The Who What Wear Fall Guide Is Here With Every Fashion-Insider Thing to Know

Fall is officially in full swing, and this editor couldn't be more ready for all of the layers. There is perhaps no better time for a wardrobe refresh. It's my favorite time of the year to add seasonless staples such as coats, loafers, and knitwear to my closet.

If you've been contemplating what to add to your shopping cart, you're in luck because our fall 2021 fashion guide has arrived. Here, I'm highlighting all of the fashion-insider things to know, aka the key buys of the season that hit on all of our favorite trends. The fall guide zeroes in on the most important buys in every category, from suiting to shoes to accessories and everything in between. You can rest assured that you're adding every essential piece to your closet for a very stylish fall. There are so many great new fashion items ahead.

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The Suiting: Vest Tops
(Image credit: @mvb@dawn.tan)

If there's an unofficial must-buy piece for fall, it's definitely the vest top. Whether you opt for a cropped style or a slouchy version, you can't go wrong.

Shop the trend:

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The Aesthetic: Preppy

The preppy aesthetic is only gaining steam with S/S 22 shows like Miu Miu and Lacoste cementing the trend for the future.

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The Pants: Cargos
(Image credit: @aminamuaddi@giorgiatordini)

I've been talking about cargo pants nonstop and think every fall wardrobe should include a pair.

Shop the trend:

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The Detail: "Floss" Straps
(Image credit: @dualipa@sophiet)

I'll credit Nensi Dojaka with making the "floss" strap trend go viral, and don't expect to see it slowing down anytime soon.

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The Sneakers: Basketball
(Image credit: @ariviere@champagnemani)

Basketball sneakers are one of the trends I couldn't wait to get in my closet. Having test-driven them myself, I think they're one of the most wearable trends for fall.

Shop the trend:

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The Jacket: Quilted
(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen@anoukyve)

Cloud-like quilted jackets are taking center stage this season. If you're looking for a fashion-forward take on cozy dressing, this is it.

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The Knit: Cable
(Image credit: @deborabrosa@laurenegg)

Cable-knit sweaters were in full focus in the F/W 21 collections at brands like Khaite, so you just know they're an essential fall buy.

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The Coat: Statement
(Image credit: @slipintostyle@handinfire)

The bigger the statement, the better—at least when it comes to coats for fall 2021. Bold, bright colors are the way to go.

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The Trousers: Relaxed
(Image credit: @jordanrisa@pernilleteisbaek)

Tailored yet relaxed trousers are the staple you definitely need to get your hands on if you haven't already.

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The Set: Knits

Fashion people just love a great matching set. For fall, it's all about matching knits ranging from sweater sets to tops and coordinating hot pants.

Shop the trend:

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The Leather Jacket: Upsized
(Image credit: @sophiaroe@musierparis)

Leather jackets haven't been wildly popular the past few seasons, but they're back and reimagined in upsized proportions.

Shop the trend:

Next: The 12 Editor-Approved Trends I'm Wearing Until Further Notice

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Associate Director, Special Projects

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.