I Have Classic Style, and Here's What I'm Buying for Fall
There always comes a time during the summer when I start to crave fall. It’s less about the weather—because I could easily live in a world where long sunny days happened year round—and more about the clothes. With a new season on the horizon and a new drop of trends and designer pieces that come with that, I always feel a fresh wave of inspiration.
This time around, I feel particularly full of ideas. I headed to Paris fashion week for the first time last season, and sitting there in the audience at shows like Isabel Marant, Chanel, and Off-White, I grew inspired by everything on the runway and couldn’t wait to wear the pieces for myself. That being said, I’ve documented my proclivity for classic style with a modern twist, so my adoption of new trends is always measured. My trick is to always have a mix of trend-forward pieces, as well as some seasonless staples. Ahead I’m breaking down all the pieces on my shopping list that will tap into my classic style for fall.
Wild animal prints
Animal prints are everywhere for fall. And while leopard is already a staple in my wardrobe, I’ll be adding tiger prints in as well. For me, the key to pulling it off is finding it in a piece like this with classic lines.Available in sizes XXS to XL.
More animal prints
Clearly, I’m really embracing the animal-print trend for fall. I would style this zebra coat with solid colors with clean lines.Available in sizes XXS to M.
The slouch boot
Slouchy boots are back, my friends. Pair with a long dress or skirt.
Turtleneck tops
This is less of a forward trend and more of an essential fall staple. A short sleeve makes this the perfect transitional piece.Available in sizes XXS to XL.
High gloss
Sleek, shiny pieces are having a moment for fall. I love this take on a classic pencil skirt that has a few modern tweaks like a faux-patent finish and a front slit.Available in British sizes 6 to 14.
Get Western
Ever since I watched the Isabel Marant runway show in Paris, I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a pair of cowboy boots—and all things Western.
Croc effect
Net-a-Porter noted that “Rejina Pyo romanticized about a time when a woman’s wardrobe was made up of beautiful hand-me-down pieces,” and this croc bag is designed with this in mind. Here’s a truly classic piece I would wear for years and years—and maybe pass down myself.
A chain necklace
From Balenciaga to Chloé, chain necklaces were everywhere. I’ll be throwing one on over a turtleneck.
Long hemlines
Hemlines seem to be growing longer and longer each season. This style is perfect for fall parties.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Revamped pumps
For fall, pumps are making a comeback but getting a revamp. There’s a new crop of styles with revised silhouettes and updated materials—like this cool woven style. I’ll be pairing these with an ankle-grazing dress or jeans and a crisp button-down.
Pastel shades
Pastel hues continue to be big for fall. I’m particularly drawn to colors like this baby blue, which I can wear season after season. Plus, I’m obsessed with this square neckline.Available in sizes 32 to 44.
More pastel
Slip skirts have one of the It pieces this summer, but for fall I'll be wearing one in a fun pastel shade with ankle boots.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
Tan denim
It may sound counterintuitive to buy jeans in a light ivory wash, but nothing feels more fall to me than warm tones.Available in sizes 24 to 31.
Heritage prints
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.