Style

Basics Are Trending For Fall: Here's How To Make Them Stand Out

'Tis the season for fashion-forward basics and I can’t get enough. Closet staples are one of the biggest trends of 2022 and I’m challenging myself to turn a simple wardrobe into a fall uniform made up of everyday essentials that combine comfort, warmth, and style. When it comes to your wardrobe this season, it’s what you buy and how you wear it that makes these timeless pieces effortlessly chicer than the rest.

Lately, I’ve been into a much more minimal aesthetic, however, I love incorporating cool designer items that add even more character to my look. With just a handful of foundational items that are extremely versatile, I believe investing in quality, comfort, and fit can easily elevate simple wardrobe staples for years to come.

Keep scrolling to see how I wear my everyday items that are far from "basic” and key to looking and feeling stylish this fall.

Look 1: White Tee + Wide Leg Trouser + Trench Coat + Chunky Boot + Mini Shopper

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Oversized t-shirts have had me in a chokehold as of late, completely taking over as the main staple of my fall uniform. This season, I’ve been inclined to show less skin and achieve more comfort, challenging myself to create functional and stylish looks to go about my busy day. In addition to oversized tees, I love wide-leg trousers for just about any occasion.

For this look, I paired a men’s white t-shirt with these black satin-trimmed wide-leg Acne pants to add a cool approach to this relaxed look. Mixing high-priced items with high-quality basics can elevate a casual outfit instantly. For a wide range of options including this boxy fit, Uniqlo has a fantastic selection of affordable essentials.

Topping off this neutral look with a beige trench coat, chunky boots, and a mini Telfar shopper, I felt like the epitome of comfy chic.

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole


Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Look 2: Ribbed Tank + Denim Jacket + Tennis Skirt + Ankle Boots

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

A ribbed tank top is another great foundational item to include in your capsule rotation. Perfect to pair underneath lightweight jackets and knits, you can layer with just about anything this fall. I love this tank from COS as it's the perfect fit and length, providing the perfect quality, comfort, and silhouette.

For this weekend look, I paired a black pleated mini skirt along with an oversized unwashed denim jacket to incorporate a couple of the season's trends. Completing this look are the infamous ankle boots by Maison Margiela that are the perfect fashion-forward designer staple.

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Look 3: Cropped Button Down + Fitted Top + Leather Jacket + Pleated Midi Skirt + Knee High Boots 

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Another one of my favorite staples to keep on steady rotation for fall is an oversized cropped button-down. Perfect for those of us that like to mix current trends with classic styles, layering this basic is a great way to effortlessly elevate a cute and casual look. I’m currently obsessed with the late 90s/early 2000s pleated midi skirt era, so I couldn't wait to style with a few of my favorite basics.

For an overall minimal approach, I went with neutral tones along with a black leather jacket, Agolde fitted top, square-toe knee-high boots, and black Gucci frames to complete this daytime look.

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole