The Range: Picks for Fall

I love fall. Not in the apple picking, PSL-drinking, plaid shirt wearing way, but in a “I can’t wait to not be boiling hot” way. (God, perimenopause is so much fun.)

I am really looking forward to layering again and wearing my Cool Mom Sweatshirt collection again. Because the joy of decent weather, weather that doesn’t wilt you like lettuce, is going to bring me back to life. Here are some pieces that I’m looking at for fall.

I mentioned above that I love a Cool Mom Sweatshirt. What is a Cool Mom Sweatshirt (“CMS”)? I’m so glad you asked. A CMS is a sweatshirt that’s relaxed enough for a school meeting but dressy enough that you can get wine after, and as long as your hair is done, look like you tried. It’s effortless, it’s comfortable, and it’s good for any daytime kid-related occasion.

My favorite CMS is the Varley Roxbury zip up sweatshirt. It is soft and cozy, layers beautifully over anything, and is perfect for throwing over your shoulders. I have purchased (with my own money) both the black marl and the ivory marl. It’s a phenomenal sweatshirt that I highly recommend. Even at what is a slightly splurge-y price point, it’s worth it. I’ve had my ivory one for almost two years and it still looks new despite cold-water washing and drying (on low in a garment bag).

I also love a printed CMS. These are my casual dinner sweatshirts, think pizza place, brewery, taco spot, etc. (Yes, 2010 Abra is jaw dropped right now, but she didn’t have a toddler whose hands are always dirty and live in a post-COVID world where 80% of the dry cleaners closed.) This one from Faherty would be perfect for the sidelines at a kid’s sports event. I always love a Clare V. sweatshirt. And for something more affordable, I think this striped J.Crew Factory pick is hot.

Of course, we’re going to talk about chunky sweaters. I broke last winter about bough two Jenni Kayne sweaters (I too can be influenced.) and they’re not that good. So many brands are making similar or better sweaters in the $100-$200 price range, and there is no reason to splurge on something that’s only fine.

This Frank & Eileen cardigan is giving fall vibes at a price point that doesn’t make your debit card recoil. If you like a shorter cardigan, Alex Mill has the high-hip cardis that you need. Gap also has a nice one right now in a mid-tier price point. I also like the gold buttons on this Tuckernuck one.

I own these Loeffler Randall Gia boots in cognac.  I am buying them in black for winter.  I cannot live without them.  They are chic, they are simple, and they sell out every season.  I had my husband buy mine for Christmas one year in August, and then I just admired them until the temps dropped.  

For comfort, I don’t want the 3.5″ Goldy’s (though those are good too), I want the 2″ Gia.  Put on a thick sock, and the first time you need them resoled, tell the cobbler you want a cushion sole put on and you will never have foot pain again.

This statement ring from Monica Vinader is the iciest, prettiest blue in person. And the drama of the open-work ring with the cut edges is unmatched. It also comes in green, but I think this ice princess blue is the most gorgeous color. Also, if you talk with your hands, this is the big meeting jewelry that doesn’t make noise, doesn’t distract, but says, “I have style.”

So what’s on your list for fall? Feel free to expand my wishlist. I can always use advice from you ladies.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission from the author; as posted before, I am a Monica Vinader and Varley partner, which means sometimes they send me things for free, everything in this post I purchased myself}