No, It's Not Just You—These Viral Fall Pieces Are on Everyone's Algorithm

viral-fall-fashion-items-309068-1692895231564-main

As a Gen Z editor, my screen time would legitimately scare a Victorian-era child No, seriously. Nearly every day, I spend more hours than I care to admit mindlessly scrolling on Instagram and clocking trends while I'm in pursuit of the next thing to buy. I hate to admit it, but frankly, it's my job to be on the hunt for the It items everyone is wearing. Now that fall is almost here and the fashion set is heading back home after photogenic vacations in Europe, the feed is open for business.

After one too many late nights on social media, I've noticed a few items I predict everyone is going to lust after come September. From runway-approved sweaters to fish-shaped leather bags that editors can't stop wearing, scroll on below to discover the six fashion items that are set to go viral this year. Grab 'em now before they sell out because—trust me—they will.

Distressed Biker Jackets

viral-fall-fashion-items-309068-1692892106129-main

(Image credit: @cortnebonilla)

While distressed moto jackets and biker jackets made an appearance at the start of the year thanks to Miu Miu, the grungy It-girl trend looks like it's coming back in a major way this fall. With my favorite retailers offering the worn-in, faded style at a variety of price points, I'm sold.

Mesh Flats

viral-fall-fashion-items-309068-1692892125915-main

(Image credit: @hannamw)

If there's one thing you can count on this editor to defend, it's mesh flats. After stumbling upon Ukranian brand Lookie Atelier on Instagram earlier this summer, I've been documenting the style's slow but sure ascent into the fashion stratosphere. Now that influencers have caught on, the mesh-flats trend isn't going anywhere.

Gray Knit Sweaters

viral-fall-fashion-items-309068-1692892145130-main

(Image credit: @ellymcgaw)

After Prada's F/W 23 runway show, our editors couldn't stop thinking about how wearable the entire collection was. Case in point: the rise of the simple, elevated gray sweater. Whether you're a fan of a smokier shade or are settling for the original heather-gray melange, the style is going to be everywhere this fall. Plus, if you're looking to keep things on the affordable side, there are plenty of wallet-friendly options that look just as good as the runway version.

Woven Leather Bags

viral-fall-fashion-items-309068-1692892158420-main

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Bottega Veneta's illusive Sardine bag took over the hearts, minds, and souls of everyone this summer, and the brand's signature woven-leather style hasn't given signs of slowing down anytime soon. If you're looking for a timeless bag that'll earn you tons of compliments, look no further than one of the styles below.

Dark-Wash Denim Maxi Skirts

viral-fall-fashion-items-309068-1692892169725-main

(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

While denim maxi skirts were the item to have as far as spring and summer fashion went, it's time the fashion industry was introduced to its cooler older sister—dark-wash, formfitting jean maxis. Pro tip: Deeper indigo washes work well as the weather cools down.

'90s Accessories

viral-fall-fashion-items-309068-1692892164778-main

(Image credit: @lauraharrier)

If you're hoping to channel a When Harry Met Sally vibe this fall, opt for the '90s combination that celebrities and influencers have been loving lately—a wide headband paired with chic oval sunglasses.

Assistant Shopping Editor
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)