If you add one piece of outerwear to your wardrobe this season, make it a military coat. Characterized by intricate detailing and statement buttons, this pièce de résistance was seen on the fall runways at Gucci and Burberry, but there are so many chic iterations available at every price point. Here, I styled two different versions—cropped and full length—for the crisp New York temperatures.

Side Note | I wrote off wearing anything khaki after being forced to wear pleated khaki pants and golf shirts as my middle school uniform (sad, but true…), but this skirt is just too good not to make an exception. So good, in fact, that it’s sold out, but I love this similar version.

Style Tip | Never underestimate the power of a trip to the tailor. I usually size down in longer coats, because they inevitably overpower my petite frame, then I swear by having the sleeves hemmed. Hands free is not the way to be, in this case.

Style Tip | Resurrect your favorite shirt dresses from summer by layering them over leather pants and adding a cropped jacket.

in the mood for: military-inspired pieces

Look 1 | Nasty Gal top (similar), Free People coat, C/Meo Collective skirt (sold out, similar style), Elizabeth & James boots (old, love these!), Vita Fede earrings (similar)

Look 2 | BCBG Jacket, Zara shirtdress, Vince leather pants, Intermix booties, Dita sunglasses 

Photos by Andrew Morales