Fall Fashion Resolutions

From left to right: Boden Redmond Jacket, Evita Belted Jacket from Farfetch and Taion Self-Heating Inner Down Jacket at Goop.

MY PAVLOVIAN response to September—a fluttering heart anticipating what to buy to look splendid for all the season’s upcoming occasions. So, yeah, that’s not happening this month. Because this is a month, a fall— it’s going on a year— unlike any others, when the opportunity for dressing up at all is shall we say, at the least, limited. Nevertheless, I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before—I’m sick of sweats and overly slouchy stuff that has so far been our reaction to a changed world.

Infectious diseases expert and the no bulls- – t Dr. Fauci has warned that the next several months of colder weather are going to be tough. Accordingly, I’m steeling myself for the times with a more committed approach to exercise and a plan to spend as much time outside as possible. I’m also rethinking my clothing choices. Like real pants but with an elastic waistband, silky shirts and soft sweaters, upscale sweatshirts, maybe even a skirt or OMG—a dress every now and then, even though the only public we have to impress is ourselves or a spouse, family or Zoom groups.  But as Virginia Woolf wrote in her 1928 book, Orlando: “…. clothes have, they say, more important offices than merely to keep us warm. They change our view of the world and the world’s view of us.”

First on our curated list of fall wardrobe updates is a selection of jackets suited for the in-between weather that’s on our doorstep. Our picks below include retro, longish denim jackets; modern lumber jackets; army-green utility jackets, as well as leather and quilted styles, most of which will accommodate a couple of layers.

—Janet Kelly

LEFT: The style of &Other Stories’ Wool Blend Workwear Shirt ($149) reminds me of the lumber jacket I used to wear in college. It belonged to my roommate’s boyfriend, but for some reason, she and I shared it all through fall and beyond, layering our shirts and sweaters beneath it when the New England chill set in. Shown in burgundy, this cozy but tailored shirt/jacket is also available in black, oatmeal and cream. BTW, the designer Nanuskha is selling a vegan leather version for six times the price. RIGHT: Such an unexpected but pretty color combination on this Evita Belted Short Jacket ($462, Farfetch)from Italian brand Andamane. The waist-defining belt could just be what, er, cinches the deal.

LEFT: Made from a 50-50 blend of wool and polyester, Boden’s semi-fitted Redmond Jacket ($210) clicks a lot of boxes. It’s lined, belted and has a stand-up collar for warmth around the neck where some of us need it most. It’s also available in camel. RIGHT: Here’s something different for tech lovers. Japanese-based brand Taion’s Self-Heating Inner Down Jacket ($270, Goop) with a rain-proof shell and down filling has an inner lining with a set of micro heating coils that charges on a phone battery. It’s a three-in-one jacket—wear it as a vest on warm days, then add the long sleeves for cold days, the short sleeves for temperate times. The whole shebang fits into a small nylon pouch, which is included, as well as  a USB connector. Great for travel whenever that happens again.

LEFT: An update on the classic, kind of loose-fitting Barbour, this snug Forth Quilted Jacket  is nipped in in all the right places ($250, Nordstrom). Perfect for coolish fall and early spring days. RIGHT: About five years ago, MyLittleBird Managing Editor Nancy McKeon advised me to take the plunge and buy a cream-colored leather jacket at a sample sale in NYC. The color always makes me feel as if I’m a cool chick because I’m wearing cream leather, not black. Which is why I like the look of this Leather Jacket ($299.99, Mango). I also like the slightly longer length here. Sometimes leather can be stiff, but this one doesn’t look as if it is.

LEFT: The Denim Chore Jacket ($88, Everlane) appropriately has plenty of pockets —four (three exterior, one interior). Made of loosely woven non-stretch denim, it’s meant to feel as soft as if you’ve worn it for years. Hint: It looks especially good paired with wide-leg cropped jeans. RIGHT: Army jackets never lose their appeal. Wear this slightly fitted Classic Utility Jacket ($99, L.L. Bean) as your fall uniform.

LEFT: A classic peacoat in corduroy (reduced from $129.90 to $99.90) from the Ines de la Fressange collection at Uniqlo. I’m also much in like with de la Fressange’s Denim Coverall ($69.90) with a slightly curved hem and a soupçon of red embroidery on the cuffs and pockets. RIGHT: Made from recycled polyester, Everlane’s ReNew Channeled Liner ($98) is light enough so you won’t look like a hulk when you layer it over, say, a heavy turtleneck. Likewise, you can slip it under your coat —for extra warmth.

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