Our Editors’ Favorite Fall Essentials (That Never Go Out of Style)

I was recently on a call with our Design Editor, Kristen, who declared she was entering her “fancy girl era.” Immediately, I wanted to adopt the same mantra—and it’s clear I’m not alone. After years of sweatpants reigning supreme and Y2K-inspired trends cycling through, there’s a renewed appetite for pieces that feel timeless, elevated, and intentionally chosen. Think of it less as a fleeting trend and more as a return to the long-standing appeal of quiet luxury: investing in clothes that look good now and years from now. Luckily, the best fall basics achieve exactly that, letting you curate an autumn wardrobe you’ll love wearing from now until spring.

I’ve experienced quite the glow-up over the years. And while some of that is the result of a bit more disposable income since graduating college, I’d attribute it mostly to intention. Nowadays, I’m choosing to keep my closet edited down to pieces that align with the three words that describe my personal style: elegant, feminine, and understated. By refining my style goals to what makes me feel most myself, it’s easier to say no to what doesn’t fit.

How to Curate Your Personal Style

My Pinterest style board has become my go-to source of inspiration for these sartorial shifts. I’ve made it a monthly ritual to sift through and delete images that no longer spark joy, while eagerly importing fresh looks from my Instagram saves.

This consistent practice has not only helped me define and evolve my personal aesthetic but has also streamlined my shopping list. The process is simple: gather your favorite inspiration images, crank up a fun playlist, and see how many looks you can recreate with your current fall wardrobe. Trust me, that’s where the best fall basics shine!

The Best Fall Basics to Wear This Season

Go through this process once, and you’ll quickly realize that you need to find the perfect sweater, jacket, or pair of boots to elevate your wardrobe to the next level. With this method, I’ve transformed my closet from an uninspired collage of trends to a collection full of the best fall basics that I can endlessly mix and match.

The perfect closet doesn’t have to be a rigid capsule wardrobe. However, it does have to withstand trends and reflect your true self. With that in mind, keep scrolling for the best fall basics and autumn essentials.

Outerwear

Outerwear can be tricky this time of year: some mornings call for your warmest layers, while others only need something lightweight. That’s why I lean on a few versatile staples that make transitional dressing easier.

A quilted jacket is perfect for those in-between days—lightweight but still cozy, and polished enough to wear beyond the weekend. When temps drop, I love a classic wool coat in a neutral shade that goes with everything. For an updated twist, this belted option cinches at the waist for shape while still feeling timeless.

If you’re after something structured, a trench instantly elevates denim-and-tee days. And for those who prefer minimalist silhouettes, this oversized blazer is the easiest throw-on-and-go piece. Finally, a neutral capelet offers an elegant finishing touch—perfect for when you want your outerwear to feel a little more refined.

These staples prove that investing in outerwear doesn’t just keep you warm—it pulls your whole fall wardrobe together.

Shop Outerwear

Sezane

Scott Trench Coat

$305
at
Sezane

Frank & Eileen

Audrey Funnel Neck Capelet

$218
at
Frank & Eileen

Paige

Cluny Jacket

$399
at
Paige

Everlane

The Quilted Liner

$198
at
Everlane

Sezane

Christie Blazer

$225
at
Sezane

Quince

Italian Wool Cocoon Coat

$170
at
Quince

Dresses

This season’s dresses are all about structure and ease. A midi silhouette is the kind of piece you’ll wear everywhere—polished enough for the office, but just as effortless for weekends. For days when you want something softer, romantic details like puff sleeves, smocking, and subtle prints add a feminine touch that feels timeless.

The shirt dress also makes a strong case for itself this fall—crisp, versatile, and ideal for those one-and-done outfits. And for a more pared-back look, streamlined column shapes deliver understated elegance you’ll reach for year after year.

Together, these pieces define a fall wardrobe that feels both thoughtful and endlessly wearable.

Shop Dresses

Reformation

Maven Dress

$278
at
Reformation

Madewell

Denim V-Neck Circle Midi Dress

$198
at
Madewell

Doen

Ischia Dress

$368
at
Doen

Anthropologie

The Tobie Mini Shirt Dress by Exquise

$178
at
Anthropologie

Aritzia

Bond Dress

$148
at
Aritzia

Hill House Home

The Bridget Dress

$248
at
Hill House Home

Tops

Sweaters may dominate fall, but this season’s tops make layering one of the most stylish pastimes. A denim button-down is a forever staple—wear it on its own, or lean into the Canadian tuxedo formula for a look that feels equal parts classic and cool.

For the everyday foundation, nothing beats a perfectly cut tee or a sleek second-skin bodysuit—both pieces that streamline your silhouette and work under everything from blazers to cardigans.

Of course, polish has its place, too. A ribbed cardigan doubles as a sweater or lightweight layer, while a silk blouse instantly elevates denim and trousers alike. Together, these tops strike that fall sweet spot: practical, versatile, and endlessly chic.

Shop Tops

Sézane

Max Shirt

$125
at
Sézane

Nuuds

Vintage Cotton Cropped Tee

$48
at
Nuuds

Quince

Second Skin Long Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit

$34.90
at
Quince

Reformation

Miller Knit Top

$98
at
Reformation

J.Crew

Super-stretch ribbed cardigan

$168
at
J.Crew

Quince

Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse

$79.90
at
Quince

Sweaters

When the temperatures dip, nothing feels better than reaching for a chunky knit. But even in the coziest season of the year, I like to keep my looks streamlined—think cardigans, crewnecks, and turtlenecks that layer easily and never go out of style.

This season’s lineup includes luxe staples from Jenni Kayne, affordable yet indulgent Mongolian cashmere from Quince (a team favorite), and soft everyday styles from Haven Well Within. For maximum versatility, I’m also loving a Frank & Eileen pullover that comes in 14 colors, proving you can have both quality and variety.

I envision cozying up in these sweaters as part of a full monochromatic look, head to toe. It’s the easiest styling trick—relaxed yet chic, whether you’re out for coffee or layering up while working from home.

Shop Sweaters

Frank & Eileen

Montecito Sweater

$398
at
Frank & Eileen

Quince

Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Turtleneck Sweater

$119.90
at
Quince

Haven Well Within

Organic Cotton Shaker Stitch Cardigan

$138
at
Haven Well Within

Daily Drills

Oversized Button Up Sweater

$130
at
Daily Drills

Jenni Kayne

Cooper Cardigan

$525
at
Jenni Kayne

Quince

Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Crewneck Sweater

$119.90
at
Quince

Bottoms

Trends may come and go (hello, barrel-leg denim), but some shapes earn a permanent spot in the wardrobe. Case in point: the high-waisted, wide-leg pant. Universally flattering, they create clean lines and balance proportions beautifully—even on petite frames. A tailored version, like a polished trouser, instantly elevates a simple knit or tee and transitions seamlessly from office hours to after hours.

On the denim front, 90s-inspired loose jeans are back in rotation—and this time they’re here to stay. Relaxed but not sloppy, they strike the perfect balance between casual and cool, pairing just as easily with sneakers and a tee as with heeled boots and a blazer.

Whether you lean tailored or relaxed, investing in wide-leg bottoms guarantees a silhouette that feels current now and classic for seasons to come.

Shop Bottoms

Paige

Anessa 31″ Wide Leg Jean

$249
at
Paige

RE/DONE

90s High Rise Loose Jeans

$275
at
Shopbop

Ramy Brook

Theodora High-Rise Wide Leg Jean

$285
at
Ramy Brook

Target

Women’s High-Rise Sailor Wide Leg Ankle Jeans

$28
at
Target

Reformation

Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

$198
at
Reformation

Aritzia

The Effortless Pant

$148
at
Aritzia

Shoes

Shoes set the tone for any outfit, and in the fall, it’s worth investing in pairs that feel both timeless and versatile. Classic sneakers—whether Adidas Sambas or Camille’s low-profile favorite—ground even the most elevated looks with ease. They’re the definition of wear-everywhere.

This season also sees the return of ballet flats, updated in rich suede and colors that add personality to otherwise neutral outfits. For something a bit more substantial, ankle boots remain a staple—sleek, slightly modern, and endlessly adaptable whether paired with denim, dresses, or trousers.

And of course, nothing rivals the sophistication of a knee-high boot. A polished leather pair in a deep autumn shade will carry you through years of wear, looking just as chic with short hemlines as with long, flowing silhouettes.

With classics like these, your shoe collection becomes less about following trends and more about curating pieces you’ll reach for season after season.

Shop Shoes

Adidas

OG Sambas

$100
at
Adidas

Margaux

The Downtown Boot

$485
at
Margaux

Common Projects

Original Achilles Sneaker

$482
at
Nordstrom

Madewell

The Mylie Ballet Flat

$128
at
Madewell

Reformation

Agathea Chunky Loafer

$278
at
Reformation

Sézane

Theodora Boots

$380
at
Sézane

Accessories

Fall is the season to lean into accessories—pieces that add polish without overpowering your look. Minimalist gold hoops are at the top of our list: simple, versatile, and able to elevate everything from denim to tailored coats. Gold in all its forms is having a quiet moment, offering warmth and elegance that never feels overdone.

A timeless watch is another accessory worth investing in—something sleek and heirloom-worthy that grounds your look with subtle sophistication. Pair it with a quilted crossbody for texture or a structured tote for everyday function that still feels luxe.

These finishing touches may be understated, but they’re what transform an outfit into something truly considered.

Shop Accessories

Celine

Luggage Tote

$1,675
at
Fashion Phile

Gorjana

Lou Hoops

$68
at
Gorjana

March Hare

Kimsey Watch

$398
at
March Hare

Quince

14K Gold Paperclip Chain Necklace

$218
at
Quince

Quince

Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag

$129.90
at
Quince

Clare V.

Midi Sac

$375
at
Clare V.

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