As the long, hot (and a bit too steamy) summer days dwindle away, it is undeniably easy to slip into a cold weather funk. But amongst the fashion crowd, there is one thing that always manages to ease this familiar end-of-the-summer pain—shopping. Now is the time to stake out and snatch up your autumn essentials, those must-have pieces that can be worn every which way, throughout the season. From a seriously structured blazer to everyone’s favorite—the little black dress—set your eyes on five fabulous items to add to your wardrobe now, and love to wear—and re-wear this fall.
By Jessica Minkoff
BLAZER
From left: Sandro leather-trimmed jacket, $565, netaporter.com, Hugo jacket, $405, stylebop.com, Helmut Lang blazer, $575, barneys.com, Paul & Joe velvet tuxedo jacket, $734.25, my-wardrobe.com.
Let’s face it—blazers are no longer just a menswear staple. A perfectly tailored blazer can take any outfit from day to night, and more importantly, from night to day. Whether paired with jeans for a more conservative look, or thrown over a cocktail dress to make Thursday’s after hours getup more work appropriate, a blazer is every girl’s go-to.
BOOTS
From left: Chloe ankle boot, $995, barneys.com, DVF boot, $556, my-wardrobe.com, Rag & Bone Harrow boot, $550, rag-bone.com, Guiseppe Zanotti motorcycle boot, $1,095, barneys.com.
A great pair of shoes goes a long way—literally. And as fall’s equivalent to the summer favorite, wedges, chic boots are certain to elevate any outfit to new heights. From maxi dresses with leather jackets to jeans with chunky sweaters, the choice to zip up an edgy motorcycle boot or a classic heel can do no wrong.
HANDBAG
From left: Proenza Schouler PS1, $1595, lagarconne.com, Balenciaga flap bag, $995, mytheresa.com, Reed Krakoff calf hair tote, $1390, netaporter.com, Theyskens’ Theory messenger bag, $695, barneys.com, Stella McCartney studded bag, $1695, kirnazabete.com.
It’s no secret that adding a new handbag to your collection feels as fantastic as post killer-sample sale euphoria. If you ask me, there is no greater feeling—perhaps that is why I had to include a 5th fall bag in this category! Cooler temperatures mean leather, suede, and lots of pony hair, which translate seamlessly to arm candy like the Reed Krakoff tote and the Balenciaga messenger above. And for those who need a little rock and roll in their lives, this studded Stella McCartney chain-handle bag is sure to do the trick.
LBD
From left: Rick Owens jersey dress, $555, netaporter.com, Schumacher wool dress, $469, mytheresa.com, Alexander Wang zip dress, $525, kirnazabete.com, Etoile Isabel Marant dress, $625, lagarconne.com.
Little black dresses have been a wardrobe essential for quite awhile now. Despite the temporary appeal of last season’s LWD (little white dress) and LGD (little grey dress), the LBD has remained the reigning front runner. From work events to cocktail parties and even more conservative date nights, the LBD is the way to go. This season experiment with a new silhouette, like the Alexander Wang ribbed knit dress above. Put it together with sky-high pumps or a classic boot, and you’re set. Talk about easy dressing…
WIDE LEG JEANS
From left: Citizens of Humanity Devote Rocker flares, $253, barneys.com, Notify high-rise wide-leg jeans, $275, netaporter.com, Current Elliott mid-rise trousers, $289, mytheresa.com, Mother flared jean, $324, stylebop.com.
Denim was all over the runways this past season, as was the not-to-be-missed denim-on-denim trend. Although this double dose of blue-jean may only be runway-worthy until next fashion week, there is one style of denim that is here to stay and it is huge. Wide leg jeans made a huge comeback for spring and adding a great pair—or two—to your closet is a very smart investment come fall. Try them with a striped top, a fur vest, or even a peasant shirt. The options are endless, but be warned, you won’t want to take them off.