I can’t get enough of this time of year in New England: the crimsons, the flaming siennas, hot yellows, gleaming golds, and the purplish deep reds that fade into still-green leaves on the same tree.
So when there just aren’t enough weekends in the season to go soak up all that foliage, I recommend enlisting your wardrobe into service. This is the ideal time to don the shades of autumn.
Here are some standout pieces to add to your wardrobe right now:
Let’s start with the autumn essential – a super-soft sweater. Inevitably that starts with cashmere. So take a look at the Luna Cashmere Sweater Polo ($200 on bananarepublic.gap.com) in an absolutely beautiful shade of warm copper. It’s an unbelievably soft and athletically inspired (i.e., a Johnny collar with no buttons) sweater polo that’s also cut in a wedge shape for a flattering profile.
Next up: the Cashmere Turtleneck ($498 on ralphlauren.com) in orange—but make that an electric orange. It sports an extra-wide turtleneck collar, to make you feel extra snug and cozy. I also appreciate its straight fit.
On the budget end of things is the Oversized Boxy Turtleneck ($24.97 on nordstromrack.com), a wallet-friendly design in a warm camel that works as a neutral with almost any kind of pant or skirt.
Speaking of which, this chilly time of year calls for cords, and they come in all the colors of the forest. The Stretch Cord Patch Pocket Pant ($168 on fahertybrand.com) are mid-rise with cute patch pockets on the front, and then a flared leg that elongates everyone. Their relatively delicate texture also makes them versatile; they’re as good for dressier afternoons as they are for casual ones, and they come in a rich brown and a stunning dark peach-y henna.
Velvet is always a good decision right around now. Especially in slouchy pants with a little bit of attitude. The Wide-Leg Velvet Pants ($199 on garnethill.com) are a sumptuous, luxurious choice in Zinfandel—a shimmering deep red that stands out among all of fall’s blacks at dinners and cocktail parties.
And in that same dark red family, there’s Vince Camuto’s Women’s Sleeveless Crinkle Gauze Maxi Dress ($57.12 on macys.com) — a smart pick for either day or casual-elegant evenings. Its heavier gauze material still works for fall, as long as you toss a great jacket on over its sleeveless cut. I recommend the shimmering Woolf Jardigan in Gold Knit ($295 on mmlafleur.com).
And what would a cluster of autumnal trees be without a few pops of still-green branches?The Nellis Cotton Top ($178 on joie.com) in Posy Green is a maximalist spin on the peplum blouse. Its puffed sleeves and bib front work together to draw attention to the dark emerald hue.
It’s a statement, to be sure — and that statement is “Happy fall!”
