The Fall Staples I’m Adding to My Wardrobe

The fashion styles and brands I’m loving for fall!

The classic staples I'm adding to my fall wardrobe including a Mongolian cashmere cardigan in ivory from Quince, a woven Italian leather bag in sage, and a pair of Birdies gold ballet flats

Ivory Cardigan C/O Quince, Green Handbag Quince, Gold Ballet Flats C/O Birdies

*Post contains affiliate links and gifted product.*

There is just something necessary about buying new clothes in the fall. Every year growing up at the end of August or first of September my dad or aunt would take me back to school shopping, and it was always such a fun outing. I got to spend one on one time with someone I loved, and pick out new outfits. I guess that yearly habit of 14 some years was formative, and now when autumn rolls around I can’t help but assess my wardrobe and yearn for a few new pieces. Is it just me?

Last year I really tried to shop my own closet and only buy very specific pieces to fill in gaps. I’m taking the same philosophy this year, looking for classic staples that are versatile. As a busy mom and business owner I need effortless styles in my wardrobe that look polished but are easy to wear and toddler proof. Lately, I’m turning to a few trusted brands for their quality fabrics, skilled construction, and serious comfort to fill in the gaps in my wardrobe with timeless pieces that transition from season to season:

  • Quince – unbeatable value for quality fabrics and construction. I discovered this brand last fall, and I am blown away by everything I’ve ordered. Use my code: INFG-25PENDERANDPEONY10 for 10% off your fist order!
  • J. McLaughlin – I LOVE anything in their Catalina Cloth line. It is so comfortable and light weight. I really appreciate JM’s tailored look with fun splashes of color and pattern. Their labor day sale is an extra 30% Off right now, and there is a wide range of styles for sale on Gilt too (you must create an account for access)!
  • Birdies – I’m now on my fourth pair of Birdies! Their Mary Jane flats called the Hummingbird are my favorite, but these gold ballet flats they just sent are fast catching up.

Here’s what I’m adding to my fall wardrobe:

Katherine wearing ivory cashmere cardigan, shorts, espadrilles, and black t-shirt

Ivory Cardigan C/O Quince, Black T-Shirt Uniqlo, Shorts (past season), Gold Espadrilles Jack Rogers, Green Handbag Quince

Mongolian cashmere ivory cardigan draped on chair with gold ballet flats and sage green leather handbag

Ivory Cardigan C/O Quince, Green Handbag Quince, Gold Ballet Flats C/O Birdies

First this gorgeous Mongolian cashmere cardigan. It is beautifully structured but oh so cozy. The ivory will look so chic with autumnal colors, and it is a really nice thick weight. I love it thrown over the shoulders for these last hot weeks, but it looks beautiful on with the bell sleeves giving it a really polished look that you could dress up or down.

I couldn’t resist the Italian Leather woven bag in sage. It’s such a fun color, but can totally act as a neutral.

Katherine in Scuba blazer, silk tank, and Bella jeans from Quince - fall staples

Navy Blazer Quince, Silk Tank C/O Quince, Jeans C/O Quince, Gold Ballet Flats C/O Birdies

Classic fall staples for your wardrobe: Quince Bella straight leg jeans

Navy Blazer Quince, Silk Tank C/O Quince, Jeans C/O Quince, Gold Ballet Flats C/O Birdies

For sweaters and blazers this fall, I love the look of a wider straight leg jean. The Bella stretch from Quince are my new go to. They are more like a classic weight denim but with enough stretch to be really comfortable. Size up!

Classic fall staples for your wardrobe: Quince Bella scuba blazer in navy

Navy Blazer Quince, Silk Tank C/O Quince, Jeans C/O Quince, Gold Ballet Flats C/O Birdies

I plan on living in this breezy washable stretch silk tank. It looks so polished under blazers and cardigans. Speaking of blazers…if you love the look and style of the famous Veronica Beard dickey blazer, Quince has made a fabulous alternative at 1/3 of the price point. I got the gray fleece hoodie insert to pair with it. I love how this blazer feels on and the way it dresses up a pair of jeans.

Quince generously gave us 10% off your first order with my code: INFG-25PENDERANDPEONY10

With these classic staples I feel pulled together but also ready to chase around my toddler!

More fall styles from J. McLaughlin I’m considering:

More shoes from Birdies that would be great for fall:

4 Comments

  1. Joan Berrios on September 13, 2025 at 7:11 am

    sorry to say that J McLaughlin sale for 30% off is no longer. Love the styles you picked tho to add to your wardrobe. Thanks.

    • Katherine on September 13, 2025 at 7:20 am

      Sorry you missed the sale Joan! It was a labor day sale. This was posted on August 29th.

  2. Joan Berrios on September 13, 2025 at 8:41 am

    Thanks for your reply but I just got your email #164 this morning. Hmm wonder why it just came to my inbox today??? That is so strange.

    • Katherine on September 13, 2025 at 8:52 am

      Joan, I first shared the blog post about fall staples in the #162 email on 8/30. It looks like you received that one. Sometimes they end up in your spam or promo folders. Check there. I wish JM had left their sale up for longer, but they will probably have another soon. You can also check ShopSimon and Gilt for good deals on JM.

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