Ever since the days of grade-school "back-to-school" shopping, I've looked forward to this time of year more than any other. Once summer starts winding down, all I want in life is to wear jeans and a sweater without breaking a sweat. Those crisp fall days are delightfully near, and just as it did when I was 9, my closet is in need of a bit of a fall refresh—starting with basics.
If you want to fill your closet with basics that don't cost a lot of money but will earn you a lot of fall trend points, a few great retailers to turn to are J.Crew, Zara, and Mango. And I just scoured the current stock in search of the best items that fall under the covetable "trendy basics" category. These 33 items won't look dated in a year's time, but they will look incredibly fresh right now.
So without further ado, keep scrolling to shop the very best trendy fall basics from J.Crew, Zara, and Mango.
J.Crew
Everything about these is supreme—including that they have pockets.
A subtle take on fall's boho trend.
If it isn't butter yellow, I don't want it.
Nineties-inspired sweaters are the best sweaters.
Such an elegant take on the tapered-jean trend.
It's going to be a leopard-print fall.
White loafers > black loafers.
Some would call this the "demure" way to do the sheer skirt trend.
I'm obsessed with the fuzzy texture of this.
Yes, you need a brown suede bag this fall.
Okay, J.Crew
Zara
For when the weather calls for a light jacket.
Wear this with the aforementioned bomber.
This is the sweater you'll reach for again and again.
A good denim shirt is a staple right now.
The perfect little white Mary Janes.
This boxy, simple trench is something I'd wear every fall (and spring).
It's time to stock up on burgundy before it all sells out.
No such thing as too many vest tops.
Don't blame me if this sells out before you can bag it.
If you already have balloon jeans, your next purchase should be balloon chinos.
An oversize blazer makes a great fall jacket.
Mango
This elevated faux-leather jacket is an excellent use of $100.
Another great vest for your consideration.
I suddenly need a pair of burgundy loafers.
A boho-inspired blouse that's actually easy to wear.
Could baggy capris be the next iteration of the capri trend?
Pinstripes are happening again, folks.
This feels fresher than your typical double-breasted trench.
I feel like I've been looking for a jacket like this my whole life.
I'm picturing these with a sweater and baggy pants come fall.
Prepare to reach for this flattering LBD constantly.
I guess there's no need to spend more than $40 on a leather belt.
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Ignore the Haters—I Still Love These Versatile and Comfy Pants and Bet You Do TooSee how fashion people from NYC to Paris to London wear them for fall.
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My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
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If Reading Brontë in Central Park Is Your Vibe, Then You're Going to Love These 28 Fall Sweaters From Gap, Old Navy, and Banana RepublicStriped sweaters and cashmere.
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Wait, J.Crew Is 30% Off Sitewide Right Now—These Are the Chic Fall Pieces in My CartThe fall 2025 collection is so good.
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Shopbop Lovers to the Front—These 40 Styles Are Going to Be Huge This FallGive your wardrobe a fall facelift.
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My Mom Only Shops at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls—Here's What She Sent Me to Buy for Fall 2025She had me at under-$100 Uggs and Levi's.
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52 Elegant Fall Fashion Finds That Whisper Wealth But Don't Top $250Money talks.
