I Asked Fashion People What They're Buying for Autumn and Their Finds Are Epic
If you're anything like me, you'd probably be thrilled to get a private look inside the wardrobes of the fashion set and the new items landing on their shopping looks. With so many trends and buzzy autumn fashion pieces on the horizon, I've been curious about which ones have the stamp of approval from insiders. Instead of waiting around to see the covetable looks on their Instagrams, I reached out to some of my favourite buyers, editors, models, and creative consultants to see which pieces they can't wait to start wearing for the season ahead.
Many of their selects revolve around investment buys—versatile pieces like chunky riding boots and fringe bags that tap into the biggest new season trends. Others focus on elevated basics like reinvented knits and high-waisted jeans that are destined to be worn on repeat. Ahead, see exactly what landed on their autumn shopping lists, as well as my personal picks.
Kristen Nichols, Senior Editor, Who What Wear
Shop my picks:
As basics become more core to my everyday wardrobe, I've been excited about new takes on tanks and T-shirts. I have a feeling that the one-shoulder silhouette will be the go-to shape this fall.
Chunky boots are destined to be huge this autumn and I'm very ready to embrace the trend. I especially love this pair that balances out the lug sole with a high-leg take on Chelsea boots.
My glasses have been getting more wear than ever now that I'm spending more time at home, so I'm in need of an upgrade. This aviator style from Chanel just launched and I can't wait to order them to replace my current pair. They actually remind me of a pair my dad wore in the '90s, which immediately sold me on them.
Tiffany Hsu, Fashion Buying Director, MyTheresa
Shop Tiffany's picks:
"Jacquemus does amazing shirting, and the great thing about this cotton-linen piece is that it can also be worn as a dress."
"For outerwear, I like oversized silhouettes, and this Jil Sander puffer coat perfectly fits the bill. I also love the idea of a light-coloured coat versus just sticking to the usual dark hues."
"I adore this colour on Bottega Veneta's fringe pouch. It matches my coats and jackets perfectly."
Alexis Foreman, Art Director, Style Curator, and Creative Consultant
Shop Alexis's picks:
"I had this coat on my wish list last autumn/winter and am so pleased Totême has relaunched it this season! Can't wait to style with knee-high flat boots to wear in the city, or with wellies on autumn walks."
"There are some lovely knee-high boots around this season, but these classic riding boots by Ann Demeulemeester are my favourite style. Looking forward to wearing them with skirts or dresses and cosy knits."
"I'm a sucker for cashmere knitwear, and Extreme Cashmere do the best. I love this chic white style, and the relaxed cut is ideal for layering."
Amy Lefévre, Model and Influencer
Shop Amy's picks:
"Fall is the best time to wear sweaters, but this sweater is special! You can match it with so many different looks and it looks amazing. This one is a must!"
"The colour on this turtleneck is stunning. It would be beautiful to pair with leather pants or a black leather jacket. It's the perfect way to stand out!"
"I love trench coats, and this one especially for how long it is. It would look amazing with a turtleneck, a tight pair of jeans, and knee-high boots."
Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, Senior Market Editor, Who What Wear
Shop Nicole's picks:
"I'm set to deliver just before autumn officially starts, and if there's one thing I've missed wearing, it's jeans! This perfect pair from Levi's might just have to be my first postpartum fashion purchase."
"What will I be styling the jeans with, you may wonder? Ideally, this Dion Lee sweater."
"If I had to throw myself a party of one just to wear this dress at home next season, it would be worth it."
Libby Page, Senior Fashion Market Editor, Net-a-Porter
Shop Libby's picks:
"Bags took a soft and subtle approach this autumn. The shapes were practical yet chic. A twist to the iconic Pouch bag, the chunky chain strap will elevate any look. This style from Bottega Veneta will undoubtedly be the It bag for fall.”
"Men's inspired knitwear absolutely dominated for autumn. I am obsessed with this style from Loulou Studio. It's still feminine, and in this neutral colour, it will go with everything from relaxed tailoring to high-waisted denim.”
"I don't usually do thigh-high heels, but given the amount of sleek styles this autumn, it seems like the right time to invest. This suede pair from Saint Laurent are perfect because they're not too high and have just enough slouch that you can still feel as 'comfortable' as possible. I'll be styling mine over the top of '90s leggings and an oversized black turtleneck dress.”
TyLynn Nguyen, Designer and Creative Consultant
Shop TyLynn's picks:
"This sweater is chic and comfortable—an elevated approach to easy wear at home."
"The perfect shorts for warm California weather and also comfortable for home/Zoom calls/teaching children and schoolwork."
Lisa Ruffle, Buying Manager, Moda Operandi
Shop Lisa's picks:
"Esse Studios is a new emerging label for Moda Operandi. We all fell in love with designer Charlotte Hick's approach to building a concise capsule wardrobe. Each piece is highly considered, it's slow fashion at its best. I can see myself wearing this sleek strapless top back with relaxed tailoring for warmer, early autumn nights, or layered with an oversized blazer for when it is colder."
"I'm forever on the hunt for the perfect blue jean (who isn't?), and the fit on these Danielle Jeans by Khaite is impeccable—structured with a high rise and a stovepipe fit that is ultra-flattering. So much so that we haven't been able to keep them in stock! I'm waiting patiently for mine to arrive."
"The double-layered knit trend isn't going anywhere, and I particularly like this oversized cashmere knit from LouLou Studio as a modern update to the trend. Interesting, elevated knitwear is key to transitioning your wardrobe from summer to autumn without having to overhaul the whole thing."
Grece Ghanem, Personal Trainer, Fashion Model, and Content Creator
Shop Grece's picks:
"The unstoppable return of fringe! It has become more of a distinctive accent to any piece rather than a thematic look. It could be a fringe trim on a sweater or fringe gathered on a leather bag. There are endless possibilities to suit everyone's comfort."
"Leather shorts have been a wardrobe staple for me this year. I even opted to start wearing them as early as in summer. They can be transitioned into the autumn with a cashmere bodysuit for edginess or a cotton sweater for a clash of silhouettes and fabrics."
"My go-to colour for this autumn will be acid or limoncello, and it would look great as a knit top or dress. The colour is so vibrant and blends well with autumn neutrals like browns and beiges."
Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2020 fashion trends to know.
This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
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.
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