STYLE

When you’re making your fall shopping list, be sure each of these key pieces is represented, k? You’ll be set ’til spring.

The must-have: A standout coat

Coat, $359, SpiritHoods. Top, $46, Lili Sidonio. Jeans, $108, Lee. Boots, $100, Chinese Laundry. Ring, $50, stylist’s own.

Fall fashion truth: Splurge on an eye-catching coat, slay every outfit. Ofc this one is particularly special—the faux fur patchwork in kaleidoscope colors looks amazing no matter what you pair it with (though we're partial to ’70s throwback era patched-up bell bottoms, cowgirl-inspired boots and a sleeveless turtleneck, bc who needs extra layers when you feel his fire?)

The must-have: Statement boots

Jacket, $100, Alpha Industries. Top, $80, Good American. Pants, $98, Blank NYC. Boots, $50, JustFab. Necklace, $44, BaubleBar. 

Whether you go moto (like these) or Western or over-the-knee or equestrian or combat or platform or ankle (or any combination thereof), the right pair of boots really does make any outfit look magically fall-perfect. But if you need more inspo, a bold shoulder faux leather top, a burgundy bomber and a chunky gold chain are good places to start.

The must-have: Pattern overload

Duster, $240, Delphine. Sweater vest, $25, and button up, $13, H&M. Skort, $50, Stoosh by 26 International. Shoes, $60, Crown Vintage. Headband, $13, necklace, $10, and rings, $15 for a set, Claire's. 

The key to mastering this one? Pick a pattern (in this case, plaid) and go with a bunch of variations on it. Playing with the size, type, color and style of the print helps the whole look work. Then, cue a clever complement to your pattern of choice—like the sneaky touches of floral on the headband and locket—to soften the whole thing up a bit. All together it’s preppy perfection. Meet you on the Met steps. 

The must-have: Light-seeking layers

Bodysuit, $30, Bslingerie. Pants, $138, Show Me Your Mumu. Boots, $100, Journee Collection. Bracelet, $40, Ink + Alloy. Beanie, $13, Maurices. Necklace, $65, Tai Jewelry. Ring, $45, Pzmdesigns on Etsy. Clutch, $8, Swolit on Etsy.

Gauzy, see-through fabrics—here, sheer pants but also tops and skirts—work well into fall as long as you layer (and nothing is sleeker than a PVC bodysuit, right?). A beaded bangle, cozy beanie and coordinating clutch-boots combo tie everything together.

The must-have: Outfit-making accessories

Sweater, $50, Wilfred. Dress, $45, PrettyLittleThing. Boots, $130, Free Lance. Earrings, $13, Maurices. Hand bracelet, $70, Revolve. Cuff bracelet, $40, Banana Republic.

How to know if you’re doing this trend right? Your jewelry is visible from the other end of the hall. And what’s more eye-catching than this hand piece? A space print dress is out of this world without being full cyborg—and a cozy chenille sweater with pastel ankle booties make sure that no one gets the wrong idea from your brass knuckles. You’re here for fashion, not to fight.

The must-have: Supersized pieces

Blazer, $298, BCBG Max Azria. Sweatshirt, $180, Keith Haring x Alice + Olivia. Jeans, $150, Alice + Olivia. Boots, $80, Chinese Laundry. Earrings, $11, Maurices. Ring, $60, Tai Jewelry. Bracelet, $56, One Tribe Jewelry.

From this extra-long blazer to these ultra-wide-leg jeans to a chunky heeled boot to a giant gemstone bracelet, we want everything oversized. Even better? These amped-up proportions actually work together, so you can wear all the pieces at once (without looking like an extra in a ’90s skateboarding video).

The must-have: '80s-inspired red

Jacket, $180, I.Am.Gia. Jumpsuit, $180, Anthropologie. Boots, $238, Dan Post. Earrings, $50, Ink + Alloy.

This shade is a sassy standout, so it’s honestly perfect on a boxy cropped jacket that would look at home anywhere from a dance floor to, well, a farm. The hue also pops on a black floral jumpsuit and keeps it from looking too sweet—this is your take-no-guff-from-nobody look. (Just peep those pointy-toe boots. Absolutely made for walking.)

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our October/November 2022 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Tag us in your cutest fall fits on Instagram @girlslifemag for a chance to get featured!

Credits: Photographed by MANICPROJECT. Styled by Lo VonRumpf. Hair by George Fragkioudakis. Makeup by Sophia Hutch. Edited for digital coverage by Laine Napoli. 

by Sara Gaynes Levy | 10/18/2022