The 8 Trendy Basics That Will Define Fall 2025

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.

Shop V-Neck Tees

Reformation Lindie Tee

rag & bone The Vee Slub Cotton T-Shirt

Madewell V-Neck Baby Tee

AllSaints Anna V-Neck Cotton T-Shirt

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.

Shop Khaki Jeans

Still Here Sport Jeans

Levi’s Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans

Haikure Candy Pleated Wide Leg Jeans

Pistola Lexi Mid Rise Bowed Straight Leg Jeans

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.

Shop Lace-Trim Skirts

ME+EM Floral Lace Trim Slip Skirt

Zw Collection Satin Effect Lace Skirt

STAUD Nadia Lace Trim Miniskirt

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.

Shop Boat Shoes

Madewell Julien Boat Shoes

Black Suede Studio Davy Flats

Sperry x Aritzia Slim Boat Shoe

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.

Shop Plaid Shirts

PROENZA SCHOULER Bronwen Checked Twill Shirt

SANDRO Rhinestone Checkered Shirt

LIONESS Nirvana Shirt

Rails Hunter Plaid Button-Up Shirt

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.

Shop Silk Pants

EAVES Loretta Silk Pants

Enza Costa Silk Satin Pantlet

Reformation Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

CAMI NYC Bristol Satin Pants

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.

Shop Sporty Jackets

EAVES Aila Sport Jacket

Zw Collection 100% Linen Bomber Jacket

THEORY Hooded Gathered Cotton-Blend Shell Jacket

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

LOULOU DE SAISON Samur High Waist Tapered Leg Jeans

AGOLDE 90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans

Reformation Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans

Reformation Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans