Us Weekly is an affiliate partner, so we may get compensation for certain links to products and/or services.
While we definitely love shopping clearance sections and maximizing small budgets, sometimes, it’s worth it to splurge a little. Making an investment on a piece you’ll wear over and over again for years — one you can rely on for chic outfits and durable quality — can be key to pulling together your wardrobe.
Even just a few basics can make all the difference. We understand it can be hard to narrow down the options and place the order. So we decided to share some of our favorite pieces from top fashion categories. Don’t worry — nothing costs $500 here. You’ll find options starting at $39!
21 Fall Fashion Basics That Are Well Worth the Cost
Tops
1. Our absolute favorite: This is something we cannot stress enough: A top-quality white button-up shirt should be your go-to! The Everlane Boxy Oxford is our favorite (and also comes in other colors)
2. We also love: You’ll get nearly endless use out of a simple long-sleeve tee in a neutral color. This Lauren Ralph Lauren long-sleeve top from Macy’s is our pick!
3. We Can’t Forget: This Splendid mock-neck top will be your favorite layering piece that you can 100% wear on its own too!
Sweaters
4. Our absolute favorite: We’re always on board with adding even just a kiss of cashmere to your closet. This Reformation polo sweater from Nordstrom is made of 100% cashmere — 70% of which is recycled!
5. We also love: This Charter Club duster sweater from Macy’s is another cashmere find, but in a cardigan style. Shoppers say it’s “perfect in every way”!
6. We Can’t Forget: This drapey Coolibar cardigan is certainly stylish, but its UPF 50+ fabric makes it totally worth it to Us!
Outerwear
7. Our absolute favorite: We’ve owned our fair share of faux-leather jackets, but a real leather jacket is the type of piece you’ll own forever. Check out this Mango biker jacket from Nordstrom!
8. We also love: This longline quilted ReNew Long Liner coat from Everlane is warm and cozy without being super puffy. It’s even packable, making it great for travel!
9. We Can’t Forget: Rain, rain, go away…until this waterproof Joules coat arrives on our doorstep. This waterproof Joules coat is perfect for cold fall showers!
Dresses
10. Our absolute favorite: It’s so pretty! This floral Tommy Hilfiger dress from Macy’s is going to be perfect for fall weddings, but you can dress it down with combat boots and a jacket too!
11. We also love: If you want to cement yourself as a style legend, this iconic Selkie Puff Dress will do the trick. It’s at Revolve in four colors!
12. We Can’t Forget: The Drop is a great Amazon brand for higher-quality pieces that aren’t too pricy. Take this The Drop Makenna Dress, for example.
Pants
13. Our absolute favorite: You can change your look by switching out your jeans for pants made of a different material. Target’s NIC+ZOE pants are made from a suede-like material.
14. We also love: Show your wild side with these leopard-print Michael Michael Kors pants. This trend-setting design features a wide sleeve.
15. We Can’t Forget: These pants from M Made In Italy are made with real silk and breathable viscose. It’s an incredible combination!
Accessories
16. Our absolute favorite: Don’t underestimate the power of a designer belt! This Givenchy belt from Nordstrom features a logo buckle that really makes it stand out.
17. We also love: We cannot get enough of this sherpa UGG bag right now. It’s the perfect cozy accessory for fall and winter!
18. We Can’t Forget: This 100% cashmere WaySoft beanie will be so soft and lovely. You’ll wear this one all the time!
Shoes
19. Our absolute favorite: These Tony Bianco booties from Revolve are bestsellers, so you know shoppers are loving them. They have received over 300 positive reviews!
20. We also love: These suede Minnetonka moccasins have a sheepskin lining for the ultimate comfortable experience. This is a must-have for lazy weekends and evenings.
21. We Can’t Forget: There’s a reason people have been wearing Docs for decades. These Dr. Martens Chelsea boots will likely become your go-to fall shoes!
Not done shopping? You can check out more of our favorites here:
This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. Shop With Us is a team that highlights products and services that readers might find useful. This includes purses, plus size swimsuits, purses and women’s sneakers. It also offers gift ideas for everyone in your family, including wedding-guest outfits, purses and bridal shapewear. The selection of products and services is not intended to be an endorsement by Us Weekly or any celebrity mentioned in this post.
Shop With Us may be offered products to try out by manufacturers. Us Weekly also receives compensation from the manufacturer for products featured in our articles. This does not influence our decision on whether or not a product is recommended or featured. Shop With Us operates independently of the advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at ShopWithUs@usmagazine.com. Have a great shopping experience!
