The Items That Are Worth Investing In This Autumn

      Welcome to The Who What Wear Podcast. Consider it your direct connection to the designers, stylists, beauty specialists, editors, and influencers shaping the fashion and beauty landscape. Subscribe to The Who What Wear Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It's that delightful time of year: the Who What Wear 100. Each season, the Who What Wear team highlights the finest choices across various categories, from must-have splurges to essential shoes for your closet. Senior fashion editor Eliza Huber emphasizes modern classics with a twist for her fall investment recommendations. “In this guide, we concentrated on items that will feel highly relevant and fresh this time of year,” Huber remarked. In the latest episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, Editor in Chief Kat Collings speaks with Huber and associate fashion editor Nikki Chwatt about key pieces to invest in this season, their favorite fall trends, and more. To read excerpts from their discussion, scroll down.

      I view fall as a season to invest in one or two splurge items more than at any other time of year. If you’ve been saving for a new fall piece that you'll cherish for years, what do you suggest we buy? Eliza Huber: I see investment pieces at this time of year as modern twists on classics. Naturally, you want the item you’re spending a significant amount on to be timeless, durable, and versatile. For this guide, we really aimed at pieces that feel particularly relevant and fresh right now. One such item is a pair of navy-and-black Chanel ballet flats made of patent leather. Everyone seems to have or desire the tan-and-black option, but navy-and-black feels incredibly trendy at the moment—it’s a fun color clash. The same idea applies to the Cartier Tank. Many people have the silver version with a metal bracelet—stunning and classic—but right now, there's a noticeable interest in gold. A unique way to modernize it is by opting for a cognac croc leather band—very chic and distinct, ensuring you don’t have the same watch as everyone else.

      Nikki Chwatt: Regarding designer bags, we're currently loving Bottega's new bucket version of its Andiamo bag. It's a fabulous investment piece for the fall and has just been released in stores. It features a soft leather exterior and an inner divider, crafted from the brand’s signature weave. It’s available in black and fondant—which is Bottega's rich brown shade—but we’re particularly enamored with the burgundy color; it appears very luxurious and expensive.

      Bottega Veneta Andiamo Small Leather Bucket Bag

      Where should we look for essential shoe styles for fall? Huber: We thought about this as a capsule wardrobe for shoes, covering everything from boots of different heights to low-profile sneakers to shearling-lined flats. A really fun option is the Khaite Britt clogs. Although they are a sandal, I see them as a very autumnal choice. There are many creative ways to style them, and you can find similar options at Zara, or there's even a Dr. Scholl's style that has been trending on TikTok.

      Khaite Britt Buckled Calf Hair Mules

      Then there's the It-girl brand that emerged last year, Jude. Their shoes are incredibly cute, particularly the version with a stylish slit peep toe, which is very trendy right now.

      Jude Date Mule in Black Leather

      Finally, the Adidas Tokyo is a standout sneaker at the moment. It represents a revival of the Samba, which I believe will remain popular for years. With new colors regularly introduced, people get excited about which one they might be able to acquire next.

      What do you think will be the leading fall trend this year? Huber: I'm really into plaid. There’s a great black trouser with plaid tied around the waist as a belt from Kallmeyer that just launched. I think there are super-interesting styling options, so I’m eager to explore them.

      Kallmeyer Ulla Tie Trouser in Black Virgin Wool With Plaid

      Chwatt: I'm placing my bets on indigo jeans. I've noticed them everywhere already as we approach fall, and I love the uniform look and sophisticated aura the dark wash gives off.

      Citizens of Humanity Annina Straight Leg Jeans

      This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.