Fall Mode Activated: 5 Key Trends I'm Planning My Wardrobe Around

If you read Who What Wear on the reg, you know that our heads have already been entrenched in all things fall for a while now, and after discussing bigger-picture trends like the colors we'll all be wearing and the important dress silhouettes, it's time to discuss how to actually wear some of these fall trends. Knowing what's trending is one thing, but doing a little planning and figuring out how to actually put these new pieces together in an outfit is the next step (and honestly, one of my favorite pastimes).

Another good reason to do some outfit-planning? Picking and choosing which pieces to invest in will leave you feeling (hopefully) more satisfied with your closet throughout the season. Yep, as the headline suggests, I'm sharing some fall trends I have my eye on that happen to be wearable and affordable. From versatile dresses you can wear now with sandals and later with boots to the fun-loving knits to marry with jeans, keep scrolling for all the under-$40 buys I'm eyeing and the trends that are inspiring each.

1. Simple Knit Dresses

Style Tip: Platform sandals really take this minimalist piece to the next level (both literally and figuratively).

Style Tip: Swap in a pair of lug-sole boots to keep wearing this dress once the weather cools.

Style Tip: A simple dress like this is a great platform to let your favorite accessories really shine.

2. Chic Volume

Style Tip: Pair our Sleeveless Peplum Top with wide-leg trousers when you want to look ridiculously polished.

Style Tip: Dress this look down with slides during the day, and then swap them for kitten heels for a night out.

3. Fun-Loving Knits

Style Tip: Calling it now: Fashion people will be wearing creative, fun-loving knit pieces with their jeans this fall. 

Style Tip: Layer a sweater-vest over a collared shirt for a more classic feel.

4. Easy Tailoring

Style Tip: The new fashion-person suit involves relaxed trousers and a tailored vest.

Style Tip: We've highlighted it before, but a plain tee, oversize button-down, and trousers is still the casual-chic formula I plan to repeat all season long.

5. Cottagecore Dressing

Style Tip: Ground an airy and cutesy frock with something tougher like platform oxfords.

Style Tip: Look out for dainty floral prints that could easily be mistaken for vintage.

Up next, seven brilliant summer-to-fall pieces you'd never know were under $40.