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Zara
Count on Zara to have the season's key trends at the ready, as well as easy staple pieces. A pair of velvet boots or a mock neck sweater in burnt orange will instantly update standard-issue fall outfits, while an oversized cardigan and a classic biker jacket (not bad at $279 for real leather) will serve you for years.
Top: Leather jacket, $279; Cardigan, $50; Bottom: Velvet boots, $100; Turtleneck, $30.
J. Crew
J.Crew does an excellent job updating classic silhouettes in colors fresh for the season. Try a cocoon coat in mustard instead of black; a turtleneck in oatmeal instead of white; and cropped trousers in bordeaux as an alternative to navy or charcoal. Lastly, give your tired black ankle boots a rest and pick up a pair of suede knee-highs, which are just as versatile.
Top: Cocoon coat, $350; Sweater, $98; Bottom: Suede boots, $358; Cropped trousers, $98.
Topshop
We're loving long duster coats this season, and Topshop has a great version in green that's under $200. Tailored trousers and a close-fitting turtleneck sweater offer endless styling options from now 'til early spring, while faux-snakeskin boots inject pattern and texture.
Top: Duster coat, $170; Trousers, $38; Bottom: Snakeskin boots, $70; Sweater, $48.
H&M
Before hitting November's flashy Balmain collaboration, shop H&M for wardrobe building blocks like skinny jeans and inexpensive jackets. Check out their "premium quality" selection, too, which a hidden resource for staple pieces in wool, silk, cashmere, and suede.
Top: Wrap coat, $50; Denim jacket, $30; Bottom: Ripped jeans, $35; Silk shirt, $70.
Madewell
J.Crew's sister store knows how to do autumn. This blanket coat and flannel shirt are perfect layering pieces for dropping temperatures, while classic loafers and a pair of the brand's best-selling flares are wardrobe essentials regardless of season.
Top: Blanket cape, $148; Flannel shirt, $80; Bottom: Loafers, $158; Flare jeans, $135.
ASOS
This massive e-tailer's selection can seem endless, so allow us to pull a few highlights for your consideration: an oversized leather jacket upgraded with a faux-fur lining (a cool way to top off jeans or dresses), a dusty lavender sweater with an exaggerated turtleneck (cozy and a great way to put some color into your fall rotation), denim in an above-the-ankle length (plays well with footwear from sneakers to heels), and a colorful take on the mod boot, one of our favorite shoe styles this season.
Top: Faux-fur leather jacket, $197; Turtleneck sweater, $68; Bottom: Mod boots, $80; Cropped jeans, $80.
Forever 21
With some digging, Forever 21 can yield some killer finds. Check its contemporary line for more sophisticated pieces (like this suede jacket — $55!), and the main line for trendy separates, like the tie-neck blouse below. Stock up on updated basics while you're at it, like this two-tone sweater and platform ankle boots.
Top: Suede jacket, $55; Sweater, $28; Bottom: Suede heeled boots, $50; Tie-neck blouse, $23.