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uniforms
September 25, 2015

37 Great Basics for Updating Your Wardrobe This Fall

By Diana Tsui

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No season feels more like a fresh start than fall. Maybe it’s all the new clothes in stores or memories of heading back to school, but suddenly you want to take a long, hard look at your closet. Before you go crazy and decide you need to buy all the latest trendy pieces, take a step back and reassess your wardrobe. The smartest upgrade comes in the form of refreshing your basics in favor of new staples.

Is that wool coat on its last legs? Trade it in for a sleek camel topper from Uniqlo or a crisp white wrap style from Mango — both look far more expensive than they are. Need a new white shirt that goes with everything? COS has a longer tunic style that pairs nicely with jeans or trousers. From boots to bags to lingerie, click ahead to see the best new basics of the season.

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Dressy Shoes  It's always smart to have nice shoes in varying heel heights. These pointy J.Crew flats feel refined enough to wear with dress... Dressy Shoes  It's always smart to have nice shoes in varying heel heights. These pointy J.Crew flats feel refined enough to wear with dresses and work clothes. Take it up a notch (and a few inches) with these strappy Massimo Dutti pumps, while ASOS's minimalist silver sandals are handy for any fancy events or even just sprucing up jeans for a night out.
A Sleek Bag for Every Occasion During the weekdays, this lizard-embossed Whistles tote has enough room for everything from gym clothes to your lu... A Sleek Bag for Every Occasion During the weekdays, this lizard-embossed Whistles tote has enough room for everything from gym clothes to your lunch. And when you want to lighten up on the weekend, Zara's cross-body looks pulled-together yet casual while Clare Vivier's silver clutch adds shine to any outfit.
Sensible Flat Boots For wet and chilly days, a pair of rainboots with extra-warm socks will do wonders. These are sleek enough to pass for a trad... Sensible Flat Boots For wet and chilly days, a pair of rainboots with extra-warm socks will do wonders. These are sleek enough to pass for a traditional leather style. And on sunny, cool days, you can throw on Jeffrey Campbell's flat pointed boots with everything from jeans to skirts. 
A Bright, Work-Friendly Sheath Add a blazer and you're good to go.
A New White Shirt This one is cut long and loose so you can wear it over pants or a skirt. 
A Menswear-Inspired Blazer A tailored blazer can pull together any outfit. During the weekdays you can slip a blouse under and look professional,... A Menswear-Inspired Blazer A tailored blazer can pull together any outfit. During the weekdays you can slip a blouse under and look professional, while on weekends it works well with a tee and jeans.
An Ultrawarm Parka If you're not into joining the flocks of people in Canada Goose this winter, here's an equally warm alternative. Mad... An Ultrawarm Parka If you're not into joining the flocks of people in Canada Goose this winter, here's an equally warm alternative. Made with an ultrathick liner that you can remove, this Arrivals parka is also wind- and waterproof.
A Time-Saving Black Dress On those mornings when you would really rather hit the snooze button an extra few times, you can throw this on at the v... A Time-Saving Black Dress On those mornings when you would really rather hit the snooze button an extra few times, you can throw this on at the very last minute and be dressed in a snap.
A Comfy White T-Shirt Made from a super-soft cotton blend and cut so that it skims the body, this is a great and versatile T-shirt. Added bonus: ... A Comfy White T-Shirt Made from a super-soft cotton blend and cut so that it skims the body, this is a great and versatile T-shirt. Added bonus: It's a handy layering piece under scratchy sweaters.
Updated Weekend Jeans Tired of skinny and boyfriend styles? Try this pair — they're high-waisted and cropped well above the ankle, and have ... Updated Weekend Jeans Tired of skinny and boyfriend styles? Try this pair — they're high-waisted and cropped well above the ankle, and have a flare that feels fresh.
The Updated Trouser You probably own at least one pair of cropped ankle trousers, so mix things up with other silhouettes like a high-waisted pai... The Updated Trouser You probably own at least one pair of cropped ankle trousers, so mix things up with other silhouettes like a high-waisted pair or a wide-leg style.
An Elegant Overcoat Considering that people will mostly see you in a coat during the cooler months, it makes sense to get a nice one. You can go ... An Elegant Overcoat Considering that people will mostly see you in a coat during the cooler months, it makes sense to get a nice one. You can go for classic camel or pull an Olivia Pope in a clean, white wrap style.
Chic Glasses If you need to wear them to see every day, why not invest in a high-quality pair that gives you the air of authority? And you can ne... Chic Glasses If you need to wear them to see every day, why not invest in a high-quality pair that gives you the air of authority? And you can never have too many classic sunglasses. These Warby Parkers were made in collaboration with Maiyet and feature an elegant oyster trim.
The Stacked-Heel Shoe Are you curious about the ugly-shoe trend but not yet fully convinced? This Zara pair features a stacked heel and squa... The Stacked-Heel Shoe Are you curious about the ugly-shoe trend but not yet fully convinced? This Zara pair features a stacked heel and squared-off toe but still looks classic enough that you won't feel too far outside your comfort zone.
Everyday Fine Jewelry Streamline your morning routine even more by splurging on pieces that you can wear day-in day-out — without worrying that t... Everyday Fine Jewelry Streamline your morning routine even more by splurging on pieces that you can wear day-in day-out — without worrying that they'll turn your skin green. This delicate gold-bar necklace looks great peeking out of a shirt and Hirotaka's earrings are the perfect size to perk up your face without being distracting.
Sexy-Yet-Comfy Lingerie For those who prefer an unpadded bra, this style not only fits well but is also ultraflattering. Worn with the matching b... Sexy-Yet-Comfy Lingerie For those who prefer an unpadded bra, this style not only fits well but is also ultraflattering. Worn with the matching briefs, it's a sexy (but not silly) matching set.
A Simple Tunic with Interesting Details & Other Stories collaborated with stylist and street-style star Ada Kokosar on a capsule collection t... A Simple Tunic with Interesting Details & Other Stories collaborated with stylist and street-style star Ada Kokosar on a capsule collection that features great basics with special touches. This tunic top has slits up the sides and on the sleeves to make it more interesting than your standard top.
A Cozy Turtleneck Because we love a white turtleneck.
Deceptively Simple Skirts The trick to these skirts is that they have little interesting details that make them look like they cost way more than... Deceptively Simple Skirts The trick to these skirts is that they have little interesting details that make them look like they cost way more than they actually do. COS's skirt features elegant pleating while the Trademark option has a sliver-thin fringe trim. They both will match everything in your closet.
A Rainy-Day Trenchcoat A dark-gray wool trim refreshes the classic silhouette.
Simple Sneakers Because you don't want to leave your house in slippers, these are the next best option.They're comfy and exactly what you want to... Simple Sneakers Because you don't want to leave your house in slippers, these are the next best option.They're comfy and exactly what you want to wear when your feet hurt.
A Slinky Slip Dress You could wear this alone or slip on a cozy, oversize cardigan for a night out.
A Sophisticated Watch Yes, you can always check your phone for the time, but that's not the point: A classic black watch says you have your crap ... A Sophisticated Watch Yes, you can always check your phone for the time, but that's not the point: A classic black watch says you have your crap together.
A Really Warm, Oversize Scarf This Acne one is extra large so you can wear it wrapped around your shoulders in lieu of a jacket on cool days. And... A Really Warm, Oversize Scarf This Acne one is extra large so you can wear it wrapped around your shoulders in lieu of a jacket on cool days. And in the dead of winter you can swaddle your head against the wind.
A Classic Leather Jacket It's always tricky to find a nice leather jacket that doesn't cost a fortune. This Whistles one is just under $500, so i... A Classic Leather Jacket It's always tricky to find a nice leather jacket that doesn't cost a fortune. This Whistles one is just under $500, so it's still a bit of a splurge, but the stitching and leather quality make it a smart buy if you're in the market.
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