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Shop August 12, 2022

Allegra Shaw on how to choose and style your fall basics -- shop her picks!

PHOTO: Allegra Shaw.
Courtesy Allegra Shaw
Allegra Shaw.

We're dreaming up fresh fall looks as autumn approaches.

While trendy items can be exciting to work into your wardrobe, it's important to find the basics you can always come back to.

Allegra Shaw, content creator and co-founder of the clothing brand Uncle Studios, agrees. She explained to "Good Morning America" why fashion basics are "so important" for every wardrobe.

"If you find yourself standing in front of your closet with nothing to wear, you probably don't have a good foundation of basics," she said. "For me, that means great fitting pieces in neutral colors. I like to have a foundation of black and white everything and then I like to add in personality once I have my foundation. You should be able to mix and match a great deal of your basics to make a variety of outfits."

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A post shared by Allegra Shaw (@allegrashaw)

"So that doesn't mean no color, but when making a purchase try to think of five different outfits the new piece will make with pieces you already own. These items should feel timeless to you," she added.

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A post shared by Allegra Shaw (@allegrashaw)

When it comes to her own fall staples, Shaw, who lives in Toronto, said she also considers comfort.

"I am often reaching for softer, oversized materials and fits, and toned down color palettes. I love adding layers to outfits for added depth and texture," she said.

Finally, "basics" aren't one-size-fits-all, Shaw said. You should tailor your choices to dress in a way that feels true to you.

"Figure out your personal style and then bring in basics that suit you," she said. "I may like most things baggy and oversized but maybe you feel better in something slim fitting. You want to shop based on your preference and again, what you already have in your closet."

"As trends change you can also shop your closet and get things tailored! Maybe there’s a pair of pants that have been sitting in your closet a long time without wear, instead of getting rid of them they could just need to be hemmed or taken in so you can wear them in a new way," she said.

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A post shared by Allegra Shaw (@allegrashaw)

To help us shop for our own closets, Shaw selected some key items to consider, including hoodies, sweaters, sunglasses and more. Shop them all -- plus our additional picks -- below!

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Allegra's picks

Sunglasses

"Love these for fall because they make even the most simple of outfits just a little bit cooler," Shaw said.

Lu Goldie Delphine

Price: $159 · From Revolve

Quarter-zip sweater

Shaw described this pick as "the perfect layering piece" that "can easily be worn as a transition piece, on its own or over an Oxford."

Uncle Studios The Quarter Zip Sweater

Price: $187 · 45% Savings
From Uncle Studios

Original: $340

Jeans

"These are the best jeans for fall," Shaw said. "A bit more of a relaxed fit that can be styled easily with t-shirts, sweaters, and jackets as the weather changes."

RE/DONE Originals 70's Straight

Price: $228 · 20% Savings
From Revolve

Original: $285

T-shirt

"There’s really nothing better than a white t-shirt and it is the reason we started [Uncle Studios]," Shaw said.

Uncle Studios The T-Shirt

Price: $48 · From Uncle Stories

Knit sweater

"In the fall you want to be cozy so this type of sweater is perfect for that," Shaw said. "The stripes bring some dimension but keep it neutral."

TOTÊME Stripe Wool Blend Turtleneck Sweater

Price: $715 · From Nordstrom

Sweatshirt

According to Shaw, "Every wardrobe needs a good sweatshirt." "Pair [this one] under a blazer and with some jeans for a laid back but put together look."

Anine Bing Alec Bing Hoodie

Price: $199 · From Revolve

Boots

"A riding boot like this is an easy way to feel more dressed up without having to take out a pair of heels. A riding boot is timeless and will never go out of style," Shaw said.

KHAITE Derby Riding Boot

Price: $840 · 60% Savings
From Nordstrom

Original: $2,100

Booties

"A pair of black booties is a wardrobe staple," said Shaw. "I love the square toe, it adds a bit of personality to an otherwise basic shoe."

Vince Kaye Block Heel Bootie

Price: $495 · From Nordstrom

Sweater vest

"Sweater vests have made their way in and they aren't going anywhere," Shaw said, adding that this one "stays in the neutral colour family but the distress adds a cool factor to it."

Acne Studios Kandren Chunky Cable Distressed Wool Blend Sweater Vest

Price: $252 · 60% Savings
From Nordstrom

Original: $630

Sheer turtleneck

"At first glace," Shaw said, "this may not seem like a basic but I think the sheerness of this is perfect for fall layering and the pattern brings some personality into the wardrobe for fall. You can wear this under dresses and sweaters or just wear on its own under a jacket!"

Acne Studios Polka Dot Mesh Top

Price: $290 · From Nordstrom

Leather jacket

"I personally love a leather jacket," Shaw said. "It adds a cool factor, and texture to the wardrobe. I bought this one almost 10 years ago and I still wear and love it."

ALLSAINTS Balfern Leather Biker Jacket

Price: $529 · From Revolve

Trench coat

"A trench coat is timeless. It’s perfect for the months where it’s still warm but the air is starting to chill," she said.

Everlane The Gathered Drape Trench

Price: $198 · From Everlane

Beanies, scarves and cold weather accessories

Shaw encouraged people to "use your accessories to show your personality."

"Having fun hats, scarves and gloves to play with always spices up your look," she said.

Acne Studios Kids' Kuri Face Checkerboard Wool Beanie

Price: $135 · From Nordstrom

Shop more fall basics below:

Ray-Ban Rectangle

Price: $151 · From Revolve

HAWKERS Croupier Sunglasses

Price: $70 · From Revolve

Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses

Price: $59 · From Revolve

Everlane The Felted Merino Half-Zip Sweater

Price: $145 · From Everlane

Levis' 90's 501

Price: $98 · From Revolve

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean

Price: $76.50 · 15% Savings
From Abercrombie & Fitch

Original: $90

Everlane The Original Cheeky Jean

Price: $88 · From Everlane

H&M 90s Baggy Ultra High Waist Jeans

Price: $29.99 · From H&M

Reformation Hartley Knit Tee

Price: $38 · From Reformation

J.Crew V-neck cotton-cashmere cardigan sweater

Price: $99.50 · 32% Savings
From J.Crew

Original: $148

H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan

Price: $29.99 · From H&M

J.Crew Cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater

Price: $128 · From J.Crew

H&M Mohair-blend Fine-knit Sweater

Price: $64.99 · From H&M

H&M Hoodie

Price: $19.99 · From H&M

Departure New York Hoodie

Price: $88 · From Revolve

Abercrombie & Fitch Essential SoftAF Max Popover Hoodie

Price: $59.50 · 15% Savings
From Abercrombie & Fitch

Original: $70

Skims Outdoor Fleece Pullover

Price: $64 · From Skims

H&M Leather boots

Price: $139 · From H&M

Tony Bianco Rover Heeled Bootie

Price: $220 · From Revolve

H&M Turtleneck Sweater Vest

Price: $29.99 · From H&M

Free People Through The Motions Vest

Price: $78 · From Revolve

Skims Fits Everybody Turtleneck Top

Price: $56 · From Skims

AFRM Zadie Top

Price: $38 · From Revolve

Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Moto Jacket

Price: $102 · 15% Savings
From Abercrombie & Fitch

Original: $120

Eloquii Faux Leather Moto Jacket

Price: $89.97 · 40% Savings

Original: $149.95 · Use promo code FRESHPICKS

H&M Biker Jacket

Price: $59.99 · From H&M

Bardot The Classic Trench

Price: $179 · From Revolve

PAIGE Jona Coat

Price: $192 · 51% Savings
From Revolve

Original: $399

Old Navy Water-Resistant Tie-Belt Trench Coat for Women

Price: $84.99 · From Old Navy

Banana Republic Cashmere Scarf

Price: $49.97 · 50% Savings
From Banana Republic

Original: $100

Janessa Leone Mindy Beanie

Price: $49 · 62% Savings
From Revolve

Original: $130