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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
