I'd Skip Every Major Trend in Favor of These 8 Cool Basics

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Not to sound like a broken record, but we need to talk about wardrobe basics. If you're a regular Who What Wear reader, you already know we report on, discuss, and shop the best closet staples all day long, but pardon me if I bring them up again here. You see, now that I'm fully immersed in my fall wardrobe, I've found myself skipping plenty of bigger trends in favor of these classic pieces.

It's not just any basics I'm favoring, though. The fresh batch that fall 2021 is serving up has a little something extra, whether that be a boxier blazer, a pair of slouchy jeans, or retro-inspired sneakers. It's true that basics tend to be less tied to the whims of the trend cycle than traditional seasonal trends, but the cool fall basics you're about to see below feel very much of-the-moment—so much so that they're really the only items I'm excited to wear right now. Trends, who?

1. Big Blazers

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

If there's a single item I can recommend that will up your style game immediately, it's a boxy blazer. Whether you throw it on top of something casual or polished, it's the always-looks-good outfit enhancer that makes any wardrobe feel complete. 

Shop blazers:

2. Leather Trousers

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(Image credit: @aprillockhart)

I won't say I'm fully trading in my jeans for leather trousers, but I will say I haven't worn jeans as much since acquiring a pair of these cool pants. What can I say—they're *the* moment.

Shop leather trousers:

3. Oversize Button-Downs

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

There's nothing not to love about these versatile, easy, and polished oversize poplin shirts. Buy one in every color if you're smart.

Shop button-down shirts:

4. Miniskirts

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(Image credit: @rayan.xasan)

Welcome to the era of the miniskirt. If the most recent runways were any indication, hemlines are creeping ever higher, and micro miniskirts are quickly becoming the trendy basic to have on lock. Plus, they're excellent fall layering pieces.

Shop miniskirts:

5. Retro Sneakers

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

I've waxed poetic about the New Balance 550 sneakers before, but beyond the much-hyped pair lies a trove of retro-inspired kicks that are my favorite basic shoes to wear right now.

Shop retro sneakers:

6. Slouchy Jeans

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

We've talked about the baggy-denim trend a bit this year and have learned the style is quite polarizing among our readers. No matter your thoughts on the Y2K-inspired denim, you can't deny that they make for the most comfortable pair that gives a casual-cool vibe. 

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7. Tall Boots

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(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

Knee boots are one of those things that was once a trend but that I now consider to be a full-blown closet staple. 

Shop knee-high boots:

8. '90s Shoulder Bags

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Nineties-inspired shoulder bags are another item that has become a staple in my wardrobe despite it once being a trend I dabbled in. They fit everything I need them to and are the perfect addition to any day or nighttime look. The versatility is truly unmatched.

Shop '90s bags:

Next up: Let's Do a Denim Deep Dive: Every 2021 Jeans Trend You Need to Know About

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Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.