Back to Fall Fashion: Cultivating Personal Style
Me on the first day of Kindergarten
Fall always feels like the perfect time to reassess our style journeys. The first day of school vibes are in the air (even if you aren't actually in school). For me, going back to New York Fashion Week always has that particular feeling—like you have to have the perfect outfit to impress everyone you haven't seen over summer break. Are you going for a total makeover? Are you leaning into sustainability? Or do you just need some new pieces to make things feel fresh again?
Since I started working in fashion, my style ethos has changed so much. I started off dressing super trendy, wanting to show my superiors that I understood the latest and greatest—or at least the Forever 21 and H&M versions. As an editor at Harper's Bazaar for almost 9 years, I refined my eye for what good style looks like. I became very influenced by the pages of the magazine and the editors around me. My fashion director Kerry Pieri influenced me to fall in love with denim when I never really wore jeans all that often previously—I thought it was a flex that I owned less than 10 pairs. In this current phase of my life, I've been questioning what luxury means to me (the logomania that's persisted for years doesn't really do it for me), and how I can have a wardrobe that is streamlined but still has room to encompass all the many styles I love. I like to have choices, I like to experiment, and as a Pisces, I'm always going to feel inspired by a mood, a movie I watched, or a stranger I saw on the street. There's a part of me that always dreamed of having a wardrobe like Carrie Bradshaw's, where each and every piece just felt like a really special moment. In reality, my closet is probably 90% practical and 10% statement pieces. As I've gotten older, I care less about fashion that speaks louder than me.
I asked on my Instagram for your fall fashion questions and without doubt the most prevalent question is always about how to cultivate personal style. I think it's about honing in on what you actually like. I'm talking about YOU, not what the celebs are wearing or what your friends are wearing or what the magazines say you should wear. What do YOU like? What makes you feel good when you step out the door? If you love cowboy boots regardless of whether they're hot or not—that's personal style. If you know fit-and-flared dresses flatter your body the most and make you feel your best even when A-line minis are trending— that's personal style. I never seek out information about the trends of the season anymore—they're either obvious when I see what's being sold in stores or what people are wearing out n about, or they fly over my head and I'm okay with that. When you've worked in the industry long enough, you know the lifespan of most trends is quite short (and becoming even shorter with the internet)—and a lot of them just aren't worth the money. Of course, it's always fun to incorporate a few trendy pieces—but at the end of the day, I'd much rather have a wardrobe that makes me feel like myself.
Are skinny jeans really out?
I'm a ‘live and let live’ type of gal. If you want to wear skinny jeans, wear skinny jeans! I still have a few pairs stashed away to wear with over-the-knee boots. However, I do think straight leg jeans are much more flattering.
For skinny jean enthusiasts: I love Citizen of Humanity's Chrissy jeans ($198)
For straight leg lovers: I cannot recommend AGOLDE's '90s Pinch Waist jeans ($198) enough. They are the jeans I want to wear every single day
What are your top 3 footwear picks for fall?
A slim knee-high leather boot: no one can tell me there's a better one than Neil J Rodgers's Megan boot ($895)
Ankle boots: they just go with everything, try Larroude's Mini Katie boots ($385) or J.Crew Stevie boots ($248).
Chunky flat boots: they're so fun to stomp around in, I love the look of STAUD's Palamino Chelsea boot ($425) — they feel more sleek than rugged.
Are you wearing the —
The Neil J Rodgers boots? Yeah I am.
What loafers are we wearing? Any comfy ones that are easy to break-in?
I received so many questions about loafers! I love a loafer, always have. I really enjoy playing with masculine/feminine pieces in one look, so loafers are a great way to add a little boyish charm to a dress—or I love to wear them with my favorite Aritzia Ibiza trousers ($148) and a nice cashmere sweater. Wear them with or without socks—no judgment here! I bought the Celine Luco Triomphe loafers ($745) right before Barney's New York closed down in 2020, they're surprisingly VERY comfortable, and never gave me a single blister. For a more affordable option, you gotta go with the Bass Weejuns Whitney Loafer ($155) —they're classic.
What's your go-to outfit for those days when nothing else is working?
This is easy! I have a little fall/winter uniform that I've been rocking for the last few years.
Wolford Colorado bodysuit ($238): I've been wearing it for years, yes they're pricey but they're the best and they last for years.
High-waisted jeans, I also love SLVRLAKE “London” jeans ($329).
The Row Leather Ankle boots ($1,490) I've had these in heavy rotation since Fall 2019 and I'm still not sick of them.
A cool blazer or jacket to top it all off like Anine Bing's Sonora Blazer ($399), my Attire trench coat ($657) I love the oversized lapels and slouchy fit or the custom leather trench I had made earlier this year (as seen below).
My uniform
Jackets you're eyeing for fall?
My dream jacket would probably be this classic Khaite single-breasted leather jacket or this delicious MM6 Margiela faux shearling jacket. Also, earlier this summer I bought a navy Dries Van Noten cropped peacoat from a secondhand shop in London, so I'm really looking forward to styling that for the season.
Easy, low-fuss, going out outfits?
Let's be real, it's all about going out tops again, and I'm here for it. Typically I'm going to start with high-waisted jeans (I will not be supporting the low-rise jeans trend) or black leather pants like this Pistola Denim pair ($158) as my base—and then I always look for tops that are either very simple, like a bodysuit or cropped tee, or I seek out pieces that have interesting details or a print that you know is going to get some attention. I'm always searching for pieces that feel a little different than what I'm used to seeing.
Here are some ideas to start:
What comes first, the outfit or the mood?
That's like asking what came first, the chicken or the egg? No, seriously, I tend to lead with mood, and then the outfit is the expression of the mood or how I feel about myself that day. But sometimes, I definitely use the outfit first if I have something in my head that I'm itching to wear or I actually need a mood pick-me-up.
What are your biggest style inspos?
I think I'm most often inspired by random people I see, but I worship Rihanna, of course, because she's just always so confident, and her style is constantly evolving—she's always going to keep us on our toes. For everyday outfit inspo, I love me some Hailey Bieber.
What's your go-to move when you need to elevate an outfit?
Constructing the perfect outfit is really all in the details. So, the answer could be a blazer, if I was wearing something basic like a t-shirt and jeans. Maybe the answer is fun earrings or a necklace. And of course, the right shoe can totally transform a look—a round toe, a pointed toe, and a square toe can all bring different vibes to an outfit.
My goal is to own 50% vintage. Advice on not getting lost in trends?
Again, pay more attention to what you actually like, what clothes you put on and feel like you can take on the world, and less about what you see others wearing. You can get such great basics when it comes to vintage shopping. Maybe there's a particular era of fashion that resonates with you the most? Or certain colors that dominate your wardrobe? Stay focused on finding pieces in that same vein. When certain trends resonate with us, it's easier to hold onto them and make them work in our wardrobe even when the trend actually fades out. Cowboy boots always come to mind—they can be really trendy at times (I couldn't resist that Fendi cowboy boot from Fall 2018) but honestly, I also see them as a footwear staple that can be worn whenever. I've been wearing cowboy boots since I was a kid (influenced by my father). Lots of people are into loafers right now, and I've seen some people talking about the return of the ballet flat—but maybe ballet flats have always been your vibe, so just lean in.
What sneaker can we buy to stay stylish when one is not?
I'm a New Balance girlie, I like the retro feel of their sneakers versus a more futuristic style which is what I see most of the time from other sneaker brands. I never used to be the kind of girl that would wear sneakers with regular clothes, now I think it looks really cool—but it really depends on the sneaker. For an easy tennis shoe, I always say Rothy's, they're sustainable, and super comfortable.
What's worth investing in?
Good bags, jackets/outwear, and shoes, if you're willing to take care of them properly. But only you really know what might work best for your wardrobe and lifestyle. I will typically invest across all categories but only when I find pieces that I'm really drawn to and feel like they make sense in my closet. Sure, I will throw some money at things that are fun and trendy every once in a while—I just bought Amina Muaddi's Lily slippers ($1,255) and I adore them. Otherwise, I tend to stick to pieces that are timeless and I'm going to wear for a very long time.
What are your top investments for fall?
Wales Bonner swing tank ($465) I just bought this— I love to collect pieces from her collection every season because they all have a nod to Caribbean culture. I'll layer this over a button down shirt when it gets cold.
Dries Van Noten Pinstripe Pants ($845) I do love my Aritzia pants, but I think it's time that I invested in a nice designer pair since I wear trousers so often.
Brother Vellie's Globe Sandals ($725) I've been obsessed with these sandals since I saw Aurora James wearing them at her 15 Percent Pledge Gala in April.
Rick Owens Maglia sweater ($995) finding cool and/or interesting knitwear is truly an art form. Yes, I love my classic crewnecks, but I also want some pieces that really stand out.
Toteme Signature Wool Blend coat ($892) I'm ready for my camel coat era and I had been thinking about buying this last winter, so I think this is the year.
Favorite bag for everyday fall looks?
I love Wandler bags. Most styles are under $1,000 and the'yre great quality, sleek, timeless, and come in lots of colors. I have the Georgia bag ($960), which has been my go-to bag since 2019, the Mini Ava tote ($630), and I just got the Penelope bag ($763) and the eye-catching color has been getting me a lot of compliments. I also love my Little Liffner Maccheroni Mini bag ($495) I've been carrying all summer.
