Basics are the backbone of my daily looks. They ground my wardrobe, and I rely on them heavily to pull my outfits together. Since I wear basics a lot, I'm always keeping an eye out for new takes on the classics. I'm talking about chic and interesting variations of a basic piece. This could mean a unique button placement on a sweater, cool frog clasps on a jacket, pants in a luxe fabric or color, and basic jeans with a unique cuff. (I'm looking at you, Reformation Charlee Low Rise Straight Leg Jeans.)
For the love of cool and unique basics, I'm sharing 42 of my favorite finds this season that will absolutely amp up your fall looks while still retaining a versatile and timeless nature. The picks below prove that basics don't need to be boring.
Róhe
Leather Jacket
Frog closures are everywhere and will make your jacket exponentially chicer.
ZARA
High-Neck Poplin Shirt
Love the button placement here.
Reformation
Charlee Low Rise Straight Leg Jeans
Your basic jeans got a fashion-forward update.
ZARA
Peplum Blazer With Trims
A flattering peplum silhouette will give your blazer a chic touch.
Reformation
Remy Flat Ankle Boot
The faux-fur detail adds interest to basic ankle boots.
ZARA
High Neck Knit Vest
A chic sweater that's anything but boring.
Reformation
Kara Knit Pant
A subtle hem slit can make a world of difference to a pair of basic black pants.
Reformation
Jonie Cashmere Oversized Scoop Neck
Every chic fashion person I know is getting a sweater in a scoop-neck silhouette. The color is also divine.
Reebok
Ultra Lo Mary Sneakers
Swap your basic white sneakers for a burgundy satin pair—so chic.
H&M
Herringbone-Weave Jacket With Scarf Collar
The scarf collar gives this blazer an elegant upgrade.
DONNI
The Silk Taffeta Drawstring Cargo Pants
Who needs basic cargo pants when you can have them in gorgeous brown taffeta?
COS
Draped Brushed Merino Wool Top
A knit top that feels fashion-forward and modern.
Reformation
Mina Satin Tie Pants
The tie-belt addition adds a polished and playful touch to black satin pants.
Na-Kd
Short Fitted Blazer
It's all about cropped and fitted blazers this season.
Helsa
Tweed Double Loop Mini Skirt
This double-belted tweed miniskirt has major personality.
COS
Croc-Effect Leather Slingback Pumps
Slingback pumps, but make them extra chic.
H&M
Scarf-Collar Twill Jacket
A small scarf can make all the difference.
Topshop
Lila Round Toe Ballet Flat
Ballet flats in sumptuous bronze satin.
ZARA
Button Knit High-Neck Sweater
Love the high-neck buttoned silhouette of this sweater.
Reformation
Lavette Top
Elegant, sleek, sophisticated.
h&m
Scarf-Detail Jacket
A stylish scarf jacket that won't break the bank.
COS
Croc-Effect Leather Loafers
The croc texture adds a rich touch to these elegant loafers.
COS
Wrap-Over Merino Wool Top
Crewneck, who?
Zw Collection
Lace Skirt
A little lace showing through the hem adds a romantic touch to a basic pencil skirt.
ALIGNE
Leona Scarf Satin Top
Your work blouse just got exponentially chicer.
COS
Lace-Detail Wool Tapered Pants
Did you catch the charming lace hem on these pants?
COS
Tailored Wool-Twill Long Coat
The higher neckline and button placement make this black wool coat much chicer.
cotton on
90S High V Neck ¾ Sleeve
A black top that oozes minimalist '90s vibes.
ZARA
Mixed Material Heeled Boots
Adore the subtle buckle detail.
ZARA
Asymmetrical Draped Top
An asymmetric neckline always adds an elegant touch.
Still Here
Cool Low Rise Leather Pants
Still Here's Cool Jeans now come in gorgeous brown leather.
ZARA
Contrast Layered Henley Top
A not-so-basic Henley.
FRAME
The Corduroy Reboot Pants
Give your jeans a well-deserved rest, and opt for cute bootcut corduroys.
Gap
Satin Bias-Cut Skirt
Who needs another black slip skirt when you can have this bold red one instead?
ZARA
Linen Henley T-Shirt
A relaxed Henley is perfect for a casual weekend look.
ASHER
Gemma Bias Pants
A lovely color and pretty detail for your next pair of satin pants.
H&M
Bubble-Hem Jacket With Fluffy Collar
A puffer jacket that says fashion person.
ZARA
Draped Top With Hardware
Add an asymmetric silhouette and a bold brooch, and your basic black top is not so basic anymore.
St. Agni
Leather Everyday Wrap Skirt
Change up your staple knee-length black skirt with a luxe leather wrap silhouette.
J.Crew
2025 Rollneck Reversible Sweater in Tweed Stitch
J.Crew's iconic roll-neck now comes in this marled fabric to add interest to your fall look.
find me now
Soo Knit Top in Black
I can't say no to a chic contrasting hem and collar.
J.Crew
Luna Pant in Lightweight Corduroy
Everyone loves J.Crew's Luna Pants, and they now come in autumnal corduroy. Add them to your cart.
Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.