From plaid maxis to fringe suede, the essentials worth investing in now, and how the city's best dressers are styling them.

There's a very specific moment every fall when you open your closet, see nothing but sundresses, and panic a little. The answer isn't a whole new wardrobe. It's 10 really good pieces. And lately, the fashion set keeps finding them in the same place: Banana Republic.
We asked 10 New York girls to style their favorites from the brand's fall collection, and together their looks cover just about everything you'll want this season: plaid, suede, fringe, a great blazer, and a red skirt you'll want to wear everywhere. Ahead, the essentials and exactly how they're styling them.
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If you buy one plaid piece this fall, make it this. Summer pairs her brown plaid maxi with a relaxed black button-down and slingback heels, then tucks a slouchy leather clutch under her arm.
Yes, olive green capris. No, not the ones you're picturing from 2004. Becky's are wide, olive, and slouchy, worn with a black poplin pleated-waist top, a croc tote, and thong kitten heels. Consider us converted.
A brown corduroy asymmetrical-slit midi is one of the season's most versatile pieces. Brooke wears hers with a forest green cotton sweater tee and tall black leather boots, which meet the hem for a long, unbroken line. Brown and forest green together is a pairing worth repeating all fall.
Fringe has moved well past festival season. Kristen wears a ganache brown suede fringe jacket with a cotton crew-neck white tee, black baggy capris, and thong sandals, letting her red bag add a playful touch of color.
The perfect khaki trouser does exist, and Daniela found it. She pairs hers with a fitted v-neck black tee and black flats, then ties a denim cream jacket around her waist, so she has a layer ready when the temperature drops.
This is the shirt you'll borrow from your boyfriend's closet, except it's actually yours and fits so much better. Jessica wears her cotton foldover collar shirt with high-rise dark flares and black pumps, and the high collar adds the perfect high-fashion touch.
A little worn-in, a little cropped, and very cool. Kat throws a distressed brown leather jacket over a white long-sleeve and a mesh pleated plaid maxi skirt, then adds black boots for a hint of ’90s grunge.
Sparkle’s washed-black mid-rise relaxed jeans show how much a great wash can do. She pairs them with a oversized beige textured button-up, a chain-strap bag, and pointed black boots. The relaxed denim and crisp shirt make for an outfit that feels easy without looking casual.
No fall wardrobe is complete without one. Nora wears her slim black blazer the classic way, over a white oversized button-up and high-rise relaxed jeans, then sharpens it with black satin ankle-strap pumps and a slouchy leather bag. It's a formula you can wear all season.
A satin slip skirt in deep red is the season's most effective way to add color. Kate pairs hers with a black crewneck sweater, white pointed pumps, and a small white bag. The contrast of cozy knit and liquid satin makes it as easy to wear on a Tuesday as on a Saturday night.
Fall dressing rarely requires a complete reset. More often, it comes down to a few well-chosen pieces worn with intention. If these 10 looks are any indication, Banana Republic has those pieces covered.