5 Trending Fall Items We Need Right This Second

By the time I crack my knuckles and get into serious fall shopping mode, I’ve already made a mental checklist of everything I’ve been eyeing since the February shows. In preparation for my new-season splurge, I’ve ruthlessly honed in on just a handful of key trends worth investing in. Take red, for example: It’s like millennial pink graduated from college to become a sophisticated power hue that I just need to get my hands on (more on that later).

If, by chance, you haven’t been quite as preoccupied as I have with fastidiously categorizing F/W 17 style coverage, consider this your shopping cheat sheet. Below, you’ll find the top five trends I’m fixated on for fall, complete with the must-have pieces you can snap up right now from Saks Fifth Avenue. Step into my office…

Really into this luxe fabric detail right now. With brocade, you truly get the rich feeling of fall, and it couldn’t be easier to inject into your go-to outfits. A statement brocade coat is like a vacation from having to make an effort—cut to me throwing it on over jeans, a logo tee, or a cozy cashmere knit, and looking completely on-trend and put together.

Dorothy was decades ahead of her time when she slipped on those sparkly ruby slippers with a low block heel. While head-to-toe red looks were the toast of the runway, the red trend is being translated to real life by way of really good fall footwear. Important note: They’re not designed to “go with” anything, so embrace the freedom by throwing on red patent boots or fur-lined sneakers with whatever you happen to have on and calling it fashion. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be in the shoe department clicking my red Gianvito Rossi heels and muttering, “There’s no place like Saks.”

Plaid? For fall? Before you think otherwise, this season it really is groundbreaking. Usually relegated to scarves and blazer linings, checks are going into overdrive and taking center stage. Now is not the time (I repeat, not the time) to shy away from picking up the print of the season in every way possible. In my opinion, a plaid suit is the way to go: You get a major look for when you want to make an entrance, plus you can break up the separates by pairing the blazer with jeans or (for more fun) by wearing the trousers under a dress in a clashing floral pattern.

What can I say? I just really need one of these chain-strap bags I keep seeing everywhere. Remember five years ago when we all carried around ridiculously large bags? And then we went ridiculously mini? Fall seems to have settled on a more practical happy medium (I see you, Prada) that checks the boxes of being both functional and fashionable.

I refuse to go into this new season without owning one really great one-piece. Whether you consider that a jumpsuit or a dress, I’ve decided it’s essential I pick one up for fall for a few reasons (but mostly because it makes getting dressed so easy). Stella McCartney (as always) has a jumpsuit I can’t wait to see hanging in my closet—and yes, for your information, I plan to wear it with my red shoes as soon as humanly possible.

What are your favorite trends of the season? Pin your favorite look for reference when you start shopping.