The first thing I shop for at the start of a new season isn't the most forward trend or new It item. It's wardrobe basics. Once I have these foundational items secured, I feel ready to venture further out from my day-to-day style. For the most part, these basics are timeless and season-agnostic enough to carry over throughout the year, but that's not always the case.
For fall, I'm already spotting several items that are emerging as the cool new basics for the season ahead. These pieces will become the bases to so many cool outfits, and we'll see fashion people mix and remix them over the course of the next few months. In other words, they're basics—just a little fresher. I did some digging and pulled out eight of the trendy wardrobe basics that will matter the most for fall 2025 and how fashion people will style them on repeat.
V-Neck Tees
Instead of reaching for the same crewneck tees, I'm switching up my T-shirt pile and adding in some V-neck silhouettes that feel a little more elevated and forward.
Shop V-Neck Tees
Khaki Denim
Jeans with a khaki wash are what tastemakers are wearing instead of blue jeans right now, and they bring a fresh feel to simple denim ensembles.
Shop Khaki Jeans
Lace-Trim Skirts
This is the year of the lace-trimmed item, and lace-trim skirts are set to the be the go-to base layer upon which the coolest outfits will be built. Expect fashion people to style theirs with jackets, sweaters, boots, and flats for fall.
Shop Lace-Trim Skirts
Boat Shoes
The rumors are true: Boat shoes are arriving to unseat classic loafers thanks to the chic pairs from Miu Miu and Bally that put the shoes back on the map. There are so many styles hitting the market now, from suede finishes to colorful laces, so there's never been a better time to get in on the look.
Shop Boat Shoes
Plaid Shirts
Plaid was huge on the fall/winter 2025 runways at Kallmeyer, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein, but it's none other than the plaid shirt that's turning out to be the item to tap into the trend with, whether it's worn tucked into jeans and trousers or tied around the waist.
Shop Plaid Shirts
Silk Pants
Denim isn't going anywhere, but this fall, elegance is still top of mind. That means sophisticated jeans alternatives like silk bias pants are bubbling up. Expect to see these feature as the base to some of the chicest outfits this season.
Shop Silk Pants
Sporty Jackets
Sporty windbreaker jackets, especially styles with cool funnel necks, are set to dethrone leather jackets as the go-to layer. The key to making one look fashionable rather than functional? Styling it with a pair of pants or skirt with the complete opposite vibe.
Shop Sporty Jackets
Dark-Rinse Denim
It is fall, after all, so of course, I'm pulling out my classic denim no matter how many more forward trends emerge. Dark rinses are the blue jeans of the moment, and indigo lends an immediately elevated feel to whatever it's worn with.
Shop Dark-Rinse Jeans
-
Better Than Ballet Flats (and Loafers): The Shoe Trend It Girls in NYC and Paris Will Be Wearing This FallThey're classic but fresh at the same time.
-
Editor Instincts Activated: We're Grabbing These 18 Fall Pieces Before Everyone Else DoesRun, don't walk.
-
Forget Parisian Style—Every Chic Person Is Wearing This Fall Aesthetic InsteadChic, charming, and calming.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
-
Sorry to My Classic Black Shoes, But This Printed Shoe Trend Is Defining Fall 2025Spotted on fashion people in Venice, NYC, and Copenhagen.
-
Old Navy Just Launched Its New Fall Handbag Collection—and It Looks RichSoft faux suedes and sophisticated silhouettes.
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
I Just Spent Hours Scrolling Saks—25 of the Chicest Pieces I'm Eyeing for FallMy September wish list.
