30 Items the Fall 2023 Runways Practically Forced Me to Buy
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items.
I look at clothes for a living, attending press previews of future collections, test-driving popular pieces, and scouring every brand's new-arrivals section on the daily, and somehow, I manage not to succumb to my desire to actually buy them all. Fashion week, though, is a whole other story. And after seven days of nonstop fashion stimuli, I'm giving in to temptation and shopping to my heart's content—or rather, my credit limit.
Though I'm hardly finished studying the contents of the collections I just witnessed debut, I do have a pretty strong grasp on the items that made the loudest splash throughout the last week in New York, from the color red's dominance on the runways (as well as the streets outside) to the abundance of bows, alluring hosiery, artistic jewelry, and hardware, among other dangerously pretty things. So, without further ado, bear witness to my post-fashion week shopping list—aka 30 items I can't resist after watching the first of next fall's collections unveiled—by scrolling down below.
Of all the items I spotted during NYFW, red socks were the single most tempting. Luckily, I bought a placeholder pair prior to the first show in order to wear them throughout the week ahead, but now I'm finally ready to get the pair I really wanted. Just look at that vibrant shade—it's perfect.
Give me all the built-in scarves I can get my hands on. From coats à la Toteme, Kallmeyer, and A.L.C. to tops like this one, the '50s scarf look is dangerously chic (not to mention practical), and the runways agree.
I'll be checking off two trends (metallic and balletcore) with one purchase (these Mango flats) this season and I couldn't be happier with the decision. Sometimes, after all, less really is more.
Satin menswear-style coats have been on my list ever since Versace recycled them from its men's show for its women's one back for fall 2022. But it wasn't until I noticed all the satin pieces at Tory Burch that I decided to really seek one out for spring.
I dropped by Khaite's new NYC flagship mid-NYFW and couldn't look away from all the rhinestone-studded items presented inside, so naturally, I went on a quest to find studded pieces to satisfy the urge. This cylindrical bag from Anthro is my under-$100 solution.
It took five minutes for Lauren, our editorial director, and I to start texting about fishnet tights following the end of Tory Burch's celeb-filled fall runway show. Paired with stilettos (see EmRata closing the show) or flats, this affordable accessory has the power to make an outfit.
Bulbous jewelry was allover the runways and the streets during NYFW, but since I can't justify buying the oversize teardrop Bottega Veneta earrings I really want as well as all of the other items on this list, I'm settling (but only kind of) for these seriously gorgeous gold, drop baubles from Anthro.
Balletcore was ever present this season, specifically at Sandy Liang, making this ruched, sheer top the perfect piece to add to my collection. I've already thought of a handful of ways to wear it—paired with jeans or perhaps a low-rise slip skirt.
When Proenza Schouler sent a model down the runway wearing gold, metallic pants, every WWW editor felt vindicated. After all, we've been talking about these Gap pants for weeks.
This top has been haunting me for weeks, but it wasn't until I saw all the interesting turtleneck layering on the runways that I decided to just go for it already. Just think of all the styling possibilities—they really are endless.
Belts made big statements on the runways this season, worn over top of coats, blazers, dresses, and more. After years of feeling a bit forgotten about, it's time once again for their moment in the sun, and I'm celebrating the return with a bright red one with a stunning gold buckle. Who's with me?
Bubble details were all over NYFW this season, but since I've never been one to really embrace volume in my wardrobe, I'm starting off tame with this ruffle-trimmed dress that gives the illusion of something bubbly without too much surface area.
These patterned stirrup leggings have lived rent-free in my brain ever since Mango's second Selection drop arrived a few weeks ago. After seeing hosiery look after hosiery look on the runway, I'm at last ready to add them to my forever wardrobe.
From the tapered waist to the longline cut, this vest is stunning in every single way, not to mention on-trend, as tailoring trends move away from oversize and toward a more fitted silhouette. It's no wonder the black version is almost entirely sold out. This color is next, but you bet I'm getting one before it meets the same fate.
Big bangles and wrist cuffs have been entering the scene for a while now thanks in part to Saint Laurent, but this season, they saw a whole different level of fame. Styling tip: Wear them on top of your sleeves for a more fashion-forward look.
The faux-fur coats at Khaite had me sprinting home to stalk every online retailer I've ever visited to find a worthy alternative. And that's exactly what I discovered in this dark-brown option from House of CB. Isn't she gorgeous?
My main sartorial goal in the final months of winter is to hone my craft in the field of turtleneck layering. You can do so many different things with such a simple, accessibly priced item.
The Bermuda shorts in Brandon Maxwell's fall collection haven't left my brain since it debuted on Tuesday. I can't wait to style these with sheer socks, kitten heels, and maybe even a peplum top.
Remember those sheer socks I mentioned? These are the ones I'm buying, not only because they're chic, but I also just love a multi-pack.
Every since I laid eyes on one particular Gabriela Hearst look that features a model wearing a bright-red, floor-length coat just like this one with a burgundy dress, I've wanted a bright-red, floor-length coat and a burgundy dress.
If you can even believe it, these gorgeous, art-like wedges from Reformation also come in metallic silver and bright orange. Excuse me while I full on panic trying to decide which color to buy.
Though bold colors were all over the runways this season, there was no shortage of soft, neutral ones too, and this bone hue was the chicest of all.
If there was a coat on the runway that wasn't sweeping the floor with its hem, it was probably a peacoat, the double-breasted sailor favorite that's coming back in a serious way.
Shop the matching Tailored Flared Leather Pants ($450).
Sandy Liang's affinity for bows has officially convinced me that I don't just want one, I need one, if not more than one. Placed in your hair, around your neck, and attached to, well, anything, this easy buy is far more versatile than you'd think.
I'm not much of a small bag person, but this bright-red Tory Burch purse is so pretty and feminine yet bold that I can't help myself.
The Ivy, academic look continues to be a force on the runways, but really, I don't need a designer collection to tell me that chinos are a worthwhile buy. They're regret-proof.
Goodbye, oversize fits, and hello, hourglass shapes. After seasons of baggy, slouchy blazers, 2023 marks the return of tailoring that'll show off what's underneath as opposed to hiding it.
If I'm being completely honest, I bought these ahead of NYFW, but after seeing this shade across the shows, I'm ready to fully stock up.
Coach, Tory Burch, Luar, and more brands ushered in light-wash denim after a few seasons of dark-wash alts pushing their way in the door.
From Khaite to Coach, the fall 2023 runways were littered with maxi leather skirts, worn both as a separate piece and a set.
Next: 168 Hours of New York Fashion Week, as Told by WWW Editors
Eliza Huber is a New York-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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