Autumn Essentials

Autumn temperatures are finicky, especially in the unpredictable, global-warming-affected world we live in today. Some days it’s colder than Dante’s inner circle of Hell, other days it’s warm enough to don a spaghetti tank and short shorts. And — this is especially the case during fall — most days start out very cool, blossom into perfectly temperate afternoons and then get cool again in the evenings. Knowing how to layer is a skill every fashion forward femme should understand and be able to apply.

While layering has a tendency to make you look casual, it doesn’t always have to go that way. For example, for a business professional look, wear a fitted blazer over a camisole or tank with a crisp, tailored pant and classic closed-toe pump.

The same look makes an easy, low-key afternoon ensemble when paired with shorts instead of the pants. If you’re aiming for a “bonfire chic”-esque vibe, try a pair of skinny jeans, your cutest flats and a long sleeve tee under a vest and eternal scarf. This look works great for weekend errand running and casual get-togethers. If you want to go grungier, try a similar look with distressed booties.

Best Layering Items to Own

If you want to bolster your wardrobe this season, consider adding the following layering essentials to your current collection of garments and accessories.

Theodora & Callum Wearable Art ’70s Stripe Infinity Scarf $165	Scarf You’ll want an eternal scarf/snood (circular with no end), a chunky cable knit scarf and a lighter scarf. Between these three you won’t need anything else.
Burberry Mega Check Linen Scarf $375 Charlotte & Lisa Center Fur Scarf $275
Burberry Brit Laxey Double Breasted Leather Trim Blazer $750	Blazer Invest in a high quality, well-fitted blazer. Finding the right blazer is like finding the perfect wedding dress — don’t stop looking until you find it and reserve the right to be extremely picky. The better it fits, the more fabulous you’ll look.
Maximilian 28″ Tibetan Lamb Vest $795	Vest A vest goes well over a lot of items. Consider a fur-lined vest for maximum comfort and chic-ness.
Vince Boat Neck Tee $125	Sheer Long Sleeved Tee Get one in every color (or at least the neutrals: black, brown, red and white). Go for sheer, too. Why? It’s easier to layer items over it and, if you get hot and need to remove other layers, you’ll be able to cool down quickly.
Frye “Melissa” Riding Boots $388	Boots Depending on the length of your legs, choose either a mid-calf, knee-high or thigh-high boot. The longer your legs are, the higher you can take your boot. They look great over skinny jeans, tights and leggings.
Skinny Jeans Skinny jeans look great with a million types of shoes (flats, pumps, boots, stilettos) and no — you don’t have to be a size 6 to wear them. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a colored denim in one of the seasons hottest colors.
Citizens of Humanity “Thompson” Cropped Skinny Jeans $176 AG Adriano Goldschmied “Luscious” Sateen Stilt Pants $139

By Wendy Rose Gould