I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves to Plan Ahead—31 Fall Essentials I'm Shopping for Early

In the fall and into winter and spring, no wardrobe item is more essential than a classic cashmere crewneck sweater. I prefer colors that are more pared back, like gray, navy, brown, and black, but honestly, as long as the fabric is high-quality, I'll never pass up cashmere. J.Crew's offering is consistently incredible, especially for the affordable price point.

Whenever I'm lost about what to wear in the morning, I default to baggy denim, a cashmere knit, and some luxurious accessories. It's an effortless and still polished combination that's never done me wrong.

These merlot-colored almond-toe flats are so rich looking, and they only cost $130. If you like flats but aren't the biggest fan of ballet styles, try this grown-up alternative.

A Cartier Tank isn't just for fall. It's an all-year-round accessory that will make everyone who passes you on the street green with envy.

Camisoles are having a moment right now. Their ultra-simple shape and design make them perfect for pairing with louder bottoms, from patterned midi skirts to voluminous Bermuda shorts.

I was just in Paris at the Carven store and fell so hard for the black version of these Bermuda shorts. I was bummed that I didn't buy them until I saw that the white pair was still available at Net-a-Porter.

Black slingbacks belong in everyone's wardrobe, not just mine. They're perfect for any season since you can easily style them with tights when the temps drop and dress up every outfit they're paired with.

Everyone in fashion knows that a good, sleek coat can transform even the most boring of outfits into something spectacular. And if anyone knows how to make a truly beautiful piece of outerwear, it's Talia Loubaton, the founder of Liberowe.

This gorgeous LBD with a high neck and very low back is the kind of frock you want to have on hand whenever any somewhat formal occasion comes around so you're not stumped about what to wear. Summer might be known for weddings, but they occur in autumn too, so it's best to be ready.

I wear sunglasses every single day of the year, whether it's 90ºF and sunny or 45ºF and overcast, so when I find a pair that I like and that will go with everything in my wardrobe, I snatch it up, sometimes even doubling the order just in case I misplace one. These cat-eye shades from Saint Laurent caught my eye a bit ago and have stuck with me ever since. They're very cool yet timeless. 

If you want a sleeveless top that's more dressed up than a tank, opt for a sculpted vest. It'll look so expensive and elevated without any additional effort.

This is the year of capri pants. I might not be able to get away with wearing them toward the end of fall, but for September and early October, I'll be opting for the cropped bottoms every chance I get.

There's something so put-together and elegant about a pair of satin shoes, specifically heels like these from Reformation. Sure, satin isn't the most practical fabric choice for footwear, but it'll always look chic, and for me at least, that's what often takes precedence.

This rib-knit, boatneck tank top isn't like the white, semi-sheer versions that are likely crumpled up in your dresser drawer. It's perfectly structured to look elegant every time it gets selected for an outfit and goes with all bottoms, from midi skirts and Bermuda shorts to trousers and jeans.

For an immediate outfit upgrade, I like to toss on a collar-style necklace. Whether you're wearing a T-shirt and jeans or a LBD, this jewelry option will always do the trick.

Thanks to Chemena Kamali's Chloé debut for fall 2024, boho is back, suddenly becoming the one trend that I need to get my hands on most ahead of autumn's arrival.

Without question, a pair of timeless black pumps is a must for fall, especially when styled with sheer tights. I love the crisscross straps on this pair and the slightly chunkier heel that'll help me stay vertical.

This photo doesn't do this perfect skirt justice. I've been searching for a double-layer midi skirt for fashion month this fall, but it wasn't until I found this one that I knew I had to actually have one. The white underlayer adds such a cool, dimensional touch that my wardrobe's been craving.

You can never have too many trench coats, especially since there are so many subtly different styles to choose from. I've been searching for a gray version ever since spotting an out-of-my-price-range option from The Row, and this H&M alt checks off every box.

I love a fitted tee as much as the next person, but I've been into relaxed-fit dressing over the last few months and am excited to try it out during the cooler months. An oversize tee with silky pants or relaxed denim gives off an air of effortlessness that I strive for daily.

I'm not the sportiest dresser, but something about a technical jacket or pullover has me smitten. I love how they look with baggy white jeans, black poplin trousers, and capris. There's really no wrong way to wear this trend—it just balances an outfit out so nicely.

For glorified pajama pants, satin trousers can look seriously chic and expensive. I always see stylists and editors in NYC pairing them with cool tailored outerwear and mesh flats and envy their outfits endlessly.

For a relaxed, effortless look, you can't go wrong with a classic barn coat, preferably one made of waxed cotton that'll stand up against the elements while being on-trend and super chic.

I know, I know, a statement hat doesn't feel "essential," but this year, after some big-deal sightings during recent runway seasons at Prada, Alaïa, The Row, and Altuzarra, headgear is downright critical to looking on-trend and in the know come fall.

I love a light-wash, vintage pair of jeans just as much as anyone, but when you want a more upscale aesthetic without wearing trousers or a skirt, only darker washes will do. 

Black ankle boots are arguably the most classic shoe choice for fall, but this pair is a step beyond the rest. The fitted ankle shaft makes the Nevada boots perfect for wearing with fitted jeans, while the Western touches add a unique flair that every cool person you pass will appreciate.

I'm not a blanket-scarf person, but an elegant, sheer alt like this one is definitely up my alley. Throw it over a tank with trousers or jeans and voilà! You look like a 1950s-turned-2020s style genius.

I've never been so intrigued by a pair of pants in my life. People swear by these, and after seeing a friend wear them in Paris with Chanel slingbacks and a red sweater effortlessly tied around her shoulders, I'm convinced that I need a pair.

Is it just me, or does this top look just like one that Kate Moss would wear to castings and after runway shows in the '90s? The high neck, three-quarter-length sleeves, and fitted bodice are so her. 

Thanks to Prada, Bottega Veneta, and more, voluminous A-line skirts are officially vying for the spots that micro minis once took up in my closet. 

Clutches always felt a little yawn to me, but this east-west take on Bottega Veneta's Andiamo bag is chic enough to make me rethink my opinion about them. I stopped into the store recently in Paris and drooled over Barolo and more colors.