Our Editors Are Serious Shopping Experts—7 Fall Trends They'll Wear Next Month
We've been talking about fall 2021 trends since they hit the runways earlier this year, but we're happy to report that they're finally dropping at retailers. There is so much great newness on the market, but there's also a lot to sift through for the upcoming season, so our team of fashion editors weighed in about the pieces that will actually be landing in their carts.
Ahead, they're highlighting the trends they simply can't wait to start wearing, including some really great shopping picks if you're ready to add them to your wardrobe right away. Many of them—including pieces like clogs and tailored vests—are transitional pieces that we've already been spotting on Instagram and the street style scene, so you can snap them up and start wearing them now. Here are the seven editor-approved fall 2021 fashion trends you will see us wearing very soon.
The Trend: Saturated Shades
While my regular wardrobe pretty much revolves around neutrals, I can't help but feel inspired by all of the bold hues on the runways at brands like Chanel and Prada. While I'm not sure I'll be wearing it as a head-to-toe look, I love the idea of adding one statement-making colorful piece into an outfit.
Shop the trend:
The Trend: Tonal Tailoring
"I always love tailored suits, but tonal layering is going to be something I'm investing in when fall comes. Whether it's a neutral set or a standout color, I think they're a great statement look that's easy to wear!"
Shop the trend:
Shop the matching Jaime Pants ($78).
Shop the matching Isla Pants ($230).
Shop the matching Wide-Leg Pants ($50).
The Trend: Tailored Vests
"I'm all about the tailored vest. Sweater-vests will still be around, but waistcoats will be especially noteworthy worn on their own, layered over an oversize blouse, or with a full suiting look."
Shop the trend:
The Trend: Clogs
"I actually fell down a flight of stairs and broke my ankle in college thanks to the pair of clogs I was wearing. I haven't worn them since, but 17 years later, I think I'm finally ready due, in part, to all the cool styles I've been seeing on the market. I pretty much live in jeans in the fall, so I plan on pairing my clogs with '90s-inspired loose ones and oversize blazers. Wish me luck!"
Shop the trend:
The Trend: Heavy Hardware
"I didn't think I'd jump on the built-in heavy hardware trend, but after seeing the collections of Dion Lee, Rokh, and David Koma, I've become cuffed to the idea. I love how a basic wardrobe piece like a knit or slip dress can suddenly become extra with the addition of chain detailing. For me, adopting this trend will be all about picking one statement chain piece in a neutral hue and pairing it with my other go-to fall basics to give them a timely update."
Shop the trend:
The Trend: Colored Leather Coats
"I'm excited to invest in a fun colored, leather-like coat. While I still plan on wearing my black ones, there is something about a bold outerwear moment I just can't resist."
Shop the trend:
The Trend: Cutouts
"I'll still be riding the cutout wave this fall. Even more, I'm into exposed cutouts in unexpected places. Fall clothes can feel a little covered up, so this is my way of embracing the season without resorting to wrapping myself in a ton of layers."
Shop the trend:
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.