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By Erin Sartori
With fall in the air and winter gradually approaching, it’s time to pull out your trusty menswear-inspired outerwear for both casual weekends and 9-5 weekdays. You can wear a beautifully tailored coat or a slim-fit cardigan when it’s not quite chilly enough.
This season’s chicest toppers seem to be larger than life with dropped shoulders, big lapels and big, sculptural silhouettes. The menswear trend proves, yet again, that it is the one to adapt- this time in a more feminine and sophisticated way.
Styling an oversized coat is about clean minimalism and sharp tailoring, so the less complicated it is the better. Keep the outfit subtle and accessories neutral. For a chic and elegant look, skip the scarf and statement necklace, and stick to sleekly tailored separates that properly temper the topper’s voluminous shape. Here are 10 must-have items to wear with your favorite outerwear for a smooth- and stylish- transition into fall and winter.
1. Sleeveless Crop Top
Wearing a crop top with an oversized coat is one of the all-time favorite transitional looks. It smartly makes the summery top look fall-appropriate. Go for pieces in the same hue for a well-coordinated look. Try styling this edgy midriff-baring darling with high-waist skinny jeans and a white duster coat for a sleek, easy look.
2. Monochrome Striped Fitted Blouse
This two-tone fitted sweater is great for the office. The seasonally appropriate sleeve length and figure-flattering cut provide lovable details. Tuck it into a casual midi skirt and drape the coat over to stay toasty during crisp autumn evenings.
3. High-waist Skinny Pants with Button Accents
Looking cozy yet pulled together is key when it comes to casual styling with your favorite winter coat. One essential building block is a trusty pair of skinny jeans, ideally with a designer twist like this buttoned pair. Just layer your topper over a fitted sweater and you’ll have the perfect attire for a cool autumn day spent in the park.
4. Glossy Faux Leather Skinny Pants
Leather panels easily take the staple skinny jeans to cool-girl territory. The fitted silhouette balances out the bulky top, while the shiny finish is a fashion statement of its own. Leather pants are generally too stuffy to wear on summer days but cooler weather allows you to comfortably pull off this edgy look. Try pairing these with a sharp, boxy coat.
5. Skater Dress with Sheer Mesh Inserts
For an elegant take on your tough-looking oversized coat, simply layer it over a flattering skater dress, like this one. The fitted bodice and sweetheart illusion neckline temper a boxy coat with just the right dose of girly flair. For a similar look, try this blouse paired with a flirty midi (or mini) skirt, and belted at the waist.
6. Patterned Pencil Skirt
Sporting a big menswear-inspired coat means you’ll need more feminine pieces for the right balance. The demure pencil skirt is a great element to consider. Make it work by wearing it with a tucked-in blouse and pairing with sleek stilettos.
7. Sophisticated Romper
Wearing a playsuit and a boxy coat can give you some surprisingly cool results. Braving bare legs makes the coat stand out more, not to mention it’s a fabulous way to prolong the summery style’s lifespan into the fall season. Stick to sleekly tailored designs.
8. Stylish Stilettos
Keep your footwear graceful and minimal. Chunky platforms or grungy boots could make you look like an ogre as opposed to a modern-day Jackie O. Accentuate your ankles, and pair the shoes with cropped pants or skinny jeans. The sleek silhouette will add flair and femininity to a boxy coat.
9. The Clutch
Avoid wearing a crossbody handbag and a big coat at the same time – the strap would detract from the cool silhouette. Carry a crisp clutch instead. While keeping the rest of the outfit clean and low-key, you can still play with prints when it comes to accessorizing.
10. Chain-Accent Slim Be
Adding a skinny belt is optional, but it is a fuss-free trick to polish the relaxed fit of a chunky cardigan. The gold-toned chain adds a graceful touch to any dressed-down look.
Erin is the owner of Sartori Style, LLC, a company dedicated to all areas of style, with a focus in fashion and interior design. She is also a stylist for Doncaster, founder of the by-appointment, private shopping experience that is dedicated to providing unique, sophisticated and contemporary classic clothing featuring the finest quality European fabrics and workmanship not found in retail stores. Erin graduated from Penn State University where she majored in Communications with an emphasis in advertising and public relations.
