FashionThe fashion forecast is bright—literally—this season. The expert's eye tells you

By Alice Newbold

If the term "pop-up look" has become something of a trigger, don't worry. Even Miuccia Prada is wary of the pressure we are under to look our best in life, now that we are allowed to "go out": "Something is growing. Some desire, some excitement. Personally I would like to control it, because probably may not be correct, but it's there", reflected Mrs. Prada after the presentation of her latest collection designed with Raf Simons.

But how to be a savvy shopper when fall/winter 2021 trends seem like the dress code for the world's most fabulous party? Brilliant colors that make the eyes water. Minidresses with crystals. sequins. More sequins in the most micro of miniskirts! Yes, you need an instantly mood-boosting pair of heels, but once the initial dopamine rush has worn off, smart investment shopping is in order this season. Vogue has gathered the insights from four of the world's best buyers on the latest long-running trends, the season's cult buys and what to wear for the big return to the office. You are welcome.

By Sofía Agostini

Life in Color

"There has never been a better time to embrace colour, as we return to dressing up and having fun with fashion," says Liane Wiggins, Head of Women's Fashion at Matchesfashion. com. "Designers have incorporated a rainbow of color to elevate our mood and our wardrobe, with the bright greens of Bottega Veneta, the fiery pinks of Jacquemus and the ocher tones of Taller Marmo."

Tiffany Hsu, Fashion Buying Director at Mytheresa.com, is also living in Jacquemus tops right now, using them to enhance the monochrome foundations of her usual fall wardrobe. He cites The Attico as another sure bet to book some color therapy - in particular, the brand's gorgeous green blazers - while Emma Ilori, head of womenswear brands at Flannels, gets her joy at Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga , Christopher Esber, Roberta Einer and Casablanca.

Girl Power

Surprisingly, none of the Spice Girls have had a hand in making the fall/winter 2021 clothing items, all of which are made with hyper-femininity in mind. "Two of Matchesfashion's innovators. The Maximilian and Nensi Dojaka collections are both elegant and powerful," Wiggins says of two of London's most popular exporters, responsible for keeping cuts and the veil in the mainstream. .

Hsu believes Nensi's LBDs (little black dress) will continue to grow in popularity: "Influenced by the '90s, they're modern, minimalist and sexy without being too revealing," Hsu notes, before pointing to Mugler as another leader. in the field of second skin fashion. Dion Lee, Jonathan Simkhai, Roberta Einer and Area, meanwhile, bring girl power to Flannels.

Boundless nostalgia

"After the last two years, we all still want to get away, and the nostalgic tendency serves us well," Ilori believes, while Hsu specifically points to the years 90 as the decade that fashion will not forget. "90s influences are a symbol of better times," Hsu explains. "It's been reinterpreted as the modern way to be sexy; made for the female self, not the male gaze."

At Net-a-porter.com, Senior Market Editor Libby Page's team has been inspired by Copenhagen, where the latest runway shows and street style have shown that vintage looks are still top of mind on the fashion agenda: "From low-cut jeans and dropped waists, to strappy crop tops, sweatpants, and miniskirts, we've seen these trends flourish recently," Page explains of what has worked well on the e-commerce platform. Farfetch's chief content officer, Harriet Hawksworth, keeps an eye on the next decade the industry has set for Farfetch: "Fashion is cyclical, which means the past must always feed the future," she adds.

By Alexis Bennett

Sexy Knitwear

Crop tops aren't a fall capsule wardrobe, but according to shoppers, sexy knitwear falls in a sweet spot between cozy and revealing. At Matchesfashion.com, sales of knit dresses, in particular, are up 220%, with tonal styles from Joos Tricot, Raey, Khaite, Valentino, Gabriela Hearst and Chloé flying off virtual shelves.

This new sense of freedom is reflected in the other hybrid pieces that are gaining popularity this season. Wiggins singles out Alexander McQueen's wool coats with bomber jacket sleeves, and Sacai's signature silhouettes as heroic pieces, stating that "versatility is at the forefront as we seek to express our individuality through fashion." If technical clothing isn't for you, puffer coats are a trend-setting investment that suits our greater appreciation of the outdoors. Matchesfashion.com has increased its purchases of wonderfully tactile puffer jackets by 100% this season, and expects variations from Marfa Stance, Jil Sander, Khaite and Joseph to perform well.

Back to work clothes

"As we go back to the office, we're going to realize that we don't have anything that is appropriate for work," says Hawksworth, who is excited about the idea of ​​dressing up tweed skirt suits in pastel shades. "I envision a lot of very stylish women wearing a pair of socks and sneakers on their way to work, quickly swapping out for a heel under the desk, just like the old days. The perfect change would be from a New Balance 991 to a pair of Chanel Kitten".

Matchesfashion.com is betting on the rubber boot trend for next season: "We saw many styles that would work well on a transitional basis, worn with summer dresses and skirts, and exalting the hybrid trend that we also saw in Simone Rocha and Maison Margiela," says Wiggins. Check out the chunky boot edit from Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander, Ganni, Loewe, and Dr. Martens to find the best options.

Extroverts, meanwhile, should look forward to the Chloé X Moon Boot collaboration on Net-a-porter.com. The online giant is betting on Gabriela Hearst's first Chloé accessories, as well as Khaite clogs, which Page calls "undoubtedly the shoe of the season," and the perfect solution for clog skeptics.

Future-proof your wardrobe

When in doubt, follow Page's Net-a-porter.com buying principles for this season: "Everyday Athleisure: Versatile Pieces that can be dressed up or down. Optimism and opulence: bright colors and unexpected prints, adopting a positive attitude for the new season. And now and always: luxurious and seasonless pieces, will be the trends that stand out." Simple, right?