It's safe to say that I got my shopping habits from my mom. To this day, our ideal weekend consists of retail therapy and iced coffee, so when she recently visited me in New York City , we knew exactly what to do.

Strolling through SoHo's cobblestone streets, we stopped at all of our favorite stores. But when there are hundreds of boutiques and flagships squished into a 56-block stretch, a favorite pastime can quickly become overwhelming—unless you have a strategic plan.

Deciding to tackle our fall-fashion wish lists , we hunted for cozy seasonal separates. Being that I'm the fashion writer of the family, she relied on my expertise to point her in the right direction. Instead of gravitating toward fleeting trend pieces, I suggested timeless and versatile essentials that would carry her throughout winter. After curating the ultimate cold-weather wardrobe in less than three hours, I'm sharing my carefully selected picks below.

Ahead, discover the roll-neck sweaters, suede bags, glove boots , and more I couldn't let her leave the stores without.

There's a reason the J.Crew roll-neck has been going strong since the '80s. Made of 100% cotton, the pullover offers a relaxed fit that effortlessly layers over tees and can be worn alone just as well.

If you're going to invest in a high-ticket item, make sure it's a piece you'll wear for years to come. The Prada Bonnie's east-west silhouette has been spotted on many runways, with the toasted chocolate coordinating with fall's warm color palette.

Burgundy has solidified itself as the color of the season, and these bow-adorned pumps make it wearable, chic, and timeless.

While technically a statement piece, a tiger-print skirt elevates everything from a long-sleeve tee to a simple knit sweater. The key is styling the head-turning skirt with solid colors for an intentional, streamlined look.

One of the easiest ways to upgrade a fall look is by swapping a classic white button-down shirt for a denim iteration. Opt for a fitted silhouette to keep the ensemble polished and refined.

I've owned this pair of glove boots for nearly a year, and it's become one of my hardest-working fall staples. Wear the shoes with straight-leg jeans and knit skirts alike.

Upgrade your fall OOTD with a resin beaded necklace. The chunky accessory visually balances the heavy textures of the season, including wool, cashmere, and cotton.

Favored by models, cacao-colored leather jackets add a cool-girl edge to any look. The oversize fit makes them perfect for layering over cable-knit pullovers and heavyweight sweatshirts.

Jeans are practically synonymous with fall, and my Agolde denim has yet to fail me. The straight-leg silhouette elongates the leg and can easily be tucked into a pair of knee-high boots.

The hardest-working piece in my closet is my Intimissimi long-sleeve cashmere shirt. It's easily dressed up or down, perfect for layering or wearing on its own.

The classic trench coat is a staple for a reason, easily thrown on over sweaters, dresses, and even athleisure. Best of all, this relaxed iteration comes in regular, tall, and petite sizing.

A ribbed sweaterdress is my go-to for elevated dinners and cocktail bars. This heavyweight V-neck find features an elegant midi length and deep hue.

Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle , the New York Post , Brides , Teen Vogue , Page Six , Shape , and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout.

Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe .