The Who What Wear Fall Shopping List

With fall upon us, we’re in autumn shopping mode. Fresh trends from the runways are already setting the tone for what the fashion set will be wearing in the months ahead—including the rise of boho, a focus on outfit-making accessories, and the continued influence of sophisticated elegance which has heavily impacted style in the first half of the year. We’ve also had an early look at some of the just-dropped trends and fall arrivals on the street style scene as fashion month kicked off.

Since I was interested in getting a preview of the exact pieces Who What Wear fashion editors will be wearing this fall, I asked our team to share the items they are planning to order soon. Their picks include everything from suede and leopard pieces to elevated staples to investment-worthy bags and outerwear. The overall theme, however, is a focus on smart, versatile buys that have longevity over fleeting trends. Ahead is the Who What Wear fall shopping list, as put together by our editors.

This fall, I’m focused on adding pieces to my wardrobe that I plan to wear and rewear for many seasons. At the top of my shopping list is a timepiece I can wear daily, and the Cartier Tank set on a leather band is the frontrunner. Though it’s a 107-year-old design, it feels more relevant than ever. In a similar vein, I’m eyeing the Bottega Veneta Lauren 1980 clutch, a piece worn by Lauren Hutton in Gigolo that has stood the test of time since the ’80s. I’m also gravitating toward elegant A-line silhouettes, modern takes on American sportswear, and versatile accessories.

“Three key words are guiding my fall 2024 shopping strategy: modern, elevated, and sleek. Basically, if an item checks those boxes, it’s for me. I tend to gravitate toward basics in my everyday life, so updated takes on classics feel most relevant. I’m referring to pieces like tailored blazers (looking at you, Toteme and Jil Sander) and sportswear staples like Bottega Veneta and Tory Burch’s reimagined trench coats. Burgundy is my color choice of the season and a beautiful bag in this elegant hue is at the top of my list.”

“Fall is my favorite season so I always buy way too much, but this year, I’m going to try my hardest to stick to a well-edited list. I live in the South and work from home, and I really don’t dress up that often (most of my dressing up is done when I travel), so my goal is to invest in more everyday pieces that I’ll actually wear. My vibe lately has been preppier than usual, so polo-neck sweaters, cinched-waist blazers, dark denim, suede bags, and barn jackets are right up my alley. Miu Miu’s preppy-with-a-twist, outerwear-focused F/W 24 collection is the goal. That said, I’m also in the market for a few statement pieces like leopard-print accessories and boho blouses, so I definitely can’t say that I’ll be sticking to just one aesthetic.”

“I kind of say this ahead of every season, but my shopping mindset this fall is generally tied around minimalism and timelessness. I did a lot of end-of-summer shopping, so I’m probably going to keep the buying to a minimum, instead focusing on pieces I already own that have been in storage all summer. Outerwear is my main focus, with long car coats at the top of my shopping list. Easy skirts, dresses, and trousers can go underneath with a cashmere sweater or poplin shirt, and on my feet all fall will be almond-toe court shoes or stiletto boots. As for colors, I’m leaning toward shades of brown and gray, with others like navy, burgundy, and ivory to break them up. I overall just want to continue building a wardrobe that’s elegant, versatile, and classic, looking to brands like Altuzarra, Prada, and Carven to help me get there in a modern, fresh way.”

“I’ve heard a common theme floating around the office and have concluded that Who What Wear editors are all in the same boat when it comes to our vibe for fall fashion this season. The motto ‘fewer but better’ will create a wardrobe that truly feels effortless in my mind. I am planning on outfit repeating and finding new ways to wear what I already love while also weaving in fun personality pieces to add a new life to the classics—I felt particularly inspired by the Schiaparelli show for this fall season because it did just that. I’m looking to make purchases that will be in my closet for decades and have fun while doing it.”