Two Celebrity Stylists Pick Can’t-Miss Fall Wardrobe Staples

Neil Patrick Harris's pals Sam Spector and Eliza Yerry on the latest fall trends that will fit any wardrobe

September 5, 2022 6:01 am
Your fall staples, below
Your fall staples, below
Farfetch; Nordstrom; Mr Porter; G.H. Bass; Mack Weldon/Sunspel

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Hello reader, celebrity stylist Sam Spector here! My pal Neil Patrick Harris asked me to pass along some ideas for classic wardrobe staples that will always serve you as solid, essential standbys, especially as we head into fall. I’m more than happy to oblige.

The great thing about fall is that it gives you a ton of flexibility: layer up, layer down, go crazy. Depending on where you live, it may still be warm enough to put a cozier twist on your summertime pieces (see my tank top rec down below), or it may be getting quickly chilly (knitwear is your friend). This year’s fall trends really lean into these elements. So here are 3 staples everybody needs, all of which are perfect for autumn 2022, but versatile enough that they can be added to your dresser and called upon whenever needed, all year round.

KNITWEAR

Everyone’s wardrobe needs great knitwear. Something that can transition into every season. Classic pieces, that can be worn alone or for layering, should be woven (pun intended) into every closet.

ASOS Design oversized knitted sweater $50
Folk knitted sweater $240
John Smedley easy fit merino crew $300 

TANK TOPS

Tanks are having a big moment right now and are a closet staple I recommend…even as the temps start to dip. That’s because they can be worn several different ways: on their own with jeans or trousers, or as a layering piece with a camp-collar shirt — even as the only underpinning with a causal suit.

Hanes men’s tank top, 6-pack $19
Mack Weldon 18-hour jersey rib tank $28
Sunspel superfine cotton underwear vest $50

PENNY LOAFERS

This classic style can work with shorts or trousers, worn sockless or with a statement sock; it can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile shoe that every man should try to master. The original G.H. Bass version, for example, has been updated with a chunkier lug sole, which makes it adaptable to the wide-leg trouser moment we are currently seeing.

Florsheim Berkley moc toe penny loafer $125
G.H. Bass Larson colorblock Weejuns $155
G.H. Bass Larson super lug basic Weejuns $165

AND NOW FOR THE LADIES (OR THE LADIES IN YOUR LIFE)…

I’m Eliza Yerry, a New York City-based stylist who’s here to share some of the female fall trends I’m most excited about. So like a freshly raked pile of leaves, let’s dive in!

BOMBER JACKETS

Although bomber jackets have been in style for a while, get ready to see a lot more of them this fall. Bombers hit the runways for Celine, Christian Dior, Elie Saab, Givenchy, Prada and Etro…just to name a few. The best part about this trend is that there is a bomber jacket for everyone: sporty, feminine, lightweight or for winter weather! 

Zara rhinestone bomber limited edition $169
Frankie Shop Astra bomber jacket $290
Chloé ruffled padded wool-blend bomber jacket $3,555

LEATHER BLAZERS

Leather has made the full leap from edgy to classy. And it went from being popular in jackets to blazers. This look also falls into the “boyfriend look,” with the addition of shoulder pads, but comes off as a little more feminine. The leather blazer can be paired with matching bottoms, or be used to introduce a new color to an outfit. This should be a staple in everyone’s closet — it provides not only style, but practicality.

Abercrombie vegan leather blazer $140
Alice + Olivia Denny vegan leather notch-collar blazer $465
Versace Medusa Nappa leather blazer $4,475

DAD TROUSERS

The dad trouser has perfected the idea of cozy meets tailoring. With a paper-bag waist similar to a pair of men’s pants and a slouchy leg fit, these pants are the definition of elevated comfort. There are quite a few details that allow them to stand apart from each other, like different hems, colors and waistlines. But whichever you choose, these pants are crucial to any fall wardrobe if you want that sophisticated-yet-comfortable look. Another touch that is equally important is creamy caramel colors — kill two birds with one stone with this trend!

ASOS Stradivarius super-wide-leg tailored pants $41
Favorite Daughter Favorite Pant $218
Proenza Schouler wide-leg cotton gabardine pants $1,190

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