To us, fall means layers, cute boots (yee-haw), and lots of neutrals with autumnal pops of color (think: greens, browns, a sprinkling of yellows, and a bit of burgundy). Neutrals make outfit-creating easy and add some room to play (which can be so fun). Adding texture, a print here and there, and a cool detail or two can take an outfit to the next level — effortlessly.
Below are 15 killer pieces to add exactly what you didn’t know your fall closet was missing.
Stunning Fall Outfit-Makers By Our Fave Black-Owned Brands
I seriously am in love with pretty much every piece below… you’ll see. We’ve got so many unique & gorgeous picks — from hand-painted mermaid cowboy boots (go ahead, read over that again) to silky pants & swoon-worthy statement bags – it’s alllll here.
The Tiny Closet / Brother Vellies / Taylor Jay / The Folklore / RE ONA / EDAS / Tove Studio / Zashadu / Zou Xou / Shekudo / Chelsea Paris / House of Aama
By The Tiny Closet
The Tiny Closet has a reputation of making really pretty neutral pieces with interesting silhouettes and organic feels. They eliminate excess waste using a made-to-order model and dead stock fabric (fabric that’s left behind from big clothing brands after each season). Two claps for gorgeous minimalism and sustainability!
Mud Cloth Poncho
Ooook, this is so cute and different. I definitely gravitate towards block print anything and this cool poncho topper is no exception. The long back and exaggerated neck add a really unexpected silhouette. These are handmade to order and will all look a little bit unique in terms of mud cloth and print. Just such a cool addition to any closet. Also comes in black.
By Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies has been an obsession of ours lately. Their shoes are SO COOL and completely splurge-worthy (good luck finding artisan-painted cowboy boots or a luxe “doodles” collection somewhere else). Their traditional African designs are handmade across the globe to create luxury, one-of-a-kind accessories that celebrate cultural histories and timeless design.
Sombra Atlas Boot
Ahhh, I’m in love with these boots. Cow print is always in style (right? haha…) especially in the colder months in terms of footwear. They add that oomph to even an all-black outfit (proof above). Also handmade from bi-product so each pair will be slightly different (cool bonus). Love the cowboy style which is super trendy, too.
Mermaid Doodle Boots
I have…no words. These are the prettiest boots I think I’ve ever seen. Leather cowboy boots that are HAND-PAINTED with MERMAIDS. Huh? This is a childhood dream of mine but better. How freaking cool are they? They’re a super small batch so if you’re interested — jump.
By Taylor Jay
Taylor Jay is a slow fashion brand known for its well-made, elevated basics, as well as a favorable fit (pretty generous sizing). They partner with an ethically sourced, fair labor-practicing factory in Oakland, CA to produce environmentally safe garments from certified eco-friendly textiles. Inclusive and sustainable. Score.
Sasha Pants
I love this girl’s outfit. Sooo cute how she matched the top and pants, and how they’re dragging a lil’ over her converse. Very laid-back but somewhat fancy? It strikes the perfect balance for a work-from-home outfit and probably feels like pajamas (judging by the looks… and maybe the coffee mug in hand). These pants drape in just such a pretty way. Kind of obsessed.
By The Folklore
The Folklore is a go-to site for Black-owned goodness. They have a really well-curated collection of brands on their website — from clothing, shoes and accessories, to homewares and beauty — it’s all there and all GORGEOUS. They stock exclusive, high-end & emerging designer brands from Africa and the diaspora, serving as a cultural hub for contemporary brands, artists and creatives to showcase their personal stories.
Stone Oval Sleeve Jumpsuit
Yeah, this is a dream. I looove a good jumpsuit, but it has to fit the right way…and that’s hard. This one looks like it’d be pretty form-fitting due to the twist and cutout, as well as the high waist. I just love pieces with this airy, natural feel. Gorg. Also comes in olive and black and is made from sustainable materials.
Athena Bag
Woahhh, look at these, guys. I don’t know which of the three I like the most? The colors and prints are just too good. The Grecian-style shape and design is not something you usually see in a crossbody, but I’m so here for it. Talk about texture!
Iyoba Midi Bag
I love everything about this bag — from the multicolor print of the leather to the super-deep olive handle color. It’s fun without being too colorful/too much of a statement. Honestly, this bag can be used season to season, but I feel like it screams ‘fall’ the most.
By RE ONA
RE ONA makes some really good transitional, functional and clean pieces. They believe in effortless and comfortable clothing, and that’s exactly what you get. Their designs can be worn season to season as they consist of neutral basics (which lack no charm) that go with almost…anything? Seriously. Go look. (They’re superbly priced, too.)
Joey Oversized Blazer
I’m such a fan of the way this girl is pairing the oversized blazer with a simple tee and jeans. It’s casual but with a classic masculine vibe which can be really fun — especially if you’re tired of a cardigan or jean jacket. I love the chocolate color, too. Such a great brown. (Remember to size down if you don’t want it overly oversized.)
By EDAS
EDAS focuses on sustainability while using unusual home goods and refurbished elements (super cool) in their jewelry. They deliver handmade accessories for the “everyday eclectic woman”… i.e., their pieces are beautifully whimsical and playful yet sophisticated. They carry jewelry, some seriously pretty leather goods, simple-yet-different handbags, and a few awesome small-biz collaborations.
Mini Belt Bag in Pea
OMG, this pea color. Adorable. And the beaded handle? This is the coolest belt bag ever. Pretty much everything is detachable (belt, wallet and handbag), so it’s fully customizable for your daily belt bag needs. Also comes in a deep cherry red. *Drools*
By Tove Studio
Please take a peek at Tove Studio’s website. Their brand is unequivocally stunning — from the editorial pictures and collections to the beautiful pieces themselves. I’m obsessed. The brand was “conceived with the ethos of creating a minimal, refined wardrobe for the modern woman”… i.e., their timeless styles ensure longevity, not to mention the expert craftsmanship and materials behind every piece. They also use quality organic, recycled fabrics with environmental and social certifications, which keep their carbon footprint at a minimum. Seriously good designs with a seriously good background. Yep.
Zoe Silk Top
This silk top stopped me in my tracks. Am I dreaming? It’s basically the ultimate season-fluid blouse given the adjustable tie design and loose shape & sleeves. I can picture this with jeans + mules (perhaps the ones below… ooo) for fall, with leather/silk/another fun textured pant + boots for winter, a lighter pop of denim or pants + sneakers (the elevated kind) for spring, and denim cutoff shorts + sandals for summer. Come. On. I need this. We all need this.
By Zashadu
Zashadu is a British/Nigerian sustainable luxury brand specializing in handcrafted leather pieces. They work with local, sustainably sourced leathers and rough-cut precious stones set in brass. All items are artisan-created with traditional Nigerian techniques in their home base of Lagos, Nigeria. Their bags will have your jaw on the floor. Seriously.
Alpha Classic Distressed Metallic Bag
This bag is just so cool. It balances an edgy, grunge feel with a structured and sophisticated silhouette, and I’m so here for it (love me some good style juxtaposition). The texture is also incredible — not to mention the handle. It’s so unique. I love the disclaimer, too; “Please note, each piece is handcrafted entirely by a single artisan, therefore no two pieces are alike. Your bag is as unique as you are.” Aw, cool. Thanks.
By Zou Xou
Guys…you’ll love this brand. Zou Xou has SUCH chic, quality shoes that are “for women who consider practicality, comfort, and character key elements of good style”. Uhhhh, yes, yes and yes. They take classic styles to a new, modern level, without being overly trendy (aka you’ll wear these bad boys year after year). I really appreciate seasonless styles as a minimalist addition (oxymoron?) to any closet.
Pilar Mule
Mules FOREVER. I think “menswear” shoe styles are really cool and can easily balance out an outfit (like paired with a flowy feminine dress or with jeans + a dramatic top). This pair offers good, basic structure and texture (black, vegetable-tanned leather) but with a twist — a croc-embossed leather chain and wooden heel (less than an inch so still considered a flat and totally comfortable). They say they’re for the woman who loves to wear loafers, even when it’s 90 degrees out. (Perfect for transitioning seasons.) I miiiight have to pick up a pair.
By Shekudo
Shekudo is an African footwear and accessory brand that “draws on heritage, life experiences and a wearable art aesthetic”. (What a beautiful way of putting it!) Their artisans source the majority of their raw materials locally while integrating the native artisan and craftsmanship scene of Lagos, Nigeria. They’re a strong advocate for slow fashion and women’s empowerment while creating some seriously drool-worthy shoes, accessories and a little bit of jewelry.
Baskia Clog
I love a clog with a big, thick, wooden heel. (Ahem, this one is hand-carved. Yeah.) I think this army green cotton weave is SO perfect for fall (especially the current transition from summer to fall, when it’s a little easier to go bare-heel). These clogs are made to order and also come in a baby pink leather (stunning, too, for fall) and a Moroccan plaid weave.
By Chelsea Paris
Chelsea Paris combines European craftsmanship with consciously sourced, high-quality materials in their insanely pretty footwear designs. They embody “diverse creativity, global perspective and timeless luxury”, pretty obviously. (I mean, look at the editorial pic above.) Every pair of shoes is handmade exclusively by European artisans and fused with African-inspired designs, colors and prints. They have a number of stand-out prints and styles, but also some elevated, solid basics.
Gigi Burgundy Ankle Boot
Holy heck — these boots. I don’t know what I’m into more; the burgundy snake with the glossy leather texture or the perfect block heel/almond toe/wide-ish calf combination. I’m swooning over here. They also have a black (matte-looking) leather and a black & white snake print option.
By House of Aama
House of Aama is a culturally-inspired lifestyle brand that is “rooted in the ethos of the African continent and diaspora.” It’s owned by a kick-ass mother-daughter duo (uh, awesome) who realized that they could cater to the niche market for modern, contemporary cultural wares with a sophisticated and dreamily-elegant twist. They create some really unique & super gorgeous statement pieces (like the lace dress pictured above) that are surprisingly wearable. So good.
Chocolate Victorian Silky Pussybow Top
I’m very into pussybow tops in the fall/winter. They’re somewhat classic but, when paired with a trendier bottom or something less polished, can totally be toned down for a less fancy, more effortless look. I love this one because it’s not a stiff material and the velvet wrist bows give some added femininity. It’s sooooo pretty.
Shop our Black-owned Business directory here for tons of more (really gorgeous) inspo.
Xo, Abby
Ps: This one’s for the Pinners…
