My 63-Year-Old Mom Knows What's Cool Before I Do—47 New Items She's Predicting Will Be It Buys
Discover the pieces fashion people will be wearing, from a J.Crew sweater to COS's designer-passing bag.
Ask me where I got my interest in fashion from, and I'll tell you without hesitation: my mom.
When I was growing up, she worked in the fashion industry, doing everything from working on the retail floor selling clothes to e-commerce styling. I always looked up to her and thought that I'd be in the fashion space one day, helping people get dressed and sharing my thoughts on the need-to-know trends as well as the pieces actually worth investing in. But enough about me—back to my mom. After having those experiences and seeing a lot of trends come and go, it makes sense that she knows what's cool before I do.
Ahead of fall, I asked her to check out the new-arrivals pages of Who What Wear's favorite brands and retailers—like J.Crew, COS, Zara, Nordstrom, and Shopbop—to see what items stood out to her as having It potential. In a matter of just two hours, she delivered a list of products, ranging from the perfect pair of relaxed jeans to a gorgeous cinched-waist leather jacket. Not to be dramatic, but my jaw fell to the floor.
Keep scrolling to discover my mom's 47 chic finds that she's predicting all the cool fashion people will be wearing in the months ahead.
J.Crew's It sweater for fall 2026 just dropped, and I already got my hands on two colorways.
These new Levi's jeans have that relaxed, vintage-like feel we all know and love, with an adjustable waist tab so you can achieve the perfect fit.
Hurry, this expensive-looking bag is back in stock—but not for long.
My mom told me that the raglan tee isn't her style, but she knows that it will dominate this fall.
So pretty.
Style with the above skirt or khaki trousers.
Take your sleep dresses from summer to fall by adding socks and a pair of loafers.
The Row, who?
These look almost identical to the viral Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses.
Nordstrom is really stepping up its game for fall.
I tried these on in Spain, and now, I regret not buying them. They fit so well.
Obsessed.
White T-shirts are classic, but gray ones feel far chicer right now.
Who wouldn't want to wear elevated pajama-inspired pants?
Royal purple is the top color trend to know for fall.
Just because this is canvas doesn't mean you can't wear it come September. In fact, it will feel chicer in the fall because it's unexpected.
I love the covered buttons.
My mom heard that these fit even better than the viral Frame Gray Jeans.
Another elegant purple item to consider.
My mom has wanted the Miu Miu boat mules for a few months now, but she happily settled on this designer-passing pair.
The simple long-sleeve shirt is the fashion-person basic that looks as good now as it will this fall.
I'd style these shorts in the fall with an oversize long-sleeve tee, a chunky sweater, or a white T-shirt and a long trench coat.
The color, the velvet, the wedge—perfection.
I don't know if anyone else realized this, but this necklace looks just like that one that was all over Toteme's F/W 25 collection.
I'd style this with linen pants, tailored trousers, Bermuda shorts, or lace-trimmed satin shorts.
My mom wanted to gatekeep these, but she finally gave in to letting me share them. They're so cute.
Polo Ralph Lauren's best-selling bag now comes in calf hair.
Thanks to Massimo Dutti, the perfect black dress now exists.
This clutch will add just the right amount of texture to any simple denim outfit.
Every fashion person on my Instagram feed is talking about this boho-chic blouse right now.
Endless styling possibilities.
Everyone needs a pair of eel-leather shoes.
Not all plaid shirts are created equal. This one is particularly chic and feels very 2026.
Zara is killing it right now.
You heard it here first: Ray-Ban Wayfarers are back.
Add a pop of color to your rotation this fall with a sporty jacket.
Cargo pants are about to be everywhere.
My mom knows it's very early to be thinking about scarves, but she's anticipating this one will sell out before fall even begins.
Our readers can't stop buying this wardrobe staple.
Talk about a skirt that's worth the investment.
These look so cool on.
It's almost trench-coat season!
Don't underestimate the power of navy trousers.
Madewell gets it.
This jacket won't be in stock for much longer.
Why is no one talking about these perfect straight-leg jeans?
Fashion insiders are very into high-vamp flats right now.
