1-2-3-4 fall wardrobe formula (plus outfits!)

It’s no secret I love a good formula when it comes to clothes. Give me a formula to simplify something and I’m there!

I’ve learned over the years that these formulas won’t solve all of my problems, but they do help me frame how I think about my wardrobe.

Enter the 1-2-3-4 fall wardrobe method. (Cue Feist!) It’s essentially a riff on the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method — it’s just a little smaller and intended to help you build a fall wardrobe foundation.

Also! Madewell has just put their sweaters, coats, and boots on sale for 25% off so a lot of these pieces are on sale! Of course, you don’t have to have these exact pieces — just think of it as a template you can apply to your own fall wardrobe.

1 JACKET

One thing I like about a small wardrobe is that it allows you to focus more on quality over quantity. You’re more likely to get THE piece you really want — instead of a bunch of poorly made pieces you’ll want to replace next year.

So this oversized (real!) leather jacket is an investment for sure, but, if you love a leather jacket as much as I do, it’ll be the kind of piece you’ll wear for years to come. (And it’s 25% off with code WARMTH which helps a little with the price.)

2 BOOTS

Black is always the safe color choice for shoes. But have you ever noticed that sometimes when a piece is too safe it somehow becomes less usable? Maybe it’s because the safe choice doesn’t actually do much for an outfit. Like I shared in yesterday’s post, I’m craving more visual interest in my fall outfits.

It’s easy to overcorrect here and go for bright colors or bold patterns. But I’m realizing the middle ground is where it’s at! Like these gorgeous olive green suede knee boots?! I MEAN. Total statement, and yet it’s a pretty sensible color that would effortlessly blend into a neutral wardrobe.

And then these burgundy ankle booties! They’d add a whole new dimension to jeans and a cream sweater.

3 BOTTOMS

That corduroy mini skirt? Under $100 and beautiful. While suede has been the big thing this fall (every fall?), I’m actually more into corduroy. It’s got a similar vibe, it’s easier to find, and it’s usually a lot less expensive.

Of course, no fall wardrobe is complete without a solid pair of denim and a pair of sweeping, ultra-wide trousers.

4 SWEATERS

Cozy up, gals! It’s sweater weather! I’m excited to see that Madewell’s sweater lineup this year includes a lot of natural fibers like cashmere, wool, silk, and cotton.

This black merino wool-silk blend scoopneck sweater would keep you toasty on a chilly night out. If you’re in a warmer climate, and wool is feeling too warm, you might love this navy and burgundy striped cotton mockneck sweater. And then check out the ribbed detail on this ivory cashmere-wool blend sweater. Finally, this deep chocolate brown striped polo sweater gives off this casual, slouchy, cool vibe (also a cashmere-wool blend!).

OUTFITS

I put together a few outfits with these pieces. Note the subtle color palettes — I just love ’em!

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And there you have it! Don’t forget to use code WARMTH for 25% off fall essentials at Madewell.

I’m so glad you’re here. Thanks for reading Unfancy today. See you tomorrow!