The hallmark of a stylish It girl isn't just that her red carpet and event looks never miss. She has excellent casual style as well. The It-girl blueprint? Jennifer Lawrence. As you know, if you read Who What Wear regularly, Lawrence's casual off-duty looks are filled with trendy pieces and anti-trend basics that combine to create outfits the internet loses it over and fashion people everywhere vow to re-create. Two of her most recent early-fall outfits show exactly why, and they have an anti-trend basic in common that makes them even cooler.

On each occasion, Lawrence wore baggy pants, walkable shoes (white sneakers and yellow suede flats, specifically), and the aforementioned basic: a plaid shirt. In one instance, Lawrence wore the red plaid shirt as more of an accessory, tied around her waist with red track pants and a T-shirt. On a seemingly chillier day, she wore it layered under a brown suede coat with a scarf and navy pants. The classic fall print made each outfit significantly more interesting and added an autumnal feel. In summary, it's probably time to add a plaid shirt (or another one) to your fall wardrobe. Keep scrolling to shop some contenders and see Lawrence's cool plaid-shirt styling.

As Seen on Jennifer Lawrence

On Jennifer Lawrence: The Row bag

On Jennifer Lawrence: Thistles sunglasses, Hermès bag; The Row shoes

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With autumn just weeks away, there’s only one thing on my mind: how can I look effortlessly polished and expensive without breaking the bank? As someone with a luxury taste on a very affordable budget, I’m very particular about the staples I choose to invest in. So, with a new season on the horizon, I decided to hunt for an expensive-looking capsule wardrobe that can be mixed and matched to create a myriad of outfits and remain classic and elegant for years to come.

And after much research, I’ve managed to narrow my attention down to seven easy but refined pieces that I’ll be able to pull out for each and every occasion and, more importantly, that will look expensive at every price point. And if you too are on the hunt for an autumn 2026 capsule that looks far more expensive than its high street price tag, I’ve rounded up the staples that I’ll be relying on below.

From sophisticated outerwear that will act as the focal points of all of your outfits to smart footwear styles that perfectly balance form and function, keep scrolling to discover the seven designer-passing basics I’ll be adding to my autumn 2026 capsule wardrobe ahead of the new season.

7 Expensive-Looking Buys to Add to Your Autumn 2026 Capsule Wardrobe

1. Trench Coat

Style notes: It doesn’t get more classic than a trench coat in autumn. Whether I’m throwing it over a button-down shirt and trousers for the office or a slip dress for dinners out with friends, I know that this staple is going to serve me well from now all the way through to next summer.

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2. Lightweight Knit

Style notes: Knitwear season is here! But before the temperatures really drop and I have to pull out my chunky cashmere knit, I’ll be opting for lightweight iterations that can be layered and adapted to the unpredictable weather we know all too well here in the UK.

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3. Tailored Trousers

Style notes: Every polished dresser I know owns a pair of tailored trousers of some sort, and for autumn 2025 I’m on the hunt for versatile neutral hues that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Luckily, the high street is filled with a myriad of expensive-looking options, but the viral COS pair below are by far my favourite.

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4. Knee-High Boots

Style notes: When it comes to designer-passing handbags, opting for natural materials is always your best bet. But never fear, because you don’t have to splash out loads on a high-quality bag. In fact, the high street is currently filled with a number of 100% leather totes in the chicest bowling silhouettes.

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5. Relaxed Shirt

Style notes: On those days you’re stuck on what to wear, a button-down shirt is a foolproof way to look put together. They’ll not only add an instant sense of polish to jeans, skirts and leggings, but look expensive at any and every price point. So of course, instead of splashing out on a luxury iteration, I’ll be shopping for a button-down in every colour on the high street to last me from now until next spring.

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6. Straight-Leg Jeans

Style notes: After months spent in crinkly linen, I, for one, cannot wait to get my denim out again. And although I’m always partial to a baggy silhouette, for autumn 2026 specifically, I’m opting for a straighter cut that can work both in and out of the office.

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7. Leather Bowling Bag

Style notes: I’ve sworn by my H&M knee-high boots for years now, and everyone always thinks they’re designer. And the good news is that they’re back in stock for autumn 2026! I’ve linked them down below, but if you already own them and love them as I do, there are also plenty of other expensive-looking options on the market at the moment.

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In case you haven't heard, Nordstrom's Fall Savings Event is in full swing. Many on-trend items from top brands are deeply discounted through September 23. If you're looking to save big on chic basics and fall shoes, you've landed in the perfect place. As your resident shopping bestie, I scrolled through hundreds of sale finds, and I found the best pieces worth buying.

With temperatures finally cooling, it's time to build a dependable wardrobe you'll wear on repeat, including jeans, tops, sweaters, loafers, flats, and more. I've handpicked some beautiful fall shoes and elevated basics that'll surely get you compliments and make getting dressed every day so seamless. Keep scrolling to uncover your new favorite wardrobe finds for fall 2026.

Best Fall Basics on Sale at Nordstrom

Best Fall Shoes on Sale at Nordstrom

With our fall wardrobes, we tend to rely on the same familiar basics year after year, but this season, a few subtle swaps can make those staples feel significantly fresher. Rather than abandoning the hardworking pieces that make getting dressed easy, fashion people are gravitating toward updated versions with more personality. The difference is often as simple as a new neckline, an unexpected texture, or a slightly sharper silhouette.

The best part about these alternatives is that they're every bit as wearable as the classics they're replacing. They still serve as the foundation of an outfit, but they add enough trend-forward edge to make styling feel intentional. Think of them as the 2026 answer to basics that may already be taking up plenty of space in your closet.

Before stocking up on another round of predictable fall staples, consider these six alternatives instead. Each one has the versatility of a tried-and-true basic with a little more fashion credibility built in. From elevated layering pieces to updated takes on denim, these are the swaps poised to make a fall wardrobe feel more current.

The New Fall Wardrobe Basics of 2026

1. The Upgrade: A Sheer Long-Sleeve Tee

The classic long-sleeve tee is a fall layering staple, but a slightly sheer version feels noticeably fresher right now. It serves the same purpose in a wardrobe while adding subtle texture that feels more considered. The hint of transparency brings an understated sexiness without sacrificing its everyday appeal. It's an easy, directional swap for the standard long-sleeve.

2. The Upgrade: A Collared Knit

Instead of another basic crewneck knit, consider a collared sweater this fall. The added detail offers a polished, slightly preppy quality while remaining just as versatile. Whether relaxed or fitted, the silhouette feels more distinctive than the straightforward sweaters that typically dominate fall wardrobes. It's a small shift that gives an everyday outfit more personality.

3. The Upgrade: A Baseball T-Shirt

A plain white long-sleeve tee may be a dependable closet staple, but the baseball tee is quickly becoming its cooler counterpart. Contrasting sleeves and a sporty silhouette give the familiar white top an interesting point of view. There's also a nostalgic quality to the style that is especially relevant alongside fall's polished pieces. It delivers all the ease of a basic long-sleeve while making an outfit feel current.

4. The Upgrade: A Chic Plaid Button-Down

Traditional flannels are synonymous with fall, but a refined plaid button-down is an elevated way to embrace the print. Unlike heavier, more rugged flannel shirts, this season's plaid styles are crisp, lightweight, and intentionally polished. Refined color combinations and relaxed proportions keep the look effortless rather than overly preppy. It has all the seasonal appeal of a classic flannel with a decidedly more fashion-forward finish.

5. The Upgrade: A Boatneck Top

The classic crewneck has long been the default for simple fall tops, but a boatneck silhouette offers a subtle yet impactful update. Its wider neckline beautifully frames the shoulders and gives a minimalist piece a more elegant shape. It's just as easy to layer and style as a standard crewneck but feels more refined. Consider this one of the simplest ways to make an everyday fall basic look more sophisticated.

6. The Upgrade: A Fitted Denim Jacket

The relaxed denim jacket has been a wardrobe mainstay for years, but fitted silhouettes are bringing a sharper feel to the category. A closer cut creates a cleaner, more streamlined shape that feels polished rather than overtly casual. It still provides all the versatility that makes a traditional denim jacket so useful, only with a more intentional silhouette. For fall, it's a fresh alternative to the roomy denim layers that have dominated in recent seasons.

Get ready, people. The big Madewell sale is officially live! Insiders get 25% off almost the entire site (with limited exclusions). All you have to do is sign up for the free Insider program to get the discount. I know fashion people shop this sale because items like this gorgeous leather jacket are discounted.

I scrolled through the new fall arrivals to curate an edit of the on-sale Madewell items I know stylish people (including my colleagues at Who What Wear) would be into. I mean pieces like gorgeous knits, directional jackets, cool denim cuts, and more. Happy shopping.

Wardrobe basics are the true MVPs of my closet. They are the foundation for almost all my favorite outfits—especially simple pieces elevated by modern details. I think the same goes for many of the other fashion people in my circle. A well-curated and balanced closet just isn't the same without elevated basics.

I'm sure you have a collection of go-to pieces already, but if you're looking to expand upon your assortment for fall, I rounded up my favorite basics from two retailers many of us rely on—Nordstrom and Shopbop.

Keep scrolling to shop easy-to-style items, including forward jackets, cool tees (I'm living in long-sleeve T-shirts right now), "wear all the time" sweaters, and so much more.

Alright, fashion friends, let's continue building that chic fall wardrobe, shall we? I'm dedicating this edit to the potential staples (re: versatile pieces) I recently found from J.Crew, Aritzia, and Gap.

Each of these retailers offers modern and relevant fall pieces that stylish people (ahem, you) will want to wear. There's obviously an abundance of gorgeous knits, including cashmere and quarter-zip ups. You'll also notice cool jackets, trousers to dress up or down, and cute tees. Keep scrolling for more.

J.Crew

Aritzia

Gap

With autumn less than a month away and the temperatures starting to drop here in the UK, my hunt for the most polished autumn wardrobe staples has officially begun. And although I like to dip my toes into trends to add some interest to my outfits every so often, the truth is that I’m a classic dresser to my core. To me, it’s all well and good to hop on the latest fad, but the most elegant, put-together wardrobes always have a foundation of timeless basics you can rely on year after year. Think of the type of classic pieces that can be dressed up and down with ease, can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits, and, most importantly, will never look dated or out of style.

And so, with the new season fast approaching, I decided to go on the hunt for the classic pieces that will make up the basis of my autumn capsule wardrobe. From luxury investments that are sure to stand the test of time to affordable staples that look way more expensive than their high-street price tag, I spent hours scouring the web as well as the Instagram pages of the most elegant dressers I know to find the classic pieces that can be relied upon year after year.

And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below. From polished outerwear to refined accessories, keep scrolling to shop the classic pieces I’m planning to add to my wardrobe for autumn 2026 (and beyond).

Classic Pieces to Buy This Autumn 2026

1. Outerwear

2. Knitwear

3. Bottoms

4. Shoes

5. Dresses

6. Bags

7. Tops

When Amal Clooney gives the green light to stop relying only on white T-shirts and try another, perhaps even more versatile basic, you go for it. The lawyer was spotted wearing said basic—a simple yet impactful black tank top—over the long weekend during her trip alongside her husband, George Clooney, for the Venice Film Festival. She's already debuted plenty of enviable ensembles, but her latest stood out, particularly because of the way she took a clothing item as whatever as a black tank top and elevated it. Suddenly, white tees don't feel so essential. A black tank, on the other hand, deserves some space in our dressers.

To level up the classic scoop-neck top, Clooney first belted it before adding a snakeskin maxi skirt from Elie Saab. The layered, sheer skirt featured a thigh-high slit, giving the summery outfit a laid-back yet sophisticated look. From there, she chose a pair of camel-colored leather wedges and a matching Chloé bag with jewelry-like gold hardware. Her oversized sunglasses finished off the outfit.

On Amal Clooney: Elie Saab skirt; Chloé Small Bracelet Grained Leather Hobo Bag ($2950)

The difference between a white tee and a black tank is all about the formality of the latter and the casual nature of the former. Sure, a white T-shirt pairs perfectly with some vintage jeans, but does it create a polished look that can go anywhere with you? Probably not. A black tank and a flowing maxi skirt, as Clooney just proved—can. The same applies if you pair it with a white A-line skirt or some low-rise black trousers. It's dramatically underappreciated in the world of basics, but I can't imagine it'll stay that way for long after Clooney's recent sighting.

I already ordered three new styles to try—though I'm biased toward a discontinued version by Agolde called the Bianca Tank (this is my not-so-subtle hint to the brand to bring it back!). Below, shop a few other styles that have passed my test.

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Whether you’re still holding out hope for another heatwave, or ready to cosy up with your first hot coffee in months, we're all starting to think about our autumn wardrobes. Despite a few brighter days that may arise, it's clear that we're moving into the cooler months, and now is the time to ready our wardrobes for the switchover. Whilst it may take a few weeks for the new trends of the season to fully take hold, we can at least get our foundations in order. September may have only just begun, but already my best friend messaged me to ask for help building her autumn wardrobe. These are the 9 elegant basics I sent straight back.

After the past few months, I've become accustomed to throwing on a floaty summer dress, slipping into sandals and heading out the door in just a few minutes. This ease of dressing is something I want to hold on to as I transition my wardrobe into the cooler months, and with a few great basics at hand, the shift will be seamless. My staple tailored shorts can be swiftly exchanged for a pair of equally smart trousers. Easy tank tops and T-shirts now come accompanied by a soft knit as layering returns to the fore. And now, my colour palette has updated, inviting richer shades of burgundy, khaki and cream to take over from the sunny shades of summer.

Each of these autumn basics has been selected for its versatility. The pieces can serve as a backdrop to let your more trend-led addition truly shine; think classic jeans paired with a standout top. Or, the edit works as its own capsule wardrobe, ready to be paired together for understated minimalist looks that look exceedingly chic. As the new collections have officially rolled in, I've brought together a series of affordable high-street standouts, as well as a few investment buys if you're ready to invest. Scroll on to explore the best autumn basics that will make your (or your best friend's) new-season wardrobe that much more elegant.

Shop the 9 Best Autumn Basics

1. The Light Jacket

Style Notes: The first big shift from my summer wardrobe into autumn is the return of a light jacket. It's not quite time for a heavy coat, but a light windbreaker or cotton style can be thrown on for those cooler moments. As the outermost layer of my outfits I'm looking to refined details to be both practical and chic, from exciting shades to sleek funnel-neck designs.

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2. The Long Sleeve Top

Style Notes: Simple yet so effective. Over the past few seasons we've watched as stylish people have celebrated the simple long-sleeved top, relying on its pared-back appeal to let their necklace stacks or skirt pairings truly shine.

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3. The Classic Jeans

Style Notes: As a denim devotee, my jeans are one of the most hardworking pieces in my wardrobe. Whether you prefer a straight cut, a loose wide-leg or want a more contemporary barrel style, so many great autumn outfits call upon denim.

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4. The Staple Loafers

Style Notes: The ease of sandals will definitely be missed, but a great pair of loafers is primed to take over. This chic shoe can be styled with denim, tailoring, capri pants and plenty more, and comes back every single year regardless of the trend cycle.

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5. The Soft Knit

Style Notes: After months of sweltering heat, I'm so ready to bundle up in a soft knit. For now, you may only need this to tackle cooler mornings and evenings, but simply throw over your shoulders or tie around your waist when you don't need it. Classic black is always a reliable option, but even as a minimalist, I often lean into more joyful shades in knitwear to let it be the standout.

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6. The Trusty Trench Coat

Style Notes: The first autumn showers have arrived, and if your weather app shows a hint of rain, it's time to grab your trusty trench coat. For us Brits, most seasons demand we have one to hand, and whilst a windbreaker can do the job, the refined design of a trench coat means you'll layer it over your casual looks as well as your smart evening outfits.

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7. The Smart Trousers

Style Notes: As someone who loves trousers and jeans, I'm excited to welcome back my tailoring. If you're yet to add a pair of smart trousers into your wardrobe, you may be surprised at how hard-working they can be. Bringing a sophisticated edge, this item will work in your off-duty and office looks.

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8. The Satin Accents

Style Notes: From tops to trousers, I often find myself relying on satin or silk pieces in the cooler months to bring a polished finish and a contrast in texture. For the past few years, satin tops have been my go-to when dressing for evening, paired simply with jeans, and on casual days when I want a touch of refinement, my slouchy knit is paired with sleek satin trousers.

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9. The Spacious Leather Tote

Style Notes: The spacious tote is a year-round staple. Over the past few months, I've found myself reaching for my raffia styles to fully embrace the summer mood, but now its time to return to supple leather styles as the weather turns.

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It's not that often that I notice celebrities with entirely different styles wearing the same fashion items. But when I do, I take a mental note, write it down in my notepad, and share it with all my fashion friends who actually want to listen. That said, there's one specific category that Katie Holmes, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Demi Moore, and Selena Gomez can agree on: Falconeri's knitwear.

Whether they're strolling the streets of NYC, skiing in Aspen, or attending a dinner party in L.A., the chicest A-listers can be found wearing Falconeri sweaters, and it's easy to see why. The brand's popular ultrafine cashmere is designed to work across seasons and settings, thanks to a delicate undercoat of Kashmir goat that creates an exceptionally thin, soft, lightweight, and thermoregulating knit.

Falconeri has found a white space in the cashmere market, championing a more effortless approach to luxury knitwear while rewriting the narrative about cashmere as a winter-only fabric. I had the opportunity to visit Falconeri's facilities in Italy in July and see firsthand how its celebrity-loved ultrafine cashmere sweaters are made from start to finish. It was an eye-opening experience that gave me a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and care that go into each piece. From the fibers themselves to the finished sweater, there's an incredible amount of work—60 minutes per sweater, to be precise—behind what can look like such a simple wardrobe staple.

If you're curious about what goes into making these cashmere pieces and how Falconeri has built its reputation as an Italian textile expert, keep scrolling. Plus, see how fashion insiders are styling Falconeri's collection and shop the best-selling and new pieces for yourself.

Falconeri's Craftmanship

It all starts in Mongolia, where Falconeri sources its cashmere from hircus goats. The brand chooses only the finest fibers known for their incredibly soft, lightweight feel. From there, the cashmere travels to Biella, Italy, a region with a long history of textile craftsmanship and one of the stops I made on my tour of Falconeri's facilities.

At the factory, the cashmere goes through a series of steps to create the quality, softness, and durability that Falconeri is known for. The fibers are cleaned, spun, dyed, and carefully blended to achieve the brand's signature colors and luxurious feel. Each batch is checked along the way to make sure it meets Falconeri's high standards.

Once the yarn is ready, it heads to Falconeri's favorite in Avio, where it's turned into the finished garments. In the large facility in the beautiful Dolomites, skilled artisans bring each piece to life, carefully constructing sweaters piece by piece, arm by arm and paying close attention to every detail along the way. The garments are then finished and checked to make sure they feel as beautiful as they look. The result is crème de la crème knitwear designed for fashion people who want quality and comfort without sacrificing style.

Falconeri on Celebrities

WHO: Katie Holmes

WHO: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

WHO: Selena Gomez

WHO: Eva Longoria

Shop Falconeri's Ultrafine Cashmere Sweaters

Shop Falconeri's New Collection

As a Who What Wear editor, I spend a lot of time shopping online. Sometimes, I even set parameters for myself to see what I can find, and today's self-invented challenge was to shop with a budget of $100 and under.

My mind first went to wardrobe staples that will get the most wear, including fall basics for the season ahead. I've been loving my $38 Baby Rib 3/4 Sleeve Boatneck Top in navy from Los Angeles Apparel and want to get a black one as well. It's the perfect weight for crisp, cool weather. This made me think about Almina Concept's $68 High V-Neck Tank, which I've also had in my cart. Starting in September and lasting until it gets too cold, I pretty much live in tights from Swedish Stockings, so I'll be ordering a few new pairs.

For beauty, the cult-favorite nail polish brand Celisse recently launched its first-ever red, and I can't wait to try it. I keep hearing everyone, from my facialist to beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock, sing the praises of Prequel's affordable glycerin cleanser. I've been loving M.Ph's Overliner Lip Liner Pencil, so I'd like to try the Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm from the line as well. I've also been obsessing over the Dries Van Noten lipstick packaging, and since I love a good bath, I want HigherDose's $39 Serotonin Soak Magnesium Bath Salts. Lastly, the $95 Yves Durif Vented Brush and $58 Dior Foundation Stick have both been on my wish list.

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We're at that point in the year when many of us are refining our capsule wardrobes, and personally, I'm pretty proud of mine. Over the years, I've hand-selected pieces to serve as the foundation of my elegant wardrobe, putting each addition through a series of tests before it officially claims its spot. Now, my line-up is almost complete, and if you took a peek at my collection, you'd notice that the majority of my staples come from Reformation. And if you're wondering which Reformation staples are worth it, these are the tried-and-tested pieces I swear by.

Bringing together classic designs, trending details and high-quality fabrics, Reformation is able to balance timeless and trending in equal measure. Think the application of a modern neckline to a timeless knit, or a loose silhouette to staple trousers, and Reformation knows that a small adjustment can make a big impact. Whilst the brand is known for the beautiful dresses consistently spotted throughout the warmer months and at every wedding we attend, Reformation excels in every single category. Trust me, I've tried it all.

Throughout the year, jeans are always a feature of my capsule wardrobe, and Reformation's lineup has seriously impressed me. For loose styles, look to the Cary, or if you prefer a straighter fit, you'll want to consider the beloved Cynthia jeans, which also come in petite lengths if you're on the shorter side like me. Whilst the jeans-and-a-nice-top duo is renowned, finding that nice top can often feel like the tricky part, but Reformation's styles always look the part. The Dusk Knit, a simple tank with a sleek high neckline, is a frequent part of my workwear and weekend outfits, and the Avery Knit Top is my go-to for evening.

Of course, I have to mention the Mason Pants, a staple in so many editors' and fashion people's wardrobes. The cut, the fit and the feel of the fabric have cemented these as my favourite tailored trousers, and they also come in shorter lengths (at 5'2", I opt for the petite version). Whilst I'd never wish away the summer sun, I am quietly excited to pull out my soft Reformation knits, from the reliable Clara cardigan to the sumptuous Cove jumper; both have seen me through the past few winters with ease. They're the kind of investment piece that you find yourself reaching for every crisp winter morning, and suddenly can't remember what you wore before.

Alongside, there are a few accessories that can hold their own against moving trends. The Blaine ballet flats joined my wardrobe at the start of summer, and have been the comfortable and chic companion to my dresses, tailored shorts and loose denim all season long. Together, these pieces make up a refined capsule wardrobe, though just one can bring an instant hit of timeless polish to your outfit builds. Scroll on to explore the best Reformation capsule wardrobe staples from an editor who personally tested them.

Shop the Worthwhile Reformation Capsule Staples for 2026

Shop More Timeless Reformation Buys