I asked 6 fashion insiders what's on their fall moodboard and shopping list!
When it comes to the sport of shopping, I find it invaluable to chat with others about what they’re currently loving, as it often leads to some incredible finds. That’s why I turned to the expertise of
, , Melissa Ventosa Martin, , , and to see what they are eyeing for this upcoming season!Before we jump into their recommendations some housekeeping:
If you’re curious about what’s on my fall wishlist, you can check it out here. Plus, you’ll find all the beauty and skincare products I’ve been loving right here.
In celebration of the holidays here in the States and the upcoming fashion month, I’m offering 20% off annual memberships until September 7th. Normally $60, an annual membership can be yours for just $48 during this limited-time offer. I’ll be sharing more details soon about what I have planned for fashion month, but trust me—you won’t want to miss the exclusive content available to paid subscribers!
If you're in New York City for NYFW, I’d love to invite you, on behalf of At Present, to a private viewing of the At Present Collection on September 6th and 7th at The Hotel Chelsea during New York Fashion Week. Enjoy light bites and beverages in the suite while browsing the jewelry, including pieces from my edit, along with exclusive shopping discounts for attendees!
Appointments are limited, so be sure to book yours here!
But enough with the logistics, let’s jump into these recommendations!
Who/what is on your fall 25 moodboard?
Heather Hurst: I only have one proper photo saved for this fall; Bruce Weber's portrait of Louise Bourgeois for Helmut Lang in 1997, 13 years before she died. I always feel swollen with inspiration thanks to street style images and social media, but more often than not, these screenshots can feel sort of anonymous or detached.
The feeling of a portrait capturing a life, not just an outfit, always inspires me. If I had to be captured just once, what would that look like? What is the defining background, defining accessory, defining movement? How do I brush my hair or lay my collar? It's an excellent exercise for editing down a wishlist, or considering one's style holistically. This photo makes me feel sensual and strange and delighted about the slow process of studying a sleeve cuff, hunting for a bespoke accessory at 2am on eBay, and (hopefully) living to see 75 more autumns.
Irene Kim: The colour palettes of Ferragamo and Saint Laurent's F/W24 collections have me in a chokehold! As substitutes for black, white, grey and navy, I’m loving Ferragamo’s warm, rich, atypical neutrals like tobacco, olives, and aubergine, and their muted cousins at Saint Laurent.
Look 33 from Altuzarra. It’s the subtle proportions that make this outfit spectacular. The harem-shaped pants which are so evocative of a past time and place, yet in a modern khaki fabrication. The generous pleats, curvature through the leg that tapers down into a slim ankle that sits right on top of the foot. The proportion of the gold belt buckle and how harmonious it is with the gold embroidery in that regal blue sweater, and the chunky gold earrings. That incredible mockneck that has the height of a turtleneck yet somehow stays upright, while sitting away from, and framing, the neck. The hat which is also evocative a past time and place. DREAM outfit. No notes.
Almost everything from Alaia took my breath away. Each piece was heavily embellished, yet the overall silhouettes looked so clean.
Carven's collection is how I want to dress everyday.
Melissa Ventosa Martin- A young Fran Lebowitz. She really honed in on her personal uniform at an early age – jeans, blazer, button down shirt, crew neck sweater. This basically sums up what I want to wear everyday in the fall season.
Diana Tsui: I somehow have fallen into a hole of like minded CdG lovers on TikTok which then led me to their Instagrams. Their energy and creativity is fresh and feels like it's a natural extension of everything my newsletter is about. I love Olivia Hirst's sporty meets tomboy take on the Noir Kei Ninomiya Reeboks, which I hear are selling like crazy (more on that later!). I also am a fan of Zoe, a Parisian designer who recently moved to Tokyo. She has an uncanny knack for finding avant-garde pieces at resale shops and she makes it minimal yet sexy like in the case of this Junya skirt coupled with a black corset. Julia Dang rounds it out -- she makes me want knee high black sheer socks to wear with my Prada heels!
Joyce Lee: I loved the styling from The Row SP 24 lookbook as it was grounded in their signature neutrals but there were nice and easy pops of color integrated. Since my wardrobe is also mostly denim and neutral, I am looking to bring in some new ways to style those pieces, and really excited to try wearing more color, but staying true to my personal style. I love Cabmate's 90's references always.
Elizabeth Tamkin: I’m really excited about wearing classic pieces with hints of jewel tones. I want to do a lot of neutral monochrome dressing (creams, browns, greys) but with punches of color! I will always love my primary colors. I love the style of the 1970s and 80s, so this ESPRIT ad is an inspiration for every day, and Yoko Ono, in her jumpsuit with a metallic belt, is great for something fun. I feel like these all have a hint of that.
What is on your fall wish list?
HH: Batsheva's 'Hag' sweater. These mega Dries boots I've lusted after for over a year. A Lisa Yang fuzzy tee. A Renato Cipullo H pendant. This Michelle Del Rio tank for some spicy sweater layering...plus a few (more likely to be acquired) secondhand treasures I have to hold in secret!
Also cursing Jalil for introducing me to this perfect layering piece from Loretta Caponi. (You can find the outfit that introduced Heather to the piece here!)
IK: Honestly, nothing? If anything from the above collections fell into my lap, I’d be thrilled, but I feel good about my wardrobe these days and there’s nothing I *need* to have or am wishing for. Having said, who knows what I may come across this season? It will be a confluence of factors: I love it, I need it, and I can afford it (which rules out everything in question #1 for now!).
MM: A pair of custom, handmade cowboy boots by Holly Henry. She made a chocolate brown style for OST and I love the shape – very wearable and it's a real forever piece. I’ll have mine monogrammed with MVM.
DT: Highest on the list are those Noir Kei Ninomiya Reeboks! I am debating pulling the trigger at DSM New York or waiting until Europe, where hopefully I can save a little money. I'm just scared that I'll run the risk of them selling out.
I'm saving my budget for when I hit up Milan for work next month as I always try to make a Prada run. Even though I own so many pairs of black flats and kitten heels, these crystal ones caught my eye with their strappy detail.
To round out the shoe wishlist, I'm REALLY tempted to get a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. I know they're very polarizing but I've been seeing so many cool women wearing them and I'm ready for them to be the next ugly shoe moment.
As for ready-to-wear, I'm pretty set with clothes but I do want to perhaps get either of these Junya Watanabe skirts (long or short)when they go on sale (can't justify the full price at the moment!).
JL: Some new foundational pieces in pops of color, like this red Leset sweater, Le Monde Beryl green satin flats, and interesting layering tanks like this from Dissh, lace top from Rue Sophie, fresh cotton socks from Comme Si, the new Chava x Love List collab shirt . Every Fall, I like to invest in a new piece of outerwear, and I haven't decided on that yet... And I also love to get a new leather tote, I have my eye on this from Little Liffner
ET: I have a specific way of shopping. 90% of the time, I think up the item I feel I need and hunt for it. I am constantly excited by items I come across (usually vintage items more than current ones). Still, I only buy something after conceptualizing and actively searching for it first (P.S. The Gem App is helpful!).
1. I want a nice pair of chalky brown suede boots for fall. I envision a boot that is more taupe than chestnut (not reddish). It should be an elegant riding boot: loose in the shaft with a narrow foot. I thought of them before I found them, but these fit the bill perfectly. I like that they have minimal seams in the suede and, most importantly, not one straight down the front! Why do brands do that!?
Alternatively, I was gifted these far less expensive ones. They are not the color I was aiming for, but I think they will do the trick if I can’t get myself those Church’s.
I also want a gorgeous heather grey or charcoal grey cashmere cardigan. I like the look of wearing cardigans over polos right now, with the buttons lined up. I also often wear cardigans instead of tees because they’re more interesting! So, the cardigan should be lightweight rather than chunky or have any sort of knit pattern (cable, etc.). And obviously, it should be crewneck!
The Khaite is the color I want more.
3. Another Balmacaan jacket. I love that they flare out perfectly (in a slight “Evergreen” silhouette). I have a gorgeous one from Mackintosh that I need to get fixed. One of the button holes is unraveling. Maybe I don’t need a new one, but I’d like one in a lighter fabric because mine is pretty heavy. The brand I work at–KULE–has this Olive green one I’m genuinely obsessed with and will be snagging.
What's an item you picked up last fall that you'll be incorporating into your wardrobe this season?
HH: My cow coat is one of the most expensive things I've ever purchased, so it makes me laugh that it's from Banana Republic and not some rare vintage designer treasure trove. I saw it and immediately had visions of myself 60 years down the road, sitting on trains with my dog and (future) husband, journaling, reading, or reflecting on my life in the coat, maybe a little more worn then. Everything in my body said I had to have it. It's the sort of thing I just want to wear naked with a good boot and call it a day.
Similar from Saks Potts, Elie Tahari (secondhand), and Etsy.
IK: My favourite piece I bought last season that I know I’ll wear is a printed sequinned Dries van Noten skirt from F/W 2017. I found it at a local Toronto consignment shop called Mine & Yours (Editors Note: You can use IRENE10 at check out).
MM: I bought a pair of handmade earrings by a small atelier in Rome – they are made from antique coins, a true heirloom. I suspect I’ll wear them into my 70s. I also bought a pair of classic, black trousers by The Row last December (similar here). I’m going to wear them this fall with a tartan flannel shirt. I love the juxtaposition of a more tailored, formal pant with a casual or rugged shirt.
DT: I found a pair of black sequin Comme des Garçons bermuda shorts from 2022 at a thrift shop in Tokyo and I'm SO excited to style them. I was unsure about them but apparently my mind was already predicting the return of jorts. I think of these as reinterpreting the trend my own way. Depending on the weather I'll wear it with a crop top and heels or a white button down paired with socks and sneakers.
I also found an all-black Prada Barbour-esque jacket on SUPER discount. I don't love ascribing to trends but this is another one that feels very authentic. I love wearing it over a short pleated skirt for contrast.
JL: Vintage leather jacket from 59 Eastfield
ET: 1. I got a Mackintosh field jacket for my birthday in January. I can’t wait to wear it this fall. It is similar to this one, but I have it in a chestnut brown:
2. I got this Emme Parsons belt with the wildly long tail I have been wearing non-stop and am excited to wear it belted over blazers or with heavyweight trousers.
What's something you bought last fall that you regret?
HH: I technically bought the Khaite Danielle studded jeans at the Khaite sale last spring in anticipation for last fall. The final sale pants were much too tall for my frame, and made me feel like a costumed saloon dweller any time I styled them. I'm usually pretty stubborn about confronting a challenge, so when this didn't interest me, I knew it was time to give them up.
IK: Regret is a strong word, but I've bought things because I’ve felt pressured. Can you relate, Jalil?(Absolutely! I feel this the most at sample sales.) Sometimes I'll go to an event, or into a store and maybe they’ve been such great hosts or conversationalists that you feel obliged to pay way more for something than you normally would have.
MM: I bought a sweater that I love from a designer that I love, but I quickly realized it's too trendy for me these days. Anything that is a little tricky to wear or speaks to a certain fashion season, just doesn’t make me feel comfortable. When I stick to special pieces that fit in with what I wear everyday, I never tire of them in the same way.
DT: As much as I write about shopping, I actually am suuuuuuper selective about what goes into my closet. I try to never buy anything at full price and it needs to fit into my very strict DSM-inspired aesthetic. Once I set those rules I haven't had any issues. But before then? I deeply regret every purchase from The Row I've ever gotten at a sample sale -- I have two very elegant dresses sitting in my closet that do not excite me. I'll probably list them for sale in the near future.
JL: I was really focused on only purchasing timeless pieces I was missing in my wardrobe, and am happy to report that I plan to wear everything again this Fall.
ET: I think maybe these loafers are because they’re stiff. I don’t necessarily regret them. I know I just need to break them in, and my G.H. Bass and Gucci ones didn’t need such hard work.
What do you think everyone should have in their closet for fall?
HH: A failsafe throw-over coat and a rotation of "matches nothing, goes with everything" accessories. I love funky coats, but my Brooklyn closet doesn't allow for this to fully materialize. My current favorite coat is also from Banana Republic. It drapes beautifully and provides just the right amount of layering coverage to reposition a summer fringe or sequin for fall, but is also roomy enough to layer sweaters underneath as winter approaches.
When I start to have only enough energy for the failsafe coat + sweater + denim routine, I need the delight of a resin ring grazing the sleeve of my coat, a colorful loafer peeking out of a pant leg, or a dazzling bag sitting on the chair in my room, waiting to be taken out, in order to get me out of the house.
IK: A good stable of foundational pieces, a good relaxed blazer, a grey cashmere crewneck, a white mockneck, sensible shoes. Obviously, I haven’t incorporated Ferragamo’s colour palette just yet!
MM: A great blazer. For our American Handmade edition at OST, we worked on a classic blue blazer which is handmade by Greenfield Clothier in Brooklyn, but there are a few out these that I love:
A special sweater. So many designers did great, novelty knitwear for fall – Loewe, Miu Miu, Bottega, SS Daley.
In honor of my fall mood, one of the artisans we work with at Old Stone Trade, Miki Zanini, developed a gorgeous cashmere crewneck in red and blue melange.The Fran Crewneck. It’s handmade to order and such a luxurious twist on a classic. I also love to hunt for vintage, hand knit sweaters on Ebay and Etsy. Here are some great ones.
DT: I really love basics with an unusual twist whenever I'm recommending pieces to others. I also don't like to spend a lot on said basics -- my money goes towards collecting statement stuff! Case in point: these COS trousers with a wrap front -- they're like an intro to wearing skirts over pants which I'm a huge fan of doing. I'm also into thin knits like this merino wool polo, the sheerer the better. I run SO warm all the time and this is probably my most worn piece well into winter. I have a collection of black ones but I'm hoping to get a few white/cream ones this year for balance.
JL: A coat or jacket that brings joy each time you put it on, a perfect button down shirt like this from Chava, a cozy sweatshirt that pairs with anything like this from Jamie Haller, a chic but functional everyday bag like these totes.
ET: A classic pair of black Loafers, denim shirt - NO CHEST POCKETS! So much better without it. It should be like a classic shirt… but denim. And a crewneck cashmere sweater (I like a Heather or Charcoal Grey)
Guest Editors:
Heather Hurst: Stylist and writer of
Irene Kim: Stylist, writer of
, and owner of fashion consultancy, La Closette.Melissa Ventosa Martin- Founder/Owner of Old Stone Trade (She was also my supervisor when I freelanced at Departures!), Stylist , and Brand Consultant.
Diana Tsui- Consultant, Stylist, contributing editor for 10 Magazine, and the writer of
.Joyce Lee- Design and Creative consultant, and writer of
Elizabeth Tamkin- Stylist, Content Director for Kule, and writer of
.
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Ah! I loved reading the answers from some of my favourite stylists on Substack and the gram. I was happy to see Heather being as taken by look 33 from Altuzarra - my heart! That Loretta Capone dress 😭😭😭😭. There’s something on my wish list after all 🥲.
Thank you for including me, and in such great company !