Finding Your Fall Uniform

Inevitably, the craving for a stylish uniform reaches fever pitch in the fall (think: a trusty blazer, a ruffled white blouse, a bucket bag), just when stores are chock-full with the season’s biggest trends. Ideally, the right uniform strikes a balance between the two—in this case a playful nod to this season’s ’70s-inspired checks—but is still comfortable enough to be wearable. Here, we offer two takes to get you through fall’s up-and-down temps, whether you’re after something tailored, or simply a fearless pattern mixer.

• A Little

  A little subtlety goes a long way: This tailored checked blazer feels right when it’s paired with closet workhorses like a ruffled blouse and high-rise cropped jean. (It’s perfect for those fussy fall days when it’s 70 degrees during the day, but then 50 degrees at night.) To balance the look, keep your accessories pared back—a black cross-body, chunky gold watch, and simple mid-heel are all you need.

• 

  Photo courtesy of
  Acielle / Styledumonde.com

• ROLEX
  36mm Day-Date
  Presidential goop, $9,200
• CHLOÉ
  Micro-Checked Single
  Breasted Jacket Matchesfashion, $2,395
• SEZANE
  Black Tiger Bag Sézane, $365
• SEZANE
  Ashley Babies Sézane, $180
• SEZANE
  Léo Shirt Sézane, $115
• RE/DONE
  High-Rise Stove Pipe 27″ goop, $250

• A Lot

  Mixing checks and ginghams isn’t as intimidating as it sounds if you observe the rule of opposites: Here, a smaller check in tan works with busier gingham in a brighter color. Rely on solid investment pieces, like a cozy turtleneck and gets-better-with-age leather drawstring bucket bag to keep things from looking too on-theme.

• GOOP LABEL
  Nan Turtleneck Sweater goop, $595
• ROSIE ASSOULIN
  Oboe High-RIse Gingham
  Woven Pants M’oda ‘Operandi, $995
• STELLA MCCARTNEY
  Checked Wool Trench Coat NET-A-PORTER, $2,185
• SEZANE
  Farrow Bag Sézane, $280
• SARAH CHLOE X GOOP
  Lana Pinky Ring goop, $120
• 

  Stella McCartney, Autumn Winter 2017

• FRANCESCO RUSSO
  Leather Lace-Up Mules Mytheresa, $990