The Pleasures of Piling It On: How One Vogue Editor Does 5 Days of Fall Jackets

As we continue to navigate these ever-changing times, in season two of What I Wore This Week, one Vogue editor shares their outfits—both on Zoom and IRL—from the previous week.

I never considered myself to have a “uniform.” Instead, I found joy in testing out new trends and experimenting with all sorts of looks at the office. Creating a full picture is really the root of my personal style, and no outfit of mine is truly complete without a great pair of shoes, a funky handbag, plenty of jewelry, and a fine piece of outerwear. While staying indoors in the suburbs with my family for the past seven months, though, I haven’t been adding these more personal additions. Instead, I’ve gravitated toward the same simple outfit formula of pants and some version of a loose button-up. And let’s be real, the only shoes I’ve been wearing inside are my trusty shearling Birkenstock slides.

But now that I am settled back in New York, I’m ready and willing to get dressed to the fullest. I’m so happy to be walking everywhere and anywhere again. From errands and grocery runs to visits to my favorite vintage shops and restaurants to neighborhood walks, each outing feels like an occasion in and of itself. How exciting it is to feel like myself and channel some sense of normalcy when I am out on the street, even if I’m just heading to the corner store and back. After months of neglecting and being separated from my most loved and personal pieces—my jacket and coats, city-ready footwear, and statement handbags—it’s been so nice to have a reason to put them on once again, now with a mask to match. Here, five outfits that make me happy to be getting dressed—topped with a fall jacket for each day of the week.

Day 1

This vintage patent Prada jacket I scored on the RealReal is the perfect match for this collared shirtdress. On the outside, I’m ready for a full day in the city, though underneath lies a pajama-level-soft shirtdress. The coat takes this house dress to the next level, and makes it ready for any out-of-the-house excursion. To top it off, I opted for a green knit mask from Lisa Says Gah and a silky sage bag to tie in the color of the dress. When everything else feels dreary these days, matching your mask to your look is kind of fun.

Day 2

Here, a true display of my ultimate work-from-home uniform: an uncomplicated and oversized white button-up and my absolute favorite relaxed, ecru, trouser-style jeans from Thakoon. With the quick addition of an ankle-length overcoat, crossbody bag, and sandals (it was still warmish this week!), my all-day-indoor look transformed into a more elegant ensemble ready for dining alfresco at the end of the day. Funnily enough, I bought this tuxedo-style coat off my friend’s dad this summer. He was no longer wearing it, but it has become an instant treasure in my wardrobe. Although it’s lightweight enough for fall temperatures, the nearly floor-length silhouette makes me feel like I’m wearing a blanket out of the house, while also giving off the nonchalant, Olsen twin–inspired vibe I strive for when going for minimalism. A friend of mine cuts and sews these subtle yet stylish cotton masks, the most important accessory of 2020. I am a sucker for anything with a contrast stitch. 

Day 3

A khaki trench is a timeless wardrobe staple, and here’s proof. My grandmother gave me hers—which she originally bought in the 1970s—a few years ago (worn above). I confirmed with her over text that she meant the decade and not when she was in her 70s (she’s in her early 90s now), which is pretty amazing. It’s in great condition, and thanks to its classic silhouette, it feels completely modern. You can wear one with pretty much anything. In this case, I chose an easy trouser and a playful silk button-up with a few of my favorite fall trends: the chunky knit sweater vest, lug-sole Chelsea boots, and a pop of lemon yellow. 

Day 4

I love anything leather, and this pocketed wrap silhouette is a go-to in my fall jacket rotation. I’ve been seeing this utilitarian-meets-feminine style popping up from a lot of brands these days, and was lucky to already have the silhouette by Simonett hanging in my closet. It’s come in handy plenty for when I need something to elevate my pajama-pant-like trousers, socks, and slipper combo when I leave the house. With a quick hair fix thanks to my jumbo claw clip, a mask, and sunglasses, I am in full incognito for grocery or bodega runs.

Day 5

To close out the week, I went for one of my most-prized, secondhand possessions: a psychedelic checkerboard-print coat. Adding a statement jacket makes it easy to leave the rest of your outfit simple, especially when you have after-work plans and you’re tired from a long week. This coat makes it easy to be dinner-ready in a pinch, and doesn’t require changing out of my black knit turtleneck and the only type of leggings you’ll ever catch me in.