The 29 Most Talked-About Luxury Buys for Fall, Period
It's one thing to dissect the runways and make predictions as to what will become influential in six months, but it's quite another to observe what actually becomes popular and buzzy IRL. Now that the fall 2023 collections have landed in stores and have had time to make their way onto the street, it's time to report on what is actually resonating in the wild because, let's face it—not everything we loved on the runway will translate into a practical item worthy of our (already maxed-out) closets.
Yet this season, there are a number of items that have managed to break through and emerge as *the* ones to know. Whether it was Bottega Veneta's Andiamo bag and the star-studded list fans it's earned, the newest launch from Adidas' perpetually sold-out collaboration with Wales Bonner, or the first Ferragamo bag designed by creative director Maximilian Davis, the most-buzzed-about luxury items are already defining fall, if not 2023 as a whole.
Here, we've put together our master list of the 29 pieces that are making their mark on style right now. These are unquestionably the items that have everyone talking.
From viral images of Jacob Elordi to a stamp of approval by A$AP Rocky, Bottega Veneta's Andiamo bag is unquestionably in the lead this season—if not the year at large. Defined by its practical shopping-tote shape, the name literally means "let's go" in Italian and is the epitome of a workhorse bag. Now, all eyes are on this shade of deep black cherry that the brand is calling Barolo, which I recently learned was already sold out in all of Europe—no doubt causing it to only spike in demand.
Quiet luxury may be in the lead this year, but there's still a growing appetite for statement pieces that bring a lot of look. We can always count on Loewe to deliver here with its signature cheekiness. Case in point? Its anagram-logo jeans with bold contrast stitching at the knee.
This year has been filled with droves of designer collaborations (Rabanne x H&M, Miu Miu x New Balance, Simon Miller x Mango), but none have had the impact that Adidas and Wales Bonner have. The duo have been behind the buzziest sneakers all year, and their latest launch, a pair of Sambas in a rich burgundy suede with cream-colored stripes, is equally as covetable.
Bottega Veneta's just-launched sunglasses are already the talk of the town. They're an oversize retro aviator shape with warm-tined lenses and have already made cameos on Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi.
On Miu Miu's F/W 23 runway, micro polka-dot prints littered a number of sheer separates and halter dresses throughout the collection. The retro appeal of these prints is clearly resonating as this sheer skirt, in particular, has become one of the best-selling items once the collection landed in the market this fall.
There's nothing usual about the Loewe Squeeze Bag, but that's exactly the point. Crafted with scrunched detailing, a jewelry-like donut chain, and a squishy handle from which the bag derives its name, the Squeeze is simply teeming with It-bag potential. Made from an extraordinarily soft nappa lambskin leather, it was introduced on the F/W 23 runway and consequently featured in the campaign with Loewe ambassador Taylor Russell.
Designer Catherine Holstein understands the power of doing less. This merino wool maxi dress doesn't have to shout to be heard: the beauty is all in the details like its high neck and pleated skirt that is made with movement in mind. Coupled with the alluring open back, this is a piece to invest in now and enjoy for years (and seasons) to come.
Saint Laurent's Anthony Vaccarello understands the balance between hard and soft. While the F/W 23 runway was filled with plenty of delicate silk tanks, it also featured tough leather aviator jackets and sharp-shouldered blazers. The leather jackets, in particular, are a work of art with their perfectly lived-in distressing that rivals even the rarest vintage find. Countless imitations have popped up since, but this bomber jacket remains the blueprint for all the best fall outerwear.
If there's one Miu Miu item that everyone is after right now, it's undoubtedly the strappy patent-leather slingbacks with tiny buckles. My entire Instagram feed is flooded with cool snaps of the shoes, and I'm certainly not immune to their pull—I already put myself on the waiting list for a pair in crimson, although if they continue to be sold out, I may have to pull the trigger on the black. As tends to happen with It pieces from this brand, I think this style of kitten-heel pumps will become the defining shoes of winter 2023.
It's not hard to see that belts have taken a prized spot in the wardrobes of fashion people this season as designers have elevated the once-boring item to new levels of cool. One such example is this runway style from Saint Laurent which features a barely there logo and sleek square hardware.
There are few bags that achieve It status right away, and the Ferragamo Hug bag is undoubtedly one of them. From the moment it made its debut on the fall/winter 2023 runway in Milan, we knew the top-handle style was destined for fame, and much like the other accessories that creative director Maximillian Davis has put forth since his arrival at the Italian house, we were right. Named the Hug because of the embracing effect of its shape, the bag is a modern-day homage to a classic satchel bag and comes in two distinct iterations: a top-handle and clutch bag that both come in Ferragamo signatures black and bright scarlet. The latter has already become a celebrity favorite, counting Kylie Jenner and Tracee Ellis Ross among its fans.
For its F/W 23 collection, all eyes were on Burberry's new creative director Daniel Lee. The trench coats from this collection updated the British classic with a bright checked pattern printed across the back, front panels, and collar.
As with most new Khaite launches, the latest Elena bag has become an immediate hit with fashion's inner circle. Adorned with silver studs, the shoulder bag is the evolution of the embellished theme and after the success of its studded Benny Belt, there was no question that it would be equally as covetable.
Big bangles and cuffs may be the It jewelry pieces of the moment, but New York–based label Agmes has been perfecting its sculptural styles for years now. The wavy Astrid Cuff, especially when coupled with the Jean Sterling Cuff, is an insider favorite. J.Crew's Olympia Gayot is a repeat wearer of hers, proving just how well the cuffs can elevate any outfit.
Everyone and their mother wants these Tory Burch shoes, and that's a fact. First came the slingback flats adorned with a silver "piercing," then came the mule variation on the shoes, and we've already seen a preview of the next iteration, Mary Jane flats, on the spring 2024 runway. The brand is in the midst of what many are calling a Toryssance, and the pierced flat perfectly capture the sleek and sophisticated new era for the American house.
First introduced in its winter 2023 runway, The Row Margaux bag is recalls the classic satchel shape of a Birkin but in a modern silhouette that's clean and hardware-free to align with The Row's core codes. If Jane Birkin is the poster child for wearing her Birkin with abandon, stuffing in all her essentials and proving how good the satchel looks when its been used, then the Margaux Tote's slouchier look is a modern-day answer to the need for a luxury bag that is best when used rather than preserved.
From the Prada runway to the market, these are the shoes that everyone in fashion is talking about (and shopping for) right now.
Meet the newest handbag launch from Bottega Veneta. Dubbed the Gemelli which means twins in Italian, it's a double-pouch shoulder bag that features a larger and smaller pouch in the same curved crescent shape.
Ferragamo red, a striking shade of scarlet, is the epitome of fall 2023 style and this sculpted knit might just be the best way to wear the color trend. Since taking the helm as creative director, Maximilian Davis has breathed new life into the brand and subsequently made this shade of red a house signature.
Move over, tiny sunglasses—oversize shades are well on their way to replacing you. With this monogram pair from Saint Laurent and the Bottega Veneta pair we highlighted above, the pendulum is clearly swinging in this direction.
There's more reasons than ever to forego heels for flats and Alaïa is making sure of it. Covered in crystals, its iconic ballet flats have reached worldwide fame this season, continually selling out in all colors and iterations.
While many of the items on this list are buzzy because they're new for the season, Totême's scarf jacket is the rare incumbent, having earned its place as a must-have luxury buy for years in a row. Its built-in scarf drapes elegantly around your neck and features whipstitching and fringe for a hand-made effect.
What did we say about the importance of belts this season? The Row's Effi belt is simple and striking with its sculptural metal buckle that adds loads of style to even your most basic uniform.
It's hard to find words to describe these heels—they honestly speak for themselves. With a glossy patent finish and striking angular-metal heel, Saint Laurent has perfected the slingback and fashion insiders (and our editors) are swooning over them.
Emerging London-based label Liberowe specializes in beautiful tailored jackets like its signature Raja style that's finished with velvet trimming, a notched collar, and buttons covered by a local maker with a family-run business.
For its S/S 24 collection, Gucci introduced a new signature color Gucci Rosso, a deep shade of black cherry that was seen throughout the runway looks and in recent campaign imagery and branding. These glossy patent-leather slingbacks are the first item to become available in the shade and have become an immediate hit among our fashion team.
First designed in 1906, the Baignore watch showcases Cartier’s prowess in watchmaking. Set on a dainty gold bangle, the Baignoire can be categorized as much a jewelry piece as it can be a timepiece and the fashion world has rediscovered it this year.
In its Q3 report, Lyst named the Mary Jane version of Margiela's storied family of Tabi shoes as a top 10 hottest buy. We can't help but agree, what with the rise of all manner of fancy flats this season and the exclusive nature of owning a pair of Tabis that many fashion people describe as being part of a members-only club.
Sophie Buhai's Bessette headband is the closest re-creation we've seen yet of the kind Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy used to favor in the '90s. The thick acrylic style comes in a range of colors, but the chestnut brown Burl option perhaps comes closest to Bessette-Kennedy's.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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