Tessa Faye O'Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She's a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.

What does back-to-school look like for adults who've been working the whole time anyway? Good question. It's definitely a shift; you realize you need to adopt a new schedule, especially since school drop-off is earlier than camp drop-off and you're adjusting to a whole new slew of activities, grades, friends, etc. Maybe it’s nostalgia from my younger years, but I love to do a reset every fall season, with “back-to-school” as the excuse to get a few new pieces and prepare myself for the months ahead.

Perhaps it's my Type A way of leaning into what you can control, but it makes me feel better knowing I love what I'm wearing, whether it’s for a fashion week event or back-to-school night. Here are some of my favorite items to invest in, add to my wardrobe, or refresh as we kick into cooler weather.

10 Basics to Refresh Your Fall Wardrobe

Suede Jacket

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Sucker for suede in every season, and this style jacket! Blazer or moto-style, a suede jacket is the perfect wardrobe addition. I am obsessed with everything The Great does, and this Folsom jacket is a 10/10 investment. (It doesn’t hurt; I’ve been living in their fall collection.)

THE GREAT. The Suede Folsom Jacket

Aritzia Nadine Jacket

reformation Veda Kendall Suede Jacket

Button-Down Shirt

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I love a button-down shirt, and it comes in handy in every situation, whether I'm pregnant, wearing it on the weekend, buttoned up, or tucked in. Comme Si has been making some of my favorites, a little more on the pricier side, but the quality actually can’t be beat.

Comme Si La Shirt Classica

Core Yoko Oversized Button Down

Rue Sophie Elouet Plaid Oversized Shirt

Chocolate Denim

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Black, blue, and now chocolate denim are necessities. Everything Citizens of Humanity touches is wearable gold, but these chocolate denim have been in rotation ever since the temps dropped.

Citizens of Humanity The Taper Jean

Citizens of Humanity Palma Straight Clean Hem

Citizens of Humanity Miro Relaxed Jean in Carob

Grey Sweater

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I love a grey sweater to balance out all the black colored clothing I wear while living in NYC. J.Crew really does make the aptly named Perfect Cashmere Sweater.

J.Crew Perfect Cashmere Crewneck

guest in residence Shrunken Crew

OZMA Ines Crew, Midweight Alpaca Blend

Black Jacket

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Everyone has a black blazer in their closet, but what they really need is a cool black jacket. This elevated staple from Almina Concept can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

almina Concept Wool Bomber Jacket

Soeur Jacket Houria

St Agni Canvas Flight Jacket

Classic White Tee

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Every Fall is a time to re-up on white tees. This Myles Price one is one of my new favorites, easy to layer and a more comfortable fit.

Myles Price Women Minijersey Crew Neck Tee

ÉTERNE Short Sleeve Boxy Tee

perfect white tee Harley Cotton Boxy Crew Tee

Plaid Trousers

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As everyone knows, you can never have enough plaid shirts (especially for fall), so why not extend it to trousers as well!

ZARA Zw Collection Plaid Pants

DONNI. The Tencel Plaid Tie Pant

Leset Mia Pocket Pant

Capris

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I was anti this capri trend until I saw a friend wearing it, and now I’m obsessed. Cute with a sweater and sneakers, or a button-down on the go, it’s casual, comfortable, and very flattering.

splits59 Airweight High Waist 16" Capri Legging

reformation Jill Cropped Knit Pant

EAVES Janith Capri Pant

Long Skirt

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I love a long silk skirt, and The Park makes all the best elevated everyday pieces. Chocolate brown is in rotation now. Dress up with a cardigan; dress down with a chunky cropped pullover.

the park fashion Max Skirt

DOEN Elowen Skirt

dissh Selene Espresso Satin Midi Skirt

Black Dress

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We all know we always need a little black dress fresh for the season. Maybe this one’s not mini, but I can’t wait to layer it with sweaters and boots for winter.

RIXO ⋆ Annina Satin Midi Dress

reformation Mackenzie Silk Dress

rixo Clarice Linen Midi Dress