How We're Adjusting Our Typical Fall Buys to a New Era

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

As fashion editors who look forward to fall shopping pretty much as soon as the previous fall ends, shopping for fall 2020 has been quite the head-scratcher for us. We can't help but want to add some new pieces to our wardrobes, but without many places to go, we also don't want to waste our money on things we aren't going to wear.

Time will tell how long this new era of comfort-focused, functional fashion will last, but if we had to guess, we'd say quite a while. It's hard to fathom wanting to wear a pair of leather pants all day or towering heels for a night out after months and months of sweats and slippers. At the same time, we long for the more polished outfits we wore pre-pandemic. And since fall fashion is naturally a little more elevated than that of the warmer months, we're seeking out comfortable pieces that still offer that polish we crave.

Ahead, scroll along to shop each of our editor's fall shopping wishlists in this post-pandemic world we're living in.

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"This fall, I'll be shifting away from the more structured tailored pieces in my wardrobe to more relaxed iterations such as loose sweatpant-trouser hybrids and comfortable yet smart knit cardigans."

Shop Judith's New-Era Picks

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"While I've never really been a 'flats' person, favoring a kitten heel or even 1-inch block heel, I can't really imagine how much use I'll get out of my extensive collection of heeled footwear once fall comes. With that in mind, I'm looking to expand my collection of cute-but-flat shoes and boots for days where I want to go a step above sneakers but, of course, not too far above."

Shop Nicole's New-Era Picks

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"Fall usually involves an updated outerwear purchase for me that leans toward the sleek and tailored variety, but this season, I'll be focusing more on the comfy and cozy. I don't anticipate needing a sophisticated blazer coat and will lean on soft turtlenecks, sweatshirts, and warm layering pieces instead."

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"While moving to New York required I build a more robust pants collection to weather the chiller fall and winter days, this year, I'll be able to live my no-pants dream. Don't worry—I'm still going to be polished enough for my Zoom meetings because this fall I'll be opting for matching knitwear sets and dresses. Not only are knitwear separates and dresses easy to throw on, but it's also a low-effort polished look that you can actually feel comfortable wearing at home."

Shop Jasmine's New-Era Picks

Shop Anna's New-Era Picks

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"Right now, I'm adding ribbed knits to my closet. While they're technically still a wardrobe basic, they feel like a more luxe, trend-forward piece to swap in for my regular tees. I'm especially loving polos and tube top versions, which I imagine wearing with everything from Bermuda shorts to loose-fitting trousers."

Shop Kristen's New-Era Picks

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"It's all about comfort this season, especially as I spend more time at home. I'll probably be buying less of the more fitted knits I used to wear in the past and focus more on those slouchy silhouettes for a cozy-and-chic vibe."

Shop Bobby's New-Era Picks

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"I typically go on a major hunt for cute new dresses come fall, but this year, the type of dress I am looking for has definitely shifted. This season, the cozier the dress, the better. I am looking for knit and super-roomy styles to suit my more casual lifestyle."

Shop Lauren's New-Era Picks

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"Normally, I'd be looking to add new jeans and boots to my closet as we approach fall and while those things are still on my shopping list, it's elevated loungewear staples like ribbed knit pants and cozy oversize jackets that are earning priority."

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Fall going-out tops and other fancy, special occasion items couldn’t be farther from my mind right now. Instead, I’m putting my funds toward special, versatile accessories that I can wear to make a basic outfit more exciting. Even on the days that I don't leave the house, I'm never without a few accessories.

Shop Allyson's New-Era Picks

Next up, 42 things to see from Shopbop, Nordstrom, and Net-a-Porter right now.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.