I'm Limiting Spending, But I Couldn't Resist These Runway-Approved Fall Basics

New season, new me… At least, that's what I tell myself. The arrival of fall means a bevy of new trends are on the horizon and, naturally, more chances for fashion joy as the weather begins cooling down. As we inch toward New York Fashion Week and the start of silly girl dinners, my credit card is begging for a crumb of mercy. No, shockingly enough, I can't buy every cute piece of clothing that catches my eye to be a financially responsible adult. Who would have thought?

As such, I'm only focusing on buying truly timeless basics that are made to last. Even though the fall runway trends are calling my name, I know these 10 pieces are going to hold up for ages in my closet, and I already own most of them. From wide-leg jeans to simple shoe silhouettes, these runway-inspired basics are all you need for a well-rounded capsule wardrobe this fall.

Silk Trousers

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bevza)

While simple tailored trousers are certainly considered to be a fall staple, the fall/winter shows proved that silky fabrics should be on everyone's radar this season. Opt for a silky, rich-looking pair of cargo pants or trousers this season.

Wide-Leg Jeans

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta)

Fall and wide-leg jeans just go so well together. While the style is perfect for year-round outfits, there's something undeniably chic about oversize puddle jeans.

Shackets

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Akris)

If you're looking for a perfect transitional garment to wear as the weather gets colder, look no further than the perfect shacket. Opt to layer it on top of a turtleneck or thin cashmere sweater.

Leather Jackets

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Chloé)

While leather coats can give off major Matrix vibes if not styled correctly, our editors prefer the longline silhouette toned down with simple yet elevated fall basics like pleated pants and button-down shirts.

Turtlenecks

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Tove)

There's no time quite like turtleneck time. If you're looking to keep things incredibly minimalistic, a subtly textured nude-colored top will do the trick.

Loungewear

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

While librariancore emerged as one of this fall's unsung trends after the Miu Miu show, our editors couldn't stop talking about the casualness of it all—a chic-yet-messy look at loungewear. Expect to see things like hoodies, zip-ups, and oversize pullovers outside of your house.

Straight Skirts

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen)

Maxi skirts are still dominating 2023, but instead of a free-flowing, summery style that's overtaken the algorithm, fall is promising sharp tailoring and sleeker silhouettes for the chic business-casual garment.

Kitten-Heel Slingbacks

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Gucci)

Flats fans, rejoice. Unlike the sky-high heels typically found on runways, the fall shows were filled with lower, more walkable styles that look and feel extra comfortable.

Oversize Blazers

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(Image credit: LaunchMetrics; PICTURED: Helen Anthony Fall/Winter 2023)

You can never go wrong with an oversize blazer as the weather cools down. Opt for a baggy fit by ordering a size up from your usual, and wear sheer tights underneath like the model pictured above.

Simple Cotton Tops

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Ferragamo)

Although fall runways are often filled with massively overhauled, exciting sartorial visions for the months to come, there's something incredibly lucrative about simplicity and wearability. This season's common thread? Things you can actually wear, including timeless knit tops that transition from season to season seamlessly.

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Assistant Shopping Editor
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)