5 Autumn Trends Who What Wear Editors Are Very Into This Season

Although we're still in the middle of summer, our attention has already been zeroing in on the autumn collections and all the inspiring trends about to enter the spotlight. When a change in seasons is imminent, many of us on the team sort through our wardrobe to identify those slightly outdated pieces that could be stored away to make room for fresher finds.

Currently, there's a smattering of new trends that we're loving to potentially replace some of the pieces we're not feeling as much. Of course, though, everything mentioned is strictly based on personal opinion, and you should really just wear whatever you love. Everything coming your way is simply intended to inspire your wardrobe. Keep scrolling to check out new trends to consider, complete with a variety of shopping picks, many of which could work now or later come fall.

Wearing: Tonal Layering

outdated-fashion-items-2021-294131-1625770912547-image

(Image credit: @katcollings)

"The autumn trend that I always struggle with is capes. Something about them reads costumey to me, so I usually stick to other types of outerwear as the weather turns chilly.

A big look that I'm excited about for autumn is tonal layering. Picture a turtleneck with a button-down layered on top, a coat, and trousers, all in a similar hue. The key is to go generally oversized. Check out the Lemaire show to get a visual. I feel like this look is anti-trend, so I can picture wearing it for many years to come." — Kat Collings, editor in chief

Wearing: Lilac Pieces

outdated-fashion-items-2021-294131-1625770913613-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

"Leopard-print coats are already a thing again, and I just can't do it yet. I'm still recovering from how much leopard print everyone was wearing a few short years ago. That said, I leave open the door to changing my mind about it completely by November, so if you see me in a leopard-print coat this autumn, it is what it is.

"A trend that you will definitely see me in is lilac, preferably in the form of a chunky-knit sweater. I like that it's not a typical fall colour and that it's fresher than pink but equally pretty." — Allyson Payer, senior editor

Wearing: Tailored Vests

outdated-fashion-items-2021-294131-1625770914133-image

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

"If loafers with a chunky lug sole never came back in style again, I wouldn't be mad. Although they were everywhere last autumn, I personally think classic loafers are ultimately more enduring and, therefore, a wiser investment. Don't get me wrong. I love a good menswear-inspired staple but the novelty of those chunky soles has worn off on me.

"Speaking of being inspired by menswear, one autumn trend I'm excited to wear is tailored vests, especially styled with billowy trousers à la Kendall Jenner." — Anna LaPlaca, editor

Wearing: Saturated Hues

outdated-fashion-items-2021-294131-1625849786257-main

(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

"I'm really looking forward to embracing saturated shades and unique colour pairings this autumn rather than grey." — Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, audience engagement editor

Wearing: Relaxed Blazers

outdated-fashion-items-2021-294131-1625850791784-image

(Image credit: @bobbyschuessler)

"I used to wear more fitted and tailored jackets and blazers, but I've been embracing relaxed outerwear lately for a more modern vibe." — Bobby Schuessler, market director

Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know. 

This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.