November 1, 2026

Fall Edits: Four Pieces Worth Getting Right

Not trends. Just things to look for.

Prices at time of posting.

A blue cable-knit cardigan, neutral hooded trench, and brown block-heel boot featured in the Fall Edits

Fall is when your closet works the hardest. These are the four pieces I tell every client to get right: a sweater, a trench, a boot, and cashmere. Here's what to look for in each one, and the ones I'd buy.

Sweaters

We all love sweater weather. There are so many colors and yarns to choose from, so start with the shoulder seam.

Check the shoulder seam first…

Does it sit on your shoulder or drop down your arm? Rounded shoulders? Skip the dropped shoulder. Wide shoulders? A heavy dropped shoulder can make you look like a football player. A regular seam sitting on your shoulder looks cleaner and more structured.

Watch the length. If it hits the widest part of your hip, it adds bulk. Stop above it or well below it. Yes, you can tuck in sweaters. If they’re bulky then stick with a side tuck or just the front tuck. Play with color. Pick cotton over acrylic so it survives the wash. And cardigans beat pullovers. The vertical button line makes you look longer and leaner. Don’t forget to size up on button or zip front sweaters so they hang straight without gapping at the belly or hips.

Here are a few good ones, and why I picked them.

Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Cable Knit Cardigan

The classic. It's cotton, so it breathes and goes in the wash. The seam sits right on the shoulder, and the button front gives you that long vertical line. Wear it buttoned as a top or open over a tee. I also love bright colors. Don’t get scared of price. This one is worth it. It will last a long time.

Now $171.00 (25% off; was $228.00)

Shop it at Bloomingdale's

Boden Liz Henley Sweater

Mostly cotton with a little wool, but still machine washable. The straight, easy cut stops between the waist and hip, so it skips your widest point. The gold buttons at the neck open it up and pull the eye toward your face. Roll the cuffs. Show your wrists. P.S. You’ll see a lot of Boden here. I love the quality, and it’s sized generously.

$140

Shop it at Boden

Trench

Knee length, neutral, rain ready.

A trench never goes out of style. Check three things before you buy:

1. Water repellent? Usually, they are not!

2. Hood? Without one, it won't do much in the rain.

3. Fabric? Too much cotton means wrinkles. This is one time I'm fine with synthetics. A nylon or polyester blend holds its shape and helps with the rain.

Aim for knee length. Petite? Try a swing shape that's just long enough to cover your trunk. Stick with neutrals. A bright trench stands out too much.

Reiss Azura Hooded Trench Coat

Double breasted with a removable hood, so it works rain or shine. The neutral stone color goes with everything you own. It also comes in petite.

$498

Shop it at Bloomingdale's

Athleta RainOut Roam Jacket

A true raincoat, made to handle real rain. Don't let the price scare you. This is real technical fabric, and it lasts forever. It's made for in and out of the car, from kids' activities to work meetings. It might be the better pick for petites. The side button details are FABULOUS if you're fuller figured. Athleta runs generous too. They always know what they're doing.

$299

Shop it at Athleta

Boots

Brown or beige. Chunky or pointed.

Brown or beige work with more of your closet. Black is great, but a harsher contrast and makes your legs look narrower. It's all about proportion.

Cropped pants that show the boot? Go chunky to balance the outfit. Long pants over the boot? Go pointed to lengthen your leg.

I love a little height, even a 1/2 inch block heel. That walk and the sound of the heel hitting the floor? Instant confidence.

Nordstrom Darian Water Resistant Chelsea Boot

The everyday boot. Water resistant and easy to pull on. The chunkier sole balances cropped pants or skinny jeans. It can feel heavy for all day wear, with not much ankle support. Always on the move? Go for a combat boot.

$129.95

Shop it at Nordstrom

Prologue Shoes Maura Block Heel Boot

A little block heel for that walk. In brown, it works with more of your closet than black. Another take on the pointed toe. It doesn’t have to be stiletto pointy. Just enough to add length over a wide round toe.

$149 (was $182)

Shop it at Nordstrom

Barbour Heidi Combat Boot

Pebbled leather and a rubber sole. Flat and sturdy. Great with cropped pants, skinny jeans, or leggings. And made for real weather!

$235

Shop it at Nordstrom

Marc Fisher LTD Danai Kitten Heel Bootie

The pointed toe lengthens your leg under long pants. The low kitten heel gives you height without the pain. Don’t avoid a heel.

$179

Shop it at Nordstrom

Cashmere

Worth it. Go loose if you run hot.

I didn't always love cashmere. I run hot, I hate the itch, and it can't go in the washer. Then I found a bright pink cardigan with a deep V and a loose fit. Now it's my favorite layer over a tank or tossed over my shoulders. Bonus: less skin contact means less washing.

Another idea? A brushed cashmere triangle scarf. Now that's heaven!

Aqua 100% Cashmere V Neck Cardigan

Pure cashmere with a V neck that opens up your face. A Bloomingdale's exclusive. Aqua isn’t a brand I usually shop. The proportions are made for young, slim bodies. This one was on sale last year, and I sized up!

Now $112.80 (40% off; was $188.00)

Shop it at Bloomingdale's

Nordstrom Brushed Cashmere Blend Triangle Scarf

: triangle in front, ends wrapped around. Soft, brushed, and big enough to wrap. I don’t love the way the website styled it over the shoulders. I rock the triangle in front. P.S. This one's on my birthday wishlist. It's in November, wink!

$79

Shop it at Nordstrom

A quick note

I don't get a commission on any of these. I haven't tried on every piece, but I only shop stores with good return policies, so it's easy to send back what doesn't work. Use these as examples, not rules. The tips matter more than the exact item, and not every piece works for every body. And don’t be afraid to size up or try something different.

Want Help Pulling It Together?

Not sure which sweater works for your shoulders, or which boot goes with the pants you already own? That's exactly what I do. Book a free discovery call.

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