WEAR IT WELL

Yesterday I promised I’d come up with a few looks that would work well with the ever-useful short boot. The actual garments featured below exist on the fairly expensive end of the spectrum (primarily because the high end shop Net-A-Porter offers magnificent product photography) so perhaps think of the following as more of a guide than a shopping list. I hope you come across a few ideas you can use to liven up your fall wardrobe! Illustration by Michelle Ricks

Net Neutral

Black + White + Camel + Grey

Neutrals go with everything – even each other. Camel and dark grey are a particularly attractive combination and look smart with black, white, and gold accents. I opted for a dark heather drawstring pant, a twist in this otherwise tailored look, but a menswear trouser would achieve a similar effect. This See by Chloe tweed bag is a great alternative to heavier leathers but you’ll need to Scotchgard the fabric to ensure that it will last. A simple suede ankle boot completes the look.

Thakoon Addition Slub Jersey Pan ts – $425, Marni Horn, Wood, and Brass Neckla ce – $690, See by Chloé Carmen Tweed Satc hel – $495, Rag & Bone Wilshire Stretch-Cotton Blaz er – $575, DKNY Contrast Collar S hirt – $195, Illustration by Michelle Ricks of Isabel Marant ‘Dewar’ suede ankle boo t – $615, all at Net-A-Porter

Weekender

Navy Stripes + Pea Coat + Colorful Scarf + Light Denim

This ensemble isn’t groundbreaking but there’s nothing better for a fall weekend. It’s easy to get stuck in black and white during the colder months but light denim and a vibrant scarf provide some necessary brightness. These staples look great together but are sure to work with many other pieces in your wardrobe. It’s difficult to find a boot that wouldn’t suit this look but I’ve gone with something a bit masculine and equestrian.

Etoile Isabel Marant Azuli Oversized Wool-Blend Coat – $670, J.Crew Striped Knitted Cotton Swea ter – $78, ACNE Flex Mid-Rise Skinny J eans – $270, Marc by Marc Jacobs Warp Ikat Printed Sc arf – $180, Chloé Marcie Large Leather T ote – $1820, Linda Farrow Luxe D-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sung lasses – $500, all at Net-A-Porter/ Illustration by Michelle Ricks of Stella McCartney faux leather boot with bit detail – $965 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Teddy Boy

Blazer + Tie Neck Blouse + Fitted Trousers

Young men in the 1950’s pillaged Edwardian closets and came up with a style all their own. Teddy Boys were known for their blazers and bow neck ties which look completely fresh all these years later. I’ve elected to add some gold, splashy color, and a print for effect but you can turn the volume as high or low as you like. A sleek, low-profile boot would be the ideal compliment.

Dolce & Gabbana Silk-Blend Crepe de Chin e Blouse – $1285, Carven Pocketed Wool-Flannel B lazer – $800, Miu Miu Waxed Stretch Leather Skin ny Pants – $1495, Diane von Furstenberg Harper Bon Bon Calf Hair Shoulder B ag – $750, Ray Ban Wayfarer Acetate Sungla sses – $145, Michael Kors Sport Stainless Steel Chronograph Watc h – $250, all at Net-a-porter / Illustration by Michelle Ricks of Balenciaga ‘Beetle’ bo ot – $795 at Barneys New York

Almost Famous

Silk Printed Blouse + Shearling-Trimmed Coat + Corduroys

This ode to rock and roll is as relevant today as it would have been on a tour bus in 1969. This time around, however, the silk blouse is more fitted and less transparent and the shearling is used sparingly to accent an otherwise traditional coat. Burgundy trousers are actually much more wearable than you’d imagine and add a punch to looks that would otherwise be monochromatic. Accessories with a soft, natural, vaguely vintage appeal like these rings and suede boots work best.

Emilio Pucci Shearling-Collar Wool-Blend Co at – $3,295, Paul and Joe Illumine Floral-Print Twill Blo use – $405, J Brand Low-Rise Corduroy Skinny Jea ns – $175, Mulberry Oversize Alexa Leather B ag – $1450, Aurélie Bidermann 18-Karat Gold Dipped Cotton-Lace Ri ng – $460, Isabel Marant Pop Life Brass Tiger’s Eye Rin g – $165, all at Net-A-Porter / Illustration by Michelle Ricks of Sam Edelman ‘Maddie’ kitten heel booties – $110 at Bloomingdale’s