The Investment Edit: The 5 Savviest Buys for Fall

As much as I lament summer's impending end, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't secretly looking forward to fall. There were so many exciting new silhouettes to grace the fall 2022 runways, from daring new aesthetics like bikercore to the rise in a few excellent new wardrobe staples. As with any new season, I like to take a look at everything that's trending so I can spend my money wisely shopping for a few key buys. 

If you're also considering what to add to your cart for the season ahead, you've come to the right place. After doing plenty of trend research and pouring over the runway collections, I've compiled an edit of the five key buys to make if you're looking to make a long-lasting wardrobe investment. While being on-trend for the current season is top of mind, the following items are the kind that will prove to be useful long after fall 2022 is behind us. And if that's not the definition of a worthy investment buy, then I don't know what is.

So if you're going to spend on anything this season, make it one of these investment fall trends that are the savviest buys of the season.

1. Heavy-Duty Leather Outerwear

If there's any one piece I would recommend anyone invest in this fall, it would undoubtedly be a distressed leather jacket. The tough toppers are one of fall's smartest buys because the number of styles and silhouettes range from moto to bomber jackets, so there's truly something to suit every style and preference. 

My top picks:

2. Simple Slip Dresses

A classic slip dress is something that every closet should contain and the fall 2022 collection are only proving my point. From Jil Sander to Bottega Veneta, long floor-grazing silk slips featured prominently in milky neutral hues and simple V-neck silhouettes. Now would be the perfect time to add one of these to your forever closet.

My top picks:

3. Edgy Boots

For the past several seasons, boots have been pretty much devoid of all metal accouterments, but now that a tougher moto-inspired aesthetic is on the rise, boots are getting the tough treatment with cool hardware detailing. Regardless of current trends though, I think an edgy pair of black leather boots is something that will carry you through many seasons to come, which is why I'm backing the style as a key investment.

My top picks:

4. Crescent Bags

Investing in a designer handbag is always a good idea, but if you were looking for some inspiration on the savviest bag buys right now, I'd have to say curved shapes. So many designers are agreeing on this silhouette and with buzzy new styles from Gucci's Ophidia bag to Miu Miu's Matelassé style, these crescent bags are 100% the moment.

My top picks:

5. Puddle Pants

Relaxed trousers aren't exactly new, but tailoring is leaning even further into the roomy motif with puddle pants (AKA trousers with a full-length hem that forms a puddle shape at the ankle), and I'm putting my investment-worthy stamp of approval on the trend. Not only are the pants the foundation to so many outfits, but take it from this editor that they're the repeatable item you'll end up wearing all year round.

My top picks:

Up next, 29 new Nordstrom buys that will sell out before September arrives.