I'm Prepping My Fall Wardrobe—These 7 Staples Will Be Front and Center

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(Image credit: @ariviere)

As a fashion editor, I have a tendency to plan ahead—sometimes months ahead. Whether it be runway trends for the following season, outfit ideas, or my shopping list, planning far in advance has its perks. For one, I like to look at everything that's happening in fashion so I can cherry-pick the items that resonate the most with my style. Planning ahead is also a strategy I use when shopping so I can be sure to invest only in the items that I know I'll wear in a myriad of ways.

As I prepared to dive into fall dressing, I landed on a handful of must-have pieces that, while trendy, are ultimately of the wardrobe-staple variety, meaning I know I'll be getting miles in them. Naturally, pieces this versatile also come with a rather low cost per wear, so consider this list your shortcut to a low-cost, high-impact fall wardrobe. Keep scrolling for the staple pieces I recommend acquiring for the transition to fall and, frankly, many months to come.

Red Knitwear

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

A good fall sweater is simply a must. It has to be simple enough to wear often but special enough that you'll want to reach for it to layer atop tees and dresses. Seeing as red is the season's hottest color, it only makes sense that a bold red knit is essential for the coming months and well beyond. Drape one over your shoulders for a pop of color or go full monochrome with a head-to-toe red outfit.

Tailored Maxi Skirts

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(Image credit: @ariviere)

Jeans are cool and all, but tailored maxi skirts are the one item that's proving to be good enough to replace my standard denim as the ultimate fall wardrobe base for button-down shirts, sweaters, vest tops, and blazers.

Mary Jane Flats

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(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

A pair of great flats will never let you down no matter the season. Right now, I'm partial to Mary Jane flats and think they look good with jeans, skirts, trousers, and dresses—pretty much everything. Bonus points if you wear a pair of contrasting socks or tights with them.

Cool Leather Belts

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(Image credit: @christietyler)

A cool leather belt is one item that I will never be without. This season, the "boring" accessory is more important and fresher than ever with croc-embossed and sculptural metal details that elevate it to a downright outfit-making piece.

'80s Jackets

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(Image credit: @jenknowsbestblog)

My closet is full of statement jackets that can go with any and all outfit bases and make any plain pair of jeans or trousers look like a pulled-together outfit. This fall, structured '80s jackets are that one piece you know will just work.

Stiletto Knee-High Boots

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Since a pair of leather boots is something I don't buy often, I recommend finding a style that will stay sturdy for a few years, like knee-high boots with a sleek but walkable heel. They're worth the investment.

Draped Dresses

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(Image credit: @tianavictoria)

Ever since I began my career as a fashion editor, I've always ensured my closet has at least one version of "the dress." To me, the dress is one that needs little to no styling and is dressed up all on its own. I'm auditioning a few draped dresses to fulfill that role for all the meetings, dinners, and important events I have coming up.

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.