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

Yahoo Life has received compensation to create this article, and receives commission from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

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 upon us! 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 trench coat from storage or are you itching for a cute new cropped jacket? Are graphic prints more your speed, or have you been 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 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 (all courtesy of Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack):

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 high-waisted winners are designed specifically with cold weather in mind — lined with plush fleece, they're fantastic for wearing on their own once the temps drop or layering under pants.

And at just $22 right now, they're over 70 percent off! They have 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, from maroon to terracotta.

$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. And this year, they're back and better than ever. Take this creamy white concoction with a wavy oversized pattern...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. P.S. At just 30 bucks, it's nearly 70 percent off right now!

$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 head-turners (35 percent off!) 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. You'll never want to take them off.

$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 sophisticated beauty has flouncy blouson-style sleeves, flattering drop-shoulders and a luscious ribbed knit. Rock it in beige or black.

$89 at Nordstrom

5. A tailored piece

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

A blazer is always in fashion — but this autumn, with tailored styles trending big-time, it's even more important to grab a good one for your closet. Pair this chic checked number — it's 40 percent off! — with an all-black ensemble or another tailored piece. The relaxed sleeve style tones down the look so it's not too fussy.

$71 $119 at Nordstrom

6. A geometric print

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

Abstract prints are trending, and this vibrant red, white and blue frock 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 comfortable — way. Just add sneakers or booties and a leather jacket. Done.

$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 lipsticks to find the ideal shade for you — Glowgasm Glass lip balm by Charlotte Tilbury is like the mood ring of makeup, magically adjusting to your perfect color. How? The formula reacts with your lips' pH to bring out their natural color. Cool! As if that's not enough, the universally flattering balm is super-hydrating and goes on like butter too. We're sold.

$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 $23 knit (it's nearly 70 percent off!) has a hip shoulder slash that shows off just a touch of skin; the curved hem and roomy silhouette keeps it casual. Just 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. This cool oversized jacket by Levi's is a creamy sherbet-like green that we absolutely adore. The raw hem and ever-so-slight crop makes it the ideal match for high-waisted jeans (which we also adore).

$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. If you're looking for a muted version of the trend, try this awesome Vince Camuto knit cardigan on for size. The dreamy coffee-and-cream pattern pairs beautifully with both tees and other lightweight knits. The sweater is long enough to cover your bum, so you can confidently team it with leggings.

$59 $99 at Nordstrom

Read More from Yahoo Life:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day

Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Life's newsletter.

This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.