September is the month of a mental transition into fall. This is true especially in California where the weather hasn’t changed much, but my mind set has. I evaluate my closet relocating clothes that feel like summer to the back while bringing forward a fall palette. I want to see that color story first when I’m deciding what to wear.
Over the years I’ve parted with heavier pieces that were rarely worn (sadly) keeping just the things I’d need when traveling to cold weather destinations. It’s still a substantial lot since my favorite time to travel to Europe is offseason – winter preferably. I’ll talk about what those pieces are in another post…a capsule wardrobe reserved for travel.
But for most of September and October in California, I’ve learned the best way for me to feel like I’m dressing for the season is to wear a fall palette in lightweight fabrics. This year, I’m leaning heavily into the warm khaki tones, ochre, and camel with black, brown and ivory.
Mango, Everlane, Rag & Bone, Prada, COS, Image @sandrasemburg, Nili Lotan, ME + EM
I have a few key pieces in mind that will layer nicely into my wardrobe. The idea is to keep my closet classic but fresh. I’ve already talked about the Field Coat/Barn Jacket here…an essential piece for the season and beyond. I like it worn with everything from a casual tee and jeans to a feminine flowing dress (Prada). Some are dressier than others with the addition of a fur collar or polished fabric (Nili Lotan). I just ordered the leather collared one from COS and sized way down. This is not an area I want to spend a lot on. It just needs to feel good on, in a color that’s flattering and a fit that looks forward. Slightly oversized is the way to go. If the COS doesn’t work out, Ill try the one pictured above from Everlane or ME + EM (anyone familiar with their quality or sizing???).
Next, I’d like to layer in soft pieces – a dress, skirt and definitely a shirt. Looking at the SS25 collections, this feeling isn’t going away anytime soon. Toteme’s shirt (on its way to me now) is the vibe. It’s got the shape I’m after. Equally important is the fabric – a semi sheer organza or voile for example. Perfect for the warmer fall months. I’m inspired by the beautiful flowing pieces in the SS25 Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini collection. The silhouettes, colors…really amazing. The muddy palette takes away the sweetness factor that would normally play into these pieces.
I’m wearing a TWP voile shirt (also have it in navy and love it with dark denim) and old AGOLDE jeans. I’d layer a structured field coat over this look and ground it with suede flats. The skirts I’m eyeing include one from Toteme and Loulou Studio in tan or blush pink. I’d wear them with dark khaki, ochre, or any sort of off color for visual interest.
TWP top, Toteme shirt, Toteme flat, Loulou Studio skirt, Toteme skirt, and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
Bottega Veneta, Max Mara SS25, The Row
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I want a long tailored skirt in brown. I prefer a maxi length, but a midi or even knee length would work fine depending on your height. It’s the overall silhouette from the narrowness of the skirt that is appealing. I have a fabulous one from Another Tomorrow in black (try this one from COS) but would like to find the same fit and shape in brown. The Bottega Veneta is close but I may just wait it out for the Max Mara piece from the SS25 collection. The detailing and color is superior to the others I’m seeing right now.
The Another Tomorrow skirt is from a previous season (this one is very similar). I love it styled down with flat sandals and a thin knit (currently on sale – Vince Friends & Family). It feels as comfortable as wearing a pair of trousers. When I purchased the skirt, I imagined styling it for dressy occasions, but now I see how it will work in a more casual rotation. Other great options available now from low to high price points: COS, Helmet Lang, Theory, Wardrobe, and The Row.
Emilia Wickstead (also here), Miu Miu, Saint Laurent suede, black eel mule, and cream eel loafer
In the spectrum of shoes, loafers have taken center stage. But what’s most modern looking are styles that have a little something going on by way of unusual color (ochre at Miu Miu), interesting detail (oversized tassels at Emilia Wickstead), unique leather (eel skin at Saint Laurent), and suede – which can be found everywhere right now.
Personally, I’m here for the tassels. I have a few other loafers collected over the years, all with hardware of some sort, so the tassels feel like they add something new. I sized down in the Emilia Wickstead to a 9 (I’m anywhere from 9 to 9.5) and they are comfortable out of the box. Wearing COS sweater, Levi’s jeans, Emilia Wickstead loafer
I went with the dark brown loafers and love how they look with an all black outfit. Wearing Theory black skirt (I have the matching tie front top) and Vince top – sized down for a fitted look to wear with full bottoms. Both Vince and Theory currently are running their Friends & Family Sales.
Turn on your JavaScript to view content
Sarah
Great post! I think you will love Me + Em. i have found the quality and fit are fantastic. I especially love their travel collection items but it’s all good.
Karima
Thank you. Good to know!
T
Always inspiring! Thank you.
Morgen
Hi, Karima. I’ve purchased from ME+EM often and I can recommend their quality. I think they fit pretty true to size, as well. I am 47 years old, 5’6″ and 138 lbs and typically take a UK 10 from ME+EM, sometimes a UK 12 if it is a tailored paint or short with waist fastening. In their dresses I take a UK 10 and US I am typically a US 6, depending on the brand. I hope this is helpful.
I was wondering on the barn jackets above, can you tell me the brand of the candid shot? I like that style.
Best wishes,
Morgen
Karima
Sorry for the delayed reply! Thank you for the feedback on ME + EM. I think I’ll try their field coat out for myself.
Are you referring to the one worn on Lauren Santo Domingo? That is The Row and more of a splurge piece available HERE.