They may not be the most fun thing to shop for, but basics are truly the backbone of a wardrobe. They’re the pieces you’ll wear the most, no matter the time of year or occasion. When a new season is approaching, the wardrobe-related activity I do first is take stock of my basics and make a list of what I want to replace and add to my collection. Despite how useful they are, the fact of the matter is that basics are inherently boring, so I’m here to talk about trendy basics.
Trendy basics are those items that work with lots of different outfits and that you’ll still get tons of wear out of, but they look current and fresh. That said, they aren’t items that’ll go out of style after one season. They have longevity.
As we approach that transitional time of year, I’m shopping for a few trendy basics that I can wear now and throughout the fall season—think light jackets, denim, and dresses. This well-edited assortment of seven standout items is sure to see you through many upcoming occasions, so you can thank me later.
On that note, keep scrolling to shop seven trendy basics I’m buying this season and recommend you do too.
Elevated Denim Skirts
Instead of denim miniskirts, I’m shopping for elevated styles like dark-wash pencil skirts and flared midi skirts.
Shop Elevated Denim Skirts
Agolde
Gaia Skirt
$198
Reformation
Delilah Denim Midi Skirt
$188
Madewell
Denim Circle Midi Skirt in Java Wash
$138
Barn Jackets
Light jackets always perplex me, but this season, I’m putting a no-brainer barn jacket—the ultimate casual, lightweight jacket—on my wish list.
Shop Barn Jackets
Barbour
Annandale Corduroy-Trimmed Quilted Shell Jacket
$220
Everlane
The Barn Jacket
$178
MWL
Cropped Cargo Jacket
$100
Leopard-Print Shoes
Leopard print is set to be huge this fall. I’m getting a head start by shopping for a chic pair of leopard-print shoes, which are surprisingly versatile.
Shop Leopard-Print Shoes
H&M
Slingback Pumps
$30
Manolo Blahnik
Veralli Leopard-Print Suede Ballet Flats
$700
Reformation
Wilda Kitten Mules
$278
Bubble Skirts
Bubble skirts are definitely one of the trendier items on this list, but I think this is one that’s going to stick around for a while.
Shop Bubble Skirts
Aritzia
Bubbly Poplin Skirt
$98
Dissh
Stevie Black Bubble Mini Skirt
$120
Helsa
Poplin Bubble Skirt
$198
Boat Shoes
In case you haven’t heard, boat shoes are here to dethrone loafers, initiated by the viral Miu Miu pair that’s sold out everywhere. Luckily, there are plenty of other brands making chic boat shoes.
Shop Boat Shoes
Sperry
Authentic Original Boat Shoes
$110
Miu Miu
Suede Lace-Up Moccasins
$950
Jeffrey Campbell
Boast Boat Shoes
$145
Burgundy Bags
Not all basics fall under the category of clothing like tees, jeans, jackets, etc. Accessories such as handbags can also be classified as basics, and the bag trend I have my eye on for fall is burgundy bags, which I’ll be wearing instead of black ones.
Shop Burgundy Bags
Mansur Gavriel
Gaia Shoulder Bag
$395
Bottega Veneta
Small Andiamo Bag
$4500
Gucci
Jackie Leather Shoulder Bag
$3300
Polo Sweaters
Polo necklines have been everywhere this year, and you can expect the style to transition to fall in the form of sweaters.
Shop Polo Sweaters
English Factory
Polo Collar Knit Sweater
$90
J.Crew
Cashmere Cropped Sweater-Polo
$118$106
Sunday Best
Peggy Polo Sweater
$128
