There are plenty of fall wardrobe trends worth exploring this year, but what we absolutely need to all have in our closets is a handful of versatile basics that can help us seamlessly transition outfits from one occasion to another without missing a beat. Rather than speculating, we spoke with five different fashion stylists about the closet staples they recommend their clients buy this season.
The best part is that you can shop all of these pieces, including straight-leg jeans and lightweight sweater dresses, right on Amazon, starting at just $10. Keep scrolling to discover more expert-approved styles.
10 Stylist-Approved Fall Wardrobe Basics
- Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans, $48 (was $80)
- TN Tangnest Ballet Flats, $31
- Cicy Bell Casual Blazer, $48 (was $71)
- The Drop Yasmin Ribbed Midi Sweater Tank Dress, from $45 (was $50)
- Lands’ End Long Sleeve Turtleneck, $24 (was $40)
- Dream Pairs Knee-High Boots, $46 (was $60)
- Merokeety Midi Sweater Dress, $30 (was $42)
- Dream Pairs Chunky Loafers, $37 (was $43)
- CR Reversible Belt, $20
- Lillusory Oversized Cardigan, $34 (was $39)
Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans
Stylist and founder of CrashGal Couture, Leah Wise, tells us, “It’s worth investing in a high-quality pair of jeans because these are a fashion staple that you will wear over and over again. A pair of jeans that fit just right can do wonders for your look and make you feel more confident.” She especially favors the classic straight-leg fit of these Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans.
TN Tangnest Ballet Flats
“Everybody needs a good pair of flats,” Wise insists. This pair of Mary Jane flats is “versatile enough that you can wear them to the office more dressed up or more casually running errands.” She also suggests buying a fall-friendly or neutral color that will mesh well with many of your items.
Cicy Bell Casual Blazer
Keep timeless outerwear in mind. “A good blazer can be thrown over different outfits,” Wise says. This “great layering piece” can “elevate your jeans or a little black dress and give it a different style and look. Oversized blazers are more trendy right now, while a more tailored blazer will really give you that put-together look.”
The Drop Yasmin Ribbed Midi Sweater Tank Dress
Wise is a firm believer in the power of the little black dress, calling it “the original wardrobe staple. You can keep it casual with sneakers and a jean jacket, or you can put a blazer over with heels, and it looks professional. It serves as the perfect base for outfit inspiration.”
Lands’ End Long Sleeve Turtleneck
Red carpet style expert Melissa Rivers suggests grabbing a solid turtleneck or two. She calls them a “must for fall” because they “go with everything from jeans, pants, or a skirt.” A simple top like this can be dressed up or down by adding different accessories and layers.
Dream Pairs Knee-High Boots
“Knee-high boots are one of my fashion favorite [items] for fall.” Rivers notes. “They add an instant touch of sophistication to any look.” With a sturdy heel and sleek black vegan leather material, they’ll look chic styled with patterned stockings, skinny jeans, or a little tweed work dress.
Merokeety Midi Sweater Dress
Celebrity stylist Brenda Cooper follows a simple K.I.S.S. philosophy: “keep it stylishly simple.” You don’t need a complicated outfit to look or feel polished. As long as it has “stretch for comfort and a classic silhouette,” it will work. A basic sweater dress will keep you warm and chic without missing a beat.
Dream Pairs Chunky Loafers
Loafers are making a huge comeback, according to Charlotte Luu, founder of JD June. “The chunky heel adds to the current fashion trends and is also simply visually appealing,” she explains. “Chunky loafers also embody the season’s trend toward bold, statement footwear that elevates even the simplest outfits. They add an effortlessly chic and slightly rebellious vibe, drawing inspiration from ’90s fashion while remaining timeless.”
CR Reversible Belt
Accessories are a small but impactful way to give your outfits a little oomph. “I always recommend keeping a black and a brown belt handy in your fall wardrobe,” Luu tells us. “A black belt is perfect with cooler shades, matching beautifully with black boots or denim to create a sleek look. On the other hand, a brown belt really brings out the best in warm fall colors like beige and olive. It pairs well with brown boots and leather jackets, adding to that cozy autumn style.” So, a reversible option is the best of both worlds.
Lillusory Oversized Cardigan
Joana Walker, a Milan-based fashion writer from clothing brand Margo Paige, asserts that “cardigans always come in handy.” She continues, “Instead of wearing the same old, buttoned-up classy cardigan that ends around the waist, consider having an oversized piece without buttons to vamp up the look this year. You can pair an oversized cardigan with leggings or skinny jeans and a fitted top. You can also wear a slim-fit dress underneath.”