Splurge vs. Steal: Your Cheat Sheet to the Biggest Fall 2021 Trends
Are you as sad and shocked as I am that summer is almost over? I feel like I barely got to live my best summer life, and now, fall is right around the corner. The only thing that is helping me keep my chin up as I mentally prepare for the shift of the season is knowing that there are tons of beautiful new trends for me to try this fall, and I am here to share with you some of my findings thus far, as I have begun to shop for them. Before I actually nail down what to buy, I love to evaluate all of my options. I want to know what a trend will look like at the highest price point and at the lowest price point so that I can make an educated shopping decision. Duh.
Well, folks, that is exactly what I did for you here today. A classic "splurge vs. steal" is coming your way, and I have a feeling it will help you figure out which trends you want to save on and which ones you want to invest in this fall 2021 season. From sweaters to boots to outerwear, the list ahead is your official cheat sheet to the biggest trends of the season at every price imaginable. You're welcome.
Vests
Tailored vests are shaping up to be one of fall 2021's biggest trends. Whether you wear yours alone or as a three-piece-suit situation, you're sure to look very on-trend this season while sporting your little vest. I love styling mine with relaxed trousers, but fear not—denim is a strong option as well.
Splurge:
Steal:
Leather-Like Coats
Statement coats, in general, are going to be huge this season, from bold leopard prints to plush cloud coats. However, colored and neutral leather-like coats are my personal favorite version of the trend.
Splurge:
Steal:
Clogs
Like it or not, clogs are going to be the footwear trend you're about to see everywhere this season. Luckily, there are many versions to choose from. Whether they're heeled, flat, or in a crazy cow print, these shoes are soon going to be flooding the streets and your Instagram feed. I promise.
Splurge:
Steal:
Pigmented Hues
If you're looking to add some color to your wardrobe this season, look for highly saturated hues. Thanks to much proof on the runway, it is clear that the higher the saturation, the better. I love just a pop of these pigmented hues incorporated into a look, but if you're feeling like making a statement, by all means, go for the head-to-toe look.
Splurge:
Steal:
Cable-Knit Sweaters
If you don't have at least one comfortable and chunky sweater in your life come fall, you're doing something wrong. Lucky for you, cozy cable-knits are trending this season, and I'm here to show you the best of the best. I personally love investing in nice knitwear, but honestly, H&M's assortment is truly next-level.
Splurge:
Steal:
Sleek Knee-High Boots
If you ask me, knee-high boots will never go out of style, especially ones with zero frills. This season, that's exactly what's trending. With that being said, if you've been looking for an excuse to splurge on a pair of shoes, make it sleek knee-high boots. If not, there are tons of affordable versions out there.
Splurge:
Steal:
Grown-Up Cutouts
Cutouts certainly aren't the newest trend on the block, but this season, they have received an elevated update. I am calling this new and improved version "grown-up" cutouts, as they are now reading less sultry and more polished. Keep scrolling to see what I mean.
Splurge:
Steal:
Screen Prints
Screen prints (and anything artsy) are making major moves this fall. I love this trend because it evokes joy and excitement every time you put it on, and the shopping options are endless. From dresses to tops to pants, there seems to be no shortage of this particular trend, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Splurge:
Steal:
Matching Knit Skirt Sets
Knit sets have pretty much become a part of the everyday lives of fashion people across the globe. This season, however, I am particularly excited about matching knit skirt sets. Is that because we have the cutest version in existence thanks to Who What Wear Collection? Maybe. But there are tons of other stunning options currently in the market as well.
Splurge:
Shop the matching Alma Cashmere Maxi Skirt ($545).
Steal:
Shop the matching Lulu Midi Herringbone Skirt ($155).
Furry Accessories
Normally, you would see faux-fur coats trending during the fall and winter season, but this time, it's all about the accessories. I am particularly fond of the bucket hat. In case you haven't noticed, Rihanna is also a fan, which basically means this is the holy grail of all the trends. That's all.
Splurge:
Steal:
Next up, shop 31 pairs of fall shoes that are sure to rock your world.
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.
She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.
-
My Friend Wants a Chic Wardrobe—I Sent Her These Early Black Friday Fashion Deals
Discounted gems from Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, and more.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These 25 Incredibly Chic Sale Picks From Revolve Scream Fashion Person
These cool-girl picks are bound to sell out fast.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
90s Rom-Coms and Chic Suits—Camille Charrière's New Fashion Collab is a Must-See
It might be my favorite collab of 2024.
By Ana Escalante
-
A Fashion Editor Walks Into Aritzia—30 Fall Picks She'd Buy Immediately
Make room. You're about to do a haul.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
Every Chic Person You Know Will Be Embracing This Spring Trend in 2025
It's Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy coded.
By Eliza Huber
-
Trust Me—Buy These 26 Things
Hello, fall.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
J.Crew Just Launched the Buzziest Collab of Fall, and We Tried It
It's joyous.
By Yusra Siddiqui
-
I Have $300 and a Goal of Looking Rich—42 Fall Accessories That Fit All My Needs
Add instant polish.
By Nikki Chwatt