbody because it’s hands-free, which comes in handy when I’m juggling multiple things in my hands.

My Tip: If you’re only getting one bag this fall, pick a neutral crossbody.

Shop Handbags for Fall:

Want to see me style some of my favorite fall handbags? You’ll love these posts:

• The One Thing You Need to Transition Your Outfits From Summer to Fall (And it’s Soooo Affordable)
• Chico’s In-Home Try-On: 5 Stylish Looks for Fall
• The Best Slouchy Purses to Elevate Your Style This Season

6. Change Out Your Everyday Accessories

Accessories are the icing on the cake. They’re small, but they have a huge impact on your overall style. A new bag, belt, or pair of earrings can make even your older clothes look new again.

This fall, structured crossbody bags and polished totes are everywhere. A belt with a statement buckle can instantly define your waist and give shape to an outfit. And, don’t underestimate the power of earrings.

My Tip: If you’re keeping it simple, update your earrings first. They’re affordable, noticeable, and can make older outfits look instantly current.

Shop Fall Accessories:

On the hunt for stylish accessories? Head over to:

• Chic and Timeless: Turquoise Jewelry Picks for Women Over 50
• Bold and Beautiful: How to Wear Statement Necklaces with Confidence Over 50

7. A Statement Dress

Even if you’re more of a jeans-and-sweater person, having one great fall dress is worth it. You can wear it to church, out to dinner, or even just for a day when you want to feel a little more pulled together.

Shirt dresses in deeper tones, sweater dresses with a belted waist, or midi dresses in prints like florals or paisley are all big for fall 2025.

My Tip: If you’re only adding one dress this fall, choose a midi shirt dress in a deep fall color or print. It layers with jackets and boots, so you’ll get more wear out of it than something too fancy or seasonal.

Shop Fall Dresses:

I’ve been finding the cutest dresses for fall lately! I share a ton of them in these posts:

• Florals for Fall? Yes, Please! Four Dresses You’ll Want to Wear Now and Later
• How to Wear a Smocked Dress Without Looking Too Young
• 20+ Casual Fall Dresses to Grab Early This Year
• We Tried 7 Walmart Dresses That Look Like They Cost a Fortune, Here’s How We Styled Them

How to Prioritize Your Fall Purchases

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s my order of importance:

1. Boots or shoes
2. Updated denim
3. Jacket or coat
4. Sweater or knitwear
5. Everyday bag
6. Accessories
7. Dress

Start with one or two of these, then fill in the rest as the season goes on. This way, you can spread out the cost and still feel like your wardrobe is keeping up with the trends.