CATCH ME, I’M FALLING
One trip through any boutique or department store will tell you that fall clothing has been arriving on a daily basis. In the heat of September, thinking about fall clothes may be the last thing on your mind. This time of year provides an opportunity to embrace some fall essentials that will become the building blocks of a closet that will outfit you until spring. Here’s a look at six items to buy now that will keep you in the trends but won’t make you look too hot, at least temperature-wise.
THE DAY CLUTCH
These oversized versions of the nighttime handbag debuted last spring and bigger is better continues as a trend this fall. If you didn’t snag one of these essentials yet, put it on your must-have list for fall. Remember that this handbag is a study in contrasts, so partner it with a dress layered over leggings and a pair of biker boots. City chic. Jimmy Choo Carolina Oversized Clutch in black eel and watersnake, $1,675, Jimmy Choo
THE SLIM SHEATH
Fall’s newest silhouette streamlines the sheath and hits just at or below the knee. You’ll not only look in-style, but you’ll show that you tapped into one of the hottest trends for fall. Pair it with knee-high boots as the weather turns, and even consider long gloves and a cloche hat when winter sets in. Marc Jacobs Floral Abstract Sheath, $1,300, Marc Jacobs
THE SHOE BOOT
Mix one part lace-up shoe with one part ankle boot and you have the shoe boot, one of fall’s hottest looks for your feet. This boot will serve you well through the spring, so adding it to your wardrobe early will help you learn how to wear it. In patent leather and gold, this version can make an appearance by night as well as during the day. Christian Louboutin Miss Fred Shoe Boots, $695, similar available at Shoe-In
THE MINI DRESS
Surely your dance card has you stopping by some parties this fall. That’s when the mini-dress in frothy layers makes its appearance. To mix up this look, pair it with a belted cardigan and platform shoes to seem like you said, “What? This old thing?” Zac Posen Nationale Dress, $4,500, Outfit at Wynn Las Vegas
THE BIKER JACKET
This season is about toning down some of your more outrageous pieces. So a biker jacket tops a feminine top in purple, maybe with a frothy bow, gray jeans, a silver oversized handbag and some killer boots with heels. Tough girl, indeed. Alexander McQueen Shearling Biker Jacket, $4,460, Neiman Marcus
THE SKIRT SUIT
For fall, the skirt paired with suit makes its return, albeit shorter on the top and the bottom. The cropped jacket and mini-skirt will find their ways as separates in your wardrobe as well as in pairs. A classic pair of pumps will serve this look well by day, but those shoe boots will make this outfit more playful by night. Michael Kors Donegal Tweed Jacket, $1,195, and Michael Kors Donegal Tweed Miniskirt, Nordstrom