The Fashion Week Starter Pack: 8 Cult Pieces You're About to See Everywhere

Welcome to the Starter Pack series, a Who What Wear column that dives deep into the seasonal trends everyone's talking about.

Yep, it's that time again, friends. Fashion month is upon us. Ahead of the chaos that's just now starting to descend upon the streets of Manhattan, Who What Wear's NYC editor Lauren and our L.A. editor Anna put their heads together and made some predictions about what the fashion set will be wearing to and from the shows in all four destinations. Although we’re keeping you up to the minute on everything happening on the runway, we've dedicated this space to zooming in on what everyone's wearing off the runway, e.g., the pieces that are defining the street style scene this season.

You see, each season, editors, influencers, celebs, and everyone else involved in fashion week unanimously agree upon a handful of key It items. These are the pieces that repeat themselves throughout every street style gallery and pop up all over your Instagram feed—and we think we know what you're going to see. Well, without further adieu, we present to you the eight cult pieces defining the fall 2019 fashion weeks.

Saks Potts Puffer

From the brand that basically invented the term “cult piece” comes a puffer jacket that puts every other one to shame. Sure, puffers may be the warmest option, but now they're the coolest one, too. Whether emblazoned with the brand's signature logo or steeped in a hi-fi tie-dye print, these are the statement coats you won’t be able to ignore for the next month.

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Chanel Mary Janes

Chanel drops a new product, every major influencer and celeb gets their hands on it, and just like that, a new cult item is created overnight. The latest buzz in the Chanel world? Its Mary Jane shoes. Now, the interesting thing to note is not that everyone and their mother is wearing them (because, duh, Chanel); it's the fact that influencers have somehow collectively decided to solely wear them with white tights. This is definitely a styling tactic we're expecting to see lots of this fashion week. 

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Prada Sidonie Bag

There’s a new designer It bag in town, and it’s already adorning the arms of Instagram’s biggest influencers. Meet the Prada Sidonie, a cropped shoulder bag that’s reminiscent of those itty bitty baguette bags you used to love in the early aughts (don't deny it).

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Valet Studio Barrettes

Hair clips are having a major moment largely in part to the up-and-coming brand Valet Studio. This brand is arguably one of the few who made barrettes, clips, and claws relevant again thanks to its fresh-feeling Instagram presence. Oh, and the dozens of influencers who got their hands on the product right off the bat. Since outerwear and practical shoes will be a must among the snow and rain this fashion week, we have a feeling Valet's barrettes will be just the accessory attendees choose to liven up their winter looks. 

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Sandy Liang Fleece Jacket

Sandy Liang is a designer who has made quite a name for herself over the past few seasons with her edgy yet romantic styling, multitextured outerwear, and now, for her iteration of the "dad" fleece. Getting your hands on one of these bad boys is easier said than done as most retailers struggle to keep the jackets in stock. The reason? Everyone from influencers to editors to celebrities owns one, and they're going to show it off during fashion week, mark our words. 

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Staud Alice Bag

If anyone knows how to design a bag that will charm the pants off everyone, it's Staud. After the brand's Bissett bag reached cult status, each of its subsequent designs has seemed to outdo the last in competition for the most-wanted bag. Its latest drop, the Alice, is a whimsically shaped top handle tote that's finished in an of-the-moment croc effect. But that's not even the best part: The top opens up to reveal a mirror, making touch-ups a breeze while bouncing from show to show.

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Ganni Beanies

Last year it was the cowboy boots, and this year it will be the colorful beanies. When it comes to this brand, it's somehow not annoying when you show up in matching Ganni something—it's that good. This season, nearly every editor and influencer in New York has been spotted wearing one of the brand's bold wool beanies in varying colors, and after seeing the street style photos from Copenhagen Fashion Week, we know this phenomenon is officially a thing worldwide. Since fashion week will likely be a chilly one, a beanie is a must, and this will be the go-to. 

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Dr. Martens Boots

Here’s a bit of news we don’t often hear: The item everyone’s wearing has actually been around for years and won’t cost you more than $200. Thanks to new platform lug soles, the combat boots got a very stylish upgrade recently, and all of a sudden the fashion crowd took notice. A few other highlights that make them cult-worthy: They're a dream to walk in, shockingly practical, and add a lot of look.

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