If I Were Rebuilding My Fall Wardrobe for Under $1500

Hi friends,

Every season, I go through the same exercise in my head: “If I had to rebuild my wardrobe from scratch, what would actually make the list?” It helps me take stock of what I really love to wear, what to get rid of from last season, and what I need to add. This year, I gave myself a budget: $1500. I narrowed it down to 9 categories that are necessary for fall. I also included alternative options for each category, so you can splurge or save based on your preferences. Let’s dive in!

Quince Stretch Straight Jeans ($50): I’ve shared these jeans for a while now because they really are great. They have a classic denim silhouette and incredible stretch for all-day comfort. They come in many different colors and washes, like this gorgeous chocolate brown for fall.

Gap High Rise ‘90s Slim Jeans ($90 $44): At the time of writing this, they are on a steep sale! Y’all know I love wearing jeans all year long, so I had to include 2 pairs for this category. These have the vintage ‘90s fit we all know and love, with low stretch. The sizing is inclusive, so you’re sure to find a fit.

Alternative options:

• Target High Rise Wide-Leg Jeans ($28): If you like wide-leg jeans, this one comes in 5 different washes and 3 different inseams. It’s midweight and fits really great. You can’t beat the price!

• AYR The LaLa ($265): This one is a spluge that is totally worth it. It’s a fitted, straight-leg jean that fits like a dream. It’s a really flattering silhouette, with it being just the right amount of straight and tapered without being too skinny.

Quince Organic Cotton Pintuck Maxi Skirt ($60): This is a trend I can get behind! I’ve been loving these maxi skirts all summer, and I’m definitely bringing them into the fall. It’s such an easy piece to look put together without effort.

Boden Denim Midi Dress ($199): There are a lot of denim dresses out there, but this one stood out to me. I love the darker wash, and the matching belt cinches your waist for the most flattering fit. There are infinite ways to accessorize a dress like this for any occasion.

Alternative options:

• Tuckernuck Embellished Velvet Dress ($198 $99): If you have dressier events coming up, this dress is perfect. It’s such an elegant and classy dress. Throw on your favorite heels with your evening clutch, and you’re ready!

• Boden Cord Wrap Skirt ($110): An adorable skirt that makes me excited for cooler fall days! The buttons and wrap detailing add interest to an otherwise plain skirt. I also love that it’s knee-length.

Quince Fisherman V-Neck Sweater ($50): I love their fisherman crew sweater, so when they made it into a V-neck, I was ecstatic. It has a nice weight, and the relaxed fit drapes beautifully. I personally love the navy for its versatility, but it comes in many other colors for you to choose from.

Gentle Fawn Cardigan ($158): The jacquard pattern is a fall must-have. The construction of this cardigan is outstanding, and it’s everything you want in a cozy cardigan.

Alternative options:

• A&F Shawl Collar Cardigan ($95 $76): Another cozy cardigan with beautiful detailing like the shawl collar and tie waist.

Quince Waxed Cotton Cropped Barn Jacket ($90): We have pretty warm fall weather here in Texas, so I chose one piece of outerwear that is most versatile. It’s functional because of its water-resistant waxed cotton, and the barn jacket style goes with almost everything.

Alternative options:

• Varley Light Jacket ($188): What a chic jacket! It’s lightweight and makes a great transitional piece.

• Tuckernuck Leopard Tweed Jacket ($148): I love adding leopard print into my outfits, and this one is fabulous. You can easily wear this to a more formal setting and to dinner with your girlfriends.

• Zara Faux Leather Jacket ($119): This is a great oversized jacket that stands out with its faux leather outer shell. The high collar and shoulder-tab detailing are the cherry on top.

• Evereve Raglan Bomber ($148): Another great transitional piece! The bomber style is really flattering, and the chocolate brown is perfect for the colder months ahead.

Anthropologie Loafer Mules ($170): These scream fall, and I love them! The brown suede with a loafer style is an essential fall combination, but it also has the comfort of mules?! It’s perfect!

Madewell Suede Flats ($98): I love this in blue, called “Curfew.” It goes with everything, and a classic ballet flat is a must for fall.

Alternative option:

Sam Edelman Woven Flats ($150): This is such a versatile shoe. It pairs well with office wear and casual weekend outfits. The woven detail is my favorite.

Quince Cashmere Polo Top ($80): A preppy top that will easily elevate any pants or skirt you wear it with. The cashmere makes it extra luxurious.

Aritzia Longsleeve ($50): This one is a basic, which can be boring, but it’s so necessary! A white long-sleeve replaces your white tee from the summer, and it becomes a blank canvas for any outfit.

Alternative options:

• TWP Boyfriend Shirt ($395): You can’t go through fall without a crisp, white button-down shirt. Here are three of my favorites at three different price points. This one is beautifully crafted. It’s Italian cotton shirting at its best with details like a concealed placket, curved hem, and chest patch pocket. It’s so chic.

• AYR Button-Down Shirt ($165): This one is a crowd favorite. It’s beloved for its universally flattering cut, and I love it too!

• Quince Relaxed Oxford Shirt ($40): It’s made of organic cotton and is a great button-down shirt. It’s budget-friendly and comes in 4 different colors.

Lyssé Ankle Pant ($98): This fit-and-flare pant will be a workhorse in your fall wardrobe. Dress it up or down; it truly goes with everything. I personally love the chocolate brown color.

Alternative options:

Ruti Barrel Leg Pants ($249): I’ve shared these pants repeatedly, and for good reason. I wore them through the summer, and I’ll bring them into the fall. The barrel leg silhouette is so flattering, and they are extremely comfortable. The fall colors are gorgeous!

Lyssé Crop Pant ($148): A fun plaid pant is always good to have!

Zara Cropped Blazer ($109): Not a classic blazer, but that’s why I love it! It’s great for easily adding interest to a plain outfit.

Alternative options:

Ann Taylor Tweed Blazer ($209): If you are looking for a classic blazer, look no further. This is a great blazer to have in your wardrobe. The tweed is timeless, and the silhouette is beautiful.

Minnie Yorker Scarf ($58): A scarf is a must-have accessory. This oversized bandana scarf is very on-trend and comes in the prettiest colors. I can’t wait to wear mine this fall.

JW Pei Burgundy Shoulder Bag ($149): A great everyday bag for the fall in this deep burgundy. I love the long straps, so it’s easy to put on and take off.

Alternative options:

Madewell Suede Shoulder Bag ($188): This adorable shoulder bag easily fits all your everyday items and works for a night out. It comes in 3 beautiful fall colors, but I personally love the “Sangria” color.

And that's my fall wardrobe, rebuilt from the ground up. Nine categories, every piece chosen on purpose, all within the $1500 budget I gave myself. This is the exercise I'd recommend to anyone feeling stuck in their closet. Strip it back, get intentional, and buy only what truly earns its place. I’m really looking forward to fall and adding freshness into my wardrobe! Let me know if I missed anything or what you especially love for fall. I love hearing from you!

Until next time,

Tammy