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. So naturally, as I watched designers debut their fall/winter collections back in February, the gears in my brain were already turning, planning which items would become essentials in my wardrobe when the season actually arrived.
With fall now on the horizon, I’m stress-free, as I’ve already made all the hard sartorial decisions that come with the arrival of a new season. From new-and-improved basics like the white tank top; simple, luxurious knits to be worn tied around the waist (the latest, chicest styling hack); and slouchy denim to of-the-moment items that will dominate the trends of the season, my fall wardrobe is planned down to a T. Now, all I have to do is start shopping for it. Below, see which pieces will be making the biggest impact on my wardrobe once autumn makes an appearance.
No item shook the fashion crowd during the fall/winter 2022 season quite as much as white tank tops. Though always essential, tank tops were rarely considered exciting before the last round of runway shows. Now, elevated versions are all anyone can talk about, myself included.
Once I saw these $30 wide-leg puddle pants from H&M, I knew I had to have them. Super-wide, super-exaggerated bottoms are high on my wish list, so when you can get them for such a good price, there really is no reason to hesistate.
I’m a firm believer that a denim or chambray shirt is absolutely necessary to have in your wardrobe. The one I own now was my dad’s from the ’80s and has seen better days. While it’s being repaired and reworked at the tailor, I’ll be relying on this uncomplicated option from Wardrobe.NYC.
I’ve always had a pair of penny loafers in my wardrobe, perhaps because I had to wear them as a kid when my school uniform designated them the only style we were permitted to wear. Nothing’s changed, and since my current pair is on the fritz, I’m preparing to replace them with these classic ones from J.Crew.
Despite the fact that I already own five tailored waistcoats, I’m seconds away from adding this charcoal H&M option to my fall wardrobe.
Now, all I need is a cozy knit to tie around my waist to re-create Bottega Veneta’s coolest styling hack from its F/W 22 show.
To check off the aforementioned Bottega Veneta styling trick. Plus, you can never have too many easy cashmere sweaters.
Thanks to Hailey Bieber, parachute pants are fast becoming the It loungewear pants of the season. And these $60 ones from Zara are on the top of my list.
The more heavy duty the leather jacket is this season—whether it’s a blazer, bomber jacket, or moto style—the more I want it.
This collaboration has me and pretty much every fashion person I know in a frenzy. They’re perfect for dressing up and down, and Grace Wales Bonner really did her thing with this season’s Adidas collaboration.
Relaxed denim proved to be the jeans style to beat on the fall/winter 2022 runways, with pairs appearing at Versace, ACNE Studios, and Khaite. Luckily, there are plenty of just-as-slouchy silhouettes to purchase for a much lower price that will check off the trend without breaking the bank. My pick? These low-rise baggies from Agolde.
Bomber jackets were seen on practically every single fall/winter 2022 runway, so of course, I’m planning on buying at least one for the cold weather ahead.
Cardigans have a tendency to look, well, boring. But honestly, I’m kind of into the simplicity of the style, especially when it’s a bit shrunken and features a crew-neck. I love pairing them with more rugged-looking jeans and motorcycle boots, edging up the prim and proper knitwear silhouette.
These gorgeous Prada heels combine two of fall’s most sought-after shoe characteristics: a wedge heel and a pointed toe.
You can never have too many trench coats, if you ask me, when there are so many subtly different styles to choose from. This car-coat option from Mango is one I don’t have in my collection yet, but after trying it on weeks ahead of fall, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s the one my wardrobe needs.
My fall wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a pair of leather pants. This season, I’m looking for pairs that feel a bit heartier than the ones I wore day in and day out last fall, especially after spotting them at Miu Miu and Alexander McQueen in February.
I can’t help it. I love going-out tops. This one is particularly enticing because it’s completely backless, only adding to its appeal. Plus, it can easily be worn during the day, paired with a skirt or slouchy jeans.
Ever since I saw Jil Sander’s F/W 22 collection, which featured oversize knit dresses that were a far cry from the rib-knit fitted ones we’ve been seeing the last few seasons, I’ve been dead set on finding one for my fall rotation.
I know denim miniskirts are making a comeback, but I just don’t think the Y2K style is for me. Instead, I’m investing heavily in maxi- and midi-length jean skirts like this one from Khaite, which I love styling with knee-high boots or retro sneakers.
The fall/winter 2022 collections tested our previous conceptions about summer and fall dressing, with more warm-weather things like pastels and sheer fabrics trending on the fall runways. My take? I’m bringing my summery eyelet dresses into fall with me, styling them with boots and knits.
After spotting Emily Ratajkowski in cowboy boots on a handful of occasions this month, expect to see them garner tons of attention in the next few weeks.
LBDs are fun and all, but this season, I’m eyeing simple dresses in colors that are a bit more eye-catching and daring. That way, when the weather gets gloomy, my outfit will be able to compensate.
The sheer trend hit its stride on the fall runways, where many completely see-through styles were showcased and praised.
I was just in Oslo for fashion week, and I swear every stylish Norwegian was wearing pinstripes in some way, shape, or form.
Ballet flats, in general, are experiencing a major comeback, but none are trending as much as these satin ones from Miu Miu.
Knee-length skirts are having a moment. For fall, I’ll be pairing this baby-blue one from Anna October with knee-high boots and a gray cashmere knit.
There’s no arguing the fact that button-down shirts are essential for every season.
This orange shoulder bag looks way more expensive than it is, making it perfect for my one statement-handbag purchase of the season. When I splurge, I tend to go for something simpler and more timeless.
Of course, when it comes to basics, you should start off with simple colors like white, black, and gray. But now that I’ve filled my closet with those easy shades, I’m eyeing bolder colors as well, like electric blue and orange.
Arguably the coat on every fashion girl’s wish list, Totême’s Scarf Jacket is the perfect outerwear choice to get you through fall and winter.
