All Needs, No Wants: 65 Essential Pieces to Add to Your Fall Wardrobe
Every time one season turns into another, thousands of new items flood the internet and IRL stores. At the same time, we're writing what feels like just as many stories dissecting the endless array of options and telling you which ones are worth buying. But rarely do we grant you one end-all, be-all list for the season, where every last thing you'll want or need to have in your wardrobe can be found and purchased. That ends today.
Instead of spending time you probably don't have sifting through pieces and pieces and pondering what you should or shouldn't buy, I handpicked the 65 most important items to fill your closet with for fall, from essentials like layering turtlenecks and tees, vintage denim, and knee-high boots to of-the-moment finds that will perfectly complement those basics. The list below is long, yes, but it's comprehensive, so once you've scrolled through it all, you're done. Consider every fall wardrobe–related task on your to-do list complete.
I've been on the search for the perfect baby-pink poplin shirt and think I just found it.
The stripes add just the right amount of preppiness.
Anytime your sweater look feels blasé, add this tee underneath so the color is peeking out. It makes all the difference.
Something about this silhouette is just so rich and luxurious.
Fall is layering season aka the time when you can throw a turtleneck underneath anything and it'll look amazing.
Last fall was all about standard waistcoats, but this year, every style has been elongated. It just feels more elegant this way.
This one's already in my cart and ready to be purchased and worn 24/7.
Yes, Khaite's sweaters are extremely pricey, but as someone who owns two of them, they're absolutely worth the price. I've never felt anything like it.
This dress has me in an absolute choke hold. Do like Tory Burch does and style it with a maxi slip or sheer skirt underneath.
Meghan Markle was spotted in this dress. Enough said.
Thanks to Prada, we no longer have to pack up our white skirts come fall.
I prefer to ignore any and all mentions of the "no white after Labor Day" rule.
Agolde's Fusion jeans are going to be as beloved as the brand's Pinch Waist style in no time.
Everyone should have at least one pair of Levi's. They're *the* jeans to own.
These fit like trousers but look and feel like track pants. It's a modern-day fashion miracle.
When it comes to tailored basics, The Frankie Shop is always a good idea.
This just dropped at Nordstrom, and I'm already predicting an impending sellout.
I swear everyone I know is talking about, buying, and wearing this jacket style right now.
Whenever you don't know what to wear, just put on a trench over jeans and a T-shirt or a skirt and a sweater. It makes every outfit look good.
Blame it on my days in Catholic school, where peacoats were the only outerwear style that passed the dress code, but I'll never say no to the sailor-inspired style.
Fact: A big coat is the most essential item in anyone's fall and winter wardrobe.
I can't go a block in NYC without spotting a pair of Mary Jane flats.
These are so simple yet elevated. I get the feeling that Mary-Kate or Ashley Olsen would love them.
If you can't afford the Saint Laurent slingbacks right now (same), try this far-more-doable Sam Edelman pair.
You can't wear heels all the time. When your feet are in recovery mode but you still want to look dolled up, grab these flat slingbacks from Massimo Dutti.
I'm about to "girl math" these brand-new moto boots from Reformation right into my shoe collection.
Tip: Always match your jewelry to your belt buckle. That's why I say you should have two black belts, one with a gold buckle and one with a silver one.
For those days when your shoes are brown instead of black, a style like this is essential.
Less practical are these elbow-length leather gloves, but they make up for it in style.
Sheer tights are my trick for extending the wear life of all my summer miniskirts and dresses.
I dream about this utterly timeless Massimo Dutti bag every night. Can you blame me?
Upgrade your work tote with a rich-looking suede bucket bag of the supersized variety.
Maximilian Davis's handbag selection for Ferragamo has every editor saving their pennies.
The '80s called—they said it's time to break out your black stretchy headbands again.
Cat-eye sunglasses will always be associated with glamour and grace.
I know it's a lot to spend on earrings, but as someone who actually did buy these Bottega Veneta earrings and wear them five out of the seven days every week, they're worth it. They're so lightweight and make every look more stylish.
For styling inspiration, scroll through Saint Laurent's fall 2024 runway show.
You'll own this watch for the rest of your life and be able to wear it every single day. Hell, if you take care of it, it can be passed down for generations to come.
Ever since Jennifer Lawrence wore an Elsa Peretti cord necklace from Tiffany & Co. with a full The Row look, I've been hooked on the neck bauble.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.
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