We're Planning Our Fall Wardrobes—These Basics Feel Outdated, But These 6 Don't

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Fun fact: We're already planning our fall wardrobes. Yes, despite the fact that it's only the beginning of August and the official start of autumn is still weeks away. Because even though we're all for those pretty summer staples (like breezy dresses and the like), it's always kind of fun to think ahead toward everything the next season has to offer.

On that note, we thought we'd share some of the key fall 2022 items we're particularly excited to test out in a few months. And given that many of our wardrobes are comprised of basics specifically, we wanted to showcase those simple and highly versatile pieces that will definitely have a strong presence in our rotations. To take it one step further, we also thought we'd highlight fall basics on the other end of the spectrum that we may not wear as much due to their somewhat "outdated" nature. Of course, this is all based on each editor's personal preference, and you should always wear whatever you love—no matter what anyone says.

With all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out the fall basics worth noting. And if you're shopping at the moment, check out inspired picks to either wear now or into fall.

Will Wear: Ribbed Knit Dresses

Won't Wear as Much: Skinny Black Slacks

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"I rarely reach for my skinny black slacks anymore—partly because they feel slightly too formal for the more casual approach to dressing right now. Instead, I’m leaning into comfortable ribbed knit dresses, as they are easy to wear with sandals, sneakers, and boots alike."

Will Wear: Oversize Blazers

Won't Wear as Much: Shrunken Denim Jackets

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"The denim jacket used to be my go-to outerwear of choice for the transitional seasons, but lately, I haven't found myself wanting to reach for them at all—let alone often. While I won't be getting rid of my collection anytime soon, I think I'll lean more toward oversize blazers this time around."

Will Wear: Chunky Loafers and Oxfords

Won't Wear as Much: Simple Flat Mules

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"There was a point in time when I would wear flat mules on repeat but lately, I'm just not feeling them, and I think as far as flats go, they can feel a bit tired. Instead, loafers and brogues—especially ones with a chunkier sole like à la Prada—are the newer fall staples I'll be wearing when I want something that's comfortable but not quite as casual as, say, sneakers."

Will Wear: Leather Separates

Won't Wear as Much: Standard Moto Jackets

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"Even though Hailey Bieber wears hers on a regular basis, I never seem to reach for any of my leather moto jackets anymore. Instead, I am gravitating toward more tailored leather separates like blazers and trousers when I'm craving a leather look."

Will Wear: Wide-Cut Boots

Won't Wear as Much: Fitted Boots

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"I used to wear more fitted boots, but I've been gravitating more towards ones with wider cuts which are perfect for tucking jeans or trousers into them."

Will Wear: Heeled Loafers

Won't Wear as Much: Basic Pumps

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"I honestly don't remember the last time I bought a pair of basic pumps. If I'm wearing heels (which honestly isn't that often lately), it's usually mules or sandals. There are so many shoe options out there that are chicer than pumps, so I don't know if I'll ever wear them again. A heel trend that I'm actually into, though, is heeled loafers. They're a great alternative to pumps."

Next, 25 comfortable basics that deserve a spot in your forever wardrobe.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.