Camo Sweater, BB Dakota // Leather Pants, American Eagle Outfitters // Army Green Cinch Waist Jacket, ASOS // Boots, River Island UK // Necklace, Madewell // Envelope Clutch, Beirin // Quay Kittie Cat Shades, Urban Outfitters // Nails, “Union Jack Black” by Butter London
Fashion month is over, and October is here! Which means that it’s finally time to add a little pumpkin spice to your morning latte and that midweek look. Orange is the perfect accent color for fall, and I love mixing it this month with all gray and olive toned outfits. My military inspired look today may appear rough and tough, but it’s surprising comfy and cuddly: a perfect camo combo to combat a damp, dark, and dreary day like today (and yesterday AND the day before that) in NYC.
This outfit also showcases some seasonal staples that I always make sure I have in my fall wardrobe. Despite the multiple Octobers I’ve had them on hand, these 4 pieces still have yet to wear out their welcome…
1. An Army Green Jacket
Whether its a short canvas number, a flowing trench, or a drawstring lined parka, an olive toned jacket is by far the easiest essential to throw on to get you through the day. The color and cut of the army green jacket are strictly casual, but it’s amazing how perfectly it pairs with every fall tone: camels, browns, blacks, winter whites, grays, navy & deep purples and burgundy: ALL work! It’s a must have investment with an infinite rate of return. I really am shocked how often I wear mine, and how many seasons it lasts! It also a great color for any and every skin tone and hair color, and for those of us who are loosing the summer glow, this is your best color to help you through the old foundation transition!
*(and if that is a concern of yours also try the ever popular blush pink- a sweater blouse or scarf in that soft light tone will make your skin look fresh) Oh and (shocker) the blush will look amazing against your army green jacket….
2. The Black Leather Pant
Faux, vegan, very real, taylor made, sprayed on- whatever your budget, preference, or desire the leather pant is fabulous item to add texture and interest to any outfit. It can be dressed up or dressed down with ease, and there is just something about a woman in leather pants that screams confidence, style, and cool. And you really don’t have to break the bank to have a pair: case in point the ones I am wearing today are vegan leather from American Eagle Outfitters and are in everyone’s budget. The important thing when buying black leather pants is always always finding your fit. And if that means you need pop over to the tailors for a nip or tuck DO IT, because these baby will surely outrun you in their need to be out on the town.
3. Sexy Rain Shoes
I know I know, we all have the Hunter boot, and even some of us, I’ll admit it, even sprung for the Pucci rain boots a while back, in an emboldened effort to stay chic despite the showers and dare to dazzle in a dark sky down poor. But honestly ladies, it’s time to embrace something a little less vintage preppy chic- they are clunky and not right for a city chick. Leave them, like I do, on the farm or in the country where Garden and Gun always taught us to. Now let’s try to find a comfortable boot or bootie that is waterproof that actually shows the shape of your great legs and accentuates the lines of your look. NYC streets when there’s even a shred of weather, get absolutely nasty so I have many go to boots that work when storms strike- I look for a waterproof thick sole, or a dark bottomed boot. I love lace ups when it comes to this look as they allow for any pant leg and I opt for a more trooper style silhouette: if they are tall boots I like to choose European soft leather and a more German shape, to or over the knee. If we’re talking a bootie or mid calf boot, I love a more punk edge something that has a bit of hardware and even a chunky low heal that I can wear all day without killing my feet.
4. The Orange Clutch
This one is a bit unconventional, but it’s something I have learned over the years that when it comes to accessories orange is not only the new black, it is forever the little black dress of handbags. There is not better way to pop a fall outfit whether it be a gray suit (charcoal or heather), a navy trench, a camel sweater, black leather, emerald to army green tops, a winter white dress, you name it- the orange envelop clutch always ALWAYS works! The one I am wearing above is in a skin textured leather, giving it some intrigue, and if I want to jazz it up, since it has very simple lines and standard structure, I will add a shoe clip or a broach to the clasp to dress it up for evening. It is always thrown in my suitcase as it is weightless and thin and goes with almost everything. And as long as you have one on hand you will never have to stress searching for a pop of color.
Shop The Look & Fall’s 4 Season Staples Bellow:
