18 Investment Pieces All the Cool Fashion Girls Are Buying for Fall
With next season on the horizon, fall trends and what to buy are the big topics of discussion right now among the fashion set. So which trends really have legs, and which ones are worth glossing over? And which buzzy designer pieces are actually worth putting your money behind? Curious, I spoke with some of fashion’s coolest tastemakers—from buyers and editors to art directors and creative consultants—to find out the investment pieces they will be buying this fall.
From the shoe silhouettes they’re behind to the next-season trends they can’t wait to wear, there is no shortage of stunning pieces that landed on their shopping lists. One interesting (and unsurprising) find? Bottega Veneta, the label we’ve crowned the It brand of 2019, is repeated many times on this list. Here, shop 18 fall investment pieces that have been handpicked by women working in fashion, starting with my personal edit.
Kristen Nichols, Managing Editor, Who What Wear
A great pair of shoes is always an investment piece I will put my money behind. For fall, these luxe heels from Bottega Veneta are topping my must-buy list. With their lizard-effect finish, butter yellow hue, and practical kitten heel, they're the subtle statement piece to pair with practically anything.
Sophisticated leather pieces will be taking over this fall—and the trend happens to be the one I'm most excited about wearing. This polished leather jacket from Totême is a stunning take on the trend that I'll be pairing with everything from leather trousers to jeans.
Tiffany Hsu, Fashion Buying Director, MyTheresa
"I love slip dresses—they are so versatile! I'll be wearing this option from The Row with a chunky knit and army boots for day and switch to mules and statement jewelry for evening."
"The love affair with Bottega Veneta continues—the tan brown Arco tote is my new everyday essential."
"Balenciaga’s burgundy leather coat is the stuff fashion dreams are made of. It has just the right oversize cut. Combined with the envelope style and a padded finish, it is the perfect cover-up for the cold season."
Lisa Aiken, Fashion and Buying Director, Moda Operandi
"The flattering cut-away neckline seen on Bottega Veneta's runway dresses was also featured on versatile bodysuits. An essential wardrobe addition that is as chic as it is practical. I look forward to pairing it with countless skirts and denim options."
"I’m always the advocate for a good blazer. This jacket from Alessandra Rich has a vintage Chanel vibe but more modern. To the shows next month, I will wear it with everything from a slip dress to jeans."
Evangelie Smyrniotaki, Art Director
"Combat boots are coming back this season, and these ones from Bottega are my favorites. They're mid-calf but higher than the usual, and I believe that they would look flattering with literally any outfit."
"I have the summer version of this dress, and it's one of the best super flattering dresses for my silhouette, so the first thing to get is its winter velvet alternative."
"I am obsessed with Amina’s over-the-knee boots. They are pure perfection and they will definitely replace a lot of my pumps on my nights out."
TyLynn Nguyen, Designer and Creative Entrepreneur
"I will be a forever neutral color palette kind of woman, so this Bevza coat will be a staple for me. It’s got the right amount of femininity and structure for my frame."
"Living in California, I need comfortable suiting that can transition from day to night. Loving this olive green shirt suit from Anna Quan."
Nicole Eshaghpour, Market Editor, Who What Wear
"These classic mules look like just the shoe I need for wearing with every outfit this fall. I love how they will elevate my go-to jeans-and-tee combo but will also look great with dresses and skirts. I've also found that embossed leather is particularly durable for everyday use."
"Honestly, thinking of a quote about this shirt just convinced me to place the order today. I love the color, dark green goes with (literally) everything, and how it can function as either a layer or a standalone piece. Also, everything is better with a built-in belt."
Jaime Ridge, Fashion Creative Consultant and Content Creator
"As we know, the cardigan has made a comeback, and I'm not mad about it! I'm personally loving a cropped V-neck cardigan paired effortlessly with a pair of high-waisted jeans or worn as a layer over a simple silk shirt. It's the perfect versatile piece to carry through fall. This timeless cashmere crop cardigan from The Row is at the top of my list."
"I'm a lover of Old Celine, which means my new obsession is New Bottega. Its Pouch bag (which is near impossible to get your hands on) is a classic, elegant piece that’s casual and big enough for day wear but can easily transition through to evening. It’s absolutely worth the investment—now to convince my boyfriend of that."
"Hailing from my home country, and one of mine (and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s) favorite designers, Georgia Alice has created the perfect boyfriend style suit pants this season. The straight leg, low waist, and exaggerated folded pleat make for an effortless cool-girl pant that’s perfect for the fall weather."
Next, the six shoe brands that will be everywhere next month.
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.
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