My Friend Wants to Start Looking at Fall Fashion—I Sent Her These Finds From H&M, Madewell, and Abercrombie

One of my dear friends messaged me recently and asked what fall fashion trends and items she should start looking at in an effort to prep her wardrobe. She said she's most interested in versatile yet chic pieces to style with her existing fall staples. I mentioned that H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Madewell are starting to drop stylish and on-trend fall items.

I scrolled through these three retailers and pulled out a sampling of pre-fall fashion items I thought she'd like that hit on fall trends—ahem, tailored jackets and classic sportswear. Below, you'll find the items I suggested, which are included throughout the edit, along with everything else I'm loving from H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Madewell right now.

H&M

H&M

Pleated Satin Skirt

$40

This skirt is so sophisticated.

H&M

Felted Jacket With Shawl Collar

$40

That shawl collar!

H&M

Fine-Knit Cardigan

$18

Can't go wrong with a gray cardigan.

H&M

Wide High Jeans

$30

Cool cut.

H&M

Leather Ballet Flats

$75

You'll get so much wear out of these flats.

H&M

Cable-Knit Cardigan

$20

Dreamy with jeans.

H&M

Pointed Slingback Pumps

$25

Slingbacks are having such a moment.

H&M

Sweatshirt Cardigan

$35

A sweatshirt-cardigan? Yes, please.

H&M

Twill Jacket

$75

The buttons!

H&M

Fitted Blazer

$50

A fitted blazer is a fall essential.

H&M

Fine-Knit Sweater

$20

This sweater comes in three colors.

Madewell

Madewell

Denim Circle Midi Skirt

$138

I told my friend to try this skirt with her favorite boots.

Madewell

Belted Trench Coat

$218

Such a great trench.

Madewell

The Greta Ballet Flats

$128

Fun flats.

Madewell

Easy Y-Neck Button-Up Shirt

$85

As the name states, this is easy.

Madewell

The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean in Irmo Wash

$148

My friend actually just ordered these barrel-leg jeans!

Madewell

Satin Maxi Slip Skirt

$98

So gorgeous.

Madewell

The Essential Bucket Tote

$178

Store all of the essentials.

Madewell

The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in Drapey Twill

$118

Sleek trousers.

Madewell

The Dimes Kitten-Heel Knee Boots

$298

Perfect knee-high boots.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch

Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans

$90

You can see how many customers are viewing an item on A&F. There were 2097 people looking at these jeans when I wrote this story.

Abercombie & Fitch

Knit Drop-Waist Maxi Dress

$100

Wear this dress as is now and with a jacket when the temperatures dip.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Cropped Trench Coat

$120

A cropped trench is also cool.

Abercrombie & Fitch

LuxeLoft Short-Sleeve Cardigan

$60

Elegant!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Low Rise Pintuck Tailored Boot Pants

$90

Try these bootcut pants with flats or heels.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Madeline Crew Sweater Tee

$50

A sweater tee is wonderful for transitional weather.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Merino Wool-Blend Mockneck Shell Top

$60

Wear this shell on its own or for layering purposes.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Mid Rise Tailored Wide Leg Pants

$90

Style that sweater tee with these trousers.