I’m a Fashion Editor and a New Yorker—These Are Five Pre-Fall Outfits I’ll Be Repeating

Living in New York is highly romanticized, and for good reason—every borough is alive with buzzing, gritty, and hardworking energy that cannot be replicated. My wardrobe often echoes this same sensibility and requires logistical, imaginative, and versatile thinking that won’t make office days, trekking, stroller-pushing, or post-work events fussier.

My recent outfits feel like an exercise in sartorial adaptability—the inevitable consequence of being a New Yorker (and mother) whose calendar and climate refuse to maintain any semblance of consistency. One moment calls for languid trousers and barely-there sandals; the next, a blazer, closed-toe shoe, and enough strategic layering to survive an aggressively air-conditioned room. These are clothes for moving between appointments, neighborhoods, temperatures, and versions of myself: polished when necessary, pragmatic when required, and always prepared for the possibility that the day will become something entirely different from what was planned. How often does that happen? You’d be shocked to know.

As we navigate the transitional stretch between late summer and the crisp onset of autumn, building a functional yet elevated rotation is paramount. To master this seasonal shift, I rely on a curated mix of sharp tailoring, lightweight outerwear, supple leather, and expressive blouses that effortlessly balance comfort with laid-back sophistication.

Here are five versatile outfit formulas I’ve worn recently, inspired by the soon-to-come shift in weather.

The Lightweight Knit + Balloon Pant

Balloon pants make a persuasive case for proportion play, and I can't be easily swayed. For the past few seasons, I've embraced the voluminous legs and sculptural hemlines of these slightly trendy trousers. On set for a shoot, I opt for Another Tomorrow's lightweight openwork knit—sold out in white—a beaded tassel necklace, and black balloon pants that err on the side of extra.

The Draped Blouse + Tailored Trouser

I love mixing energies together; soft vs. hard, feminine vs. masculine. That's exactly what made this fall outfit work, in my opinion. The softness of the semi-sheer fabrication of my blouse against the hardness of a sharply tailored pleated pant is a foolproof way to ease into the new season.

A Classic White T-Shirt + Lace-Trimmed Pants

I'm usually one to shy away from the ultra romantic—yet, this doesn't include beach reads, or these silky pants from Dôen. I wore them with layered basics to let the lace trimmings do the talking.

The All-White Ensemble + a Tied Sweater

Wearing all white in the summer is a given, but it's even chicer (yes, I'm still using that word!) as you ease into the fall and winter. There's something so crisp about a monochromatic look—but don't let it stop you from adding detail. I tied a navy blue knit around my waist for some contrasting color.

The Shrunken Tee + Cocoon Skirt + Loafers

Sometimes a New York day calls for a look sophisticated enough for the office, but casual enough for a PR dinner post-work. On top of that, the right pair of shoes is needed—walkability is a must! A shrunken T-shirt worn with a cocoon-silhouetted skirt does the trick. And you can never go wrong with a soft-heeled loafer.