Your style cheat sheet is here: The 10 staples your fall wardrobe needs now

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Consider this your fall wardrobe cheat sheet. (Photo: Nordstrom)
Consider this your fall wardrobe cheat sheet. (Photo: Nordstrom)

The official first day of fall is here! That means it's prime time to start thinking about what you want your autumn wardrobe to look like. Are you going to dig out your leather jacket and trench coat from storage and rock those? What about boots — are you an ankle bootie or knee-high kind of gal? Are moody florals more your speed, or are you dreaming of all-black-everything? Whatever your style philosophy is for the coming season, one thing's for sure: You have no shortage of options.

If you're still looking to round out your wardrobe with a few key style staples, we've come up with a handy checklist of what you need to grab. Comfy athleisure? Check. Shacket? Check. Here's what's on our list:

1. Wear-everywhere leggings

Something tells us you'll spend entire weekends in these. (Photo: Nordstrom Rack)
Something tells us you'll spend entire weekends in these. (Photo: Nordstrom Rack)

If you ask us, leggings are a year-round necessity. However, these are designed specifically with the cold weather in mind — lined with plush fleece, they're great for wearing on their own once the temps drop, or layering under other pants. They have a high waist, compression in spades (read: they're like the leggings version of your favorite shapewear) and wick away moisture should you choose to wear them to the gym. They also come in seven earthy tones.

$22 $78 at Nordstrom Rack

2. A classic cable knit

So soft, so cozy. (Photo: Nordstrom Rack)
So soft, so cozy. (Photo: Nordstrom Rack)

Cable knit sweaters have been a wardrobe staple for decades. But this year, they're back and better than ever. Take this oversized knit in a gorgeous creamy white. Don't you feel cozier already? Layer it over a button-down or wear as is — it's going to be a must for those chilly fall nights.

$30 $99 at Nordstrom Rack

3. A pair of knee-high boots

And they're on sale! (Photo: Nordstrom Rack)
And they're on sale! (Photo: Nordstrom Rack)

While boot heights and heels vary season by season, this fall the It Boot is a classic knee-high style with a short heel. Hooray! These stunners encapsulate the trend to a T: They're made of buttery faux leather, have a stretchy knit back panel for comfort (and to accommodate all calf widths) and a plush lining to keep you warm when the weather starts to turn.

$70 $109 at Nordstrom Rack

4. A gorgeous sweater dress

How cute are the sleeves on this knit? (Photo: Nordstrom)
How cute are the sleeves on this knit? (Photo: Nordstrom)

A sweater dress is the ultimate fall transition look — warm without being stuffy, it's great for anything from lounging around to date night. This beauty has flouncy blouson-style sleeves, flattering drop-shoulders and a luscious ribbed knit. Available in black and cream.

$89 at Nordstrom

5. Tailored pieces

Immaculate tailoring is big for Fall 2021. (Photo: Nordstrom)
Immaculate tailoring is big for Fall 2021. (Photo: Nordstrom)

A blazer is a staple regardless of the season — but this autumn, it's even more on-trend. Pair this gorgeous checked style with an all-black ensemble or with other tailored pieces. The relaxed sleeve style tones down the look so it's not too stuffy.

$71 $119 at Nordstrom

6. A geometric print

A print this pretty deserves to be shown off. (Photo: Nordstrom)
A print this pretty deserves to be shown off. (Photo: Nordstrom)

Abstract prints are trending, and this vibrant red, white and blue print is an excellent way to show your true colors. The flowy midi dress has elbow-length sleeves and a wraparound silhouette, as well as an adjustable tie to cinch your waist in the most flattering — and comfy — way. Pair with sneakers or booties, and throw it on under a leather jacket.

$119 at Nordstrom

7. A lipstick made just for you

It transforms into your perfect color with one swipe! (Photo: Nordstrom)
It transforms into your perfect color with one swipe! (Photo: Nordstrom)

No need to try an endless array of lip colors to find the ideal shade for you — this one is specially made to be universally flattering because it adjusts to your perfect color. The magical formula uses your lip's natural pH to find your perfect pink. Oh and it's hydrating and applies flawlessly too.

$32 at Nordstrom

8. Modern cutouts

A little sexy, a little edgy. (Photo: Nordstrom Rack)
A little sexy, a little edgy. (Photo: Nordstrom Rack)

Cutouts aren't exclusively for when the sun goes down — a tasteful chop here and there can work for daytime too. This knit has a hip shoulder slash that shows off just a touch of skin; the curved hem and roomy silhouette keeps it casual. Don't go overboard on accessories — let the cutout shine on its own.

$23 $68 at Nordstrom Rack

9. Lime green

How cute is this little jacket? (Photo: Nordstrom)
How cute is this little jacket? (Photo: Nordstrom)

Lime green doesn't have to be Kermit the Frog-level — if you don't want to go full neon, you can ease in with a soft pastel or a dark olive. This cool jacket with an oversized vibe is a creamy sherbet-like green. The raw hem and ever-so-slight crop makes it the ideal match for high-waisted jeans.

$68 at Nordstrom

10. Swirls

It's 40 percent off! (Photo: Nordstrom)
It's 40 percent off! (Photo: Nordstrom)

Swirls have been big all year, and they're showing no signs of stopping. If you're looking for a muted version of the trend, try this on for size: It's a gorgeous knit cardigan in a coffee-and-cream swirl pattern that pairs beautifully with both tees and other lightweight knits. It's long enough to cover your bum, so you can confidently team it with leggings.

$59 $99 at Nordstrom

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