30 Chic Fall Basics to Buy If You Want to Look Cool

last updated 17 August 2023

Marina wears white t-shirt, leather jacket, jeans, and a little heel.

As summer vacations end and the season starts to change, it’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe in preparation for fall. When fall comes to mind, I immediately think of colorful leaves, slightly chilly temperatures, and impeccable fashion. I’m eager to get ahead on these fall purchases, so I decided to take you along for the ride. Since I'm a big believer in the power of cool, elevated basics, I want to re-up on my basics, staples, and essential wardrobe building blocks.

Are you looking for a versatile cardigan or a new crisp pair of jeans? Maybe some simple yet elevated tops and accessories will do the trick? Well, I’ve included these styles and so much more in my curated selection of chic fall basics below. Keep scrolling to uncover your new favorite wardrobe pieces ahead.

Maeve

Buckle Up Tank

The buckles are everything.

H&M

Rib-Knit Cardigan

You'll wear this cardigan so much.

H&M

Gathered Dress With Flared Skirt

Pair this LBD with cute tights and tall boots for an easy fall look.

H&M

Boat-Neck Top

Fashion people are so into boatneck tops right now.

Pixie Market

Leather Bomber Jacket

This looks so much more expensive than it is.

Pixie Market

Dani Cropped Boxy Blazer

Something about this modern take on a blazer is so cool.

H&M

Double-Breasted Trench Coat

Can you believe this classic trench coat is less than $50 right now?

H&M

Fine-Knit T-Shirt

I'm so into sleek lightweight knits.

Madewell

The Plus Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean

I personally swear by the quality of Madewell denim.

A New Day

Maxi A-Line Dress

Such a steal.

H&M

Pointed Slingback Pumps

If you don't have a pair of sleek slingbacks, this is your sign to get some.

H&M

Leather Ballet Flats

What are you waiting for?

Levi's

501 '90s Straight Leg Ankle Jeans

You can always count on Levi's to bring you quality jeans at an affordable price point.

SKIMS

Stretch Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

I have this tee, and it's as comfy as everyone says it is.

WAYF

Riley Crop Tank

Yes, please.

WAYF

Riley Wide Leg Cargo Pants

Cool matching sets like this truly make you stand out.

Open Edit

Strapless Asymmetric Top

Open edit strikes again.

good american

Essential Suiting Pleated Trousers

Good American's new workwear collection is a dream—especially these stunning trousers.

Madewell

Plus Easy Y-Neck Button-Up Shirt

I want this immediately.

COS

Tie-Neck Jersey Top

I bet you've never seen such a luxe-looking basic.

COS

Voluminous Pleated Denim Midi Skirt

So chic.

ELOQUII

Faux Leather Trench Coat

This leather trench is a cool contemporary take on a fun closet staple.

COS

Oversized Tailored Shirt

In COS we trust.

COS

Chain-Link Choker

I'm loving this simple yet interesting necklace.

COS

Square-Toe Leather Chelsea Boots

Boot season is just around the corner.

ELOQUII

Denim Jacket With Cinched Waist

This twist on a denim jacket is so pretty.

ELOQUII

Denim Midi Skirt

This will be so essential to have in fall.

DOLCEVITA

Beny Flats Ivory Crinkle Patent

Try a white loafer as opposed to your usual black pair.

JENNY BIRD US

Doune Hoops

Spice up your hoops with this unique pair.

Bleusalt

The Cindy Top

Pair this top with virtually any fall-ready bottoms.

Converse

Run Star Trainer Sneaker

This new low-rise sneaker from converse is popping up everywhere.

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Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor and model who has recently relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast offices. For WWW, she utilizes her love of personal style to dish out shopping advice to the masses.After graduating from the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism, Chichi moved to Brooklyn and began hustling to make it in the NYC media world. Before landing at WWW, she spent some time at Vice Media Group, where she helped revolutionize Refinery29's plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage and even co-hosted a summer styling series. Prior to R29, she supported Bustle Digital Group's commerce team and freelanced for various publications.Chichi is a multi-passionate, pop culture–obsessed television and music lover who enjoys a good concert and a yummy meal just as much as she loves analyzing cultural trends and throwing together a solid outfit. After work, you can probably find her bopping around the best L.A. restaurants talking about her latest ADHD-fueled hyper-fixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, TikTok black hole discoveries, and theories on the emo-rock music revival).