What I'm window shopping for this fall
Ahh, August. A month during which the winds of change are upon us: back-to-school season looms and I, for one, am always ready to swap out sunscreen for school supplies (kidding! I obviously wear sunscreen all year round-but you get the idea). And, of course, time for one of the most sacred important rituals in the fashion world: maxing out your credit card on sweaters preparing your wardrobe for fall.
This year brings a particular challenge: I'm on a shopping cleanse. I actually can't shop for fall. But that certainly doesn't mean a girl can't dream. In fact, I'd argue I went much harder on browsing the end-of-summer sales this year than I would were I actually shopping for myself. So, without further ado, brace yourself for a (very) lengthy treatise (I do mean that - you'll have to open this message in a browser window to view the whole thing, xoxo) on what I found from scrolling through hundreds of pages on my favorite online shopping destinations. Happy (window) shopping.
Images via Pinterest
I (literally) woke up like this
Pajama dressing
After the tie-dyed madness of 2020-2021 and the Jerry Seinfeld-core that infiltrated every block of downtown New York and beyond in 2022, you’d think society would be ready for a collective “move-on moment” from matching sets. Not so. But this year’s iteration on the trend is one I feel more comfortable than ever getting behind: silk pajamas.
My first introduction to the concept of pajamas as partywear came in 2017, in the form of a feature on Lauren Santo Domingo, who is nothing if not an arbiter of taste. I remember being exhilarated by the idea, if not brave enough to pull it off. I tucked it somewhere into the recesses of my mind, but I never quite made the leap–sure, I’d flirt regularly with partial versions of the concept, pairing silk pants with white tees and silk button-downs with denim, but I never went all-in. Then I saw a TikTok that piqued my interest. It was a “what we’re wearing” video featuring a number of Gen Z girls in a London office. Yes, it was a fashion magazine’s office, but it was still an actual office–and half of the girls were wearing what looked like actual pajamas, and referring to them as co-ords. And imagine my surpise when not a single comment said something along the lines of “you’re wearing that work?!” TikTok’s comment sections are notoriously brutal, so this was big.
I’m not linking the video here because I wasn’t actually a fan of these looks, but I’m referencing it because it was the moment I knew pajama dressing had permeated the mainstream. Curious about what had galvanized these girls to translate this trend into workwear, I headed to the magazine’s website, and found that their Editor was a proponent of pajama dressing herself–and she (notably not a Gen Z, so I was already in more comfortable territory) was doing it in a way that felt far more palatable to me: silk sets only, invariably paired with a structured shoe.
And, perhaps it’s down to the frequency illusion, but once I saw that TikTok and did some subsequent SheerLuxe stalking, I began to see pajama dressing everywhere–particularly on the sites I regularly shop. Everyone from Toteme down to Zara had their own take–and coming out on the other side of 100s of pages of pajama-forward looks, I’m ready to give it a try in the wild.
A few rules of thumb:
If you can invest, 100% silk is best. I am not a proponent of polyester. First of all, it's not biodegradable–best case scenario for polyester decomposition: 20 years. (Worst case? 200 years). Second, the difference in how silk feels on the skin and how polyester feels on the skin is genuinely night and day. So, if you’re into the look–it is worth saving up for the real thing.
Stick with patterned earth tones. Wearing a plain pajama set out to lunch will look far more confusing than one with a fabulous pattern. But you don’t want things to feel too busy, so I’d stick with an earth-toned base like a green, bronze, or mauve. No need for neons.
Long sleeves, long pants. I love wearing a shorts set to bed as much as the next girl, but a long-sleeved set for a day or evening out (or a particularly flexible office like the one mentioned above) feels more refined.
The splurges:
Toteme’s relaxed take calls to mind another theme for the season: the nineties, and, in particular, the brown-forward palette favored by Nora Ephron’s heroines and villains alike, with a subtle nod to logomania thrown in. The price most certainly is not right, but it’s a sophisticated set if you can swing it, budget wise.
In a similar vein, I love this Olivia Von Halle (queen of pajamas, in my mind) version, and I adore the moody Florentine Renaissance vibe that this similarly spendy version from LaDouble J evokes.
As far as accessories, Khaite seems to be making shoes perfectly tailored to a pajama moment (perhaps not surprising given they've got their own sets for sale, and though this one flouts my "rules," I do have a "notify me" set), from their shearling mule to their feathered pump (I love the idea of a feathered shoe with a silk pajama set–if you’re going to go glamorous, why not do the sartorial equivalent of shouting it from the rooftops?), to the funky white boot to a crystal mule to a (I could go on, but will stop here) to a sexy slingback. The options are endless (and they certainly don’t have to be Khaite–I know my own budget doesn’t allow it, but that’s why we love window-shopping, remember?!), which just continues to prove that pajama dressing is far more versatile than originally imagined.
The saves:
Zara’s sage green sequined version is a sage for all seasons, that would look as good with a sophisticated slingback as it would with a shearling slipper.
For dipping your toe in the waters, there’s Zara’s more mismatched set, which feels like a step in the right direction without taking it too far. Best worn half-tucked with a simple shoe.
And for those who really aren’t ready to commit, there’s this fabulous but not entirely pajama-centric chartreuse version, which would look perfect layered over a pair of croc boots with a boxy blazer slung over the shoulder.
Shop your closet:
Don’t own silk pajamas? You can still take this on in your own way: it’s all about doubling up on fabrics, instead of creating a contrast. If you own silk pants and a silk top, wear them together with a fabulous shoe. Not into that? Try double denim.
Simplicity city
I <3 the Nineties
I’ve professed my love for Nora Ephron’s aesthetic many times (and it’s hardly a revolutionary preference), and the structured, businesslike side of the nineties has been permeating the mainstream since Matilda Djerf (yes, her again - she's powerful!) entered Gen Z’s collective consciousness. This season, the palette (brown and cream) remains, but we’re introducing a bit more flair: the slinky, sexy night-out vibe is back, packaged in the form of silk (the fabric of the season, if you ask me) halter and handkerchief tops, paired with a matching trouser (the co-ord revolution continues), or in the form of a jumpsuit, or, in true 90s spirit, with a massive pair of baggy jeans. For daytime, the look is reverse: a fabulous silk or velvet pant with a tissue-thin sweater or button-down. It's hardly a revolutionary concept (in fact, most of the reference images I've pulled come not from the nineties themselves, but from Saks Potts' brilliant Spring 2021 90s-inspired lookbook), but in the age of the "naked dress," the elegance and simplicity is certainly a welcome reprieve.
The splurges:
This stunning Rosetta Getty set would’ve gone straight to the top of my splurge wishlist–it’s the perfect shape–were it not for the fabric (#banpolyester). Anine Bing has us covered in that department, with a matching set in 100% silk for a better price than the Rosetta.
However, this Petar Petrov top is my personal favorite, and calls to mind a crushed velvet gold set from Luca Luca that my own mom wore to her fortieth (which was in 2001, but we’ll call it 90s style spillover).
If you’re looking to channel more minimalist 90s vibes, Beare Park’s bias-cut top is the perfect embodiment, and I love this particular shade of chocolate brown.
You could wear both of the aforementioned tops with a great pant or straight leg jean or an oversized pair of denim–I’m have a pair from GRLFRND and they are the softest jeans I’ve ever owned (not something I look for in straight-leg–I want them as rigid as possible–but perfect for a baggy pair).
Even those flush with cash will likely balk at spending over $3,000 on a jumpsuit (if not: respect), but I would be remiss not to share Valentino’s chain-link halter version, chain patterns being very 90s, as far as I can recall (I must admit I was only 7 when the decade ended, so my memory may trend more towards recent approximations of the 90s trends than the trends themselves).
The saves:
Zara’s creative direction for their models does frequently boggle the mind, but this top could work layered properly through the colder months and look perfect with wide-legged white pants (I am partial to Apiece Apart’s Merida pant–which frequently goes on sale, I got mine for $80) in spring and summer. This open-back top screams Jennifer Aniston on a 90s red carpet to me,
Mango satin top–yes, it’s polyester, but it’s also $35 to Rosetta Getty’s $$$ price tag. I also love this draped cut. For another take on the trend, pair a skirt with a slightly cropped sweater in the same shade.
And if you'd like to go full slip dress, Imparfaite has an entire section dedicated to styling in that department.
Shop your closet
In our current era of fussy cutout dresses and skintight partywear, nailing this look is all about simplicity. All it takes is a single silk top paired with the pants of your choice. If you’re not into the slinky silk slip vibe, go all in on the palette by honing in on the chocolate brown items in your wardrobe–we may associate the shade with the nineties, but, truly, it never goes out of style.
Barbie does ballet
The shade that's here to stay
“Hi, Barbie” is the refrain of summer 2023, a phrase most of us have likely heard ad nauseam, whether we've seen the movie or not (for the record, I have, and enjoyed it). But we’d be wise not to profess Barbie-fatigue quite yet, because “Barbiecore,” and it’s more demure, paler pink sister, “balletcore” are hardly done permeating the collective consciousness of the fashion industry (or, at least, e-tail buyers). Pink is everywhere this year, and it comes in enough shades you’ll likely find a hue that feels palatable for your tastes.
If your style doesn’t typically trend in this direction, fear not. Pink’s most popular presentation this season takes far cooler form than usual: it’s not fussy prairie dresses with exaggerated shoulders, but simple cable-knit cardigans (told you we loved the 90s) and–most commonly–boxy suit jackets with matching flared pants.
The splurges
From bubblegum pink Tom Ford suits to pale pink sequins at ROTATE and Lapointe (not to mention a number of other pink pieces from each of those brands), pink is here to stay. Even brands like Loewe and Marni, typically known for being avant-garde (pink is many things, but it’s hardly avant-garde as a color), are joining in on the Barbie-forward fun. Over in the ballet-core camp, Khaite has some options, some of which are on serious sale (and slightly less serious sale, but sale nonetheless). My favorite subtle take on the trend comes in the form of Sablyn’s almondine collection–particularly these silk pants (though, in a departure from this section’s pink theme, I’ll admit to being tempted by the lavender shade, too).
Even if a pink item of clothing feels beyond the reaches of your fashion purview, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in accessories that align with the theme: at least 70% of the jewelry on offer this season is somehow incorporating pink. Fans of Roxanne Assoulin’s playful pieces won’t be surprised to note that she’s got a number of options that fit the bill. Also unsurprising: Bea Bongiasca is having a lot of fun with pink, too: from her rings to earrings to her lettered necklaces–plus, good news for pink haters: most of it’s available in other colors, too.
The saves
Mango’s parachute pants are cool take on the color, and while we may have missed the boat on River Island’s fabulously extra pink pleated number, you can find it for $50 on Poshmark if you’re a UK 8. This Anine Bing blazer isn’t exactly a steal, but it’s not a bad price for 100% silk (is it becoming clear that I’m passionate about fabrics? Good). UK brand NA-KD does a nice mauve version and their linen co-ord feels like a fun fit for summer’s final days.
The vintage: There’s also an unreal selection of “rose” goods on Imparfaite (yes, them again).
Shop your closet: This one feels fairly self-explanatory. Wear pink!
Outerwear report
Vested interest
For the first time in many fall/winter seasons, outerwear feels like a focal point. For fall, it’s creative trench coats. I’m not talking a classic khaki; in fact, it’s denim that seems to sit at the forefront of the trench trend this year, with a few leather options thrown in for good measure. And when it comes to winter, there’s lots of shearling at play–and while there are a number of jackets that fit the bill, they’re sharing the spotlight with quite a few fabulous vests.
The splurges
At the highest of high-end, there’s this Khaite piece: nothing if not an investment, but incredibly stylish nonetheless. Then there’s Saks Potts’ shearling coat: a 2-for-1 deal as it’s fully reversible. Another $$$ reversible option? This piece from underrated London brand Me + Em (seriously, check out their stuff). Joseph’s teddy coat looks warm enough for a New York winter, while AllSaints has a subtler shearling on offer. Stand Studio’s version is less expensive, but my personal favorite pick.
In terms of the vests I have my eyes on, I’m obsessed with HALFBOY. Admittedly off-brand given my typical personal tastes, but I love the way this is styled with a wool mini-skirt and tights. Somewhere between coat and vest, this HALFBOY option feels difficult to wear under a coat, but ideal for the transitional weather. Isabel Marant’s take is simple in the “don’t mess with perfection” type of way.
On to the trench coats, I love the Yves Klein blue of the buttons on this Rowen Rose coat, and Magda Butrym is doing something similarly spendy–though I wouldn’t recommend spending this much on denim–given the surplus of affordable options below.
Then there was Michael Kors, who leaned into the metallic micro-trend with this calf-hair trench (didn’t have the real estate to write more about metallics, but I will be pairing pants like these with an oversized navy sweater and I’m obsessed with this fabulous set).
The saves
Not a super-save, but Arket’s coat is as stylish as it is useful–it’s hooded and water-resistant and the chocolate brown goes with just about everything. I’m all about cost-per-wear, and this feels like an easy one to get your money’s worth out of.
Seeking a denim trench? Reformation has one for a fraction of the Rowen Rose/Madga Butrym prices, as does Madewell. NA-KD has a few pieces left of this “leather” version.
Shearling-wise, Aritizia’s isn’t a steal (I’d save up for the Stand Studio version over this one), but it does the job. For more than $100 cheaper, there’s Topshop.
For a more well-priced shearling vest (with, admittedly, less of a wow factor) BLANKNYC does an pretty good one, as does RAILS.
Shop your closet: Grab dad's denim jacket for a more masculine take on the denim trench trend and layer in vests to your winterwear wardrobe.