The other day, my co-worker Nicole and I were discussing the extensive list of items on our fall shopping lists. As we were chatting about each of the trendy new pieces we planned on adding to our carts, I realized that a majority of the items on my list weren't actually "trends" at all—they were basics that, thanks to the stylish fashion girls of the world, have officially become, well, trendy. I am really picky when it comes to what I deem a trend, so it makes sense that I was struggling with suiting becoming one of the most well-accepted fall trends of not only this season but last season as well, in addition to the rise of the more stylized bourgeoisie trend. At the end of the day, things like suits and trousers are not anything new; they are wardrobe staples that maybe weren't cool, but they certainly weren't out.
When classics suddenly become cool, do we call them a trend? Yes? No? It's confusing, but all I know is that the return to a more simplistic way of dressing is here, and the trending basics ahead are leading the way. Take time to learn all about the basic pieces—including button-down shirts, shoulder bags, and even loafers—that are currently paving the way for a larger movement in this industry that is both unavoidable and exciting. The good news is that you probably own a majority of the eight items listed below, but in case you don't, we shopped our favorite versions of each to ensure your fall wardrobe is fully up to date.
Poplin Button-Down Shirts
Largely thanks to this recently birthed styling trick, the classic white button-down is officially on heavy rotation among the fashion set.
Shop button-down shirts:
Suits
It wasn't until the suit-trend storm calmed that we were able to see suits for what they really are—an official fashion-girl basic.
Shop suits:
Cardigans
Cardigans—your grandma wears them, you wore them in elementary school, and now, you wear cropped versions for a night out and button them all the way up as a chic top alternative. The circle of life, you know?
Shop cardigans:
Shoulder Bags
What was once a staple in the '90s and early '00s quickly became obsolete, but if we know anything about fashion, it's that everything comes back around. This simple handbag shape is one It girls reach for to accompany pretty much any look right now.
Shop shoulder bags:
Pleated Skirts
Pleated skirts (particularly plaid ones) are reigning supreme thanks to the bourgeoisie styling fad that just won't quit. Snatch up a few of these for fall, and you'll forget you even ever liked jeans in the first place.
Shop pleated skirts:
Loafers
This timeless shoe style is almost officially Instagram famous. Worn with socks and anklets, miniskirts, and other unconventional counterparts, loafers are destined to be one of the next big shoe micro-trends of fall 2019.
Shop loafers:
Leather Jackets
Calling a leather jacket a trend seems like a bit of a reach, but according to the sheer volume of content fashion girls are creating around the item, it's hard not to call them a trend. No, this isn't a moto jacket. Instead, we're talking blazer-esque shapes that are slightly oversize.
Shop leather jackets:
Trench Coats
Last but not least, we have trench coats. Spotted all over the streets during fashion month, the trendy basic is clearly the silhouette to own this season.
Shop trench coats:
