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Only buying what you need when you need it is a sensible way to approach your next-season wish list. But where fashion’s most wanted are concerned, those bestsellers are long gone by the time the leaves have turned and the weather forecast actually reads fall. In fact, the moment pre-fall collections arrive mid-August, the sharpest eyes (and quickest hands) have secured their first buys for the upcoming season. Fast-forward to early September—a.k.a. Fashion Month—where the crowd outside the shows is a good indication of what people will actually be wearing during the transitional dressing period. But refreshing Phil Oh’s street style for daily updates isn’t the only source of truth for trend spotting. In fact, much of what lands on shelves goes directly back to what buyers and fashion directors choose to stand behind after reviewing the collections and taking market appointments. So who better to turn to than these experts themselves to get a sense of which pieces will dominate shopping carts this fall?
Each retailer’s clientele may be different, but there’s an undercurrent that informs what’s resonating in fashion. Are there any carryover trends or styles from last year still relevant now? Which It bag is vying for the throne? And which unexpected print mixes from Dries Van Noten’s swan song collection are a must-have for fans of the Belgian designer? No spoilers here—keep to scrolling to see which pieces buyers and fashion directors are predicting to be fall’s bestsellers.
Net-a-Porter
For Net-a-Porter market director Libby Page, fall’s most-wanted pieces are closet additions you’ll have for years to come. Look to Bottega Veneta and Loewe for on-trend yet timeless fall jacket offerings; Bally and Gucci for luxurious yet practical footwear, and Khaite for new additions to its handbag families. Bally is a recent addition to the Net-a-Porter roster, with its boat shoe loafer already selling out in what Page is calling the color of the season: a rich burgundy.
The Bestseller Predictions:
- The Hero Coat: Bottega Veneta plaid woven coat, $3,600
- The Barn-Jacket-Inspired: Loewe corduroy-trimmed cotton jacket, $2,900
- The Boat Shoe: Bally Pathy loafers, $950
Saks Fifth Avenue
Roopal Patel, SVP, fashion director at Saks, sees the return of boho glam (inspired by Chemena Kamali’s debut collection for Chloé) as an overarching trend that will bring about a handful of bestsellers: “Flowy chiffon dresses, lace, over-the-knee boots, bracelet bags, and signature Chloé monogram belts are already on every Chloé girl’s wish list,” she says. Zooming in on accessories, Patel emphasizes tall boots and mini top-handle bags. “High-shaft boots are perfect to pair back with fall dresses and statement coats. Prada, Miu Miu, and Chloé have some of the best of the season,” she says, adding that, in the handbag department, “less is more” in terms of size—think mini, not XXL shapes. Dries Van Noten’s last women’s collection is not to be missed either: “These pieces are going to be scooped up and treasured by devoted Dries fans around the world,” Patel says.
The Bestseller Predictions:
- The Boho Essential: Chloé draped silk tunic top, $3,190
- The Moto Boot: Miu Miu Stivali Variante Fondo boots, $2,550
- The It Bag: Alaïa Le Teckel shoulder bag, $2,450
Shopbop
Slouchy bags, oversized jeans, and leather bomber jackets: These are just a few of the fall trends Shopbop’s senior fashion director Caroline Maguire is standing behind. For Shopbop’s customer, she’s predicting a mix of sporty-meets-fashion-forward pieces to be bestsellers, including Sea NY’s rugby-inspired tee (designed exclusively for the retailer to celebrate its 25th anniversary), a pair of black capris, and Tanner Fletcher’s ruffle-trimmed hoodie. In the footwear space, keep a close eye on edgy moto boots and loafers with laced-up grommets.
The Bestseller Predictions:
- The Goes-With-Anything Denim: Citizens of Humanity Paloma baggy jeans, $228
- The Hobo Bag: Rag Bone Spire hobo bag, $458
- The Chic Capris: AFRM Ettie capri pants, $58
Nordstrom
Nordstrom’s fashion director, Rickie De Sole, tells Vogue “fashion is embracing a new wave of elegance, and sophistication is key.” Accessories like Alaïa’s Le Teckel handbag, Prada’s satin ballet flats, and Nili Lotan’s more fitted take on the barn jacket all capture this sentiment. De Sole shares Patel’s excitement for all things boho, highlighting two Chloé runway styles that Nordstrom has picked up for the season: its ruffle dress and etched cork wedges. Core fall styles top her bestsellers list too, including Gucci’s Horsebit platform loafer and Khaite’s suede Marfa boot.
The Bestseller Predictions:
- The Lug-Sole Loafer: Gucci Idle Horsebit loafers, $1,250
- The Ruffled Slip: Chloé ruffle slip dress, $4,990
- The Runway Heel: Chloé Maxime wedge sandals, $1,190
Neiman Marcus
“The fall collections this season delivered the perfect combination of glamour and wearability,” Jodi Kahn, VP of luxury fashion at Neiman Marcus tells Vogue. “When pieces check not only one of these boxes, but both, they become instant must-haves!” These must-haves range from Khaite’s leather midi skirt in a luxe oxblood to Chloé’s outfit-defining over-the-knee boots. Back for another cameo is Dries Van Noten’s statement coat, which would make any fall wardrobe come to life with its painterly brushstrokes in Klein blue, pink, and brown.
The Bestseller Predictions:
- The Touch of Leopard: Zimmermann Illustration leopard sheath dress, $1,050
- The Statement Coat: Dries Van Noten Ranks brushstroke-print coat, $3,140
- The Leather Midi Skirt: Khaite Loxley pencil skirt, $2,900
Bergdorf Goodman
There are about a half a dozen trends Linda Fargo, SVP, women’s fashion and director of store presentation at Bergdorf Goodman, is confident will resonate with the retailer’s shoppers this fall. Feminine tailoring leads the charge, followed closely by burgundy as a color trend (a splash that’s welcome in all “wine varietals” she says) and sleek to-the-knee shaft boots. Anything Dries Van Noten is worthy of your attention as well: “The more signature Dries, the better!”
The Bestseller Predictions:
- The Pencil Skirt: Sacai denim jacket peplum detail skirt, $945
- The Belted Jacket: Prada short belted trench jacket, $4,700
- The Splash of Burgundy: Loewe pebbled leather bucket bag, $2,400
Moda Operandi
April Hennig, Moda Operandi’s chief merchant says a few fall trends are already resonating with its clients. When it comes to outerwear, barn jackets make for the perfect transitional investment; Brandon Maxwell’s is a noted favorite. For colder days, statement shearlings like the one from By Malene Birger will define your look. Equally essential is the cardigan, which Hennig says “effortlessly embodies both grace and versatility.” The boho blouse is another key style she predicts will take off. On the more understated side of things, practical investments include a roomy, largely logo-free carryall and sleek flats, which allow for 10K+ steps away without compromising personal style.
The Bestseller Predictions:
- The Ladylike Cardigan: Prada jacquard-checked wool cardigan, $2,550
- The Chic Flat: The Row ballet flats, $820
- The Investment Carryall: Balenciaga Rodeo leather bag, $5,190