A new season is the perfect excuse – if you need one – to update your closet with a few key additions. So, taking inspiration from the key trends for fall, I’ve selected some of my favorite clothes, shoes and accessories – all from Nordstrom Made brands.

Thanks to Nordstrom who is sponsoring this article. It’s your one-stop shop where you can get everything. You could easily use these 2021 fall essentials to quickly update any outfit for the new season.

2021 fall essentials: tops

Let’s start at the top, with some tops that have been inspired by many of the styles and colors seen on the designer runways.

floral top

Halogen cap sleeve blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen cap sleeve blouse

The cap sleeve blouse from Halogen (above) comes in a good choice of colors and prints. I’ve chosen the floral option as there were lots of flowers on the runways for fall 2021 – and pink, fuschia and green are also among the key color trends. Having a colorful top in your wardrobe is a great way to add some color to your basics.

This would look great to update your favorite pair of jeans and a black blazer.

puff sleeve top

Treasure & Bond thermal knit puff sleeve top | 40plusstyle.com

Treasure & Bond thermal knit puff sleeve top

While pink is usually a soft color for spring and summer, lots of designers chose pastel shades for the upcoming months. Puff sleeves are also still a big trend going into the new season.

asymmetric top

Halogen asymmetric button-up blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen asymmetric button-up blouse

You know by now that I love asymmetry and I’m also a fan of the versatility offered by a crisp, stylish white shirt. The button-up blouse from Halogen (above) combines both.

2021 fall essentials – sweaters

Let’s turn to one of fall and winter’s most important essentials – knitwear.

wool vest

BP. oversize houndstooth recycled blend sweater vest

The biggest sweater trend was definitely the sweater vest. I would wear over a longer shirt. You could wear a white tunic shirt underneath.

cozy sweater

Treasure & Bond drape turtleneck sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Treasure & Bond drape turtleneck sweater

I’m sure you’ll need plenty of stylish sweaters in your closet for winter and fall. A soft turtleneck will look great worn with your jeans or you could combine with another of the new season’s trends – a silk or satin skirt.

cashmere sweater

Nordstrom colorblock cashmere sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom colorblock cashmere sweater

Cashmere is always a lovely choice against your skin. I like the colorblocking style of the Nordstrom sweater (above). If you want to ensure you create a flattering silhouette, you could opt for a pair of black pants or jeans as this will make your bottom half – and therefore your legs – look longer.

colored sweater

BP. rib crop sweater | 40plusstyle.com

BP. rib crop sweater

There were pinks of all shades among the trends for winter and fall 2021. If you don’t fancy a pale pink pastel shade, you could opt for a deeper pink. I would wear the crop sweater above with a pair of high-waisted wide-leg pants, or with a long shirt underneath.

long cardigan

Halogen open front cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen open front cardigan

A long cardigan can give you not just a little extra warmth, but can also be good for creating nice, long lines, If you want to create a slimming effect, you could wear the same color top and pants underneath and then the cardigan over the top.

2021 fall essentials – jackets & coats

Unless you live somewhere sunny and warm all year round you’re sure to need a jacket or coat.

blazer

Halogen open ruched sleeve blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen open ruched sleeve blazer

A black blazer is always a classic option to wear over all of your existing outfits. The ruched arms on the black blazer (above) add an on-trend element to this style.

puffer jacket

Nordstrom puffer jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom puffer jacket

Puffed jackets featured on many designer runways. The long cuffs add an interesting element to the short quilted style (above). I like that it is entirely made from recycled materials.

print coat

Halogen plaid coat | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen plaid coat

Checks are a big trend for fall. The different checks on the two sides of the plaid coat (above) add an interesting point of difference to this wool blend style.

cashmere coat

Nordstrom Signature wool & cashmere coat | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Signature wool & cashmere coat

I’ve already included a cashmere sweater in this must-have list, so let’s add a bit more cashmere with this classic coat style. While cashmere is going to be a little more expensive than other materials, this is a classic piece that you can definitely wear for many years to come.

quilted trench

Nordstrom quilt trench coat | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom quilt trench coat

Quilted coat styles were one of the biggest trends on the fall runways. If you want to try this look, but you don’t want to add extra bulk, you could try a slimline take on the trend with a belt to cinch your waistline.

wrap

Treasure & Bond oversize ruana | 40plusstyle.com

Treasure & Bond oversize ruana

Tassels are another key fall look. You could easily add a few subtle tassels to you outfit with a wrap.

DRAPE KNIT BLAZER

Caslon drape collar knit blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon drape collar knit blazer

An easy way to continue wearing your summer dresses and skirts into fall is to add a blazer over your top.

2021 fall essentials – skirts & dresses

Just because the weather is cooling down (dependent on where you live), that doesn’t mean you have to put away your skirts and dresses. Just add a pair of tights or leggings if you need extra warmth.

silk skirt

Nordstrom Signature silk skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Signature silk skirt

There were lots of slinky silks and satins among the designer trends for winter and fall, and you can choose these fabrics from the high street too. You could dress up for evening or wear during the day with a sweater and sneakers or boots.

asymmetric skirt

Nordstrom asymmetric satin skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom asymmetric satin skirt

The asymmetric hem on the skirt (above) will add interest to your outfit.

shirtdress

Halogen tie waist shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen tie waist shirtdress

A shirtdress is always a classic that you can wear for any season.

sweater dress

Nordstrom dolman midi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom dolman midi dress

Your sweaters don’t have to stop at your waistline. You could also choose a sweater dress. You could wear with a wide belt for a flattering silhouette.

silk dress

Nordstrom Signature silk shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Signature silk shirtdress

Another shirt dress choice for you. I like the versatility of the Nordstrom signature dress (above). Wear with or without a belt. You can wear as it is, or over a pair of pants.

2021 fall essentials – pants

Now let’s move downwards with the pant style you could choose.

wide leg pants

Nordstrom wide leg flannel pants | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom wide leg flannel pants

While skinny leg jeans and pants haven’t gone out of fashion, wide leg pants are definitely having their moment now, so if you don’t already have a pair in your closet, now may be the time to add some. Wide leg pants with a high waist look great with shorter tops.

SKINNY JEANS

BP. button front skinny jeans | 40plusstyle.com

BP. button front skinny jeans

You can pair your skinny jeans with heels for evening, or pair with a sweater for daytime.

lounge pants

Nordstrom wide leg sweater pants | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom wide leg sweater pants

If you’re having a lazy day at home or want a pair of comfy pants for running errands, a pair of sweater pants like the ones from Nordstrom (above) could be the perfect choice.

leggings

Zella high waist leggings | 40plusstyle.com

Zella high waist leggings

A pair of black leggings is always a classic choice. Wear with longer tunic tops or sweaters and your sneakers or boots for an easy, casual, stylish look.

shoes and boots in the nordstrom fall essentials

Just changing your shoe or boot style can give your existing outfits an instant update.

LOAFERS

Caslon loafer | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon loafer

A pair of black sandals is a classic option for your eveningwear.

sneakers

Caslon sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon sneaker

The platform sole on the sneakers (above) add an on-trend element to your shoes. Opting for a darker color may be a good idea for winter and fall if you’re worried about any rain or mud.

chunky boots

Caslon chelsea boot | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon chelsea boot

Lug soles have been on-trend for the summer season, and combine practicality and style for the upcoming cooler weather. The chelsea boots (above) come in either black or burgundy.

tall boots

Treasure & Bond over the knee boot | 40plusstyle.com

Treasure & Bond over the knee boot

A pair of great high top boots can be worn under your midi dresses or over your leggings or skinny jeans.

accessories

Now, let’s finish off your look with some stylish accessories.

classic tote

BP. faux leather classic tote | 40plusstyle.com

BP. faux leather classic tote

A black tote will never go out of style. The faux leather tote (above) also comes with a handy pouch, if you want to make sure the interior of your bag is organized.

clutch

Nordstrom jewel clasp minaudière | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom jewel clasp minaudière

There was lots of gold on the fall catwalks. An easy way to add a little bling to your outfit is with your accessories. The Nordstrom clutch (above) would look great with your eveningwear.

STUD earrings

Nordstrom pavé disc stud earrings | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom pavé disc stud earrings

If you want to finish off any outfit without wearing a lot of jewelry, you could easily wear a pair of classic stud earrings day-to-day.

twist earrings

Open Edit twist drop earrings | 40plusstyle.com

Open Edit twist drop earrings

I’m a big fan of contemporary jewelry to add modernity to any outfit, so I love the twisted style of the Open Edit drop earrings (above).

contemporary necklace

Open Edit link collar necklace | 40plusstyle.com

Open Edit link collar necklace

Chain necklaces and statement necklaces are both major fall 2021 accessory trends. The link collar necklace (above) combines both.

contemporary rings

Many designers for the new season chose to finish off their outfits with lots of rings. Stack your rings on one or two fingers, or wear across your hand.

Nordstrom set of 5 assorted cubic zirconia rings | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom set of 5 assorted cubic zirconia rings

felt hat

Nordstrom floppy wool felt panama hat | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom floppy wool felt panama hat

Do you usually add a hat to your outfits? If not, perhaps this fall could be the time to start. A panama like the Nordstrom hat (above) will definitely add style to your outfit.

fall scarf

Nordstrom tissue print wool & cashmere wrap scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom tissue print wool & cashmere wrap scarf

A scarf is a great way to add a new-season trend or color to your existing outfits. The wool and cashmere scarf (above) adds florals in a subtle way to you fall looks.

print scarf

Nordstrom eyelash trim print wool & cashmere wrap scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom eyelash trim print wool & cashmere wrap scarf

You could also try an abstract style. Take a look at the Nordstrom wrap scarf (above) and see if you have a favorite color or print. It comes in 11 different choices.

belt

Halogen genuine calf hair belt | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen genuine calf hair belt

A belt is always a good accessory as you can wear over your dresses, tops and coats to create a different silhouette.

shop all the items above here:

Your fall looks together in one capsule

Now that we’ve taken a look at all the clothes, shoes and accessories individually, let’s think about how you could put them together.

You can see some suggestions below, but you could easily mix and match everything to create countless different looks.

2021 fall essentials capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Do you have a favorite item among the Nordstrom fall essentials? What would you most like to add to your closet?

like this post on 2021 fall essentials? Share it on Pinterest!

All the 2021 fall essentials you need to create your new season 2021 outfits | 40plusstyle.com

This post was sponsored by Nordstrom

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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