I’ll admit it. I hold onto summer with a white knuckle death grip until October 1. Keep your PSLs and pumpkin patches until their rightful time in the sun, thankyouverymuch. That said, fall outfits are some of my absolute favorites. The fabrics are cozy, jeans make a triumphant return and statement shackets abound! It’s not too cold to look cute and layering lets you create multiple looks with just a few pieces.

While I’m always interested in trends, I’m also all about easy-to-wear pieces that I want to reach for over and over. From the perfect plaid flannel to bold cardigan dusters that turn any T-shirt and jeans into an unforgettable look, getting dressed doesn’t have to be complicated.

Luckily, fall 2023 is all about the basics (think white tees and wide leg jeans) along with a resurgence of early 2000s peplum-style tops which we’re slowly but surely grappling with. (We lived through the era of the “going out top” and let’s just say, mistakes were made.)

And while summer may have been all about the Barbiecore pink, this season you’ll be seeing a lot of her sophisticated older sister–bold, statement-making reds. More of a neutral kind of gal? No problem. Neutrals like oatmeal and grey are in serious rotation as well. And whether you conduct your daily business in an office or as CEO of All Things Household, we’re seeing a trend toward boss lady pieces like easy-to-wear blazers, pinstripes and relaxed suit pants which offer a nice break from your typical denim. (Here’s the secret: You can wear them no matter who you’re bossing. Or, being bossed by.)

With temperatures dropping, you might be tempted to wear leggings and oversize sweaters daily (okay, that’s not going to change) but these pieces will easily help create your new favorite fall outfits. Add a great pair of boots, or swap in a new accessory and you’ll be ready to take on this new season.

Here are some pieces to inspire all your fall outfits.

Madewell Quilted Oversized Bomber Jacket

Madewell

• $188

Quilted Oversized Bomber Jacket

From apple orchard photo opps to brisk morning walks to school, the fall jacket is one that requires both fashion and function. Right now we’re totally crushing on this updated classic bomber style from Madewell which keeps you warm enough but provides plenty of room to layer as the temps drop even lower.

Quince Cotton Fisherman Sweater

Quince

• $39.90

Quince Cotton Fisherman Sweater

The ever-expanding collection of sustainable clothes, accessories and home goods from Quince are all outstanding, but it’s their impressively affordable sweaters that keep me coming back. Top of my list this fall? The chic yet comfy organic cotton fisherman sweater. (Trust me when I tell you it’s basically indecipherable from the Jenni Kayne style which costs three times as much.) It comes in 11 different hues and at under $40, you may even want to buy two. (Or three.)

Old Navy Henley Dress

Old Navy

• $44.99

Fit & Flare Long-Sleeve Henley Midi Dress

This fit and flare number comes in two gorgeous autumn jewel hues (plus black!) to make getting dressed easy. The spread collar and henley style buttons are the perfect intersection of casual and dressy. Styled with a pair of chunky boots, or even some heels and you’ve got a look that will carry you through all the fall fetes.

Zara Knit Zip Sweater

Zara

• $49.90

Knit Zip Sweater

There’s a lot of ways to rock the season’s hottest hue, but this one might be our fave. The wide zip collar, which can be worn open or closed lends some vintage Scandinavian vibes we didn’t even know we needed.

Everlane The Way-High Jean

Everlane

• $98

The Way-High Jean

A washed black jean is one of my fall staples and this particular pair from Everlane is legit perfection. It’s one of their most popular styles (and not just with me!) given the uber-flattering fit that’s got a high enough rise, a touch of stretch and all the booty flattery. They’re also the ideal balance between skinnies (which may feel dated) and re-embracing the trendy JNCO-esque styles we’re being bombarded with right now. I’m sorry, I’m just not gonna do it.

Outerknown Womens Blanket Shirt

Outerknown

• $148

Women's Blanket Shirt

If the name “blanket shirt” isn’t enough to sell you on this fall-ready essential, I’ll tell you this–you’ll never find a more rugged and wearable flannel in your entire life. Not only is it sustainably produced, the last-forever quality is the ideal weight for layering practically year round. As one of Outerknown’s signature pieces it comes in 25+ colorways and even a men’s version if you want to twin. (Who doesn’t love that?!)

Gap Oversize Turtleneck Sweater

Gap

• $79.95

Oversized Turtleneck Sweater

I’ve been fantasizing about this bonkers expensive piece since I saw Gwyneth rocking it on Goop and have to say, the Gap dupe may be even better. The 100% cotton sweater is gorgeously slouchy with side slits and a generous turtleneck that’s so sophisticated it hurts. It comes in a handful of solids but this nautical navy and cream stripe has my whole heart.

Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Blend Blazer Coat

Abercrombie

• $200

Wool Blend Blazer Coat

Sure, they’re having a moment, but wool blazers have been hot since When Harry Met Sally as far as I’m concerned. This oversize style from Abercrombie & Fitch leaves enough room underneath for a cashmere sweater or even a cute hoodie. And listen, if the name Abercrombie & Fitch instantly brings about images of belt-length denim skirts and off-color graphic tees, forget what you know. A&F is all grown up and here for all your tasteful fall wardrobe staples. Who knew? (Even my beloved sexagenarian influencer rocked their dresses this summer!)

Abercrombie & Fitch Slone Wide Leg Pant

Abercromie & Fitch

• $90

Sloane Tailored Pant

Sorry, one more because I’m telling you they’re totally crushing. The best-selling Sloane pant offers the foundation for every kind of fall ‘fit imaginable. Rock them with a crisp white tee and sneakers on the soccer sidelines, or pair with the matching blazer and heels for an office-ready look that slays. Add a hoodie, cardigan or cropped sweatshirt on top–there’s no rules! They come in a ton of colors and multiple lengths to get the ideal fit right off the rack.

Knox Rose Open Cardigan

Knox Rose

• $40

Open Front Leopard Cardigan

I’m a big advocate of the statement cardigan duster. They’re super cozy and instantly make a T-shirt and jeans base into an enviable outfit. This budget-friendly leopard piece from Tar-jay even has pockets!

Naadam Recycled Cashmere Jogger

Naadam

• $195

Recycled Cashmere Jogger

If you want to infuse your fall wardrobe with a dash of cozy luxury, I have two words for you. Cashmere joggers. Naadam offers some of the best cashmere at relatively reasonable prices (which is not to say they aren’t spendy, just less spendy than their counterparts) which is also sustainable to boot.

Everlane Merino Crewneck sweater

Everlane

• $128

Merino Crewneck Sweater

A thin wool sweater is a true fall must-have. Our top pick? This new style from Everlane which has that perfectly lived-in vintage look. Between the dropped shoulder, embellished seam and small side slits, it’s destined to become an instant favorite.

zsupply clothing modern v-neck tee

Z Supply

• $39

Modern V-Neck Tee

Timeless, season-less, and always in style, never underestimate the power of a crisp white tee. Our current pick is the Modern V-Neck from Z Supply which is just the perfect length to wear tucked in or left out. And the neckline makes it great for layering under an open flannel or cardigan.

Gap Modern Tee Shirt Bodysuit

Gap

• $39.95

Modern Tee Shirt Bodysuit

Similarly, we love a good bodysuit. It’s sleek, simple and goes with all kinds of outfits from dressed up to casual.

A New Day Slip Tank Dress

A New Day

• $28

Slip Tank Dress

Fall is all about layering, but that doesn’t always have to mean tees and cardigans. Consider adding a touch of comfortable romance by starting with a slip dress. It looks fab with lug-soled boots and a chunky sweater or even a cropped sweatshirt and sneakers.

Madewell Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt in Stripe

Madewell

• $88

Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt in Stripe

Another versatile fall piece? The oversized button down. It’s less stuffy than its fitted sister, giving that I-just-rolled-out-bed-but-still-look-chic-AF vibe. Throw it on over your workout clothes instead of a sweatshirt or use this hack for a sophisticated tuck atop a pair of jeans.

Paige Anessa Crop Wide Leg Jeans

Paige

• $229

Anessa Crop Wide Leg Jeans

Speaking of jeans, apologies in advance for this. Yes, these are pricey and double yes they’re totally worth it. First of all, the style is everything we’ve been looking for in a pair of jeans. The perfect wash, a length that works with all kinds of footwear, and–wait for it–they feel just like leggings. Seriously, Paige is a go-to for ultra-comfortable denim, but they really outdid themselves with this pair. But the icing on the cake? That booty. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

 

Rothy's The Point II

Rothy's

• $155

The Point II

It’s no surprise that Rothy’s has amassed an army of fanatics. After all, their sustainable, machine-washable shoes are some of the most comfortable and stylish out there. But even the pros can improve on perfection, it turns out. The newly-released updated The Point II features extra elastic, a wider toe box and more support than the iconic original and let’s just say we’ve fallen in love all over again.

veja V 90 Leather White Umber

Veja

• $195

V-90 Leather White Umber

With a fresh pair of Veja sneakers, all you need is a T-shirt, jeans and a couple pieces of jewelry (like gold huggie hoops!) to nail that quiet luxury look. This new 90’s-inspired style goes with literally everything and features the perfect pop of autumnal umber.

A New Day Sandy Mule Flats

A New Day

• $29.99

Sandy Mule Flats

We’re also really feeling the preppy-chic mule this season. Best of all, you don’t need a Gucci budget to get in on the action. Reviewers say these look far more expensive than they are–which is less than $30 bucks. Done!

A version of this story was published September 24, 2018. It has been updated.