The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space to explore everything from craftsmanship deep dives to the little-known details to consider when buying fine jewelry.
While I'm always interested in chatting with fashion insiders across the board, I find it fascinating to speak with the buyers and fashion directors behind my favorite retailers. They have insights into which trends they're investing in for the season ahead, as well as the exact items they anticipate will be huge, so their opinion really means a lot and impacts my personal shopping choices.
Curious to find out which investment fashion items are worth the splurge for fall, I asked some of the most in-the-know women behind the coolest luxury retailers to weigh in with their favorite buys. Their picks are leaving me inspired for all of the stunning fashion pieces on the horizon for fall and now I can't stop thinking about them. Their picks include the biggest trends coming up including everything from high-impact outerwear and color pop accessories to statement-making boots and the latest going-out pieces. Ahead, dive in to see their recommendations—I promise you'll just want to stare at these beautiful finds.
Jana Hofheimer, Buyer, Moda Operandi
Shop Jana's picks:
The Trend: Shearling
"We're about to see shearling have a big fashion comeback. You must secure yours now because 1. All the best ones will sell out fast, well before winter strikes, and 2. With the way things are going, we might be poised for a colder fall than usual anyway. This one was a hero piece on the Jacquemus F/W 21 runway just last month."
The Trend: Eveningwear
"People everywhere are going mega-glam when it comes to going out, fully maximizing every opportunity to dress up. The trend is bound to continue as we move into fall and gear up for the holiday party season. Look no further than Magda Butrym to give you an over-the-top cocktail option."
The Trend: Cashmere
"Last year's hot knit moment—made famous by Katie Holmes' street style—was Khaite's cashmere cardigan and bra set. This year, she's updating us with this ultra-luxe, multi-colored intarsia. We've sold dozens of these on pre-order so, run, don't walk, to add this to your cart."
Tiffany Hsu, Fashion Buying Director, MyTheresa
Shop Tiffany's picks:
The Trend: Wellington Boots
"Always need the perfect winter boot and this season, ellington boots are a big trend. This style by Bottega Veneta is the perfect welliy/leather hybrid but make it fashion."
The Trend: High Shine
"PVC is a great way to update your typical black bag, and I love the puffer version from Khaite."
The Trend: Statement Coat
"It's all about a statement coat this winter but still keeping it easy to wear. This Prada perfectly oversize corduroy coat. … You can literally throw over anything and make a big entrance. Fashion week or school runs, you'll love it forever."
Cassie Smart, Head of Womenswear Buying, MatchesFashion
Shop Cassie's picks:
The Trend: XL Totes
"This season, the tote bag has become so much more than just a practical way to carry your laptop to work. Many oversized bags, large totes, and holdalls feel super luxe and are timeless investment pieces perfect for day trips, weekends away, or for running errands. Our customer is gravitating towards larger totes and bags over the past year and has increased our buy for A/W 21 by over 35% and includes options from Loewe's iconic Flamenco to Khaite's modern Amelia tote."
The Trend: Padded Jackets"We have seen a real shift towards high-low dressing this season, and we predict our customer will be adopting this approach too. The key to achieving this look is to invest in pieces that not only look great but are also functional when spending more time outdoors. A padded jacket will keep you warm but also offers a contemporary silhouette which feels modern."
The Trend: Color-Pop Accessories
"We have seen bright pops of color throughout RTW and accessories this season as designers look to bring joy and have fun with fashion again. Across shoes and bags, we have seen energetic green from the likes of Bottega Veneta and Amina Muaddi and hot pink from Jacquemus. I love these vibrant tones that will uplift both your outfit and mood and are truly emotive pieces to invest in."
April Koza, Vice President, Fwrd
Shop April's picks:
The Trend: '90s-Inspired Bags
"I love the return of the '90s silhouettes like this Balenciaga shoulder bag that can be dressed up or down. It's versatile enough that you can wear it with a white tee shirt and jeans or dress it up for a night out with friends."
The Trend: Sneaker Boots
"I'm obsessed with The Row's Town Boots. They really are a hybrid of a boot and a sneaker but they have that modern minimal look that will effortlessly complement all of your fall looks."
The Trend: Leather Trousers
"Now is the perfect time to switch up your style, [and] it's all about the pant. I'm loving these butter color wide-leg pants by Totême. I can pair these with a tank for now and toss on a jacket for later."
Anne Egan, VP/DMM, Nordstrom
Shop Anne's picks:
The Trend: Cowboy Boots
"A white modern Western bootie adds a new idea to your closet. Because of the streamlined lines of this bootie, she will stand the test of time."
The Trend: Lug-Sole Loafers
"As we redefine officewear for hybrid work, a fresh new loafer is high on my list as the perfect do-it-all shoe to freshen up your wardrobe. White is here to stay as a neutral—and these easy mule loafers with lug soles check all the boxes. This would be that shoe that you always turn to because it's both chic and comfortable."
The Trend: Mini Bag
"The understated elegance of this Bottega Veneta Mini Cassette crossbody handbag is a piece that will get a lot of wear. Handbags that are convertible are always a smart investment because you get double the opportunity to wear them. This bag can be worn as a crossbody or a wristlet.”
The Trend: Crystal-Embellished Heels
"Whether you have something to celebrate like a wedding or just that party that you can’t wait to dress up for, we love that this feels so new while being a timeless and wise investment for your closet. We love that this adds a bit of crystal sparkle while adding color and a fresh new idea to your closet."
Shop More Fall Luxury Buys
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