Here's What Our Editors are Buying (and Ditching) This Fall
Is anyone else ready for a refreshing change in season, ambiance, routine, wardrobe?! Fall is just around the corner and I, for one, can’t wait to make a few welcome shifts and updates—starting with my closet. With a new season comes a whole host of fresh and exciting new trends—from textured handbags, chunky rubber boots to sweater vests, and puff sleeves—there’s a little something to suit every sartorial taste this upcoming season. Curious to see what my fellow editors are planning to invest in this fall, this week I had them share a few of the pieces at the top of their fall wish lists along with the items they’ll be relinquishing this autumn. Read on to get the scoop.
"As always, there are already a ton of boots I'm eyeing for the coming season, and I will likely end up purchasing more pairs than necessary. On the flip side, I went big on the leather trend last year so while I'll definitely still wear the pieces I already own, I likely won't be adding any new styles to my collection this time around."
"This fall I will be leaving strong houndstooth prints behind and plan on replacing them with classic tartan plaids. We saw a lot of this trend on the runways and I'm excited to find new ways to modernize the timeless print."
"I almost said I was going to invest in a matching sweatsuit this fall since it's looking like we'll still be spending a lot of time at home. Somehow I haven't acquired one yet, and so far have been getting by with my existing leggings and other miscellaneous loungewear. But I'm thinking that's a slightly dismal answer to what we're buying for fall, so I'm going comfy adjacent with an oversized sweater vest pick! I just recently got into the vest trend (I know, a little late) with this sweet little summer vest-and-shorts set, and am looking to continue the look into fall. I think H&M styled it to perfection here. I'll just kindly swap in those heeled boots for a flat pair."
"I had a pair of classic riding boots in my closet since college that I wore again and again until they were falling apart. I've been wanting to replace them and love the new take on equestrian boots that are popping up for fall. While they're still just as sleek, they're reimagined with thicker soles and wider shafts that make them feel more modern. And though I have plenty of boots in my closet with tall heels, I'll be putting those on pause right now for more comfortable flat styles."
"A chic ribbed knit dress is high up on my wish list for fall. Since I've been living in voluminous tent dresses all summer, I'll likely set those aside in lieu of a refreshingly sleek and streamlined body-hugging silhouette that we're seeing for the new season."
"I'm saying sayonara to the crafty bead jewelry I've been wearing all summer in favor of unique pearl jewelry. This season pearls are getting a modern update with novel silhouettes, mismatched shapes, new proportions, and mixed with other materials like gold chains."
"I'm still really into the relaxed suiting trend for fall and to get the look, I'm buying a pair of languid wide-leg trousers to wear solo or pair with a blazer for a full suit moment. On the other hand, I feel like those slim trousers with tight tailoring—they're usually called cigarette cut—aren't doing it for me anymore. The silhouette feels a bit tired and since I'll still be working from home this fall I just don't have time for anything that isn't totally comfortable, so I can see myself donating a number of them."
"I'm very into sleek, grown-up pieces for fall—maybe it's some kind of subconscious desire to bring order into my life while the news is still chaotic. Instead of using huge, slouchy totes like I normally would, I love the structure and clean lines of this beautiful Strathberry bag. Plus, it forces me to only carry the essentials and not lose things at the bottom of my bag."
"I've tried out this brand of high-tech running shoes and I have to say that I'm hooked. (Well, as hooked as a workout-averse person can possibly be.) These shoes finally convinced me to throw away my old sneakers that weren't made with any of the cool technology that's available right now. My exercise of choice lately has been jump roping, and these are so cushiony and comfortable for all the jumping."
"I don't think I'm going to need a lot of "going-out tops" this fall, for obvious reasons, but those sweater sets with the little bras are a trend I'm definitely not over yet. I love that this set includes a blazer. Could be the next iteration!"
"I'm still very into modern tailoring and want to invest in that ideal slouchy blazer. That perfect pick will be great to throw on over a tee for more professional Zoom meetings. With that in mind, I'll probably ditch my super-fitted blazers that are just uncomfortable at this point."
Up next, 7 accessory trends hitting their expiration date this fall.
Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.