I Tried On 30 New Arrivals at Saks Fifth Avenue—I'd Drop Money on These 17

We've reached that particular point in the season where we're no longer shopping for summer since most of it's already behind us, but it still feels too early to dive totally into fall. The fall/winter 2022 collections are just barely starting to trickle into the new-arrivals sections at all the big retailers, so the assortment is largely filled with pre-fall and marked-down summer items, making a casual shopping experience feel like diving into a black hole. 

Considering it my journalistic duty, I shut my laptop and went on an in-person mission to find the coolest new arrivals of the moment. I took the train up to 50th street and spent an afternoon at Saks Fifth Avenue, a storied NYC shopping institution. As an avid online browser, I delighted in spotting my favorite designer labels among the racks, but of course, trying things on for myself was the real treat. With a stack of garments that could have made my arm fall off, I beelined to the dressing room to test out everything that caught my eye.

From the Khaite jacket of my dreams to the sequin miniskirt I never knew I needed, I'm sharing the results of my Saks Fifth Avenue try-on haul. Ahead, see the 17 pieces I'd drop money on right this second and, of course, the mirror selfies to prove it, along with a few more things further down that didn't quite wow me.

What I'd buy immediately:

This gauzy linen number from Turkish label Piece of White is an absolute stunner. It's supremely comfortable and the open back lends just the right amount of sultriness to make it an ideal day-to-night piece. And a bonus: pockets! I don't have any big trips planned but if I did, this would be the first thing to go in my suitcase.

Christopher Esber skirt sets are one of those #IYKYK fashion items, and once I slipped into this silky jersey two-piece, I definitely understood why. The brand has nailed an effortless and sexy '90s vibe that's well highlighted in this cutout maxi skirt and matching collared shirt. 

A pretty white top is always on my shopping list, and this one from Tove with adjustable ties and a crinkled texture is so chic paired with tailored denim from Khaite. Speaking of denim, these jeans have a mid-rise and relaxed straight fit that makes them look so polished. Pieces like these are what make the transition from summer to fall far easier and, I'd argue, transcend seasons altogether. 

Two words: dream jacket. I hadn't stopped thinking about this Khaite leather bomber ever since I saw it in the pre-fall 2022 lookbook, and to my delight, it was even better than I could have imagined with buttery-soft leather, a perfectly slouchy fit, and thoughtful utility details throughout. Now if anyone has an extra few thousand dollars laying around they'd like to donate to my cause, I'll happily make it mine.

Not to play favorites, but I didn't want to take off this smocked Staud top or these pleated Lou Lou Studio trousers (which, by the way, are on sale). If you're looking for that piece you can throw on and look good no matter what, these are definitely it. They're just so flattering and comfortable. 

I'd long been an admirer of Christopher Esber's built-in hardware but had yet to find a piece that actually felt wearable until I spotted this top. I think I died and went to heaven when I put it on—the two silver orbits create a beautiful negative space effect that makes it so much more than just a top. It's truly wearable art.

I penned my review of a dozen white tank tops recently and as soon as I put on this ribbed Agolde version, I was tempted to go back and edit it. The ribbed material was deliciously sculpting and I loved how the off-kilter neckline added a little excitement to an otherwise plain basic.

I'd been keeping an eye out for a pair of parachute pants for months now to no avail, but I think my search can stop now that I've experienced this nylon pair from Wardrobe.NYC. While this isn't how I'd style the pants if I owned them (I'd go for something sportier with sneakers and perhaps an open button-down), it just goes to show cool they can make anything look.

I'm a big fan of how the zippered hem allows for multiple styling choices.

I know it's on the early side to consider shopping for sweaters, but when I saw this rainbow striped knit, I simply couldn't resist it. As usual, when it comes to Staud, function (aka the fabric and fit) is delightfully on par with fashion. I can see myself wearing this one on repeat with jeans and boots come fall. It feels like a fun update on the striped sweaters that were popular last year.

You already know I have an affinity for great basics, and this Toteme tank and Agolde skirt are two simple pieces that really wowed me. The tank was super soft and tucked in perfectly to this denim mini, which I will most certainly be buying as fall approaches. I can't wait to wear it with tall boots.

Going a little outside of my all-neutrals comfort zone here, but I had to shake things up with two pieces that are about as serotonin-inducing as it gets. I have previous iterations of Ganni's fun-loving graphic tees so I wasn't surprised by the nice quality of this one. I was surprised, however, by how much I loved this Helmut Lang sequin skirt which I've already put in another Who What Wear story and my Saks shopping cart. All I need is one more party invite and I won't think twice about adding it to my closet.

Button-downs are one of those trends that just keeps on giving. I loved the color and stiffer fabric on this one that looked so polished with the Khaite jeans. An A+ wardrobe basic in my book.

What I'd skip:

I wanted to join the ranks of celebs who love this Cult Gaia dress, but there was just something off about the way it fit me that I hesitated to put in my "would buy" pile. It's such a unique piece with the removable sleeves and built-in gold necklace, but ultimately don't think it suited my shape or necessarily matched my personal style. 

I was really on the fence about this set! I loved the idea of it and the thought the openwork knit fabric was so cool but decided that it wasn't the kind of thing I'd reach for on the regular.

More pieces I was wearing:

Up next, nine micro-trends that seem random now, but will be everywhere soon.