I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves to Plan Ahead—31 Fall Essentials I'm Shopping for Early
- Cashmere Sweater
- Relaxed Denim
- Almond Flats
- Vintage Watch
- Camisole
- Bermuda Shorts
- Slingbacks
- Elegant Outerwear
- Little Black Dress
- Tortoiseshell Eyewear
- Sculpted Vest
- Capri Pants
- Satin Shoes
- High-Neck Tank
- Collar Necklace
- Boho Dress
- Elegant Pumps
- Double-Layer Skirt
- Gray Trench Coat
- Oversize Tee
- Sporty Jacket
- Satin Pants
- Barn Jacket
- Statement Hat
- Dark-Wash Denim
- Ankle Boots
- Chiffon Scarf
- Stretchy Kick-Flare Pants
- '90s Basics
- A-Line Skirt
- East-West Bag
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top must-haves or current wish-list items.
I've always been a planner, often thinking weeks ahead about even the most inconsequential of decisions. Like the industry I work in, where everything has a six-month lead time, I thrive when I can plan for things in advance. As I watched designers debut their fall/winter collections in February, the gears in my brain were already turning, planning which items would become essential to my wardrobe when the season actually arrived.
With fall now on the horizon, I'm stress-free, as I've already made all of the hard fashion decisions that come with the arrival of a new season. From new-and-improved basics like the halter top and stretchy kick-flare pants to of-the-moment outerwear, dresses, jewelry, and footwear that are sure to dominate in a few months, the pieces I'm planning to bring into fall have all but been added to my closet. Now, all I have to do is buy them. See and shop all 31 of them below.
Cashmere Sweater
In fall and into winter and spring, no wardrobe item is more essential than a classic cashmere crewneck sweater. I prefer colors that are more pared-back, like gray, navy, brown, and black, but honestly, as long as the fabric is high-quality, I'll never pass up cashmere. J.Crew's offering is consistently incredible, especially for the affordable price point.
Relaxed Denim
Whenever I'm lost about what to wear in the morning, I default to baggy denim, a cashmere knit, and some luxurious accessories. It's an effortless and still polished combination that's never done me wrong.
Almond Flats
These merlot-colored almond-toe flats are so rich looking, and they only cost $130. If you like flats but aren't the biggest fan of ballet styles, try this grown-up alternative.
Vintage Watch
A Cartier Tank isn't just for fall. It's an all-year-round accessory that will make everyone who passes you on the street green with envy.
Camisole
Camisoles are having a moment right now. Their ultra-simple shape and design make them perfect for pairing with louder bottoms, from patterned midi skirts to voluminous Bermuda shorts.
Bermuda Shorts
I was just in Paris at the Carven store and fell so hard for the black version of these Bermuda shorts. I was bummed that I didn't buy them until I saw that the pair was still available on the brand's site.
Slingbacks
Black slingbacks belong in everyone's wardrobe, not just mine. They're perfect for any season since you can easily style them with tights when the temps drop and dress up every outfit they're paired with.
Elegant Outerwear
Everyone in fashion knows that a good sleek coat can transform even the most boring of outfits into something spectacular. And if anyone knows how to make a truly beautiful piece of outerwear, it's Talia Loubaton, the founder of Liberowe.
Little Black Dress
This gorgeous LBD with a high neck and very low back is the kind of frock you want to have on hand whenever any somewhat-formal occasion comes around so you're not stumped about what to wear. Summer might be known for weddings, but they occur in autumn too, so it's best to be ready.
Tortoiseshell Eyewear
I wear sunglasses every single day of the year, whether it's 90ºF and sunny or 45ºF and overcast, so when I find a pair that I like and that will go with everything in my wardrobe, I snatch it up, sometimes even doubling the order just in case I misplace one. These cat-eye shades from Saint Laurent caught my eye a bit ago and have stuck with me ever since. They're very cool yet timeless.
Sculpted Vest
If you want a sleeveless top that's more dressed up than a tank, opt for a sculpted vest. It'll look so expensive and elevated without any additional effort.
Capri Pants
This is the year of capri pants. I might not be able to get away with wearing them toward the end of fall, but for September and early October, I'll be opting for the cropped bottoms every chance I get.
Satin Shoes
There's something so put-together and elegant about a pair of satin shoes, specifically heels like these from Reformation. Sure, satin isn't the most practical fabric choice for footwear, but it'll always look chic, and for me at least, that's what often takes precedence.
High-Neck Tank
This rib-knit, boatneck tank top isn't like the white, semi-sheer versions that are likely crumpled up in your dresser drawer. It's perfectly structured to look elegant every time it gets selected for an outfit and goes with all bottoms, from midi skirts and Bermuda shorts to trousers and jeans.
Collar Necklace
For an immediate outfit upgrade, I like to toss on a collar-style necklace. Whether you're wearing a T-shirt and jeans or an LBD, this jewelry option will always do the trick.
Boho Dress
Thanks to Chemena Kamali's Chloé debut for fall 2024, boho is back, suddenly becoming the one trend that I need to get my hands on most ahead of autumn's arrival.
Elegant Pumps
Without question, a pair of timeless black pumps is a must for fall, especially when styled with sheer tights. I love the crisscross straps on this pair and the slightly chunkier heel that'll help me stay vertical.
Double-Layer Skirt
This photo doesn't do this perfect skirt justice. I've been searching for a double-layer midi skirt for fashion month this fall, but it wasn't until I found this one that I knew I had to actually have one. The white underlayer adds such a cool, dimensional touch that my wardrobe's been craving.
Gray Trench Coat
You can never have too many trench coats, especially since there are so many subtly different styles to choose from. I've been searching for a gray version ever since spotting an out-of-my-price-range option from The Row, and this H&M alt checks off every box.
Oversize Tee
I love a fitted tee as much as the next person, but I've been into relaxed-fit dressing over the last few months and am excited to try it out during the cooler months. An oversize tee with silky pants or relaxed denim gives off an air of effortlessness that I strive for daily.
Sporty Jacket
I'm not the sportiest dresser, but something about a technical jacket or pullover has me smitten. I love how they look with baggy white jeans, black poplin trousers, and capris. There's really no wrong way to wear this trend—it just balances an outfit out so nicely.
Satin Pants
For glorified pajama pants, satin trousers can look seriously chic and expensive. I always see stylists and editors in NYC pairing them with cool tailored outerwear and mesh flats and envy their outfits endlessly.
Barn Jacket
For a relaxed, effortless look, you can't go wrong with a classic barn coat, preferably one made of waxed cotton that'll stand up against the elements while being on-trend and super chic.
Statement Hat
I know, I know, a statement hat doesn't feel "essential," but this year, after some big-deal sightings during recent runway seasons at Prada, Alaïa, The Row, and Altuzarra, headgear is downright critical to looking on-trend and in the know come fall.
Dark-Wash Denim
I love a light-wash, vintage pair of jeans just as much as anyone, but when you want a more upscale aesthetic without wearing trousers or a skirt, only darker washes will do.
Ankle Boots
Black ankle boots are arguably the most classic shoe choice for fall, but this pair is a step beyond the rest. The fitted ankle shaft makes the Nevada boots perfect for wearing with fitted jeans, while the Western touches add a unique flair that every cool person you pass will appreciate.
Chiffon Scarf
I'm not a blanket-scarf person, but an elegant, sheer alt like this one is definitely up my alley. Throw it over a tank with trousers or jeans and voilà! You look like a 1950s-turned-2020s style genius.
Stretchy Kick-Flare Pants
I've never been so intrigued by a pair of pants in my life. People swear by these, and after seeing a friend wear them in Paris with Chanel slingbacks and a red sweater effortlessly tied around her shoulders, I'm convinced that I need a pair.
'90s Basics
Is it just me, or does this top look just like one that Kate Moss would wear to castings and after runway shows in the '90s? The high neck, three-quarter-length sleeves, and fitted bodice are so her.
A-Line Skirt
Thanks to Prada, Bottega Veneta, and more, voluminous A-line skirts are officially vying for the spots that micro minis once took up in my closet.
East-West Bag
Clutches always felt a little yawn to me, but this east-west take on Bottega Veneta's Andiamo bag is chic enough to make me rethink my opinion about them. I stopped into the store recently in Paris and drooled over Barolo and more colors.
This story 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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