"Fashion is a fickle animal. What’s covetable one moment can easily be on the I-wouldn’t-touch-that-with-a-10-foot-pole outs in a matter of months. And while some trends and silhouettes do have the capability of holding on for several years (think skinny jeans or recent trends like pops of red), some possess the even greater capacity of lasting for decades. The challenge then lies in discerning between the two. In other words, which items will be in style for three years and which will be in style for, say, 20?
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I’m one of those people who can’t help but get excited by new styles and trends. I love how each passing season inevitably serves up a handful of that which is new and interesting. But there’s also a lot to be said for the classics—styles that will endure season after season, year after year. Embracing and investing in timeless style is cost effective, sustainable, practical for seamless mix-and-match outfitting and—let us not forget—inherently chic. And there’s no better time to embrace the classics than in the fall.
Autumn is a time of year that is particularly steadfast in its staples. The season itself possesses a timeless quality and it’s this time of year—more than any other, I would argue—that champions outfits composed of the fashion staples we’ve collectively been in love with for years. Every year, the fall outfits constructed with these staples positively shine.
These 10 fall pieces are timeless staples that you’ll actually be excited to break out of storage every fall.
1. A Cable Knit Sweater
A Rory Gilmore favorite, a cable knit sweater is one of those cozy, classic items that just feels inherently right the moment the temperatures start to dip. Oversized or fitted, pullover or cardigan, you truly can’t go wrong when adding this knit top to your wardrobe. `
2. A Trench Coat
Fall weather is known for being unpredictable and widely varied depending on where you live. But if there’s one constant for many of us, it’s an occasional smattering of rain and wind. A go-to coat is a must-own come fall, and trench coats are the multi-seasonal, timeless silhouette that fit the lifetime bill. Invest in a staple trench you can turn to year after year.
3. A Leather Tote Bag
A go-to, carry-all bag is an absolute necessity. The size and silhouette of a tote makes it the perfect bag to carry with you to the office, while running errands, and everywhere in between. For the cooler months, opting for one in a seasonal suede or deep, rich hue will help to enhance all of your fall looks.
4. Knee-High Boots
There’s something so chic about a pair of knee-high boots paired with a dress or skirt and sweater combo in the fall. Regardless of the trending boots of the moment, a knee-high boot can be a go-to during the fall and winter months. Choose your heel height and shape based on your lifestyle. For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of walking in your boots—looking at you, commuters—opt for a pair with a more comfortable block heel.
5. A Classic Belt
A classic, no-fuss belt is one of those items you may not be itching to spend your money on but that will be one of the most-worn items in your closet. Aside from functionality (whether it be holding your pants in place or adding shape to a loose-fitting dress), belts have the ability to instantly polish an outfit, helping to take your clothes from “worn” to “styled.” Opt for a classic leather one for a no-fuss option, or a studded one if you’re looking for something a bit more statement-making.
6. Loafers
While ballet flats have been getting all the love as of late, loafers still remain—and will likely always remain—one of those shoe styles we refuse to part with. They’re practical, versatile, and autumnal to their very soles.
7. A White Tee or Tank for Layering
Fall is the kick-off to sweater weather. But fall weather also has a tendency to be a bit all over the place, ping-ponging from cold to warm to hot to chilly all in a single day. In other words, there may be (read: probably will be) a to put a sweater on only to take it off again approximately three separate times in a day. Layering? A must.
A white tee or tank is a frequent-wear item that can add flexibility to your outfit. A high-neck tank subtly peeking out from beneath a sweater collar can also add visual interest to your look.
8. Trousers
The recent rise of businesscore and the office siren aesthetic has also seen the rise of trousers’ popularity. But even before the 2020s rolled around, these bottoms had a prior and lengthy history as a fall-proof pant of choice. Drapey, relaxed trousers in neutral colors can be styled with any number of tops (from sweaters to button-downs to tees) and shoes (from flats to loafers to sneakers), making them appropriate both in and out of the office and fun to wear year-round.
9. Turtleneck Tops and Dresses
While the “in” style may vary slightly from year to year (ie: roll neck versus mock neck, etc.), the basic turtleneck concept is one that will always feel at home in the fall. Effortlessly styled with trousers or a skirt, seen peeking out from beneath a blazer, or reliably accompanying a favorite pair of jeans, a quality turtleneck is the definition of chic and cozy versatility.
Living in chilly Upstate New York, I personally own a variety of turtlenecks of varying weights and lengths and enjoy layering them beneath sweater vests and jackets, or wearing them as-is depending on the ever-changing weather forecast.
10. A Blazer
Given its association with “back to school,” the fall season has a tendency to welcome preppy, academia-inspired styles with open arms year after year. Beyond being an office staple, blazers are a foolproof way to outfit yourself against 40, 50 and 60-degree weather and look stunning when styled with other, previously mentioned fall staples—from trousers, to leather totes, to turtlenecks.
Emilee Janitz, Contributing Fashion Writer
Emilee is a communications strategist and lifestyle journalist with an M.S. in Public Relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies and their executives. Beyond The Everygirl, Emilee’s work has been featured on POPSUGAR, MSN, and Yahoo.