A car coat is my cape this fall—my grail. I’ve tried three from The Row, each one more oversized than the last. I have a Macintosh that is the perfect shape, but it’s stiff with weatherproofing and meant for truly wet weather. I’m looking for a car coat to wear, like the one in the streetstyle image above, as a lightweight fall coat. The Maison Margiela, above right, will be here Thursday.
I use my Birkins as travel totes. They are too big for everyday, and, honestly, I don’t like carrying them as an everyday bag—I prefer Picotins for running around. However, a Birkin is perfect stuffed atop a carry-on suitcase.
Fall = layering and I love the cardigan from The Row as a base , and the Leset anorak (no secret that I am an anorak fanatic) over a tee is very cute.
On a final note, I am wearing low-heeled pumps a lot this summer, a habit I started last spring and will continue into the fall. Sneakers for long walks and sports only.
It’s always a good morning when Preston’s post is in the email line-up. Thanks.
Thank you, Preston, I am shopping for an anorak and the Leset Kyoto anorak is perfect!
I’m inspired, as I always am after reading your posts. I got this in the spring and love it. It, too, is oversized, so I recommend sizing down. I wear it sans belt and usually unbuttoned.
I’m eyeing a Garden Party for both travel and every day. I’m always schlepping all the kids stuff — might as well make it chic!
Preston, this is a specific question involving weddings. Not sure it will resonate with you or your readers but maybe? We were invited to a wedding in October and the invitation requested that women wear ankle or floor length dresses, and not in black. Do you or your readers have suggestions on where to go or order from? My go-to is black, knee-length, so I am at sea here. Thanks, in advance.
Hi I am a fellow Smithie! Happy to see your post today I really enjoy them so much. I bought a FANTASTIC Margiela trench a few years ago. HUGE in a men’s size. It look a bit for me to adapt but it is the best. I think this car coat is going to be a winner. They do a very good straightforward and yet unexpected direction in classic pieces like this. And their trench color is very wearable as a shade. Please report back!
These images, combined with your comments about your current direction, all resonate with me. Outerwear is everything! Oversized is overrated – I’ve got to be able to drive in it and fit through revolving doors without getting stuck.
Sidelining sneakers should be a national movement. Hopefully you can get that going?! My sweet stylish Mama only had one pair – red Keds she wore when at the lake in Minnesota. Lucky woman, she lived during the most beautiful time in America.
Q: Do you have a low heel shoe in mind for Paris days?
To LZF above – for an evening wedding, a dark blue tea-length dress with a sparkly earring could be lovely; a party skirt with a white shirt à la Carolina Herrera; RL makes a gorgeous satin skirt that can be worn with a fine gauge cashmere crewneck (or halter top if you’re young!).
Fall perfection! One of each, please!
Thank you for the transitional inspiration, Preston! I fell hard for The Row’s Dayton car coat but yes, it was too oversized for me, too. I wound up buying the Studio Nicholson “version” called Holin and actually found the greenish-khaki color more flattering. For Marcheline – I finally took the plunge for the Garden Party (in the larger-but-not-largest Neo Garden Voyage 41 size, in Ecru with Gold trim) and absolutely love it. I bought a custom liner for it so I can throw everything in it for travel and everyday and not worry.
Lisa Macq- The Studio Nicholson Holin looks so good, I ordered it in beige and on sale! Thank you for the recommendation! xp
Toteme did a fabulous A-line car coat a while back. I regret not getting it and haven’t searched for it resale, but sometimes their fit can be a bit overwhelming. I bought The Row wedge pumps you wrote about. Tell me I didn’t need something until I tried them on. I hope everyone is enjoying these waining days of summer and the beautiful seasonal hues it brings to our sunsets!