The Fall STYLE Edit
The first yellow leaf comes loose, drifts down, and lands on the sidewalk, and that’s it for me. I’ll be standing on a corner with my coffee going cold, already dressing myself for the next three months in my head.
Then I remember where I live. Fall in New York lasts about as long as a good brunch reservation. You blink, and winter is standing in your doorway with its arms crossed. So I don’t waste a single golden week, and I start where I always do, with the coat.
I’m a believer that outside, the coat is the outfit. It’s what everyone sees on the street, on the platform, across the café. It needs to keep you warm, obviously, but it should also make people look twice. These are my picks this season.
Cinq à Sept, the black coat with golden roses
Black coats are easy to love and easy to forget, which is why this one stopped me. Golden rose embroidery climbs across a clean black silhouette, and once you’ve seen it, it stays with you.
It’s a clean black silhouette, and then you notice the golden rose embroidery climbing across it. It looks rich without trying, the kind of coat that makes people assume you have somewhere important to be.
Mugler, the hourglass
If you want a coat with a point of view, here it is. The shoulders are exaggerated and strong, the waist pulled in tight, and then the whole thing flares out like it has opinions. It builds you a shape before you’ve even said hello. I would wear it on a Tuesday for no reason.
Helsa Studio, the minimalist
This one proves you don’t need drama to get glamour. The coat itself is simple and pared back, so you decide how far to take it. Add a great pair of earrings and leather gloves and it tips from nice to very nice indeed. Then belt it at the waist with leather. A belt is the cheapest trick in fashion, and it still works every time, giving the whole look a softer, more feminine line.
Cinq à Sept again, the trench
Yes, twice. The Almina has been on my wish list for what feels like forever. It’s a dark olive trench with crystal embroidery scrolling across the shoulders and down the coat, and leather at the collar and cuffs. A trench is supposed to be the most sensible thing you own, and this one turns it into jewelry. I haven’t seen anything else like it, and I am not sure I’ll stop thinking about it until it’s mine.
The supporting cast
Once the coat is settled, get yourself an oversized scarf. Go big enough to wrap twice and still tuck into your collar, in wool or cashmere, because this is where the actual warmth comes from. It also makes you look like you woke up chic, which is the whole goal.
And then sunglasses. October light in the city is low and golden and aimed directly at your eyes, so a strong pair earns its place. I stick to black because they go with everything I own, and I’ve stopped pretending otherwise. A few of my favorite pairs are below.
Fall is short, so wear the good coat now. Winter will still be there when you are done.