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, but wardrobe basics. It's only once I have these foundational items secured that 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 are what will become the bases to so many cool outfits and the items we'll see fashion people mix and remix over the course of the next few months. In other words, they're basics, just a little fresher. I did some digging and am pulling 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.

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rag & bone

The Vee Slub Cotton T-Shirt

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 just a fresh feel to simple denim ensembles

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Levi's

Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans

Haikure

Candy Pleated Wide Leg Jeans

Pistola

Lexi Mid Rise Bowed Straight Leg Jeans

Lace-Trim Skirts

2025 is the year of the lace-trimmed item and lace-trim skirt 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.

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ME+EM

Floral Lace Trim Slip Skirt

ZARA

Satin Effect Lace Skirt Zw Collection

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.

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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 they're worn tucked into jeans or trousers or tied around the waist.

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PROENZA SCHOULER

Bronwen Checked Twill Shirt

SANDRO

Rhinestone Checkered Shirt

Rails

Hunter Plaid Button-Up Shirt

Silk Pants

Denim isn't going anywhere, but this fall, elegance is still top of mind and that means sophisticated jean alternatives like silk bias pants are bubbling up. Expect to see these feature as the base to some of the chicest outfits this season.

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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 "fashion" rather function? Styling it with a pair of pants or a skirt with the complete opposite vibe.

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ZARA

100% Linen Bomber Jacket Zw Collection

THEORY

Hooded Gathered Cotton-Blend Shell Jacket

Dark-Rinse Denim

It is fall, after all, so of course we're pulling out our classic denim no matter how many more forward trends emerge. Dark rinses are the blue jeans of the moment and the indigo hue lends an immediately elevated feel to whatever they're worn with.

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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