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

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

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. 

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2. Leather Trousers

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.

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3. Oversize Button-Downs

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

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4. Miniskirts

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.

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5. Retro Sneakers

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.

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6. Slouchy Jeans

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

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

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