If You Only Buy 4 Items This Month, Make It These Must-Have Basics for Fall And Winter

Our editor highlights four must-have basics and exactly where to shop them.

By Swedan MargenNovember 3, 2026

If You Only Buy 4 Items This Month, Make It These Must-Have Basics for Fall And Winter

As a shopping editor, I spend countless hours tracking seasonal trends, browsing retail releases, and attending fashion previews. While I love a unique find just as much as the next fashion person, sometimes making sure you have a solid collection of basics is the best thing you can do for your wardrobe. Since fall is here and winter is around the corner. I decided to highlight a few must-have basics for fall and winter and where exactly to buy them.

Yes, you've read that correctly. I'm taking the guesswork out of shopping for cold-weather basics today. From everyday jeans you'll wear on repeat to fall boots made for walking, and so much more, I've got you covered. Keep scrolling to add some amazing basics to your wardrobe.

Shop the Best Must-Have Basics For Fall 2026

Best Jeans for Fall

Jeans just make sense for the cooler weather. Dark washes tends to be the go-to for fall and winter months, but you can't go wrong with a classic medium blue pair.

FRAME

The Cigarette Crop Straight Leg Jeans

Madewell

Petite Wide Jeans

Levi's

Ribcage High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

AGOLDE

Morgan Straight Leg Jeans

Levi's

Cinch High Waist Baggy Wide Leg Jeans

Pilcro

Izzie Relaxed Pull on Barrel Jeans

Pilcro

Kayden High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans

Best Sweaters for Fall

With sweater-weather in full swing. A solid knitwear collection is a necessity. Cashmere and wool fabrications reign supreme and v-necks are back on-trend.

ZARA

Jacquard Knit Sweater - Brown - S

ZARA

Chunky Knit Sweater

ZARA

Oversized Striped Wool Sweater

Nordstrom

V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Nordstrom

Brushed Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

J.Crew

Vintage Wool Rollneck™ Sweater

J.Crew

Perfect Cashmere Crewneck

Best Jackets for Fall

You can't go wrong with the fashion person favorite oversized bomber, but there are other styles to be on the look out for this season. Funnel-neck jackets are having a huge moment, and opt for a cape silhouette for a more elegant look.

ZARA

Faux Leather Drawstring Jacket - Dark Khaki - Xs

ZARA

Faux Leather Jacket

Banana Republic

Heritage Leather Barn Jacket

Banana Republic

Heritage Suede Fringe Jacket

Anthropologie

Reagan Faux Leather Bomber by Pilcro

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Moira Funnel Neck Utility Jacket

COS

Scarf Jacket

Best Boots for Fall

While I'm partial to tall boots, you can find a few ankle-length options that look chic and elevated. Brown and black leather and suede styles are the perfect go-to.