Fall Winter Essentials | Nicole M. Caruso

Once the temperatures begin to lower for good, I pull out all of my Fall and Winter style essentials. There are a few classics I keep in rotation every year that help me create my uniform of reliable outfits that can then be dressed up or varied with accessories. My cold weather wardrobe always has similar tried and true silhouettes, fabrics, and staples, but every year I add in a new piece or two to keep things fresh. And, to save you some time, I scoured my favorite online shops like Uniqlo, ASOS, Mango, H&M, and Nordstrom for similar items so you can stock your closet with pieces that you’ll love mixing up all season long.

COATS

Favorites: Faux fur SOLID mid-length coat, shorter animal print jacket, a puffer, parka, and a simple maxi coat.

Outerwear transforms a simple turtleneck and jeans into something much more fabulous (or casual) depending on the occasion. I love faux fur with ripped jeans, a maxi coat over a jogging outfit, or a gorgeous dress topped with a cropped animal faux fur jacket. Puffers and parkas are where it’s at on those frozen tundra days, and I have been super faithful to these two styles because my sleek puffer doesn’t add bulk but keeps me warm, and my parka adds a nice shape when I want to go for the leggings and sweatshirt vibe.

SHOES

FAVORITES: BLACK POINTY TOE CHELSEA BOOTS, KNEE HIGH HEELED BOOTS, MID CALF BOOTIES, AND CLASSIC FLAT RIDING BOOTS.

Boots are the only shoe I wear throughout the colder months, unless I am sporting a high-top pair of leather Converse. Whether they are flat, round toe, pointy, heeled, or even snake print, they make my basics look a little more polished. Especially now that I have been spending a little more on a higher quality shoe, I love how classic shapes like these last years and years. Chelsea boots are flattering with cropped pants, skinny jeans, and shorter hem dresses and skirts. And to me, there is nothing better than an over the knee boot styled under a midi or maxi dress for a little drama. Mid calf booties are a trend that keeps coming back, which is good news because they really jazz up a simple pair of pants or party-ready midi skirt. If I could, I would have many variations on these boot shapes, but if you keep a simple closet, one or two of these styles will carry you through the season.

HATS & BAGS

FAVORITES: CASHMERE BEANIE, WOOL OR FELT BERET, BIG LEATHER TOTE, COMPACT CROSSBODY, AND SIMPLE BUCKET BAG.

Accessories are such a fun way to incorporate trends you love, and add in some personality to basics. Years ago, I invested in a cashmere beanie and haven’t looked back because it is not only super soft, but so toasty warm. Berets are timeless (and ageless), and look so effortlessly elegant with that Parisian-chic vibe. As for bags, a big tote is always in rotation when I need to carry-it-all. I also love a compact crossbody for busy days, and a simple small bucket bag for getting a little more dressed up.

TOPS

FAVORITES: Turtlenecks, chunky knits, cashmere sweaters, long sleeves, button downs, and blouses.

Not only are knits super warm, but they are my number one cozy factor when it’s freezing. Cotton turtlenecks, long sleeves, button downs, and blouses also make great basics to layer under accessories and outerwear for an outfit that is uniquely you. Some of my favorite tops I wear time and time again are the most simple: a white button down, a black scoop neck long sleeve, or a cream cable knit sweater. For me, simple tops just mean I can have more fun with bottoms, boots, and accessories.

BOTTOMS

FAVORITES: Skinny Jeans, wide leg cropped pants, ponte leggings, silky or lace skirts, velour joggers.

Playing around with fits and fabrics is really fun with a few go-to shapes. Skinny jeans are always in rotation because of how well they tuck into boots, and even when they scrunch a bit at the ankles. The wider leg cropped jean is having its moment, which is a super fun switch to try, especially in the high-waisted styles. Leggings can be pants when they're a ponte fabric (think thicker and less see-through), making them perfect for layering under tunics and dresses when you panty hose won’t cut it. Skirts are where I like to have a bit of fun with prints, different textures, and shapes. And it wouldn’t be Fall or Winter for me without some cozy velour joggers to change into after a long day.

DRESSES

FAVORITES: SILKY PEASANT STYLES, VELVET MAXIS, LONG SLEEVE WRAP DRESSES, AND MIDI LENGTH KNITS.

Whether printed or plain, midi or maxi, sheer or supersoft knit, a dress is such a fun piece to style in the colder weather because it doesn’t have to stand alone. Accessories, outerwear, and even what’s underneath can change the look of a dress and make it much more versatile. Sometimes I feel like summer dresses have to be a specific fit and color because they are the outfit, but in Fall and Winter, a dress is just another layer to have fun with.

Fall Winter Style Essentials