If you ask me, fall is the best season for fashion. What simply can’t be tolerated in hot temperatures—texture, layers, boots—is finally on the table again. Just playing around with basics could lead to a Pinterest-worthy masterpiece.
And with all the holiday travel you have ahead of you, versatile capsule wardrobe pieces are precisely what you need in your rotation. Instead of packing an outfit for every day of an autumnal getaway, choose a handful of basic staples that can be mixed and matched to create endless pairings. Voila! No checked bag needed. Start your travel outfit planning here, with these 12 basic fall tops, ranging from preppy knit sweaters to cozy cardigans, timeless button-downs to tuckable tees, and much more. Shop these fall basics at Amazon, all for under $50.
Best Fall Basic Tops Overall
Anrabess Cable-knit Polo Sweater
Amazon
The prep look is so in right now, and this cable-knit polo sweater is giving ‘90s-era Ralph Lauren. Currently $33, the top has been described as a medium-weight fabric that’s ”neither flimsy nor heavy,” making it a solid choice for cool, unpredictable fall temperatures. Pair it with jeans for a laid-back day out, then upgrade to flowy wide-leg slacks for an elevated dinner. Reviewers call it the “perfect mix of casual and dressy.”
Liyohon Half-sleeve Turtleneck
Amazon
Cute on its own or under a light jacket or blazer, this fall staple has a whopping 6,000 five-star reviews—and it only debuted at Amazon a year ago. The material is super soft and jersey-like, composed of 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester. People say it’s a great transitional piece to carry you from the warm last days of summer to the chilly start of winter. Everyone needs a short-sleeve turtleneck for layering, and this popular option will set you back only $20.
Siliteelon Striped Button-down Shirt
Amazon
You can sport a classic striped Oxford shirt any time of the year, but the mocha color of this $25 blouse really fits the fall palette. You can throw this on with virtually any bottoms: “It can look businesslike when worn with a suit, casually perfect with jeans, or totally relaxed when worn unbuttoned over a tank top,” one reviewer wrote. “And because it doesn’t wrinkle, it makes a perfect travel companion.”
Saodimallsu Crewneck Cap-sleeve Sweater
Amazon
The heavier material and sleeveless design make this crewneck sweatervest “a perfect transition piece when fall rolls around.” Reviewers also say it’s great for travel because it pairs with everything, from jeans to skirts. Order slightly oversized to sport over a lightweight turtleneck as temperatures go down. The cap-sleeve knit is 45 percent cotton and 55 percent acrylic, a combo that keeps it soft yet wrinkle-proof. There are 24 colors to choose from, and some are marked down to as little as $20.
Prettygarden Knit Cardigan
Amazon
Keep wearing your flowy summer skirts and dresses throughout the fall with one classic wardrobe staple. Pack this chunky cardigan at the top of your tote to put on when the plane gets chilly or to channel the main character from your favorite old-school rom-com as you go apple picking this fall. It’s only $40, but reviewers say it looks and feels “much more expensive.”
Trendy Queen Turtleneck
Amazon
Turned into a timeless staple by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Onassis, the plain black turtleneck is simply a fall packing list non-negotiable. This $18 Amazon version is an Amazon No. 1 best-seller with over 2,500 shoppers rating it five stars. It ticks all the boxes: warmth, comfort, durability, and fit (with a tiny bit of Spandex providing the right amount of stretch). With turtleneck season fast approaching, more than 1,000 people have bought the top in the past month.
Lillusory Striped Sweater Vest
Amazon
A sweater vest is such a perfect transitional piece. It can be worn alone in the still-warm early days of fall as well as over long sleeves when things turn frigid. This semi-synthetic piece has stripes and ornamental buttons for a jazzy take on “basic.” You can still wear it with anything, from pleated skirts and Oxford shirts to blazers and tailored shorts, all of which Amazon reviewers have tried and recommended.
Hotouch Waffle-knit Button-down
Amazon
The white button-down is an eternal travel staple. But instead of summery linen or starchy textures, Hotouch offers a soft and comfortable waffle-knit style ideal for fall. Reviewers call it the ultimate layering piece, “perfect to just throw on and go.” It’s a bit boxy and oversized like a shacket, but it’s still plenty light and breathable—one shopper even used it as a swimsuit cover-up. In addition to the regular neutrals, the shirt also comes in autumnal hues like wine red, army green, and orange.
Etcyy Oversized Batwing Sweater
Amazon
If you’re one to travel in an oversized sweatshirt, elevate the vibe with this cute pullover complete with contrasting trim and batwing sleeves. Currently 25 percent off, the “butter-soft” crewneck has a ribbed texture and tunic-like shape created by side slits. One shopper wrote that it perfectly complemented leggings and boots for fall wine tasting.
Automet Square-neck Long-sleeve Top
Amazon
If you take advantage of 33 percent off this multi-season staple right now, you’ll get it for just $10. It really is just a basic long-sleeve tee, but with a square neckline as a trendy detail. It’s made of a slightly stretchy rayon blend that reviewers describe as lightweight and breathable, yet “the perfect thickness for the cold days.”
Prettygarden Ribbed Quarter-zip Top
Amazon
This ribbed-knit quarter-zip pullover is a chic and cozy ‘90s throwback that, according to one reviewer, “should be an anchor in your closet” even now. While many of today’s styles favor loose, flowy, and boxy fits, the contoured silhouette of this long-sleeve top offers more shape and easier tucking. Shoppers recommend wearing it under a puffer vest in cold weather.
Btfbm Ruffle-neck Sweater
Amazon
A ruffled neckline and wrist cuffs give this knitted Henley sweater feminine flair. The top is rated five stars by more than 3,000 Amazon shoppers, and at least one has made it their go-to “traveling sweater.” It’s said to have a “vintage/expensive look,” despite being just $39. Others agree that the semi-synthetic composition feels “so soft and luxurious.”
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