…make it a black turtleneck sweater.

A slim-knit turtleneck, particularly in merino wool, is a timeless piece that looks chic with everything from jeans to dress pants to skirts. It may not be the most exciting item in your wardrobe, but it’ll give you a lot of mileage throughout the season. It’s a blank canvas to show off a major statement necklace like this one. It lends a classic elegance to an on-trend metallic pleated skirt. (I’m eager to try this budget-friendly option.) And, it layers seamlessly under your fall dresses so that you can wear them into winter. (I’ve been doing just that with this dress and a pair of tights.) There are plenty of options to choose from to suit your budget and taste, as linked in the widget below, but my favorite is this one from Banana Republic. It’s a soft, thin knit that isn’t sheer and has just the right amount of stretch.