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We spent time with the fall outfits people are saving this year. The same handful of combinations keeps coming back. None of them is complicated; each one is a formula you can repeat all season with pieces you will still want next year.
Seven formulas
1. Navy sweater, wide-leg jeansA navy crewneck in wool or cashmere, a dark wide-leg jean and a loafer or ankle boot. Clean, Scandinavian, and the single most repeated look we found.
2. Brown knit, knee-high bootsA chocolate or camel sweater with a skirt or slim trouser, and a knee-high boot in brown leather or suede. Brown is still the color of the season.
3. The cardigan over a long skirtA cream knit cardigan buttoned over a printed or satin maxi skirt, with a flat boot. Soft, easy, and right for the office or the weekend.
4. The waxed jacket and the quiet layersA waxed or quilted country jacket over a fine knit and straight jeans. This is the "quiet luxury" look at its most wearable: good fabric, no logos.
5. Leopard and a crisp shirtA leopard sweater layered over a blue oxford shirt, with tailored trousers. A strong pattern grounded by something plain makes it work for the office.
6. Forest green, ribbedA ribbed sweater in deep green with tan trousers or a camel skirt. Business casual that does not look like a uniform.
7. The long coat over everythingA camel, chocolate or charcoal wool coat, cut long, over any of the above. If you invest in one piece this fall, make it this.
Where to spend
Spend on the coat, the boots and the knitwear, because they carry every formula above and last for years. Save on the jeans and the shirts, which are easier to replace and change shape with trends more often.
What to look for in a sweater
Cashmere or a high-quality merino in a tight, even knit. Hold it up to the light: if you can see through it easily, it will pill and lose shape quickly.
What to look for in a boot
Leather or suede uppers, a leather or rubber sole that can be replaced, and a shaft that holds its shape without slouching to the ankle.
