Hard to believe how fast summer has flown by once again, but fall is here. I’m craving sweaters, coats and jeans, because cooler temperatures mean layering. And layering means outfits with more textures, more colors and sometimes, a little more personality. These are five of the rules I get dressed by each fall and how everybody is interpreting them right now.
1. Choose a great coat. This season, “great” means streamlined, unfussy, a little bit boyish. It can pull any outfit together. My favorite shape has a narrow lapel and just a few buttons, hits at the knees and looks great with sleeves pushed up (so anything underneath can peek out).
2. Go hardware-free. Think stretchy waistbands, soft fabrics, tie belts instead of buttons. Those comfort-first details have never been this stylish—and are popping up everywhere. Slim-cut tailored trousers are done up in heathered grey cotton, and a tie-off trench is the most welcome and cozy top layer. What prevents these pieces from skewing loungewear? Keeping things monochromatic.
3. Show off your sleeves. You get the most mileage out of your layers when the textures and patterns are a little different. A sleeveless sweater-vest really shows off stripes (or plaids).
4. Embrace frayed hems. They’re everywhere right now, from denim shift dresses to popover tops. My favorite place for them is on a classic straight-leg jean. A few loose threads and a soft edge instantly balance out a polished loafer or a silk blouse. Denim, especially true-blue indigo, has the unique ability to give any outfit a little down-to-earth gravity.
5. A jean jacket is my version of a superhero cape. As in, I’m pretty sure it’s imbued with unique powers of timeless cool. Which isn’t to say it can’t evolve. In fact, Madewell took their classic jean jacket and softened the edges a bit. It’s as comfortable as a cardigan. The takeaway? Wear one with everything or just make sure you have one handy.
All these pieces can be found at Madewell!
*These opinions are my own*
