The Eternal Fall Wardrobe: 8 Staples to Buy Now and Wear Forever
We’d be straight up lying if we said we weren’t giddy to test out the new fall trends currently making wakes in the fashion universe. After all, we chat about the fresh looks on the daily over here. That said, the autumn season is also about the classic staples. You know, those mainstays that essentially withstand the test of time and more or less act as the foundation to accommodate some of the newer, more experimental trends out there.
While you may already have a healthy offering of these timeless essentials, we thought we’d do a quick rundown on the key staples that are an absolute must in anyone’s wardrobe. Because really, it’s these pieces that will ultimately build that classic fall wardrobe—aka one that will be forever in style. Ahead, we're bringing you the eight basic fall must-haves (complete with a little bit of visual inspiration) everyone needs. Naturally, we shopped out the most forward iterations of the items in question as well.
The perfect blazer is one of those no-fail staples thanks to its incredible versatility. A slouchier silhouette can act as a lightweight overcoat with a casual ensemble featuring jeans and a sweater, can be belted with a midi dress for the office, and so on. The options are endless.
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It’s almost impossible to think about getting through the cooler months without a trusty heavier-weight knit. You can literally toss a chunkier style in a classic cut (like a boxy crewneck) on with jeans, trousers, a skirt, over a dress and have an instantly forward outfit that’s equal parts function (ahem, warm) and fashionable.
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If you’re into skirts and dresses, ensure you have a signature midi style in your arsenal to get through the season. The longer construction makes it doable for colder temperatures with taller boots. Plus, it works wonders for a work wardrobe teamed with other polished separates like a blazer and turtleneck.
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If one product had to act as the hero of the autumn season, there’s a strong chance a leather jacket would be it. Inherently cool in nature with luxe qualities, you’ll be able to toss your go-to style over pretty much anything for years and years. Seriously. Invest in your dream find, and watch it just get better with age.
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Yes, black ankle boots may seem like a no-brainer here, but we wanted to take a moment to reiterate the importance of introducing your closet to the ideal pair. While there is a slew of different styles out there, the timeless picks have a streamlined feel with either a pointed, rounded, or slightly square toe.
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Okay, okay, jeans are obviously a year-round must-have, but straight, rigid jeans are especially ideal for fall in a cut that hits right below or at the ankle. Invest in a flawless-fitting pair and mix them with all of your casual outfits. This is one denim pick that will legit never go out of style.
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Similarly to the moto jacket, a trench coat is another outerwear essential that will withstand the test of time thanks to its classic sensibilities. Opting for a "basic” khaki style is never a wrong move, but some of the modern silhouettes out there (featuring details like balloon sleeves) will hold strong now and for seasons to come as well.
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On the other end of the spectrum from the chunky sweater lives the slim turtleneck. This functional knit is essentially a wardrobe no-brainer as it can instantly become a layering must-have under jackets, blouses, or other sweaters—but it can also act as the focal point to an outfit simply tucked into a skirt or trousers as well.
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Next, check out the basic fall trends celebs love.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.
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