3 Tops and 3 Bottoms to Give You Endless Fashion Options

These essentials will boost your wardrobe and help your budget.

By

Kim Marcum

 
Published September 26, 2024
gif of tops and bottoms to mix and match
Ethel Staff

Transitioning your wardrobe for cooler temperatures doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Instead, a few key items can mix and match into what you already own. This is the bonus of a curated closet built on staples that transcend seasons and trendiness: They can be worn for multiple occasions — and across many years — by simply switching up the supporting cast of accessories.

This is not a new concept. It’s simply being rediscovered as the 333 method by a new generation looking to make the most of their clothing purchases — just like us. It relies on three tops and three bottoms each worn in at least three different combinations.

You can apply the same mix-and-match strategy if you’ve recently changed sizes and need to rebuild your wardrobe. It’s also a useful roadmap for packing for your next trip. But first, let’s tackle fall!

The 3 Bottoms

Chances are good you’ll have at least two of these already in your closet. To fill in any gaps — or if you’re looking for an update — we have options for you.

· Black Pants: Take your pick from the Hayden Wide-Legged Pant at Banana Republic, the Investments pants from Dillard's or the High Waist Wide Leg Trousers from Nordstrom. These are wide-legged, straight and pleated styles with added bonus points for subtle, elasticized waists and tummy control panels ($40-$70).

· Black Skirt: Longer lengths are well-suited to fall in linen — like the 100 percent European Maxi Skirt from Quince, — or in satin — like the Gwyneth slip skirt from J. Crew — or a forgiving knit — like the Dream Maxi Skirt from Everlane ($40-$90). If you already have a knee-skimming pencil skirt, just add black opaque tights.

· Blue Jeans: We all have our favorites, but if you’re still looking for yours, read about my personal journey that led to retro Levi's 501s and the newer (but equally beloved) Levi's Wedgies ($65-$98). Other highly recommended styles include a high-rise, straight cut and a mid-rise, loose leg version, all from Gap ($39-$71).

The 3 Tops

We get it: Not everyone is up for denim-on-denim combinations. Never fear, we have a substitute standing by.

· Denim Shirt: With the Western resurgence, this is the season for yokes and snaps galore like the Denim Western Shirt from Gap. But there’s still room for less ornate styling or a classic denim shirt with buttons like the Classic Denim Shirt from Banana Republic. As with jeans, washes span from dark to light ($30-$98).

If a Canadian tuxedo isn’t your vibe, substitute a wide-striped blouse in a looser fit for a denim shirt. Or go with a more tailored cut in a rich, autumn hue ($20-$100).

· White T-Shirt: Whether it has a retro ribbed neck like the Vintage T-shirt from Old Navy, or is a mock turtleneck like the Modern Rib Mockneck T-shirt from Gap, a short-sleeved white T-shirt ($17-$35) is an essential building block for any season.

· V-Neck Sweater: A pivotal layer that adds an extra dimension, V-neck pullovers receive renewed attention this season in cashmere, like the Mongolian V-Neck from Quince, or in merino wool, like the Beige V-Neck from Benetton, or in an extra-soft acrylic, like the Croft & Barrow V-neck from Kohl's ($25-$88). Neutral grays and camel or rich burgundy are versatile choices.

 

The Supporting Cast

Mix in these elements to accentuate your personal style.

· Black Flats: Comfort is the key here. Options range from sporty, like the Samba og sneakers from Adidas ($85-$100), to feminine ballet flats, like the Zoe ballet flats from J.Crew ($30-$70), to classic loafers in patent or leather.

· Black Boots: For a more refined look — and extra warmth — boots take the prize whether you have a knee-grazing style with kitten heels, block heels or low heels like the ever-popular Cesar boots from Zappos ($70-$136). If you already own lower-slung Chelsea boots or moto boots ($54-$110), rely on black opaque tights to create a monochromatic leg.

· Black Belt: After years of being ignored, belts are back with texture, hardware and even a Western flair. Think of them as jewelry for your waistline.

· Purse: Pick a purse with visual interest. For fall, that could be a jacquard print or a mixed media combination of canvas and vegan leather but don’t overlook the textural delights of buttery woven leather or lush faux suede.

 

The Mix Master

We’ll start you out with a few combinations and then let you take the wheel.

Dressed-Up Denim: Break out of your flannel and jeans rut — or whatever your cool-weather comfort zone is — with a new go-to errand outfit. Our suggestion? Your favorite denim and black boots topped by a V-neck sweater. The classic touches of a white T-shirt and a statement purse set the stage for compliments.

All-Purpose Panache: For a can’t-miss outfit that looks put-together without overdoing it, pair your black pants with a white T-shirt and mix in the denim shirt as an extra layer. Tucking in your T-shirt, buckling on a belt and leaving the shirt unbuttoned all signal that this casual nonchalance is intentional rather than just good luck. Black flats that align with the day’s activities and your favorite handbag deliver the finishing punch.

Sleek Sophistication: On cooler days, swap the shirt for your favorite V-neck sweater, add a black skirt and slip into black boots. The sweater neckline provides a great setting for a chunky chain necklace or another ‘90s memento from your jewelry box. Consider a black belt if the hardware matches.

Denim on Denim: The most controversial pairing on our list may be the Canadian tuxedo. Double denim is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is having a moment this year. If you decide to try it, don’t fret too much about whether the shades of your jeans and your denim shirt are exactly the same. Similar is close enough, and you’ll even see light and dark washes together. A black belt and black boots strategically break up all that blue.

Black and White: Fall flips the script on summer’s chic outfit of white pants and black tops. Instead, team up your black pants with a white T-shirt, then accessorize with black flats, a black belt and a black purse, preferably one with a visual pop of texture.

All in One: On those days when one outfit has to serve many purposes, pull out your black skirt and layer your denim shirt over the white T-shirt. Black flats and a belt keep it neat and polished, while the sweater tied around your shoulders pulls it all together. You are all set for whatever the day throws at you!

These are just a few examples of how you can mix, match and maximize the pieces you already have. Fall is a great time to experiment with fresh combinations. What will you create?

Photo Credits (tops): Courtesy Banana Republic; Courtesy Kohls, Courtesy Gap; (bottoms): Courtesy Levi's; Courtesy Banana Republic; Getty Images

 

What type of clothing do you typically wear in the fall? Skirts? Jeans? Let us know in the comments below.

As a fashion editor in Dallas, Kim Marcum covered the international ready-to-wear collections in four fashion capitals and interviewed iconic designers from Giorgio Armani to Ralph Lauren. Later in her journalism career at the Orlando Sentinel, she was the senior editor on a Pulitzer Prize finalist in Local Reporting (2013) and on a project that earned the 2013 Diversity Award from the Freedom Forum/American Society of Newspaper Editors. In 2014, she joined Orlando Health, where she is the corporate director of strategic communications. She has two adult daughters and a grandpuppy.