Raise your hands if you’re tired of the humid heat and excited for outerwear season. Cool-weather dressing, we’re yearning for your return. However, hold up. Put back your jean jacket. Unfortunately, we still have a couple more months to go. That’s why, instead of fully fledged fall jackets and coats, dive into the trend of cropped blazers. The shorter version of your beloved oversize blazer is the perfect way to balance hot days with breezy nights, and it’s the buzziest transitional piece at the moment.
Since the playful outerwear emerged as a fall 2022 fashion trend after brands like Miu Miu, Etro, and LaQuan Smith sent the look down the runway, we’ve compiled a list of options for you to add to your own wardrobe. Below, you’ll find a wide range of everyday styles, from a cropped faux leather black blazer to a chic crocodile print to a crisp white version. We’ve even added a few glamorous Barbiecore-inspired ones for our trendiest readers.
Elevated Everyday Styles
Barbiecore-Inspired Ones
Chic & Classy Versions
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Actor, filmmaker, and writer Chase Sui Wonders is no stranger to fashion. Not only does it run in her family (she’s the niece of designer Anna Sui), but she got her start as a model when Sofia Coppola cast her in a 2017 Calvin Klein campaign that Coppola directed. Since then, Sui Wonders has experienced plenty of style moments — at red carpet events, for magazine shoots, and even on screen as an actor on HBO Max’s Genera+ion and the new A24 feature Bodies Bodies Bodies (even when she’s covered in fake blood) — but, of course, it’s when Sui Wonders is off-duty that she can truly dress as her most genuine, low-key self.
This fall, Sui Wonders — along with Kiersey Clemons, Charlbi Dean, and Lukas Gage — is the face of Madewell‘s “When the Fit Hits” campaign shot by Cass Bird, which celebrates the fashion brand’s newly expanded (and largest ever) denim collection. (Shoppers can expect a slew of new silhouettes and washes like a devil-may-care Slouchy Boyjean and an ’80s-inspired Balloon Jeans as well as updated details to the best-selling and forever fan-favorite Perfect Vintage Jean category.) For Sui Wonders, linking up with Madewell is very much her vibe.
“When I got my first paycheck from my first job, I made two purchases: One was these Madewell jeans that I still have to this day, and the other was an electric skateboard,” says Sui Wonders on a Zoom call with Refinery29. “Madewell was always an aspirational store for me when I was growing up. I love its emphasis on being natural, kind of like rolling out of bed and being the most beautiful and natural version of yourself. The clothes that make me the happiest are when I’m comfortable and feeling sexy without even trying.”
Ahead, Sui Wonders shares some of her favorite things — the makeup tint she swears by, the headphones she brings everywhere, and her top picks from Madewell that she plans to live in all season. When asked what kind of a shopper she is and how she discovers new products, Sui Wonders reveals she’s a minimalist and not much of a shopper at all. And when she does acquire new things, it’s almost always an in-person purchase and rarely online. “I feel like shopping is like a spiritual experience — [I’ll buy something if it] makes me happy and I’m drawn to it. That’s what I use to guide me. So I buy things that I know I will wear, and I’ll love and take good care of. I’m very serious about buyer’s remorse,” she says.
In short, it’s safe to say that everything Sui Wonders recommends below is something she truly connects with. “The key [to shopping is] if it’s functional and enhances your day-to-day. Those are the products I want to keep around me at all times. I feel that all these items are total enhancers.”
Sui Wonders says she fell in love with all the pieces she wore for the campaign, especially this pair of denim. “I love non-typical shaped jeans and especially finding a wide-leg jean that is also flattering for the rear can be a challenge,” says Sui Wonders. “These are so comfortable and, again, represent the kind of rolling-out-of-bed, sexy and natural feeling.”
If you want a flirtier take on the classic white tee, this is a style cue to include in your arsenal. “I love a baby tee, and this one has a super-flattering cut. I love the ripples in the sleeves!” says Sui Wonders. “A simple staple that makes you feel dressed up even though it’s just a super comfy T-shirt.”
When it comes to an easy transitional layer for fall, look no further than the oversize blazer. “I love this blazer. I’m a sucker for a powerful shoulder or a tailored look. I love the ease of this and how it immediately elevates any sort of outfit,” says Sui Wonders. “It’s so comfortable — if something’s too tight, no matter how good it looks, you [won’t be] comfortable in your own skin. All these clothes just make you feel immediately at ease.”
As a light sleeper, Sui Wonders is obsessed with Bearaby’s line of calm-inducing, weighted woven throws. “I sleep with this weighted blanket every single night,” says Sui Wonders. “I’m someone whose mind is racing all day long, and even as I go to sleep, I get really restless. I’ve tried them all, whatever supplements, and the weighted blanket is the one thing that keeps me asleep at night. I’m obsessed.”
“This Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm is the thing I use all over my face — I have it on today,” Sui Wonders says, as she leans her face into the Zoom camera to show where and how she applies it. “I put it on my lips, my cheeks, and then I put some on my eyelids. I even put it on my eyebrows! I literally use it everywhere. It’s my one-stop [makeup product]. I love it.”
“This waterproof speaker — I use it in the shower, I use it at the pool, I use it on the beach. I’m a music-driven person, and it’s tough for me to sit in silence unless I’m meditating or something, so I always have music playing in the background wherever I’m going,” says Sui Wonders.
“Sulwhasoo is an all-natural Korean skin-care brand, and this is one product that has really changed my skin,” says Sui Wonders. “With acting and going from set to set, people are using different makeup products on me all the time, and it’s tough to parse through what affects my skin. This cream is made of ginseng and ginger and other organic ingredients — it smells super good.”
“I wear these noise-canceling headphones all day, every day. On sets when I get into character, these headphones are like an instant way to signal, ‘Don’t try to talk to me, I’m trying to drop in,'” Sui Wonders says of her trick to not getting disturbed. “They’re super useful when I’m writing, too — these noise-canceling headphones help tune everything else out.”
When it comes to the living space, Sui Wonders recommends anything and everything from Sun at Six, her favorite home furnishing makers. “Sun at Six is this amazing furniture company that my friend Antares hand makes with his sister,” Sui Wonders says. “He’ll be on his roof, sawing away to create these really beautiful, really original pieces. Furniture is something I’m working on right now as I’m building out my home for the first time. These are stable pieces that you’re going to have forever that don’t follow trends or will fall out of style.”
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Since moving from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, to New York, I’ve found myself falling into a familiar daily routine I had only previously witnessed. I wake up during sunrise to make a cafecito, turn on the radio, and take a glance at how my plants are doing. At 3 p.m., after working my graphic design job for several hours, I take a coffee break — this time on my balcony as I watch families heading to the park and neighbors running errands. Evenings are accompanied by some boleros by AgustÃn Lara and Toña La Negra as I make tostones or amarillitos. I think I’ve unconsciously kickstarted my señora era.
As I find myself falling into señora-like routines that help me live fully in the present and take on hobbies that bring me joy, even if some might think they’re outdated, my closet has aged, too. A grandma enthusiast, I often pair laced vintage dresses with a classic deep-red lipstick and a golden clasp bag. From my vintage style and my nostalgic playlists to the classic perfume I wear and the traditional meals I’m eagerly learning to make, I’m tracing back to romantic memories of my grandmothers. Through incorporating a bit of their señora energy into my day-to-day, I feel like I’ve truly found my sense of personal style and a balanced lifestyle. Aesthetically, here’s how I achieve it.
Shop vintage.
Personal style can change, and it takes trial and error to fully define it. Currently, I say my style is vintage-inspired with a connection to historical garments or styles I remember seeing in my grandmother’s closet. Thrifting has become a great source for new pieces and inspiration, especially Latine shops like Poorly Curated and AIDA. At boutiques like these, I can often find la batita, those stunning dresses our moms wore during hot days in the house. I like taking this simple, oversized frock and dressing it up into an outfit. It’s comfortable, and its linen fabric makes it perfect for warm days. Also, I always have my eyes out for closet staples like lace, eyelets, a puffed sleeve, or a dramatic collar. These little details add something special to any basic, elevating the simplest of looks.
Wear gold statement jewelry.
As señoras, we love our gangarrias, especially fine jewelry that will last for generations. We’ve been rocking earrings and necklaces since we were newborns, so it’s no wonder we love a jewelry stack. With my earrings, I love playing with asymmetry. I start with some classic gold hoops as my main pair and often add a dangling pearl, a pearl hoop, or a simple stud on my other piercings. For my fingers, I wear five-to-six gold rings with at least one statement piece. This summer, my go-to is the Rotonda Ring from Muns. I’m obsessed with this Puerto Rican brand. Whenever I’m back on the archipelago, I stop by. The brand has perfect everyday basics to match any outfit.
Add some fringe to your hairdo.
In high school, I almost alway sported a French bob as a way to stand out against the sea of long hair. I always wanted something a little different. So now that so many people have chopped their hair, I’ve decided to grow it out. For the past couple of years, my hair has reached longer lengths than ever before — and I love it. Using hair products from brands like Ceremonia, like its Aceite de Moska and Mascarilla de Babassu, I maintain growth and a healthy wave, which I need to achieve the classic Victorian long hair with fringe that I’m going for.
When I think about the imminent fall weather creeping its way in to hush the humidity away, I’m reminded of a lyric that Shania Twain so succinctly sings: “Looks like we made it / Look how far we’ve come, my baby.” (Let’s pretend she’s singing about us making it through summer.) Yes, the autumnal shift has been a long time coming, but the decomposed leaves, the brisk air, and all of the splendiferous fall fashion will be within reach again. So, ask yourself, are you ready for a wardrobe refresh? Over in these parts, the only acceptable answer is yes.
With so many layers, textures, and palettes to consider, it’s only natural that we’d turn to Anthropologie for sartorial seasonal cues. After all, the retailer carries a wide range of apparel, from trend-forward silhouettes to tried-and-true staples. For the chillier months ahead, the beloved fashion brand has turned up a variety of covetable styles: We’ve got an oversize white oxford button-up and a pleated black trouser for a monochromatic or menswear-inspired look. The brand is serving hot picks like a graphically pleasing knit sweater in contrasting color blocks and a straight-leg carpenter pant constructed out of luxurious faux leather if you’re in the mood to try something new and unexpected. And don’t forget fall fashion essentials like a smart-fitting tweed blazer and butt-hugging wide-leg jeans to round out your arsenal. Anthropologie has it all.
Ahead, peep a closer look at our favorite fall finds from Anthropologie. You’ve sure made it this far, but make no mistake: You’re about to take it all the way with these autumnal delights.
Monochrome Madness
The ol’ saying about how whites shouldn’t be worn after Labor Day is a tired one. In fact, we think nothing looks more polished or snatch-worthy than a classic white-and-black or white-on-white or black-on-black ensemble. This fall, why not opt for a monochromatic moment? Play into your favorite proportions with a tunic-length shirt or a boxy moto vest.
Color Me Mine
Stand out among the browns, beiges, and tans with an electrifying hue. Barbiecore pink continues to be all the rage, but you can dial it up with other colors, too — we are particularly in love with a classic kelly green knit or a highlighter-yellow power suit.
New England Academia
Menswear-inspired tailoring is the epitome of fall fashion. What’s not to love about a back-to-private-school aesthetic? A tweed-like blazer with strong shoulders, a straight-leg trouser that can be worn with oxford shoes or loafers, and a preppy overcoat — your style choices deserve to make the honor roll.
Fall Into Faux
It doesn’t take much to look effortlessly slick — all you need is a statement faux leather item to elevate your look into total badassery. If you’re just dipping in, a simple mini skirt paired with a neutral top or sweater is enough to keep people interested. Or, if you’re going in strong this fall, a full-on carpenter pant in the faux stuff is definitely the move.
You’ve Got The Blues
We couldn’t leave off denim if we tried — Anthropologie’s strong Pilcro collection can’t be missed. This fall, the brand is giving lots of leg. Think structured flares for accommodating cowboy boots and tent-like billows for contrasting with dainty heels — all while keeping the hip and butt area hugged in and contoured.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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