42 fall basics our editors are obsessed with

I recently got on the phone with our design editor Kristen, who claimed she was entering “fancy girlhood.” I immediately wanted to adopt the same slogan – clearly I was not alone. The resurgence of sweatpants and lounge-centric trends during the pandemic has made way for new trends in quiet luxury. We want to get more out of our clothes, so we’ll prioritize and invest in pieces that will still look good for years to come. Luckily, the best fall basics do just that, letting you curate a fall wardrobe you’ll love wearing from now until spring.

I’ve experienced my fair share of glows over the years. While some of this is a result of increased disposable income after college, I attribute it mostly to intention. Today, I choose to pare my wardrobe down to pieces that align with three words that describe my personal style: elegant, feminine, and understated. By refining my style goals into the style that makes me feel best about myself, it becomes easier to say no to things that don’t fit.

How to create your personal style

My Pinterest style board has become my inspiration for these outfit transformations. Every month I sift through and delete images that no longer bring joy, while eagerly importing new looks from my Instagram saves.

This consistent approach has not only helped me define and develop my personal aesthetic, but it’s also streamlined my shopping list. The process is simple: Collect your favorite inspiration images, make a fun playlist, and see how many looks you can recreate with your current fall wardrobe. Trust me, these are the highlights of fall’s best basics!

The best fall basics this season

Go through this process once and you’ll quickly realize that you need to find the perfect sweater, jacket, or boots to take your wardrobe to the next level. With this approach, I transformed my wardrobe from an uninspired collage of trends to a collection filled with the best fall basics and neutral colors that I can mix and match endlessly.

But know this: the perfect wardrobe doesn’t have to be a strict capsule wardrobe. However, it must be able to withstand trends and reflect who you are. With that in mind, keep scrolling for the best fall basics and fall essentials.

coat

Outerwear is always a little tricky during this transitional season. Sometimes you may wake up with your heaviest coat on, and other times you may be able to skip it. I love this year’s obsession with barn jackets – it’s a classic piece that’s perfect for the months when it’s not too hot and not too cold. It comes in a neutral color that pairs as easily with a T-shirt and jeans as it does with any other fall outfit. Pretend you’re in the English countryside and your wardrobe takes care of the rest.

Of course, every timeless wardrobe also needs a good leather jacket. While many real deal options will set you back hundreds of dollars, affordable options that look better abound. No matter what outerwear you choose, consider these pieces your cool-girl ticket to fall.

dress

Nightgowns are timeless, but we love the simple, streamlined comfort of a slip dress. To wear my clothes year-round, I just have to adopt different styling strategies that are both warm and seasonally appropriate. In the summer, I wear it with sandals, and in the fall, I love layering it with leggings, a cozy sweater, lug boots, and a scarf. So what about this season’s trendy chocolate brown? Chef (stylist) kiss.

A-line dresses are also perfect for fall — embodying the timeless tailoring and universally flattering look that so many of us are loving right now. Perfect for work, lunch, or a wine night by the fire, these pieces will easily become your go-to. The A-line cut is the perfect combination of slim and fitted while being incredibly comfortable. Throw on a pair of eye-catching earrings and you’re done—it’s a one-and-done outfit.

Finally, a staple every fall: the sweater dress. She’s comfortable, she’s flattering and forgiving, and she keeps you warm without looking like you’ve worn every last layer in your wardrobe. Not only does a sweater dress automatically make you look put together, but it also takes all the effort out of planning an outfit. I like to mix my boots with knee-high heel boots for a casual yet chic seasonal look.

Maximum amount

In a season when we all prefer sweaters, tops can be tricky. but! They also make my favorite fall pastime (layering) so seamless and chic. I love a denim shirt as a top for a foolproof Canadian tuxedo ensemble. Or, try a fall-friendly plaid pattern and fun detailing to add visual interest.

I also love an asymmetrical top that flatters everyone’s body thanks to its diagonal lines that draw the eye and create a more streamlined silhouette. Wear it boldly with a one-shoulder top, perfect for date night or dinner out.

sweater

When the temperatures start to drop, I start craving chunky knitwear. But even in the coziest season of the year, I like to keep the look simple. Cardigans, crewnecks, and my favorite, turtlenecks are all in style this time of year. Thankfully, many brands offer styles at various price points, making even the most luxurious sweaters within reach. Each option I share below has a five-star rating and is pill-free (just be careful to follow the care instructions).

I imagine feeling comfortable wearing these sweaters with a head-to-toe monochromatic look. This styling technique creates an effortless outfit that’s still stylish and can look comfortable, elegant, or sexy, depending on your look. (Bonus: You can use this whenever you need a little extra comfort while working from home.)

Bottoms

This year especially, trends have obviously come and gone with the trend of leggings and denim. However, one style that will always be in my wardrobe is the high-waisted wide trousers. I find them flattering even on my petite frame (re: they don’t weigh me down) and pair perfectly with any sweater or top – although I like to wear them more fitted for visual balance. Depending on the material, they always look chic and can easily be worn on a night out or paired with sneakers and a T-shirt for a casual look. Trust me: pick up a pair below and you’re bound to get compliments.

shoe

I buy shoes about every other season, so I want to know if I’m making the right investment. I recently purchased Madewell’s red Greta ballet flats and I’m obsessed with how they add a vibrant pop of color to my usually more understated fall outfits. Likewise, my knee-high boots are my go-to for almost everything I wear this time of year. They look really stylish paired with a shorter plaid skirt and sweater, or with one of my longer prairie style dresses.

No matter the shoe style, keeping it classic for fall will lead you to a pair that you can wear forever. With timelessness in mind, you’ll get shoes that pair perfectly with any style or aesthetic.

Accessories

Autumn accessories are so fun, and the cold weather allows you to wear scarves and hats with impunity. Suede is the hottest material this season and I love how it can appear on bags, belts, or any detail that makes your outfit sparkle. But if you buy one accessory this season, make it a classic hoop accessory. I still love the silver trend and everything in Heaven Mayhem will become an instant heirloom. They will enhance any outfit you wear this season.