I Spot Trends for a Living, so Trust Me: These Are the 3 Fall Pieces to Buy Now

Lisa Aiken is Net-a-Porter’s retail fashion director, aka the woman responsible for our extensive wish lists and dented wallets. She’s something of an oracle for the Who What Wear UK team. We trust her every recommendation (and attend her seasonal trend presentations without fail); we look to her wardrobe choices and unwaveringly cool NAP edit to make our own moves; and now, she’s a regular columnist on the site—hurrah! This month, it’s all about how she is getting her wardrobe ready for the new season…

It’s nearly September, which means it’s the end of summer and it’s “back to School.” And while, like everyone else, I’ve been enjoying the summer heat wave (I think I only moaned once or twice), the summer work hours, and never having to wear a jacket even in the evenings, I’m also really looking forward to getting back into my routine, heading off to shows for fashion month, and investing in some key buys for the fall/winter season ahead. So here are my top three buys to help you get back to reality.

1. Lower Heels

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(Image credit: Getty)

If you’ve been reading my Who What Wear columns, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of heels. My everyday go-tos were 100mm heels until very recently when I started embracing sneakers. But heading into September, I need good transition shoes that I can wear each day to the next, something with a heel that is also comfortable and will see me through the hot fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. So first up on my wish list is The Row’s best-selling Nude Leather Sandals. They will work perfectly with a slip dress and blazer (my current favorite outfit combination), and because they have a lower heel, the style looks effortlessly chic.

Related: Winter 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know

2. Blazer

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(Image credit: Getty)

Next up is tailoring, specifically the blazer, which quite frankly I’m addicted to. Whether you pair it with pants, a skirt, or shorts, it’s a failsafe wardrobe staple. And if you want to leave your blazer at home but wear the matching trousers, update the look with a coordinating shirt. Just pick a color and make it tonal.

Related: The 5 Ankle Boot Trends That We're Really Into

3. Sensible Bag

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(Image credit: Getty)

After seasons of using a mini bag for essentials and then having to carry a larger tote to fit everything else, we’ve finally upscaled and have more sensibly proportioned styles. Whether it’s the satchel or a top-handle style, we’re now able to fit our phone, purse, and keys with maybe a little extra room for a KeepCup without having to compromise on style. My top buy is Wandler’s Luna bag that’s the perfect combination of compelling price point and interesting design. And keep your eyes peeled for South Korean brand Gu_de launching on site next month.

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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Lisa Aiken
Contributor