Clothing Items On My New England Autumn Wish List

Every season I try to fill the gaps in my seasonal wardrobe to make sure I will be comfortable through the New England weather changes, especially this time of year when hot summer days turn into chilly fall days. New England summers are hot and there is little that I usually need outside of replacing worn out sandals and bathing suits. However, New England autumns are unpredictable from scorching hot days to winter-like nights. The temperature changes and the storms come and go so unpredictably day by day. Every season I focus on a few key pieces as I do try to be as sustainable as possible. A couple years ago I shared a similar post with a list of items I wanted to purchase for my New England autumn closet and it was a popular post. I thought it was about time for an updated list, especially because autumn is right around the corner.

I did not have much as a kid, but I was always full of gratitude for what I have. As an adult, that is still important. But now that I can afford to clothe and take care of myself (and I have since I was eighteen), I am trying to give myself the things that I need, but did not have growing up. Things like warm woolen socks (where I used to have none, I now have plenty) and a winter coat (I went three years without one as a young teen and it was awful). Money is still a little tight, but I do make it a priority to make sure I have the essentials and warm clothes for the cold season.

Over the past several years I have been building up my wardrobe, not with fast fashion items, but with intentional fashion choices that I hope will keep me looking put together, timeless, and comfortable in the weather for many years to come. I’m focusing on living with enough and having all of the essentials rather than having a closet full of cute clothes that I never wear. I want to love everything in my closet and have it also be functional and long lasting. Naturally, items do get worn out and need replacing, and I cannot afford everything on my list at once, which is why I focus on a few key pieces every season and worry about what I’m missing next year. I do not spend a fortune on my clothes, but as I get older I do try to spend more on higher quality items so that they will last much longer and will not need replacing. It is not always possible, but I do try.

The last list I shared included knee high rain boots, fixing my mom’s old leather jackets, and corduroy pants along with a few other wish list items. The year before that I bought an anorak jacket. I consider all these essential for a New England autumn wardrobe, especially fixing up old vintage clothing as a sustainable method or even shopping used when I can. I did manage to find those New England autumn essentials. This year, these are the pieces on my wish list:

 

New duck boots (also known as saltwater boots or bean boots)

As much as I wish I could afford and L.L. Bean pair right now, it simply is not in the cards. (I am saving for a house after all.) So for now I will be looking for a more affordable pair. In New England, I live in my duck boots all season long. They’re great for hiking, kayaking, rainy days, and even winter. The soles of my old pair ripped open and cannot be fixed so I placed a new order today for a pair on Amazon that I found for under $40. One day when those wear out I will upgrade to a higher quality boot.

 

A plaid button down shirt (navy blue and orange)

I have this plaid shirt (above) that I like, but it was an inexpensive buy so it isn’t a thick material. It looks cute, but I need something for fall. I do own a couple flannel plaids for Christmas time, but I am looking for something with some orange and navy blue for the autumn season for layering on cold autumn days and for hikes. I need a shirt that isn’t just cute, but thick and warm.

 

Hiking boots

Again, I would love a real pair of hiking boots. Something so high quality that they would last for years and countless wears. For now, I’m looking for a really affordable pair for this season and I’ll invest in a high quality pair in the future when I have the funds. It is a necessity this year because we’re planning a lot of hikes, including a trip to North Conway, New Hampshire.

 

Thick long sleeved shirts for camping and outdoor adventuring

Most of my long sleeved shirts are dress shirts for work. I need some high quality shirts that I can camp, hike, and adventure in. I will be buying a few from L.L. Bean this year.

 

Dark wash jeans

High rise jeans that I can cuff at the bottom would be a great pair for a hike. I’m looking for an outdoorsy pair of jeans that I can adventure in without worrying about ruining my favorite pair of jeans.

 

Dark brown wool coat

This item is a pure wish list item, not a necessity. I already own a couple of coats and blazers and they’re great. However, I have always had a camel coat and a dark brown wool coat on my wish list for late fall and winter. If I find the right one this year I might buy it, but if not, it is not a necessity and it can wait. Still, I’m keeping an eye out.

 

Midi plaid skirt

I’m looking for a nice plaid skirt that I can wear out casually or for work. Something dark brown that would layer well for autumn and be timeless enough to wear for many years to come.

 

Dark brown knit sweater

Another adventure need. Most of my sweaters are nice for work. I need something more rugged that I can wear for camping and hiking.

 

Olive green quilted jacket

An olive green quilted riding jacket would be so classic New England. Again, I already own a jacket so this is not a necessity, it is definitely a wish list item. Something casual that I can slip on for mild autumn adventures and pair with a plaid scarf would be super cute for fall. I actually found a great one for $15 on clearance that was originally nearly $100 so I placed the order and we’ll see if it works. I’m excited to pair it with my plaid scarf collection.

 

 

What items are on your autumn wish list?