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Fall Toppers

Show me some great toppers for fall and winter...but not a blazer!



A great blazer (or 2, or 4) is a wardrobe staple, but what are our other options for great toppers that look polished and current, offer all the comfort, and can be worn anywhere from the office to hanging out with friends?


I've rounded up some of my top picks in all different style categories to give you endless ideas, and as always, quick & easy shoppable links!


What is a topper?

A "topper" is anything that is worn on top of an outfit. Be it over a dress, or with pants/skirt and any type of top, a "topper" is what gets layered over for either warmth and/or style points.

As a Personal Stylist here in Calgary, I know what it's like to have to dress for all that Mother Nature throws at us through these colder months, plus I know many of us work in offices and workplaces that tend to blast the AC no matter what's going on outside! The good news is that I know what to look for in a Fall and Winter Topper that will help you feel all the warmth all while looking polished and elevated.


This list of my current favorite toppers for fall and winter include cardigans, vests, tops and lightweight jackets. Let's get to it!




Here's my Top Toppers for Fall and Winter 2024



Cardigan Toppers

This wardrobe must-have comes in so many style and colour options that you are destined to find one that you love. This is what I call a "hard worker" because you can truly dress it up or down and wear it multiple ways. Check out my top cardigan topper picks here.

















A great take on the French It Girl style, this shorter length cardigan is great paired with both slim or wide leg pants. A stripe is always a good idea, and if you're not into this colour combination, there are three other options to pick from!


Find it at Anthropologie

















Another classic French girl style and a take on the Chanel cardigan, this cute little topper is perfect with jeans, dress pants, over a dress, paired with a skirt...you get the picture- it's perfectly versatile and can be worn year round! I love how this particular style is simpler than most without any pockets, but the texture still adds interest.


Find it at Adorn Boutique

















A little pattern or feminine detail can go a long way to making your outfit feel unique and interesting. Plus, with colours like we have in this specific cardigan from Rails, you know that it will look great with any colour you desire on the bottom. Wear it closed (as shown) or open over a pretty camisole.


















This one is a MUST SEE (click the link for much better photos)!! This cardi/jacket number has a bit of edginess, a bit of modern detailing with the leather, and all the comfort of a cozy cardigan. This fall topper will get you all the compliments!


Find it at Anthropologie

















I love a cute boxy cardigan, and this one can be worn multiple ways: open, as a sweater with the buttons closed, or as a jacket for those milder fall days. A topper like this will go the mile!


















A classic cardigan goes a long way! Whether you go with this striped cutie, or one of the other two great solid colours available, you simply can't go wrong! Want one that will last in your wardrobe rotation for years, look no further!


Find it at Poppy Barley

















Make it a classic fall winter topper, but with a thick, cozy knit in a slightly longer length. This great cardigan hits below the hip (more mid-bum length) and has a nice fit through the body with a slightly relaxed vibe (thanks to the dropped shoulder seam). Perfect for work and everyday wear!

Find it at Mad About Style


Vest Toppers

Adding a vest to any outfit adds not just a touch of flair & style, but it's also a simple, non-bulky way to amplify your look, add a bit of warmth, and complete any outfit combination. You can wear a vest on its own (or with a tank underneath), or put over any slmi-fitting basic short or long sleeve tee, over a button-up collared shirt, or a blouse! Pair with jeans, a great trouser, a skirt, or over a dress...the options are endless for this type of topper!

Here's my favorite vest toppers for fall and winter.

















This vest made the list because of it's warm, neutral colour and longer length. Hitting below the bum, this vest will go perfectly with a straight or slim-fitting jean or pant! Plus the deep v-neckline and medium sized lapel ensures a flattering fit every time!


Find it at Adorn Boutique


















Want a look that is unique without being too showy? This vest has got your number! I love how this combines sleek tailoring with feminine tie details. This vest would be the perfect compliment with denim, trousers or over your favorite cocktail dress!


Find it at Mad About Style

















Sweater vests are such a cute way to increase the warmth and coziness of an outfit without adding too much warmth or bulk. Plus, with the added texture and style that this vest gives, your also adding major style points, no matter what you pair with it (I really like this collared shirt look underneath though!).


















Wanting something with some more colour and pattern? This fun argyle, boxy-fit sweater vest checks all the boxes! It looks great on it's own, or simply layer any top underneath and you've got a great look! I'm picturing this one with a straight leg navy trouser and white collared shirt. Or with a faded black jean and combat boot! Really, anything goes!


Find it at Seven Saints


Blouse Toppers

When you have items in your closet that can be worn multiple ways, you have a wardrobe that is functional and versatile...and isn't that the goal?! One of my favorite styles of tops to wear are collared shirts - they're a timeless style, can be worn with anything on the bottom, and I love that you can wear them closed or open over a tank or pretty camisole. Here are my top current picks for blouse toppers.

















Luxe velvet in the richest hues, this collared shirt is the perfect topper (and top) for fall and winter! It has all the chic and cool vibes, yet is so simple to wear and style! Not into this colour, be sure to click the link to see all the stunning colours available, including a pretty dark floral.


Find it at Anthropologie


















Ok, this blouse needs a moment of recognition. Of course it's the timeless collared shirt style, but updated with a shorter length (no tucking needed) and I love the pretty lace detail along the hem! It's chic, feminine and oh-so-perfect! As always, wear it buttoned up or open over a pretty black silk cami!


















A stripe is always a good choice! This topper is a great option because it has a slightly oversized fit without it being too cumbersome- perfect for wearing buttoned-up or open over a tee, tank, cami or even a lightweight sweater! A solid option to create a laidback yet perfectly put-together look!


Find it at Seven Saints

















A denim collared shirt is one of my personal favorites, and I own (and love) this particular one. The fit is perfect, it gives a relaxed yet polished look, can be worn with anything year round, and the comfort level is high. Wear it with a darker denim, any colour trouser, and do it up or leave open! Great for at work or everyday casual.


Find it at J Crew


Lightweight Jacket Toppers

When you have a jacket that is lightweight and comfortable, what you have is something that can be worn all day long! In these transition months it's your outerwear (that you don't need to take off), and come the colder months you can easily put your warm winter jacket over. Wear this style in lieu of a blazer or a cardigan for a look that's cool and unique. Here's my favorite lightweight jacket toppers for fall and winter.

















The texture, the colour, the style...this jacket has it all! It reminds me of the classic varsity style jacket, but a million times better. Thanks to the feminine touches and easy to coordinate with colour options, this fuzzy jacket just might become your new favorite topper!


Find it at Sezane

















Super soft, this pretty quilted jacket looks and feels great, no matter what you wear it with! As you can see it's perfect with denim, but I guarantee it will look just as good with a trouser in navy, tan, brown, deep purple, sienna...well any colour really! I also think it would be a great option over a slip dress too!


Find it at Adorn Boutique

















This pretty jacket gives me all the feels (is it just me, or does anyone else want to run their hands over this?!). The chevron pattern and luxe material ensures this lightweight jacket topper will have people dishing out the compliments! Pairs well with...anything!!


Find it at Anthropologie

















Looking for something longer? This super soft trench has got you covered! I love that it's a trench style, but done in the coziest material that gives just enough structure, just enough stretch, and allllll the style! Wear over a dress, skirt & top combo, any jeans & tshirt, or with your favorite workwear attire.


Find it at Paisley Boutique



Whether you opt for a cardigan, vest, collared shirt or lightweight jacket, these topper options will give you limitless styling opportunities to create outfits that you love this fall and winter! Use these fall topper examples as inspiration for what to look for in your shopping travels, or click the links or images to see each specific item.


Make it a great & beautiful fall!



 

Need more styling help to find those items that suit your style, your body and your lifestyle?

Check out the Alayne Joy Academy for online courses and guides that will lead the way to creating and intentional and authentic wardrobe!


Are you in the Calgary area, on planning a trip here? Let's chat! I'd love to work with you one on one! Head to my homepage and fill out the contact form, or find me on Instagram.



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