I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves to Plan Ahead—31 Fall Essentials I'm Shopping for Early
- Cashmere Sweater
- Relaxed Denim
- Almond Flats
- Vintage Watch
- Camisole
- Bermuda Shorts
- Slingbacks
- Elegant Outerwear
- Little Black Dress
- Tortoiseshell Eyewear
- Sculpted Vest
- Capri Pants
- Satin Shoes
- High-Neck Tank
- Collar Necklace
- Boho Dress
- Elegant Pumps
- Double-Layer Skirt
- Gray Trench Coat
- Oversize Tee
- Sporty Jacket
- Satin Pants
- Barn Jacket
- Statement Hat
- Dark-Wash Denim
- Ankle Boots
- Chiffon Scarf
- Stretchy Kick-Flare Pants
- '90s Basics
- A-Line Skirt
- East-West Bag
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top must-haves or current wish-list items.
I've always been a planner, often thinking weeks ahead about even the most inconsequential of decisions. Like the industry I work in, where everything has a six-month lead time, I thrive when I can plan for things in advance. As I watched designers debut their fall/winter collections in February, the gears in my brain were already turning, planning which items would become essential to my wardrobe when the season actually arrived.
With fall now on the horizon, I'm stress-free, as I've already made all of the hard fashion decisions that come with the arrival of a new season. From new-and-improved basics like the halter top and stretchy kick-flare pants to of-the-moment outerwear, dresses, jewelry, and footwear that are sure to dominate in a few months, the pieces I'm planning to bring into fall have all but been added to my closet. Now, all I have to do is buy them. See and shop all 31 of them below.
Cashmere Sweater
In fall and into winter and spring, no wardrobe item is more essential than a classic cashmere crewneck sweater. I prefer colors that are more pared-back, like gray, navy, brown, and black, but honestly, as long as the fabric is high-quality, I'll never pass up cashmere. J.Crew's offering is consistently incredible, especially for the affordable price point.
Relaxed Denim
Almond Flats
Vintage Watch
Camisole
Camisoles are having a moment right now. Their ultra-simple shape and design make them perfect for pairing with louder bottoms, from patterned midi skirts to voluminous Bermuda shorts.
Bermuda Shorts
Slingbacks
Elegant Outerwear
Little Black Dress
This gorgeous LBD with a high neck and very low back is the kind of frock you want to have on hand whenever any somewhat-formal occasion comes around so you're not stumped about what to wear. Summer might be known for weddings, but they occur in autumn too, so it's best to be ready.
Tortoiseshell Eyewear
I wear sunglasses every single day of the year, whether it's 90ºF and sunny or 45ºF and overcast, so when I find a pair that I like and that will go with everything in my wardrobe, I snatch it up, sometimes even doubling the order just in case I misplace one. These cat-eye shades from Saint Laurent caught my eye a bit ago and have stuck with me ever since. They're very cool yet timeless.
Sculpted Vest
Capri Pants
This is the year of capri pants. I might not be able to get away with wearing them toward the end of fall, but for September and early October, I'll be opting for the cropped bottoms every chance I get.
Satin Shoes
There's something so put-together and elegant about a pair of satin shoes, specifically heels like these from Reformation. Sure, satin isn't the most practical fabric choice for footwear, but it'll always look chic, and for me at least, that's what often takes precedence.
High-Neck Tank
This rib-knit, boatneck tank top isn't like the white, semi-sheer versions that are likely crumpled up in your dresser drawer. It's perfectly structured to look elegant every time it gets selected for an outfit and goes with all bottoms, from midi skirts and Bermuda shorts to trousers and jeans.
Collar Necklace
Boho Dress
Thanks to Chemena Kamali's Chloé debut for fall 2024, boho is back, suddenly becoming the one trend that I need to get my hands on most ahead of autumn's arrival.
Elegant Pumps
Double-Layer Skirt
This photo doesn't do this perfect skirt justice. I've been searching for a double-layer midi skirt for fashion month this fall, but it wasn't until I found this one that I knew I had to actually have one. The white underlayer adds such a cool, dimensional touch that my wardrobe's been craving.
Gray Trench Coat
Oversize Tee
I love a fitted tee as much as the next person, but I've been into relaxed-fit dressing over the last few months and am excited to try it out during the cooler months. An oversize tee with silky pants or relaxed denim gives off an air of effortlessness that I strive for daily.
Sporty Jacket
I'm not the sportiest dresser, but something about a technical jacket or pullover has me smitten. I love how they look with baggy white jeans, black poplin trousers, and capris. There's really no wrong way to wear this trend—it just balances an outfit out so nicely.
Satin Pants
Barn Jacket
Statement Hat
I know, I know, a statement hat doesn't feel "essential," but this year, after some big-deal sightings during recent runway seasons at Prada, Alaïa, The Row, and Altuzarra, headgear is downright critical to looking on-trend and in the know come fall.
Dark-Wash Denim
Ankle Boots
Black ankle boots are arguably the most classic shoe choice for fall, but this pair is a step beyond the rest. The fitted ankle shaft makes the Nevada boots perfect for wearing with fitted jeans, while the Western touches add a unique flair that every cool person you pass will appreciate.
Chiffon Scarf
Stretchy Kick-Flare Pants
'90s Basics
A-Line Skirt
Thanks to Prada, Bottega Veneta, and more, voluminous A-line skirts are officially vying for the spots that micro minis once took up in my closet.
East-West Bag
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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