Ever since the days of grade-school "back-to-school" shopping, I've looked forward to this time of year more than any other. Once summer starts winding down, all I want in life is to wear jeans and a sweater without breaking a sweat. Those crisp fall days are delightfully near, and just as it did when I was 9, my closet is in need of a bit of a fall refresh—starting with basics.
If you want to fill your closet with basics that don't cost a lot of money but will earn you a lot of fall trend points, a few great retailers to turn to are J.Crew, Zara, and Mango. And I just scoured the current stock in search of the best items that fall under the covetable "trendy basics" category. These 33 items won't look dated in a year's time, but they will look incredibly fresh right now.
So without further ado, keep scrolling to shop the very best trendy fall basics from J.Crew, Zara, and Mango.
J.Crew
Everything about these is supreme—including that they have pockets.
A subtle take on fall's boho trend.
If it isn't butter yellow, I don't want it.
Nineties-inspired sweaters are the best sweaters.
Such an elegant take on the tapered-jean trend.
It's going to be a leopard-print fall.
White loafers > black loafers.
Some would call this the "demure" way to do the sheer skirt trend.
I'm obsessed with the fuzzy texture of this.
Yes, you need a brown suede bag this fall.
Okay, J.Crew
Zara
For when the weather calls for a light jacket.
Wear this with the aforementioned bomber.
This is the sweater you'll reach for again and again.
A good denim shirt is a staple right now.
The perfect little white Mary Janes.
This boxy, simple trench is something I'd wear every fall (and spring).
It's time to stock up on burgundy before it all sells out.
No such thing as too many vest tops.
Don't blame me if this sells out before you can bag it.
If you already have balloon jeans, your next purchase should be balloon chinos.
An oversize blazer makes a great fall jacket.
Mango
This elevated faux-leather jacket is an excellent use of $100.
Another great vest for your consideration.
I suddenly need a pair of burgundy loafers.
A boho-inspired blouse that's actually easy to wear.
Could baggy capris be the next iteration of the capri trend?
Pinstripes are happening again, folks.
This feels fresher than your typical double-breasted trench.
I feel like I've been looking for a jacket like this my whole life.
I'm picturing these with a sweater and baggy pants come fall.
Prepare to reach for this flattering LBD constantly.
I guess there's no need to spend more than $40 on a leather belt.
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It's Here: The Only Coat Trend That's Cooler Than LeopardIt's a bit harder to find, though.
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7 Incredibly Chic Pant Trends to Wear Instead of Jeans This FallElevate your wardrobe this season.
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I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—29 Pieces I'm Eyeing Ahead of Black Friday That Will Get You Envious Stares and ComplimentsThese are guaranteed to elevate your wardrobe.
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I'm a Fashion Editor Living in L.A.—30 New Zara Finds I'm Wearing From Now Until the New YearSomething chic for every occasion.
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I've Worked at Who What Wear for 10+ Years—Here's My Fall 2025 Shopping List for Cool and Classic StyleI won't lead you astray.
