Some people think the holiday season is the best time of year, but I believe it’s actually now. It’s peak August, which means I can relax on a lounge chair on weekends while shopping for fall (my favorite season to dress for) since the new arrivals have started to land. It really doesn’t get better than that, and honestly, that’s exactly what my schedule looked like last Saturday and Sunday.
While sunbathing and layering with sunscreen, I had my phone’s browser working overtime—all of the tabs were open. I focused mainly on three sites: J.Crew, Madewell, and COS. I’ve always known they offered great pieces, but their new fall collections look especially elegant and expensive. In just minutes, my digital shopping carts filled up with high-fashion basics like vintage-style straight-leg jeans, fitted cardigans, cinch-waist jackets, croc-embossed belts, sock boots, silk pants, and perfect white tees. Essentially, there was everything I needed to build the ultimate capsule wardrobe. And the best part? I don’t have to wait until fall to start wearing them. Interested to see what I found? Scroll down to shop the 35 items. Trust me, they’re worth your time and wallet.
Madewell
Madewell
The Longline Straight Jeans
Rumor has it these new jeans fit similarly to Khaite’s Danielle jeans.
Madewell
Cabochon-Studded Leather Western Belt
Every season, Madewell comes out with an It belt, and for fall, this cabochon-studded one will be it.
Madewell
Double-Breasted Trench Coat in Plaid
Plaid is a quintessential fall pattern, but this season, it’s getting an update. This trench shows just how elevated the print could look.
Madewell
Poplin V-Neck Circle Midi Dress
Style with knee-high boots and a suede bag for a day-to-night look.
Madewell
The Mylie Ballet Flats
You’ll want these soft and sleek ballet flats in every color.
Madewell
Boxy-Crop Jacket
I walked into the Madewell store in SoHo this week and saw at least three customers trying this suede jacket on.
Madewell
Poplin Easy Y-Neck Button-Up Shirt
It’s called the “Easy” shirt for a reason.
Madewell
The Balloon Jean
Finding barrel-leg jeans that truly flatter can be difficult; however, this new cut does just that.
Madewell
The Top-Zip Shoulder Bag in Suede
This silhouette is everything. Choose between brown, red, and black suede.
COS
COS
Crew-Neck Cotton T-Shirt
This isn’t just any white tee; it’s one that fits perfectly, whether tucked into jeans or left out.
COS
Cropped Trench Coat Cape
This medium-blue wash reminds me of the vintage jeans styles worn casually by models like Kate Moss and Tyra Banks in the ’90s.
COS
Minimal Leather Sneakers
The next hue COS has added to its lineup of best-selling Minimal Leather Sneakers is this stunning, expensive-looking navy blue.
COS
Draped-Collar Merino Wool Dress
Wear this alone with flats or wrap a belt around it to cinch the waist.
COS
Croc-Effect Leather Belt
This looks like a Saint Laurent belt, without the logo, of course.
COS
Cotton Utility Jacket
I can’t choose if I like this jacket better in the navy or khaki. What do you think?
I’m normally not one to experiment with color, but this muted blue almost feels like a neutral.
Style with the matching Cropped Jersey T-Shirt ($79).
The handwoven leather detailing will add such nice depth to any basic outfit.
COS
Curved-Hem Cotton Blouse
A top I’ll be wearing all fall and winter with jeans, trousers, and textured skirts—similar to the one styled here.
COS
Relaxed Fluid Wide-Leg Pants
Every capsule wardrobe needs a pair of black wide-leg pants.
J.Crew
J.Crew
Perfect Cashmere Cardigan Sweater
This sweater also comes in pink, mint, white, black, navy, and olive green, but I think the dark brown looks the richest.
Silk and satin pants are anticipated to be a top trend for fall 2025. Celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kendall Jenner, and Elsa Hosk are already wearing them.
J.Crew
Berkeley Large Tote
An actually chic work bag that can fit a laptop, headphones, a notebook, and a change of shoes.
J.Crew
Broken-In Barn Jacket
Last fall, beige and khaki barn jackets were popular, but this year, it’s time for red and blue ones to dominate.
J.Crew
Nipped Straight Jean
This silhouette falls somewhere between cigarette jeans and a typical straight-leg.
J.Crew
New Stevie Ankle Boots
J.Crew updated its best-selling Stevie boot. The new version keeps the popular kitten heel and pointed toe but adds a sock-like ankle design for a sleek, modern vibe.
J.Crew
Boatneck Mixy Dress
To save for the holidays or wear now with flats and a straw bag.
J.Crew
Leather Cord Pendant Necklace
It girls everywhere can’t get enough of corded pendant necklaces.
J.Crew
Collection Cropped Flight Jacket
If you’re going to splurge on anything from this edit, make it this flight jacket. At least that’d be my choice.
J.Crew
Perfect Rib Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
This is a casual and easy layering piece that would look polished when peeking out from underneath a chunky sweater or a lightweight jacket.
J.Crew
New Delaney Kickout Sweater Pants
Thanks to J.Crew, you no longer have to save up to invest in High Sport’s viral kick-flare pants. These look just like them but are half the price.
J.Crew
Berkeley Bucket Bag
Despite owning many designer bags, I can say this bucket bag often becomes my go-to because it’s compact yet holds a lot and, most importantly, stays in place when sitting on my shoulder.
