Although I love a good #allblackeverything look as much as the next gal, I’m really embracing all. things. COLORFUL this fall and winter. With designers channeling the rainbow in their approach to knits, wools, coats, and accessories for winter, ’tis the season to make a statement.
Today’s colorful coordinating sweater and midi skirt from Kenzo are among my absolute favorite finds this fall (as you may have noticed from the number of times I’ve worn this outfit on Instagram lately…). On days when you just can’t decide what color to sport, just wear ’em all! Of course, the pieces in this set are styled separately just as easily as they are together: pair the sweater with your favorite black trousers or throw a chic turtleneck(how cute is this one?!) atop the midi skirt and you’re ready for wherever the day may take you.
With winter around the corner, it’s time to prep your arsenal of outerwear for plunging temps. We’re less than a week away from November (HOW?!), and unfortunately, I know from experience that denial does not keep you warm. Today, I’m rounding up the four coats every girl needs for the chilly days ahead.
But before we jump into my list, I want to make special note of Nordstrom’s dedicated collection of outerwear that’s all under $200 which you can peruse here. If you’re looking to update your coat collection with some amazing, affordable beauties, that’s your spot.
Without further ado, I give you the four staple coats everyone needs in their closet for fall and winter…
#1 // Puffer Coat
For those brutally frigid days, you gotta go for the puffer coat (a.k.a. wearable sleeping bag) and luckily, these beauties are majorly on trend this season. Uber insulated and super lightweight, nothing holds in warmth like these down-filled, quilted puffers.
I’m obsessing over this longline quilted puffer coat with faux-fur trim that I found at Nordstrom (and it’s under $150!). Not only does it come in three gorgeous colors, it’s also water-repellent! If you’re in the market for a shorter option under $150, check out this quilted puffer from Topshop (it also comes inblack!).
For all my Canada Goose fans, check out this power-fill down jacket, which promises to keep you warm even in the coldest temps. The drawcord waist cinches in perfectly, and the water-resistant outer layer keeps you dry in rain, sleet or snow.
In the $250 and under price range, it doesn’t get better than this belted Ralph Lauren down coat. The longline silhouette and drawcord hood will keep you cozy and the tie belt keeps you from (fully) resembling a marshmallow. Added bonus: you’ll stand out from a sea of black in this perfect burgundy hue!
If you’re looking to venture into new textures, check out this black velour beaut!
#2 // Classic Wool Coat
A no-brainer, but gotta mention it: everyone needs a classic wool coat. Timeless, elegant and versatile, this quintessential winter wardrobe staple is as perfect for layering atop your work-week suit as it is paired with casual weekend denim. Nothing pulls together an outfit like a timeless tailored coat—it’s the perfect finishing touch (and nobody needs to know if you’re wearing a suit or your pajama top underneath).
For the quintessential classic coat, look no further than this double-breasted black beauty from Mackage. I’m loving the wide-wing collar and the belted fit-and-flare silhouette.
You’d never believe this double-breasted wool-blend coat is under $150. The ladylike style provides a knockout hourglass shape, and it’s just as beautiful in white and pink as it is in black.
Trading classic for cool, the moto is the go-to jacket to throw on for less formal occasions—whether you’re headed out to drinks or running errands on the weekend. There’s not much I love more than a classic black moto, but if you read this post, you already know I’m reaallyyyy digging the updated colors and finishes that are stealing the stage this season.
“Ultimate Leather Jacket” is the name of this classic moto, and I couldn’t agree more… It’s well-worth the investment. Also check out this under-$100 classic black beauty!
If you’re all in on the metallic trend this season, go full-glam with a metallic moto (it’s under $200!).
I’m loving the rich burgundy color of this faux-leather jacket. The price point isn’t bad either!
Last but certainly not least, this floral black leather jacket from Topshop proves you can be tough and feminine.
#4 // Statement Coat
You know those days when you’re running around and end up spending more time in your coat than just wearing your actual clothing underneath? (I’m looking at you, New Yorkers!) Those are the days for the statement coat, a.k.a. your outerwear outfit. Pile on the dark/neutral cozy layers underneath and let your outerwear do the talking. A statement coat like the floral beauty I’m wearing today instantly dresses up an otherwise basic outfit.
Make a statement with plaid (the print of the season!) but good luck deciding between this J. Crew plaid bomber (under $200) and this longline plaid coat (under $150).
STRIPED BLAZER: Alexa Chung | CLASSIC TURTLENECK: old, under $100 dupes HERE and HERE | STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS: old, similar HERE and under $100 HERE | LEATHER WAIST BELT: Gucci | DISC EARRINGS: Madewell | RED LIP: Laura Mercier (Lover)
Blazers are having a MAJOR moment, which is pretty awesome for working girls everywhere, ’cause it makes dressing for the office a #cinch. No more wasting time every morning trying to jumble together an outfit—just throw on your favorite basics and the blazer does all the talking. Exhibit A: this Alexa Chung striped blazer. I’ve chosen to style it with my favorite denim and a classic turtleneck for a business casual look, but it can easily be dressed up with the matching trouser (dead) or a sleek burgundy sheath dress(how stunning is this one?!).
When it comes to blazers this season, you can make a statement with vibrant colors, fun textures (got my eye on you, velvet), bold patterns, or interesting detail. Of course, the biggest blazer trend of the season has to be the classic oversized plaid blazer (I just bought this one!) but below, I’ve rounded up all of my favorites. I’m obsessing over this double breasted striped blazer (it’s $150!), and this leopard print beauty has me in FULL. SWOON.
But even when sporting some of my favorite seasonal trends, I always like to take a classic approach to dressing. Grounding today’s look is this pleated plaid midi skirt, a timeless staple that’ll never go out of style. I’m also loving this plaid midi skirt and this under $50 beauty as well!
Today’s puffed-shoulder turtleneck is another cold-weather favorite, which I recently wore here with a mini skirt and over-the-knee boots for drinks and dinner with friends. The shoulder detailing not only elevates the wardrobe staple, but also offers a modern spin on the classic black turtleneck—perfect for both the office or an evening out.
Today, I’m sharing some unpublished photos from a project I worked on with Net-A-Porter a few weeks back. Since this Solace London frock is basically sunshine in dress form, I thought it would be the perfect excuse to highlight one of the biggest color trends for fall—marigold yellow!
To be honest, when this color started showing up everywhere, I was convinced that there were only about four people on planet earth who could pull off such a bold golden hue (and I was not one of them). However, I eventually took the plunge (literally—I basically bathed in marigold yellow in this post), and I’m so glad I did. It’s surprisingly flattering on many skin tones, and one trick I’ve employed to balance out the strong golds is to pair the color with a deep red lip. Additionally, as you’ll see in the line-up below, the color looks incredible against denim. Just look at how they styled this amazing coat with a red lip and perfect blue jeans. Gorge.
Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite marigold yellow pieces for the season. I think this stunner would be amazing for the office and how perfect are these loafers?! Let me know which one you like best!
SUEDE MOTO JACKET: Aqua | CASHMERE SWEATER: Aqua | BELTED CIGARETTE PANTS: Theory | POINTED-TOE PUMPS: Charles David (under $100 option HERE!) | RED LIP: Nars (Fire Down Below)
Fall has officially graced us with its presence (although I’m having real mixed feelings about this bipolar weather situation, TBH), which can only mean one thing: you’re finally coming to terms with the sorry state of your fall wardrobe. If you’re like me, you’ve come to the conclusion that the ole closet is lacking some v pertinent cold-weather pieces, or at the very least, in need of a serious pick-me-up. (Where are all my sweaters? Didn’t I have jackets last year? Could’ve sworn I wore jackets…)
For New Yorkers, the conundrum is even more complex, as it’s a two-step process: (1) drag out storage boxes containing fall/winter wardrobe from storage unit and other weird nooks-turned-mini-storage-units in the apartment; and (2) reach the same aforementioned conclusion: NOT. ENOUGH. FALL.
Today, I’ve rounded up the top three wardrobe staples every working girl should refresh this season. Slow clap with me now…
This staple is a no-brainer for the cooler seasons, and if you’re anything like me, it’s the same item that you’re pairing with trousers for the office and leggings for the weekend. Pro tip: Check Aqua’s collection of cashmere sweaters at Bloomingdale’s and thank me later. Today’s burgundy crewneck sweater is as easily dressed up for work (just add a classic trouser) as it is dressed down with denim, AND it’s every bit as comfy as it looks. It’s part of the Aqua cashmere collection at Bloomingdales which has a TON of different styles and fits, all of which offer high-quality cashmere at a very reasonable price. (Cashmere for under $200? Sign me up!) I just bought this one in color “toast” and this one in light grey. DELISH.
#2 // Staple Black Pants
A fresh pair of classic black pants are another obvious pick for a fall closet refresh, but just wait until you try on these Theory cigarette pants. Super versatile and très, très comfy, these beauties have the perfect updated high-waisted fit making them the ideal choice for in or out of the office. They have a sleek tapered leg and seem to suck you in in all the right places up top. I can see them layering under knee or thigh-high boots nicely as well. FYI, they come with the waist belt, but it isn’t sewn on so you can swap in a different belt when you’re feeling adventurous.
#3 // Updated Moto Jacket
Pick numba three—the quintessential moto in an updated burgundy suede. Everybody and their mother (maybe even grandma too at this point) has some iteration of the classic black leather moto jacket. But since it’s so dang wearable (casual day at the office, weekend errands, Saturday night out…), this is the season to spring for a new, updated colored version like this opulent burgundy suede Moto. Keep your eyes peeled for velvet Moto jackets too!
It’s worth noting that both the sweater and jacket I’m wearing today are from Bloomingdale’s 100% Exclusives collection, which as I’ve said before, is INSANELY good. It’s stuff that is only sold at Bloomingdales (how stunning is this blouse?!), so it’s worth an extra look at items that you won’t come across at any other retailer.
SUEDE MOTO JACKET: Aqua | CASHMERE SWEATER: Aqua | BELTED CIGARETTE PANTS: Theory | POINTED-TOE PUMPS: Charles David (under $100 option HERE!) | RED LIP: Nars (Fire Down Below)
Thanks to Bloomingdale’s for partnering on this post!