Unlock Your Ultimate Fall Style: The 22 Game-Changing Wardrobe Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

For fall showers and beyond, a water-resistant trench coat is a quintessential layer during these months. This heritage-inspired style from J.Crew features the traditional, belted silhouette we know and love, with a few modern tweaks, such as a removable hood, for those unexpected storms.

Lean into luxe essentials, such as this striped sweater in luscious cashmere. Whether worn to work with black trouser pants and loafers, or a weekend escape with jeans and your favorite sneakers, La Ligne’s version is on our list of editor favorites.

Black trouser pants are a classic wardrobe piece, and Toteme cuts a great tailored version. Style these pants with everything from a T-shirt, denim jacket, and white sneakers during the weekend, to a blazer and button-down shirt for work. They’re so versatile.

Crisp, cotton button-downs are an ideal wardrobe building block that can virtually be paired with everything. Wear it tucked into a structured midi skirt for a polished look at the office, overtop a straight-leg jean for a casual feel, and with a go-to pair of trousers for every other moment in between.

Hoop earrings that can play double duty are a smart choice. You’ll want something that is minimalist enough to pair back to workwear basics and everyday essentials, yet still will make enough of a statement to wear with an LBD on a night out—and Jenny Bird’s Florence earrings do just that.

A sharply tailored blazer is a must in every capsule wardrobe. Combine it with silky camisoles, button-down shirts, fitted turtlenecks, or fine gauge knits, then change out the bottoms depending on your mood. The options are limitless, from a full suiting moment to something casual and classic.

There is something about a pleated skirt that just feels like fall. Maybe its the subtle nod to uniform dressing, but a longline silhouette in khaki works well with all your favorite neutral go-tos. From a creamy white sweater and knee-high boots, to a blazer and loafers, its a good piece to have in constant rotation.

A leather knee-high boot is always on our essentials list. Staud’s Wally features a flat heel, so it’s actually wearable and walkable. Style with fluid, bohemian dresses and tights or a tucked-in jean and a chunky sweater, for easy, everyday outfitting.

A handbag in suede, one of fall’s truest textures, is always a must-have during the cooler months. Madewell’s slouchy shoulder version comes in a rich brown tone, ideal for styling with black and brown ensembles alike, and more.

Although barn jackets might have seen an uptick in popularity, those in the know understand why they are a closet classic. Be sure to grab a simple, utilitarian design, like Alex Mill’s Chiltern jacket. Made from waxed cotton, throw this on top of everything from shirt dresses to poplin skirts as your wardrobe transitions into the cooler months.

Agolde’s perfect pair of straight-leg jeans is a universal favorite. Wear it with striped T-shirts and boat shoes now, then chunky knits, blazers, and boots later on.

Fall is all about the layers. Everlane’s zip-front sweater is made from cotton with a thicker weave to ensure warmth and comfort. Whether worn as the focal part of your outfit or simply as an extra layer when the sun goes down, the rich merlot hue truly feels autumnal.

The retro sneaker trend isn’t going anywhere, and once sandal season is officially over, you will want to rely on the Tokyo sneaker from Adidas as your transitional shoe. Wear them with baggy denim, oversized trouser pants, and more, alongside toppers like your go-to khaki trench or denim jacket.

Fall is when chilly days and nights officially come into play, welcoming us into wool coat season. No outerwear closet is complete without a clean and classic version, like this double-breasted style that can be worn over blazers, knitwear, and more.

A vintage-style denim jacket has been a wardrobe hero for decades. This trucker shape from Levi’s heralds from the ’90s, but still feels as relevant today when paired with jeans (hello, Canadian tuxedo!), trousers, dresses, and more.

Lean into optimum layering with a long-sleeved T-shirt. Whether worn as a standalone top, or paired with your favorite cardigan, plaid button down, or blazer, Éterne’s soft-as-air fabric is worth the investment.

When it is time to retire the straw handbags for the season, a leather carryall is always our first pick. Reach for Tory Burch’s leather tote to stow all your work necessities en route to the office in style, or use it as an easy travel companion on a weekend trip.

A knit dress is something you’ll wear over and over again. This striped style can be worn now with sandals or ballet flats, then layered with a chunky cardigan and blazer once the leaves start to change.

Instead of the usual moto shape, try a leather jacket in a more modern, boxier silhouette this fall. Style it with a turtleneck and jeans during the weekend, a knitted dress for work, or use it as an easy outerwear solution for when you need to head to dinner or a party and need to look polished.

Day or night, a slip skirt is an easy outfit solution. For the office, try styling it with an oversized, white button-down shirt and add a pair of loafers or boots. At night, reach for a blazer and a silky camisole top to take it into the late evening hours.