As we transition out of summer, the fall fashion landscape is shifting to timeless, elegant styling. While the warmer months introduced more playful trends like white cotton skirts, hot pants, athletic shorts and beaded mesh Chinese slippers, this autumn has a focus on closet staples that endure the test of time.
From trench coats and leather jackets to turtlenecks and knee-high boots, here are our favorites to shop for the new season.
Outerwear
Trench Coats
Every fall, we come back to the perfect layer: the trench coat. It’s a capsule piece that can instantly elevate any outfit.
Leather Jackets
Whether you prefer your leather jacket in the form of a trench, blazer, bomber or the original silhouette, there are lots of options. For vintage ones, look up “Wilson’s leather jacket” on eBay.
Blazers
We’ve noticed a lot of influencers talking about blazers this season. We like wearing them over dresses as an easy yet polished layer.
Tops
Turtlenecks
We wear so many turtlenecks during fall and winter, as well as mocknecks and rollnecks. You can get them in so many different weights, textures (like ribbed or cashmere) and colors. For an outfit formula, pair them with a black mini skirt, tights and boots.
Off The Shoulder Sweaters
Last year, TikTokers were referring to this trend as “sexy sweater” for winter date nights, but to us this is just an off-the-shoulder sweater. It can sometimes feel like it’s hard to show any skin as the weather gets colder, so it’s nice to have a simple top that also feels a bit more fun.
Oversized Sweaters
This one from COS looks similar to The Row’s Ophelia Wool-Cashmere Sweater. You can wear them with more casually with jeans or dress them up with trousers or skirts.
Oxford Shirts
We recently saw Julia Rabinowitsch (of the Millennial Decorator) recommend the men’s oversized L.L. Bean button down, which reminded us of how much we love oxford shirts. We see them mostly worn in white, blue or striped.
Cardigans
In our opinion, a wardrobe isn’t complete without a staple cardigan. We’re big fans of the J.Crew cashmere options and this grey H&M version for a budget-friendly pick. Try layering it over a white tank or tee with jeans, or throw it on over a dress. Cardigans are also perfect for draping over your shoulders, adding a chic touch to any outfit.
Polos
Another J.Crew recommendation, this featherweight cashmere-blend long-sleeve polo shirt is one of our favorites.
Bottoms
Full Skirts
Last year pleated mini skirts were big, and this year we’re seeing more full skirts. We saw influencer Cierra O’day style this a-line skirt with a white baby tee, tucked gray cardigan, light pink tights and loafers, which she accessorized with pearls and a belt.
Levi’s
We’re as much of a fan of vintage Levi’s as the next person, but it can sometimes be tricky to find affordable ones in the right size and wash. These are the perfect cut and come in a lot of washes.
Track Pants
Probably the trendiest on this roundup, adidas track pants will continue to be part of fall fashion. People are styling these with button downs and tabis or flats.
Shoes
Knee High Boots
Also popular last season, we’ll be wearing our knee-high boots again. These boots are a fall staple, offering both style and function as they keep you warm while adding a sleek look.
Campus Boots
Campus boots have been all over the past few years. Since so many people invested in these ones from Frye over the past couple of years, we think they’ll continue to be worn in fall and spring.
Tabis
Despite how you may or may not think of these are “weird horse hove shoes,” these polarizing shoes are in right now. We’ll see this split-toe in both flats and mary janes. For a cheaper alternative, a brand called Raboesy is making their own.
Flats
A go-to to be effortlessly put together. Whether you’re running errands or meeting friends for coffee, these flats offer comfort without sacrificing style. Choose classic black or experiment with fun colors for a pop of personality. We also love the Jeffrey Campbell Dancerina Mary Jane Ballet Flat and the Camper’s Right Nina Flat.
Loafers
We absolutely love these loafers. They’re so versatile, and amazing to have on hand across seasons. We never get sick of them.
Hunter Rain Boots
We were honestly surprised to see the resurgence of this rain boot after Daisy Edgar-Jones and Dua Lipa were both seen wearing them this summer.
Lace-Up Flats
Lots of lace-up leather ballerinas are on TikTok right now. Our top pick is the Paloma Wool Pina Lace-Up Leather Ballerina, but we also love the Camper Right Black Leather Shoe, Alohas Aureline Black Leather Ballet Flats and JW PEI Caitlin Lace-up Ballerina Sneakers.
Court Shoes
The Loro Piana Rebecca leather ballerina flats are the idea court shoe, and these Marc Fisher ones give the same vibe for a fraction of the price. They add a sleek and elegant touch to casual outfits, but you can easily wear them dresses up too.
Accessories
Chic Eyewear
The Miu Miu Regard sunglasses set the standard for trending sunglasses. Brands are now making their own iterations, such as the Baby by Bonnie or the Alba by Lexxola.
Suede Bags
The Soft Margaux 17 Bag in Suede is all over TikTok, as well as a ton of people posting videos of their T.J.Maxx dupes. This material won’t just be limited to bags, but for jackets and shoes as well.
Woven Bags
We often don’t walk a block without seeing a woven bag in New York these days. Similarly to The Row bag above, Bottega started the trend around this style, and now we’re seeing other brands takes, such as Dragon Diffusion. Whether you’re buying the original or an Amazon version, this is one of the most popular bags at the moment.
Big Leather Bags
For a while it was all about mini bags, but bigger bags are now in too. We’re fans of the MM6 Maison Margiela medium classic tote bag or the Paloma Wool Riba.
Brooches
I’ve seen the return of brooches from Heaven Mayhem. What we once remembered as an accessory our grandmothers would wear is back.
Burgundy Tights
From nail polish to Miu Miu’s slingbacks, the color burgundy is trending after being seen in many FW24 runway collections. Burgundy tights are a way to add a bold pop of color to your look, pairing perfectly with neutral tones and fall prints.
Pebble Necklaces
First made popular by Elsa Peretti’s bean design for Tiffany & Co., pebble necklaces are currently trending. These minimalist shapes are perfect for layering with other delicate pieces or wearing solo for a subtle statement.
Headbands
With the obsession over Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy as a style icon, there has been an emphasis on headbands. Our favorite is the France Luxe skinny headband, and if you’re based in New York, you can go to C.O. Bigelow Chemists to shop them in person.
