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I’m a Shopping Editor. Here Are the 17 Items I’m Most Excited to Buy This Fall

Your fall shopping list awaits

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Shopping Editor Fall Shopping List: collage of editor-approved fashion selections for fall
Dasha Burobina for PureWow

Confession: I shop all the time. (It’s in my job title, after all.) But can I let you in on a little secret? Fall clothing shopping is my absolute favorite, and here’s why: Fall brings unexpected and expected changes, like the colorful foliage, rain showers at the drop of a hat, frigid mornings, warm days and holiday prep work. Naturally, my closet will see some variation as well. Away with the linen frocks and in with knits, cashmere and cotton blends. If it’s fall-inspired, I want everything to do with it. Whether you’re having a difficult time sifting through the hodge-podge of options on the market or are looking for some à la mode fashion inspiration, I curated a list of 17 items I’m buying this fall to help you shop (and give me an excuse to feed my addiction). From a Reformation fiery red cashmere sweater ($168) to an Amazon cozy sweater dress ($37) I’ll be living in, here’s everything on my fall must-haves.

The Best Items I’m Buying for Fall at a Glance

1

Best Staple Sweater

Reformation Dana Cashmere Crew Sweater

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2

Best Sweatshirt

Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece

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3

Best Sporty Shoe

adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

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4

Best Timeless Top

Faithfull the Brand Antipas Tunic Top Black

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5

Best Knit Dress

AFRM x Revolve Juniper Dress

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Best Staple Sweater

1. Reformation Dana Cashmere Crew Sweater

Reformation

  • Material: recycled cashmere, cashmere
  • Size Range: XS to XL

One word: Wow. If you know me, then you know I’m not big on red…like, at all. Call it mercury in retrograde or the influence of the hottest fall color trend, but I am all in on this Ferrari red cashmere crew sweater from Reformation. It’s elegant, full-length, tailored, traditional and soft, folks. What more could you want? And heck, it’s time to shake up my style and ease up on my oversize garments, because there’s something exceedingly classy and sexy about a nicely tailored look. In a perfect world, I’m purchasing the matching Layla skirt ($158) and slinking on some red heals to copy the brand’s impeccable styling, but I’d also wear it with blue jeans and loafers.

Best Sweatshirt

2. Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece

Nike

  • Material: cotton, polyester
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL

To my brother-in-law’s dismay, I was just on the east coast visiting my sister for a month. While I was there, I noticed this Nike Phoenix fleece living in her closet and instead of snatching it while she wasn’t looking (as sister’s do), I’ve set out to purchase it for myself. Comprised of a cotton blend, this brushed sweatshirt has a boxy, voluminous fit that I want to live in all fall season long. It oozes cool athlesiure, especially with the dropped shoulders and exaggerated ribbing at the hem and cuffs. And did I mention that it comes in a total of 16colors, from a deep brown and Barbie pink to this staple heather grey.

Best Sporty Shoe

3. adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

adidas

  • Material: suede upper, rubber outsole
  • Size Range: 4.5 to 11

OK, I know the Sambas ($100) are all anyone can talk about at the moment, but to be honest…I’m sick of ‘em. Actually, I love them, but it feels like everyone and their mother has a pair. I’m embracing the Gazelles in its place. These iconic, bold and totally retro sneakers pay homage to their ‘70s origin in a modern way, with a stacked platform sole that tacks on an extra inch and a half to your height. As someone who loves basics and neutrals, it’ll come as no surprise when I divulge that I can’t pull off the metallic trend well. But this metallic gold suede seems understated yet unique enough to jazz up my current sneaker collection, and that pop of orange is pure perfection.

shopping editor fall shopping list: Faithfull the Brand Antipas Tunic Top Black
  • Material: linen (European Flax® & OEKO-TEX100 ® Certified)
  • Size Range: XS to XXL

I’m not usually one for sleeveless blouses, but this classy silhouette is too good to pass up. Made from a 100 percent European flax linen, this elevated tunic top is ideal for everything under the sun, like going to a dentist appointment, grocery-shopping or ring shopping with your significant other. It has a modest high neck and fitted design that’s slightly tapered at the waist and flares along the hips, plus there’s a matching Vicente pant ($229) to complete the look. There’s even a back waist tie that allows you to customize how tight or relaxed you want it to sit on your body. If you ask me, you can never have too many elegant essentials like this or the Mitras Tunic Top Black ($189) in your wardrobe.

Best Knit Dress

5. AFRM x Revolve Juniper Dress

AFRM x Revolve

  • Material: polyester
  • Size Range: XXS to 3X

I’ve been on the hunt for an affordable, comfortable and versatile fall dress for a hot minute. So when I laid my eyes on this AFRM x Revolve Juniper dress, it felt like I found my golden ticket. It’s a modest silhouette with gorgeous long sleeves and midi length; however, the model is about 5’11, so I’m going to assume this will sit more like a maxi on shorter women. On first glance, I was hesitant about the material’s durability and wear as it looked a little thin, but reviews assured me that the double-lined jersey fabric is smoothing, stretchy and thick (so it won’t lose its shape in the wash). There are endless ways to style it: with boots, under a blazer, with a chunky sweater or on its own, to name a few.

Best Everyday Earrings

6. Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Jenny Bird

  • Material: brass base, electroplated in 14k gold
  • Size Range: one size

My Jenny Bird obsession is out of this world, bar none. I love how the designs are daring yet very minimalist in nature, and this Nouveaux Puff earring is no exception. (Psst…anyone else getting major Bottega Venetta vibes?) These bulbous orbs are extremely voluminous—one may say ludicrously capacious, even—but that’s what makes them an ideal every day statement earring. These are made with a brass base and are electroplated in 14K gold, plus they come with a large backing to support the weight. (Although the hollowed-out design makes them surprisingly lightweight.) All this to say: I need these.

Best Blazer Dress

7. Abercrombie & Fitch Side-Tie Blazer Mini Dress

Abercrombie & Fitc

  • Material: polyester, viscose, elastane
  • Size Range: XXS to XL

Gigantic fits may be out this fall, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get our oversize blazer fix via this mini dress from Abercrombie & Fitch. From the office to happy hour, this LBB (little black blazer) is versatile and easy to dress up or down no matter the occasion. There’s a thin side belt tie that’s entirely functional, so you can cinch it to your liking. It has classic lapels and a chest pocket just like a traditional blazer, and it’ll look great in kitten heels or with knee-high boots and tights come the chilly weather.

Best Two-in-One Cardigan

8. Sézane Gaspard Cardigan

Sézane

  • Material: mohair, baby alpaca, polyamide
  • Size Range: XXS to XXXL

I’ve been staring at this Sézane cardigan for the past year and now that the seasons are changing, I finally have reason to splurge and treat myself to this cozy two-in-one basic. The best-selling sweater is made in Italy from a luxuriously soft, lightweight rib knit that should be hand washed in cold water to preserve its quality. Its dual design lets you style as a true cardigan with the buttons at the front as a jumper with the button closures facing towards the back. Speaking of buttons, this number features lustrous mother-of-pearl buttons that complement the understated elegance of this piece.

Best Knee-High Boots

9. Boden Erica Knee High Leather Boots

Boden

  • Material: leather, suede
  • Size Range: 36 to 42

Knee-high boots are my weakness, especially when they come in a dark chocolate leather and look like these stunners from Boden. Made from a soft leather and suede, these zip-on structured boots stop two inches below the kneecap with a shaft that stays put and doesn’t slouch when walking. The round toe is ideal for comfort purposes, as it provides enough room for your toes to breathe and avoid blisters, plus the boots have a wide calf that won’t suffocate or chafe your legs. And I love that the heel (which is slightly over two-and-a-half inches in height) is neither flat nor too high to walk in all day long.

Best Jeans

10. Frame Rolled-Cuff Jeans

Frame

  • Material: cotton
  • Size Range: 23 to 33

Ever since I saw fashion stylist and Who What Wear contributor Monikh Dale wear these Frame rolled-cuff jeans on her Instagram, they’ve all but consumed my mind 24/7. Slouchy in nature, this designer jean has a high waist and is fitted at the hips. You can expect this pair won’t have too much stretch or give since it’s made from 100 percent denim. For that reason, you may want to refrain from washing it in warm water or throwing it in the dryer to prevent possible shrinkage…unless, of course, you want it to shrink. It features a deep-V yoke at the back that’s flattering and accentuates your butt, which is a significant detail that’s hard to come by in baggy denim. For more definition, add a Khaite-inspired Benny Belt ($550) like this L’Acadamie Eyelet belt ($128) from Revolve.

Best Knit Top

11. H&M Rib-Knit Crop Top

H&M

  • Material: rayon, polyamide
  • Size Range: XS to XXL

A long-sleeve knit top is a must-have in any capsule wardrobe. It’s seasonless and can be worn with anything, from a silk midi skirt to jeans to trousers. I own about three of them, but this one is getting added to the collection ASAP. It has a lovely boat neck that frames the décolletage tastefully, and I appreciate that it has a cropped fit that’ll suit anything high rise. If you’re looking for something stretchy and comfortable enough to wear all day long, a ribbed material is the way to go this fall. The best part? The sleeves have the most darling slits along the cuff that take this from basic to noteworthy.

  • Material: nylon, lycra
  • Size Range: XXS to XL

I frequent the gym every day, so you can bet my leggings have seen and been through enough. Enter: the Athleta Elation tights. They’re made from the brand’s Powervita™ fabric that’s purportedly buttery soft, sweat-wicking and breathable. Not only that, but it dries quickly, per the brand, so these are ideal if you’re a sweater (like me) and struggle with the occasional vagina sweat. (TMI?) From weightlifting to Lagree and yoga class, it’s comforting to know the waistband won’t roll or flap down thanks to that ultra high-rise fit and unmatched compression that’ll snatch you in. Basically, they’re meant to move with you, not on you. At 7/8, the tights hit just above the ankle and are available in two additional lengths (tall and petite) and multiple colors, like a bright purple and navy.

Best Tote

13. Vince Camuto Puffy Woven Dayah Tote

Vince Camuto

  • Material: polyester, linen, cotton, polyurethane
  • Size Range: one size

Forget the puffer coat. I’m all about the rise of the puffer tote. And this Vince Camuto bag is at the top of my list. For the past six months I’ve slowly been seeing puffer totes gain momentum on Instagram, sported by the likes of fitness guru Whitney Simmons as a gym bag and DEZI SKIN founder Desi Perkins as a diaper bag. I love that it can shapeshift into anything you need it to be and remain comfortable—the bread-and-butter people. Imagine slinging this woven beauty along for the weekend—I think I just found my new travel carry-on.

Best Leather Jacket

14. Zara Faux Leather Crop Jacket

Zara

  • Material: polyester
  • Size Range: XS to XL

Another item to check off the list? A leather jacket. I appreciate the clean, straight lines on this Zara number, as it provides more structure than what would otherwise be your typical grungy, lived-in conventional leather jacket. This one is cropped, has a lapel collar, metal zip closure and pocket detail along the chest. It’s simple, sleek and sophisticated enough to style on its own as a shirt.

Best Sweater Dress

15. Lillusory Turtleneck Oversized Sweater Dress

Lillusory

  • Material: acrylic
  • Size Range: S to XL

Sweater dresses for fall? Groundbreaking. All jokes aside, sweater dresses are one of my favorite pieces to wear for all the fun fall activities, from apple picking, Saturdays at the farmers market and by the bonfire with a Merlot in hand. This oversize turtleneck dress from Amazon has a perfect rating amongst reviewers and is the ideal sweater dress on my list. It features long bell sleeves, a slouchy fit and ribbed details along the cuff and hemline. Plus, it comes in five colorways, from army green to caramel to black, but this rich neutral nutmeg stole the show. What sold me? The buttery-soft fabric that the brand promises warmth and comfort whether I’m lounging at home or attending a party.

Best Knit Skirt

16. Mango Knitted Skirt

Mango

  • Material: cotton, elastane
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL

Are you sensing a theme here? Come fall, I want to be buried in knits because they’re soft, flexible and feel like a second skin. Case in point? This gray Mango skit that’s made from a cotton blend. Its sleek, seamless fit immediately caught my eye. And I love how it has a stretchy, elasticated waistband in place of zips, buttons or stitching that might distract from its minimalist design. The best part? The fit is customizable thanks to the shapeshifting knit, so you can wear it high-rise, mid-waist or low-rise if your heart desires.

Best Basic T-Shirt

17. SKIMS Stretch Cotton T-Shirt

SKIMS

  • Material: cotton, elastane
  • Size Range: XXS to 4X

It’s time to replenish my basic T-shirts and toss out my raggedy few that are branded with sweat stains. A few months ago I decided to make my first SKIMS bodysuit purchase, and let me tell you…it did not disappoint. The only problem? I don’t wear bodysuits all that often—mostly because they flatten my chest and leave my hoo-ha sore (IYKYK), plus I’m looking for something that’ll be easy to layer under sweaters, vests and the like. So that’s where this fitted stretch cotton T-shirt comes in. Made from the brand’s famous stretch cotton jersey, you can expect this to feel buttery soft against your skin and—if it’s anything like the cotton bodysuit I own—astonishingly stretchy. Psst…it’s tumble dry-friendly, too.

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Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Stephanie is a natural savant in the fashion, beauty, and dating & relationships beats. She graduated with a bachelor of arts at the University of San Diego, where she majored...

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