Here are 6 items fashion stylists are buying for themselves this fall

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The "'ber months" are here, along with cooler air, pumpkin spice everything and the sudden realization that your fall wardrobe could use a little attention. But before you panic-buy another pair of boots or a cardigan that looks suspiciously like the five already in your closet, we checked in with the pros. Fashion stylists make it their business to spot the next big trends, so we wanted to know: What are they actually buying for themselves?

Luckily for us, their picks aren't wildly impractical runway pieces that require a red carpet, a glam squad and an unlimited budget. They're genuinely wearable staples that you can mix and match with what you already own — and that you'll want to live in all season long. From legitimately cool bomber jackets to legitimately comfy elastic-waist pants , these are the fall finds stylists are putting their own money behind.

If your sweater collection could use a little extra oomph, consider a balloon-sleeve style. The silhouette delivers drama with minimal effort, making even a basic jeans-and-boots combination feel more fashion-forward. "These sweaters are still simple, but the silhouette creates interesting movement within the pieces that make your outfit feel more high fashion," says personal stylist Samantha Dawn . "The playful proportions create interesting silhouettes that feel fun yet wearable for everyday life."

Princess Polly Harmony Balloon Sleeve Sweater

Quince 100% Mongolian Cashmere Blouson Sleeve Crewneck

Plaid may be fall's unofficial pattern, but this season, it's taking a decidedly polished turn. " Bold plaids will be back in a major way this fall, and I think there is no better way to play with this print than in a midi skirt," says stylist Andie Sobrato . And there's no need to be boring or traditional. Stylist Hellana Mardasian suggests pairing yours with a solid knit for "a pared-back look." Wanna lean all the way in? "Go head-to-toe and even clash your plaids for something more unexpected," she tells us.

Prettygarden Plaid High Waisted A-Line Midi Skirt

If there's one jacket worth keeping on your radar this fall, it's a sporty funnel neck style. "This isn't a new trend, but this shape of jacket is going nowhere, and autumn is the perfect time for it, with the lightweight fabrics making it ideal for layering," explains Mardasian. And the styling possibilities are practically endless. "The funnel jacket just happens to be the perfect combination of being functional, almost like having a built-in scarf, and chic, so I'm really excited about purchasing one this fall," says personal stylist Jamie Lewis .

Lululemon Always Effortless Jacket Evolve

The classic ballet flat "is getting a little lift this autumn," says Mardasian. "The heeled version feels like a really easy way to make the ballet shoe feel more grown-up, [while] still keeping that feminine, slightly delicate look." The key is keeping the heel low enough that you can still walk in them easily. "I'd go for a low, comfortable heel rather than anything too high and wear them with straight-leg jeans , trousers or a simple skirt," she adds. "Chocolate brown, black and burgundy feel particularly good for autumn, and a block heel makes them very wearable for running around for meetings or work."

Michael Michael Kors Piper Flex Mid Pumps

Steve Madden Coretta Block Heel Ballet Pumps

Good news for anyone who hates tight pants: fall's comfiest pants are getting a serious fashion makeover. "We're seeing elastic-waist pants everywhere this season — not a workout pair, but super chic and in corduroy, denim, silk, taffeta," Lewis says. "There is nothing about a great pair of elastic-waist pants that would go out of style next season, and if you fluctuate between sizing, like I do, then these are ideal." Pants that are fashionable and forgiving? Sign us up!

Me by Jennie Garth Regular Pebble Satin Pant

Carla Rockmore Collection Petite Wide-Leg Taffeta Crop Pants

Prettygarden High-Waisted Corduroy Pants

"Leather and suede come back into rotation every fall, but this year I am opting for an oversized bomber shape. Adding this jacket into the rotation automatically makes any outfit feel cool," says Sobrato. Toss one over a feminine dress for an edgy contrast, or pair it with your favorite jeans and a T-shirt for an effortless weekend uniform. However you style it, a bomber jacket will instantly give your fall looks some serious cool-girl energy.

Luvee Oversized Faux Suede Bomber Jacket