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It Finally Dropped Below 70° in L.A.—Time to Unleash My Long-Awaited Fall Wardrobe

By Swedan Margen

It Finally Dropped Below 70° in L.A.—Time to Unleash My Long-Awaited Fall Wardrobe
@jen_wonders

While fall technically started in September, anyone who lives in L.A. knows the real seasonal shift doesn't happen until the temps finally drop in mid-October. I spent the past month pretending it was fall by drinking pumpkin lattes, lighting seasonal candles, and daydreaming about wearing layers—all of course while it was indeed still 85°. Now that it's finally cooled down, I can stop fantasizing about fall fashion and actually start wearing it. Out come my long-awaited knee-high boots, slouchy rugby sweaters, rich brown tones, and favorite worn-in denim. After spending way too much time scrolling for the best fall finds, I figured it's only fair to share my favorites with you—from the perfect Free People mini skirt that screams fall to classic Levi's to must-have bags from Charles & Keith.

Apparel

We the Free Mille-Fleurs Plaid Micro Skirt

We The Free

Mille-Fleurs Plaid Micro Skirt in Ivory Combo

Have you seen a more perfect fall mini skirt? This one has built-in shorts underneath.

Avalon Cotton-Linen Sweater Pants

Free People

Avalon Cotton-Linen Sweater Pants in Black

These are seriously the most comfortable pants. If I'm running errands or working from home, you'll likely find me in these.

Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top

Intimissimi

Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top in Black

If I could only wear one top this fall, it would be this infamous pick.

Michael Michael Kors Leather Jacket in Black

Michael Michael Kors

Leather Jacket in Black

Leather-jacket season is officially back.

Wedgie Bootcut Women's Jeans

Levi's

Wedgie Bootcut Jeans in Beautiful

You can never go wrong with a good pair of Levi's. This wash is so versatile and can easily be worn day or night.

Sosoft Cropped Polo Sweater

Old Navy

SoSoft Cropped Polo Sweater in Driftwood

I love a lounge set, and this color is the epitome of fall in my mind. And it's on sale.

High-Waisted Sosoft Sweater Pants

Old Navy

High-Waisted SoSoft Sweater Pants in Driftwood Heather

Pair this with the matching SoSoft Cropped Polo Sweater, a slicked-back bun, and some gold hoops for the ultimate off-duty fall look.

Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

Reformation

Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan in Cherry

My go-to fall outfit is a crisp white tee, my favorite lived-in denim, and a cardigan to tie the whole look together. This cherry-red one is the pop of color my fall outfits need.

Iconic Milano Down Vest

Khrisjoy

Iconic Milano Down Vest in Black

When it's too chilly to skip a layer but not quite cold enough to wear a full-on puffer, this is the happy medium.

Baggy Dad Barrel Women's Jeans

Levi's

Baggy Dad Barrel Jeans in Rebel Edge

I think I've worn these jeans at least 50 times, and I keep going back to them. They're just too good.

Rising Sun Jersey

Lioness

Rising Sun Jersey in Navy

I bought this in August and have been waiting to wear it until the weather cooled down. You'll find me living in it for the rest of the season.

'90s Trucker Jacket

Levi's

'90s Trucker Jacket in Native Speaker

An oversized denim jacket is a nonnegotiable essential in my fall wardrobe.

Elio Knit Top

Reformation

Elio Knit Top in Mole

This off-the-shoulder top would make the perfect first-date outfit.

East Sweater

American Vintage

East Sweater in Rose Bubble Chine

The softest, coziest sweater I've ever put on.

Low Loose Women's Jeans

Levi's

Low Loose Jeans in Dream Nice Dreams

Leather-Effect Roll-Neck Jacket - Women | Mango Usa

Mango

Leather-Effect Roll-Neck Jacket in Brown

I've been on the hunt for the perfect brown leather jacket, and I think I just found the one—maybe even better than I imagined.

Borgia Cardi

Heartloom

Borgia Cardi in Kale

Argyle prints are everywhere this season, and this olive-green take on the trend is too good to pass up.

501® '90s Ankle Women's Jeans

Levi's

501 '90s Ankle Jeans

Because you can never have too many jeans in your closet.

Iconic Milano Down Puffer Jacket

Khrisjoy

Iconic Milano Down Puffer Jacket in Black

It's not quite cold enough to wear a puffer in L.A., but I do have a trip to NYC coming up, and this is 100% coming with me.

Reese V-Neck Sweater

Levi's

Reese V-Neck Sweater in True Red

Red is one of my favorite colors to wear.

Lex Barrel

SNDYS

Lex Barrel in Chocolate

This color feels so right for the season, and it's a refreshing alternative to classic denim.

Shoes

michaelkors,

Michael Michael Kors

Darrah Burnished Leather Boot in Luggage

I think these may be the chicest fall boots I've ever seen.

Valentino Garavani and Vans Women's Low-Top Sneakers

Valentino Garavani and Vans

Low-Top Sneakers in Rouge Pur Black

I didn't have this collab on my 2025 bingo card, but I'm so glad it happened.

Women's Langsten Lug-Sole Tailored Loafers

Steve Madden

Langsten Lug-Sole Tailored Loafers in Black Box

A loafer is another nonnegotiable in my fall wardrobe. I could walk miles in these and I still wouldn't get blisters.

Larroudé, Ines Pump in Black Leather

Larroudé

Ines Pump in Black Leather

I got these last winter, and they quickly became my most worn heel.

Valentino Garavani and Vans Women's Low-Top Sneakers

Valentino Garavani and Vans

Low-Top Sneakers in Pink Orchid Black

Another style from the Valentino Garavani and Vans collection. I'm loving the pink accents.

revolve,

Tony Bianco

Samara Heeled Bootie in Black Como

If there's one thing my fall wardrobe can't live without, it's a sleek pair of black booties. I've been styling mine with everything from straight-leg jeans to flared pants for a chic night-out look.

Iniez Leather Loafers

Tod's

Iniez Leather Loafers in Cuoio Scuro

This shade of brown is so gorgeous.

Women's Original Tall Rain Boots

Hunter Boots

Original Tall Rain Boots in Military Red

While it doesn't rain much in L.A., that won't stop me from styling these adorable Hunter rain boots.

Sylvia Boot

Sam Edelman

Sylvia Boot in Black

Another night-out necessity. These paired with an oversize blazer are *chef's kiss.*

Tan Suede Sneakers

Dries Van Noten

Tan Suede Sneakers

The sleek fall sneakers of my dreams.

Red Cendrillon Ballerina Flats

Repetto

Red Cendrillon Ballerina Flats

If you couldn't tell, red is one of my favorite colors.

Valentino Garavani and Vans Women's Low-Top Sneakers

Valentino Garavani and Vans

Low-Top Sneakers in Butter Black

A sleek, elevated twist on the classic Vans we all know and love.

Accessories

Charles & Keith, Britton Recycled Suede Ruched Elongated Shoulder Bag

Charles & Keith

Britton Recycled Suede Ruched Elongated Shoulder Bag in Mocha Brown

If I could design my dream everyday fall bag, it would look exactly like this.

Duskfall Sunglasses

Le Specs

Duskfall Sunglasses in Black & Smoke Mono

Small Miller Watch in Yellow, Size Os

Tory Burch

Small Miller Watch in Ivory/Pale Gold

I've been on a mission to elevate my current jewelry stack, and this watch is the perfect gold accent.

Mini Lee Radziwill Top-Handle Bag in Black, Size Os

Tory Burch

Mini Lee Radziwill Top-Handle Bag in Black

This is giving quiet luxury.

Logo Contrast Belt

Helsa

Logo Contrast Belt in Brown

Belts are the easiest way to elevate the most basic looks.

Charles & Keith, Ivette Woven Shoulder Bag

Charles & Keith

Ivette Woven Shoulder Bag in Wineberry Red

A moment for this color. Just wow.

Small Miller Watch in White, Size Os

Tory Burch

Small Miller Watch in Ivory/Two-Tone

While I'm definitely a gold girl, I've been loving experimenting with mixed metals.

Medium Suede Tote Bag

Tod's

Medium Suede Tote Bag in Marrone Africa

I have a weakness for anything brown and suede, and this tote is absolutely no exception.

Dusty Sunglasses

Luv Lou

Dusty Sunglasses in Wine & Brown Grad

Loving the retro vibes here.

Tabby Shoulder Bag 26

Coach

Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 in Maple/Brass

This classic goes with pretty much everything.

Underwater Gold Loop

Good American

Underwater Gold Loop in Black001

The abstract circle detailing here is so cool.

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

Coach

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 in Maple/Brass

The type of bag that can fit everything you could possibly need.

Originally published by whowhatwear.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Vanity Fair Fashion.

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