20 Ways to Prep Your Fall Wardrobe (Before the Weather Catches You Slipping)

Photo Credit:@sepidehghmi

You know the feeling—one minute you’re in a tank top sipping iced coffee, and the next you’re shivering in the checkout line because fall showed up unannounced. Been there.

That’s why this is the time to start prepping your fall wardrobe. Not just swapping sundresses for sweaters—but actually thinking through what you need, what you love, and what you’ll realistically wear when it’s 55 degrees and you’re already late for brunch.

Here’s a full list of things to check off before fall really hits—because trust, future you will be very grateful.

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Need help figuring out what to wear this fall?
Download our Fall Wardrobe Checklist and get a free, easy-to-follow guide to the must-have items for 2025.

1. Swap Out Summer Staples

Start by moving the summer stuff you’re not wearing anymore—sleeveless tops, linen sets, beach dresses—to the back of your closet or into bins. Make room for sweaters and denim.

H&M

Short-Sleeved Cardigan

$29.99

2. Check Your Fall Basics

Pull out last year’s jeans, long-sleeves, and jackets. What still fits? What’s looking tired? What’s missing?

H&M

Long-sleeved Jersey Top

$12.99

3. Do a Fall Try-On Session

Yes, a full try-on session. Try your boots with your jeans. Your trench over that hoodie. This is how you figure out what actually works together before you're running late on a weekday morning.

Zappos

Eleanor Belted Boots

$348

4. Make a “To Buy” List

Don’t just shop aimlessly—shop with intention. Note what you actually need (a warm coat) versus what you just want (another beige sweater, maybe?).

Zappos

Shelby Cardigan

$198

5. Wash and Store Summer Clothes

Anything you’re packing away should be clean. Bonus points if it’s folded neatly and won’t come out smelling like a forgotten towel next spring.

H&M

Rib-Knit Dress

$39.99

6. Pull Out Last Year’s Coats

If they’re still cute—great. If they’re not? This is your sign to upgrade before the best ones sell out.

H&M

Tie-Detail Felted Coat

$74.99

7. Test Your Layers

See which warm-weather pieces can be layered for fall. A sleeveless midi dress? Throw a turtleneck under it. A cropped tee? Perfect under a shacket.

H&M

Tailored Jersey Vest

$29.99

8. Plan Transitional Outfits

You know those weird weather days where it’s 45 in the morning and 70 by 2 p.m.? Build a few go-to looks for that exact scenario. Think: lightweight sweaters, cardigans, breathable pants.

Amazon

Button Down Cardigan

$49.99

9. Choose a Fall Color Palette

Whether you’re into warm neutrals or moody jewel tones, picking a palette helps you mix and match with less effort. (Need help? We have a free color palette tool [here]).

Amazon

Bohemian Flowy Dress with Pockets

$58.99

10. Create Outfit Formulas You Love

A formula = a repeatable outfit combo. Sweater + wide-leg jeans. Midi dress + boots. Button-down + stretchy trousers. Find 2–3 you love and build from there.

Paige

Arellia Ankle In Soundcheck

$259

11. Audit Your Shoes

Time to pull out the boots, clogs, and loafers. Anything too worn out? Anything missing that would help you round out your fall outfits?

Amazon

Knee High Boots Chunky Heel

$69.99

12. Invest in Everyday Outerwear

This is the coat you’ll throw on daily. It should be cute and practical. Bonus if it works over everything from jeans to leggings.

Amazon

Double Breasted Wool Coat

$54.99

13. Figure Out Your Fall Uniform

What’s the combo you wear on repeat when it’s cold and you’re tired? That’s your uniform. Lean into it.

Amazon

2 Piece Outfits

$59.99

14. Make Space for New Pieces

Before you buy anything new, get real about what’s not working. A cluttered closet = a confused outfit.

Amazon

2 Piece Outfits Sleeveless Round Neck Tank Top

$37.77

15. Check for Gaps in Accessories

Do you have enough warm socks? What about a go-to beanie or scarf? Accessories are your cozy secret weapon.

Amazon

Pashmina Silky Shawl Wrap

$28.99

16. Try On Your Denim

Because unfortunately, your favorite jeans from last fall may have opinions this year. Try them now before you plan around them.

Amazon

High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans

$41.99

17. Organize by Weather Range

Group pieces into chilly, brisk, and downright freezing. This makes it way easier to dress for unpredictable temps.

Amazon

Faux Fur Jacket

$55.99

18. Put Together 5 Go-To Looks

You want five outfits you can throw on without thinking. For errands. For work. For dinner with friends. For school drop-off. You get the idea.

Amazon

Bow Cropped Puffy Jackets

$53.99

19. Save Outfit Ideas on Pinterest

Need inspo? Start pinning. Outfit planning is easier when you’ve got visual ideas ready to go.

Amazon

Long Sleeve Button Down Shacket

$56.99

20. Bookmark This Post

You’ll want to come back to this checklist once the leaves actually start falling. Go ahead. We’ll be right here.

Amazon

Two Piece Sweater Set

$39.99

Need help figuring out what to wear this fall?
Download our Fall Wardrobe Checklist and get a free, easy-to-follow guide to the must-have items for 2025.