Fall is the perfect time to give your wardrobe a little refresh. As the weather cools down, adding just a few new pieces can completely transform your style without requiring a full closet overhaul. In today’s post I am sharing some of my favorite fall essentials to give your wardrobe a full fall wardrobe refresh!

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Why do a Fall Wardrobe Refresh?

I often hear women say they need to completely overhaul their closets and start from scratch because their style feels outdated. Honestly, I highly doubt any wardrobe is ever so “out of style” that it needs a full revamp.

The real secret to keeping your wardrobe current is to focus on refreshing it, not reinventing it. This could be seasonal, monthly, or even yearly—whatever fits your lifestyle and budget. By adding just a few fresh, on-trend pieces, you can keep your closet feeling updated and effortlessly stylish.

What’s even better is that when you mix these newer items with the pieces you already own, you can create a whole range of fresh outfits without buying a ton of new clothes. Suddenly, your existing wardrobe feels new again, and you can feel confident and in style every day.

Here are my 5 fall fashion essentials that will help refresh your wardrobe this fall!

5 Fall Fashion Essentials

Outfit linked HERE!

1.) An updated pair of jeans

It’s 2025, and we are way past the debate of whether you should keep your skinny jeans or move on. The answer? Yes, keep them! They still deserve a spot in your wardrobe. But—if you haven’t added a new style of denim in the last 15 years, now is the perfect time to branch out.

There are so many fun and flattering styles out right now, and fall is the best time to invest in a fresh pair. Think wide-leg or straight-leg jeans, full-length or cropped, bootcut, or even flares. And if you’re feeling extra daring, you could give the barrel jean trend a try (I haven’t yet, but I’ve seen a few pairs I’d be open to testing out!).

The point is—there’s a whole world of denim beyond skinnies, and it’s worth exploring. If you’re looking for something trendy and fun, I love this pair of cuff ankle jeans from Walmart—they’re adorable and affordable at just $29! If you’d rather stick with a classic, you can’t go wrong with this straight ankle style from Express. I’ve linked a few more of my favorites below for you to shop!

Outfit details HERE!

2.) A Cropped Cardigan

If you’re wondering whether you need to buy a new cardigan or not, here’s a little test: take a peek inside your closet. When was the last time you bought a new cardigan? And do you have a mix of styles, or are they all the same? If your collection is still mostly made up of long boyfriend cardigans, it might be time for a little cardigan refresh.

Right now, I’m really loving cropped cardigans—especially anything with buttons. They’re so versatile! You can wear them open or closed, layered or on their own, and they pair effortlessly with just about any outfit. To me, a great cardigan will always be a fall essential.

I recently treated myself to this cardigan from Quince that I’d been eyeing for a while, and let me tell you—it’s so good. I’m also a big fan of the softer, lighter-weight options like this one from Walmart and this one from Old Navy. I’ve linked a few more favorites below if you’re looking to update your collection!

Outfit details HERE!

3.) Colored Pants

Whether you work outside the home or stay home, whether you’re 30 or 60, colored pants are a must-have in your closet year-round! I love adding a pop of color on the bottom and keeping things simple with a neutral top. Just switching up your color silhouette can completely transform an outfit.

Personally, I’m always drawn to olive green pants—they’re such a versatile option. I recently picked up this pair from Quince, and they’re a great full-length style. I also love this pair from Dear John, and J.Crew Factory has some beautiful colored pants in their fall collection too!

Details on shoes HERE!

4.) A trendy pair of shoes

Shoes are one of the easiest (and most affordable!) ways to instantly update your wardrobe. It’s always been my go-to style trick—and probably why I own so many pairs.

This fall, I’m especially loving all the flats. Mary Jane flats are still having a big moment, and I just grabbed this pair from Walmart. Slingback flats are also trending, and this Target pair totally caught my eye this week. And if you’re after something casual but still on-trend, brown sneakers are everywhere right now—both Target and Walmart have some really cute options!

Details on purse HERE!

5.) A woven handbag

I am all about woven handbags this fall! They have such a timeless, classic look, and I’ve been spotting them everywhere this year. If you follow me on Instagram, you already know how much I love thrifting handbags on Poshmark. Recently, I treated myself to this one from Quince that I’d been eyeing for a while, so I was happy to buy it second-hand at a discounted price! I also found a super affordable option at Walmart that I’ve been obsessed with lately.

Just like shoes, handbags are the perfect accessory to refresh your wardrobe—you can make a big impact without spending a lot.

Let me know in the comments what you are shopping for to refresh your fall wardrobe!