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 Tiny RollneckJ.Crew's It sweater for fall 2026 just dropped, and I already got my hands on two colorways.
levi's Loose Taper JeansThese 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.
COS Trullo Flap BagHurry, this expensive-looking bag is back in stock—but not for long.
Gap 100% Cotton Authentic Raglan Big T-ShirtMy mom told me that the raglan tee isn't her style, but she knows that it will dominate this fall.
Zw Collection Flowy Combined SkirtSo pretty.
Reformation Pina Flat SandalStyle with the above skirt or khaki trousers.
Madewell The Chateau Mini DressTake your sleep dresses from summer to fall by adding socks and a pair of loafers.
Steve Madden Ardyn Pointed Toe PumpsThe Row, who?
ZARA Rectangular SunglassesThese look almost identical to the viral Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses.
Nordstrom Cinch Waist Leather JacketNordstrom is really stepping up its game for fall.
Massimo Dutti Denim CaprisI tried these on in Spain, and now, I regret not buying them. They fit so well.
Reformation Sofia East West Shoulder BagObsessed.
LESET Margo Cotton-Jersey T-ShirtWhite T-shirts are classic, but gray ones feel far chicer right now.
Madewell The Devon PantWho wouldn't want to wear elevated pajama-inspired pants?
alex mill Prince Streets FlatsRoyal purple is the top color trend to know for fall.
freja Greta ToteJust 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.
Muse Assembly Maggie Faux Leather Jacket in OchreI love the covered buttons.
FRAME The Saturday Low-Rise Straight-Leg JeansMy mom heard that these fit even better than the viral Frame Gray Jeans.
JENNIFER BEHR Elaine Gold-Tone Amethyst EarringsAnother elegant purple item to consider.
Bibi Lou Beaded Moccasin MulesMy mom has wanted the Miu Miu boat mules for a few months now, but she happily settled on this designer-passing pair.
Aritzia Interlock Cotton Mobile LongsleeveThe simple long-sleeve shirt is the fashion-person basic that looks as good now as it will this fall.
ZARA Cupro Blend Jacquard ShortsI'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.
ZIMMERMANN Atelier Velvet MulesThe color, the velvet, the wedge—perfection.
COS Knotted Chain NecklaceI 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.
With Nothing Underneath Bessette TopI'd style this with linen pants, tailored trousers, Bermuda shorts, or lace-trimmed satin shorts.
Free People Amelia Side-Tie Linen PantsMy mom wanted to gatekeep these, but she finally gave in to letting me share them. They're so cute.
Polo Ralph Lauren Haircalf Crossbody BagPolo Ralph Lauren's best-selling bag now comes in calf hair.
Massimo Dutti Linen-Blend Thin Strap Midi DressThanks to Massimo Dutti, the perfect black dress now exists.
VALESQUE Bundle Leather-Trimmed Velvet ClutchThis clutch will add just the right amount of texture to any simple denim outfit.
DÔEN Elodine TopEvery fashion person on my Instagram feed is talking about this boho-chic blouse right now.
Reformation Sandy Satin ShortEndless styling possibilities.
Sam Edelman Emory FlatEveryone needs a pair of eel-leather shoes.
LE BOP Winnie Button Down Flannel in Burgundy PlaidNot all plaid shirts are created equal. This one is particularly chic and feels very 2026.
Zw Collection 100% Leather Midi SkirtZara is killing it right now.
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer ClassicYou heard it here first: Ray-Ban Wayfarers are back.
ZARA Technical Fabric Hoodie JacketAdd a pop of color to your rotation this fall with a sporty jacket.
Banana Republic Low-Rise Relaxed Utility PantCargo pants are about to be everywhere.
Polo Ralph Lauren Chunky Fair Isle ScarfMy mom knows it's very early to be thinking about scarves, but she's anticipating this one will sell out before fall even begins.
Open Edit Scoop Neck Stretch Cotton T-ShirtOur readers can't stop buying this wardrobe staple.
Blazé Milano Coci Plush Mini SkirtTalk about a skirt that's worth the investment.
COS Asymmetric Abstract Floral EarringsThese look so cool on.
Aritzia The Nightingale Trench CoatIt's almost trench-coat season!
ALIGNE Millicent Pants in NavyDon't underestimate the power of navy trousers.
Madewell The Wraparound SunglassesMadewell gets it.
THE FRANKIE SHOP Onelle Belted Wool-Blend Short CoatThis jacket