As a fashion editor, I have a tendency to plan ahead—sometimes months ahead. Whether it be runway trends for the following season, outfit ideas, or my shopping list, planning far in advance has its perks. For one, I like to look at everything that's happening in fashion so I can cherry-pick the items that resonate the most with my style. Planning ahead is also a strategy I use when shopping so I can be sure to invest only in the items that I know I'll wear in a myriad of ways.
As I prepared to dive into fall dressing, I landed on a handful of must-have pieces that, while trendy, are ultimately of the wardrobe-staple variety, meaning I know I'll be getting miles in them. Naturally, pieces this versatile also come with a rather low cost per wear, so consider this list your shortcut to a low-cost, high-impact fall wardrobe. Keep scrolling for the staple pieces I recommend acquiring for the transition to fall and, frankly, many months to come.
Red Knitwear
A good fall sweater is simply a must. It has to be simple enough to wear often but special enough that you'll want to reach for it to layer atop tees and dresses. Seeing as red is the season's hottest color, it only makes sense that a bold red knit is essential for the coming months and well beyond. Drape one over your shoulders for a pop of color or go full monochrome with a head-to-toe red outfit.
Tailored Maxi Skirts
Jeans are cool and all, but tailored maxi skirts are the one item that's proving to be good enough to replace my standard denim as the ultimate fall wardrobe base for button-down shirts, sweaters, vest tops, and blazers.
Mary Jane Flats
A pair of great flats will never let you down no matter the season. Right now, I'm partial to Mary Jane flats and think they look good with jeans, skirts, trousers, and dresses—pretty much everything. Bonus points if you wear a pair of contrasting socks or tights with them.
Cool Leather Belts
A cool leather belt is one item that I will never be without. This season, the "boring" accessory is more important and fresher than ever with croc-embossed and sculptural metal details that elevate it to a downright outfit-making piece.
'80s Jackets
My closet is full of statement jackets that can go with any and all outfit bases and make any plain pair of jeans or trousers look like a pulled-together outfit. This fall, structured '80s jackets are that one piece you know will just work.
Stiletto Knee-High Boots
Since a pair of leather boots is something I don't buy often, I recommend finding a style that will stay sturdy for a few years, like knee-high boots with a sleek but walkable heel. They're worth the investment.
Draped Dresses
Ever since I began my career as a fashion editor, I've always ensured my closet has at least one version of "the dress." To me, the dress is one that needs little to no styling and is dressed up all on its own. I'm auditioning a few draped dresses to fulfill that role for all the meetings, dinners, and important events I have coming up.
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