
At the start of a new shopping season, the first step is always the basics. For fall, that usually means throwing out your old sweaters and replacing those sweat-stained white tees. But for those of us who take fall wardrobe building very seriously, the process doesn’t likely stop there.
While we’ve been hardwired to shop for timeless basics at our favorite retailers, this year, we’re looking elsewhere for wardrobe essentials: the runway. Yep, we’re ditching the boring all-year-round staples we usually buy, and trading them in for basics that are a bit more, well, out there. From tailor-made blazers and chunky knits to trendy corsets and milkmaid dresses, we’re here to argue that fall 2019’s basics are a step above the rest.
This season, avoid being (too) basic by instead shopping this selection of elevated fall essentials.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

The Blazer
& Other Stories Hourglass Houndstooth Blazer, $179, available at & Other StoriesPhoto Courtesy of & Other Stories.

The Ribbed Skirt
Wilfred Knit Midi Slit Skirt, $110, available at AritziaPhoto Courtesy of Aritzia.

The Shearling Jacket
The Arrivals Kala, $895, available at The ArrivalsPhoto Courtesy of The Arrivals.

The Jumpsuit
ASOS CURVE Curve Denim Belted Jumpsuit, $76, available at ASOSPhoto Courtesy of ASOS.

The Vintage Denim
Moussy Vintage Viola Ripped Straight Leg Jeans, $350, available at NordstromPhoto Courtesy of Nordstrom.

The Platform Boot
Zara Animal Print Platform Ankle Boots, $69.9, available at ZaraPhoto Courtesy of Zara.

The Prairie Dress
Batsheva Puff Sleeve Cotton Corduroy Dress, $529, available at MatchesFashion.comPhoto Courtesy of Matches Fashion.

The Bike Short
H&M Plus Plus-Size Cycling Shorts, $9.99, available at H&M

The Baguette Bag
Pêche Jackie Bag, $93, available at PêchePhoto Courtesy of Pêche.

The Sweater Dress
Violeta By Mango Plus-Size Ribbed Long Cardigan, $99.99, available at MangoPhoto Courtesy of Mango.

The Loafer
Vagabond Kenova Loafer, $130, available at Urban OutfittersPhoto Courtesy of Urban Outfitters.

The Chunky Knit
Acne Studios Deep V-Neck Sweater, $390, available at Acne StudiosPhoto Courtesy of Acne Studios.

The Tank Dress
Universal Standard Foundation Cami Dress, $45, available at Universal StandardPhoto Courtesy of Universal Standard.

The Mule
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Romeo Mules, $582, available at ShopbopPhoto Courtesy of Shopbop.

The Cardigan
Musier Paris Clara Cardigan, $75, available at Musier ParisPhoto Courtesy of Musier Paris.

The Leather Pants
H&M Ankle-Length Leather Pants, $299, available at H&MPhoto Courtesy of H&M.

The Little White Top
Ganni Cotton Poplin Collar Blouse, $145, available at Lisa Says GahPhoto Courtesy of Lisa Says Gah.

The Oxford
Essen The Modern Oxford, $239, available at EssenPhoto Courtesy of Essen.

The Trouser
The Frankie Shop Side-Belt Beige Pants with Black Contrast Piping, $165, available at The Frankie ShopPhoto Courtesy of The Frankie Shop.

The Slip Skirt
Farrow Marie Embroidered Skirt, $88, available at Need SupplyPhoto Courtesy of Need Supply.

The Cowboy Boot
Topshop Honour Western Boots, $170, available at TopshopPhoto Courtesy of Topshop.

The White Tank
Free People Cropped Seamless Muscle Tank, $20, available at Free PeoplePhoto Courtesy of Free People.

The Leather Jacket
Eloquii Moto Jacket, $109.95, available at EloquiiPhoto Courtesy of Eloquii.

The Corset
Orseund Iris Ribbed-Knit Corset, $175, available at Net-A-PorterPhoto Courtesy of Net-A-Porter.

The Sweatshirt
Pull & Bear Tie Dye Sweatshirt, $1, available at Pull & BearPhoto Courtesy of Pull & Bear.
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Source: Refinery29 – Eliza Huber