I'm Backing These 11 Boring Items for Fall
If the below items are considered "boring” (which I know they are), then let boring be the style goal for F/W 19. As I mentioned before when diving into the upcoming season’s overarching bourgeoisie trend, I’m more than ready for fashion get a little more simple and a little less loud so that personal style can really shine. After all, what better way to show off your styling skills than through your use of basics?
Sure, statement shoes and It items are great, but if you can look really cool in a blazer, jeans, and leather ankle boots, then you know what you’re doing in the styling department. Whether or not you agree with me, the below items are also the building blocks of any strong wardrobe—basic or eccentric. To see which 11 boring staples I’m backing for fall and, of course, shop them along the way, just keep scrolling.
Menswear Blazers
I'm all about the polished touch of a menswear-inspired blazer right now. This layered-look style by Habitual can also be worn as a vest. Click through to see how it works.
It's not even technically fall yet but I've been living in this oversize version from Zara.
Turtlenecks
Turtlenecks are perfect for layering or wearing alone as tops. How good is this baby blue one?
Long Jeans
You can read more about my ideal fall jean style here, but for now, note that they should hit just at your foot and have a relaxed, straight fit like this amazing pair by GRLFRND.
I'm also a big fan of this mid-rise style from J Brand's latest collab with Elsa Hosk.
Grandma Heels
It's hard to put grandma heels into words, but you get the vibe, right?
Gold Necklaces
No need to go crazy with your jewelry this season. Just throw on a gold necklace and you're good to go.
Racer Tanks
Perfect for wearing under all your cardigans! Don't worry, those are coming, too.
Shoulder Bags
No purse adds polish to your look like a classic shoulder bag, and it's no surprise that this Wandler one was all over the streets in New York and London.
Simple Sunglasses
Not too big, not too small, no crazy colors—just good, simple sunglasses.
Oliver Peoples is always a good place to look for fuss-free frames.
Cardigans
I think cardigans are the new going-out tops, and the best thing about them is that they can be as affordable as you want.
I'm also still very into the beige trend, so this one is ideal.
Trousers
Think a pair to wear with a turtleneck and blazer at work then with a racer tank and cardigan on the weekend.
Leather Ankle Boots
Sometimes I'm all for a statement boot, but other times, a no-frills pair is just what your outfit needs.
Up next: 42 things you have to buy from Shopbop, Nordstrom, and Net-a-Porter right now—boring fall essentials included!
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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