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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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