I Always Shop a Season Ahead, and I’m Eyeing 10 Fall Clothing Items

Is anyone else over these 90-degree days? I’m ready for the crisp winds, warm apple cider,  spiced candles, cardigans, and all things fall-related. I know I shouldn’t rush the seasons because winter is coming, but as a former fashion designer used to designing a few seasons ahead, I can’t help but think ahead. As a shopping editor, I also love seeing all my favorite brands’ fall rollouts, including Madewell, J.Crew, Free People, Gap, and others. So, I rounded up their best denim skirts, jeans, breezy button-up shirts, loafers, and more on my fall wishlist, and you can shop them starting at $25.

10 Editor-Approved Early Fall Fashion Picks:

• J.Crew Cotton Relaxed T-Shirt, $25 (Originally $50); jcrew.com
• Petal & Pup Dana Front-Slit Denim Midi Skirt, $69; nordstrom.com
• Gap Modern Rib Cardigan, $35 (Originally $45); gap.com
• J.Crew Amelia Maxi Shirtdress, $168; jcrew.com
• Madewell Utility Coveralls, $178; madewell.com
• Blanknyc Franklin High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans, $98; nordstrom.com
• Free People We The Free Freddie Striped Shirt, $128; freepeople.com
• Reformation Kendi Denim Midi Dress, $218; reformation.com
• Madewell The Nettie Heeled Mary Jane, $148; madewell.com
• Dream Pairs Penny Loafers, $34 (Originally $40); amazon.com

Petal & Pup Dana Front-Slit Denim Midi Skirt

One of my favorite transitional pieces is skirts. You can style them with a tank or tee in the summertime and throw on a cardigan or sweater in the fall. While I lean on the shorter side of skirts, regardless of season, and just layer, I’m adding Petal & Pup’s Dana Front-Slit Denim Midi Skirt to my rotation ahead of the seasonal shift. 

It comes in a light blue wash and sizes 2 through 12. The midi skirt is made from 100 percent cotton and features a high-waisted fit, a front slit for ease of movement, and a classic button and zipper closure. It also has function pockets at both the front and back of the skirt.

Free People We The Free Freddie Striped Shirt

Another of my go-to transitional pieces is a button-up like this Free People We The Free Freddie Striped Shirt. The more oversized, the better. I can wear it in the summer with a pair of shorts styled with a French tuck or as a swimsuit coverup. In the fall, it’s a match made in heaven under a chunky cardigan and a pair of my favorite jeans.

The Free People button-up shirt comes in six stripe options and sizes XS through XL. It’s made from 100 percent cotton and has a relaxed oversized fit that falls about mid-thigh, depending on height. The collared shirt also has a pocket at the front chest, dropped sleeves, cuffs that can be buttoned or unbuttoned, and a shirttail hem at the back for extra coverage. 

Blanknyc Franklin High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans

I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of black jeans for the last two years, and Blanknyc’s Franklin Jeans might be it. They have a high-waisted wide-leg fit, rips at the knees, and are made from soft, stretchy denim that flatters the figure. Plus, they come in sizes 24 to 31. Everyone needs a pair of classic black jeans going into fall, and with these being distressed and a silhouette that falls away from the body, they’re also great for summer. I’d just pair them with a tank or tee and layer with a cardigan or light jacket as it gets colder. 

Shop more fall fashion items on my wishlist below.

Gap Modern Rib Cardigan

J.Crew Amelia Maxi Shirtdress

Madewell Utility Coveralls

J.Crew Cotton Relaxed T-Shirt

Madewell The Nettie Heeled Mary Jane