Splurge Versus Save: The Early Bird's Guide to Fall 2020 Shopping

If summer has got you down and you're craving the day you can begin your fall 2020 shopping, consider your wait officially over. There are some people who enjoy waiting until the last minute to do everything, but I am guessing if you clicked into this story, you are not one of those people. There were tons of trends debuted on the fall/winter runways—most of which we have to wait a while to drop in stores—but if you're itching for the early bird special, we've got the low-down for you right here.
Ahead, get ready to shop seven fall 2020 trends that will not only reign supreme but that you can also shop right this second. Building your seasonal wardrobe with the trends ahead will ensure your closet is more than ready to welcome the rest of the season's most popular styles once the time comes. Whether you're in the mood to splurge or save, the assortment below—featuring both versatile and niche styles—will show exactly what to buy and at what price.
Sweater Vests
This layering separate is one that took the fall runways by storm. Sweater vests were styled in such variety this season that we are deeming them one of the must-haves as you begin your seasonal shopping.
Splurge:
Save:
Reworked Blazers
Reworked blazers were a major theme spotted this season. Everything from cropped, cutout, and crisscrossed styles were on display amongst multiple major designer collections. While you might not be wearing yours with hot pants this fall, this update to the classic blazer will be just the thing your closet is missing.
Splurge:
Save:
Opera-Length Gloves
To be honest, I can't think of a more relevant accessories trend considering the current state of the world. It is quite a coincidence that lengthy opera gloves accompanied look after look on the fall runways and we can't wait to see how you style them yourselves in the coming months.
Splurge:
Save:
Hairy Shearling
Shearling seems to be an outerwear trend that gets recycled season after season, but this year, the shearling showed up longer and hairier. So as you begin your fall shopping, just remember that the shaggier the coat, the better.
Splurge:
Save:
Lots of Leather
Leather is another trend that seems to bubble season after season, but we certainly aren't complaining. Including leather frocks, trousers, and more, a head-to-toe leather look is being championed yet again.
Save:
Flat Boots
It's been a while since flat boots have been trending thanks to its slightly more elevated-feeling replacement, the kitten heel. However, this season, flat boots ranging from equestrian-inspired to chunky are proving to be one of the biggest boot trends of fall 2020.
Splurge:
Save:
Tartan Plaid
Tartan plaid can often feel a tad stuffy and preppy, but this season's runways displayed the pattern with an edge of grunge that made it feel particularly fresh.
Splurge:
Save:
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Sunscreen Filters Abroad Are Totally Elite—Here's Why They're Not Available in the U.S. Yet
It's a bummer, but I have hope.
By Shawna Hudson
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Found: The Only Nordstrom Spring Sale Picks You Need for Expensive-Looking Outfits
These gems are all under $150.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style This Spring
From Prada to Phoebe Philo.
By Eliza Huber
-
These Are the 2025 Versions of Every Basic Your Closet Needs
Bookmark this.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Already Have an Elevated Closet, But If I Were to Start Over, I'd Go for These 5 Staples
Effortless outfit ideas ahead.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These 5 Inspiring Outfits Are Proof You Can Easily Merge Classic and Trendy Styles
Trust me, you're going to want to re-create these looks.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 2025 It Girl's Wardrobe: 9 Highly Specific Brands and Buys They're All Wearing
From handbags to jeans to jewelry.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
These $20 Old Navy Flats Are Just as Chic as the $900 Pair I Have Been Coveting Since Last Spring
These are guaranteed to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes