Three Trends I Love for Fall

The moment spring breaks the 60-degree barrier, I giddily decree that I will never wear another jacket, coat or closed-toe shoe again. Then summer begins its scorching dance, and cold weather can’t return fast enough.

It’s approximately 5 million degrees outside, and I found myself daydreaming about wearing a sweater during a 30-block walk yesterday afternoon. Add in the fact that the September issues are starting to land, and I’m suddenly creating fantasy shopping lists for cooler temperatures.

I don’t have enough closet space for all my dream items, but here are three concepts that will be the building block for my fall wardrobe.

I. Furry Jackets

Roberto Cavalli Shearling Coat, $785 ($628 if you use the discount code COOL at checkout)
Roberto Cavalli Shearling Coat, $785 ($628 if you use the discount code COOL at checkout)

The fall magazines are awash in luscious textures, but the most indulgent of them all are shearling and fur. Fuzzy materials have cropped up everywhere lately, including this Coach ad campaign. Buying the stuff brand new can feel prohibitively expensive — this leather trench trimmed with shearling is $1,595, for example — but you can find amazing versions on consignment sites are a fraction of the price.

I love the gypsy, bohemian feel of the items I included here. They reminded me most of Dries Van Noten’s Fall RTW 2015 show, which was filled with ornate fabrications and furs.

Roberto Cavalli Suede and Fox Fur Jacket: Consignment
Roberto Cavalli Suede and Fox Fur Jacket: Spotted on The Real Real

II. White, High-Necked Blouses

Ralph Lauren's latest ad campaign.
Ralph Lauren’s latest ad campaign.

Mark my words: These delicate blouses are going to be THE layering piece this fall. More delicate that feminine than a chunky turtleneck, these blouses can make a cameo underneath a sleeveless sheath dress, sidle up next to a menswear vest or be worn alone with a pencil skirt.

Tamara Mellon Smocking Turtleneck Top, $220 (60% off)
Tamara Mellon Smocking Turtleneck Top, $220 (60% off)

The Tamara Mellon version above is my personal favorite, thanks to its sheer sleeves and stretchy neck. (It’s critical that the neck never get itchy.) It’s also a sweeter price point than other versions I’ve found, like the cotton top I spotted at Barney’s (link and image below).

Atlantique Ascoli Faille Enfant Blouse, $680 at Barneys
Atlantique Ascoli Faille Enfant Blouse, $680 at Barneys

III. Gray Handbags

Chanel 50th Anniversary 2.55 Shoulder Bag (Lots on consignment sites)
Chanel 50th Anniversary 2.55 Shoulder Bag (Lots on consignment sites)

I know black handbags are the safest investment (and I have plenty), but I’m gravitating toward a slate gray. It feels visually refreshing to have a handbag that isn’t immediately camouflaged within the folds of your winter coat.

I like the quilted leather versions with chain straps — they tend to feel more formal, which really looks better with outerwear. (Whenever I ear a shapeless carryall with a winter coat, I feel like a bit like a bag lady.)

A more affordable option: Rebecca Minkoff Love Cross Body Bag in Gray, $295
A more affordable option: Rebecca Minkoff Love Cross Body Bag in Gray, $295

(PS: What are the items you’re favoring for fall? I’d love to hear about them — and maybe steal them for my own list!)