Run through the list of things you need to buy before the leaves start turning, and you have: a layerable jacket, mittens you'll inevitably (and tragically) split up, and a fresh pair of jeans to wear ad infinitum.
That last purchase is crucial, because they'll be the foundation of your most trusty, seasonally appropriate outfits. You'll wear them with your sweaters, with your dressier blouses, even under dresses that feel too summery but you can't bear to part with just yet. Though it's not necessarily a one-season buy—invest in a style that blends seamlessly into your existing wardrobe, and it'll reach staple status in no time—some of the best options start cropping up in the fall. From jeans of all fits (skinny, wide-legged, baggy, flared...) to dresses and skirts, we put together the ultimate guide to the best denim to shop right now.
