Blazers, Lady Jackets, Crops and Trenches – The Fall Layer for Every Outfit

As the colder season approaches, transition and update your autumn wardrobe with our favorite trending easy-to-layer lightweight overcoats and jackets for Fall 2023! We’re diving into top layers we’ve seen on the runway and on influencers alike to bring you the ultimate layering edit. Want to skip straight to our must-shop list? Scroll to the bottom of the article.

Prepare your wardrobe for Fall/Winter 23 with the help of Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher! A list of Meg’s wardrobe styling services can be found here.

Layering on the East Coast

Layering looks different on opposite ends of the country! Average temperatures in NYC are already 64°(high)/50°(low) by October, compared to the much warmer 79°(high)/60°(low) average in Los Angeles. To combat cooler temperatures on the East Coast, Pair light to mid-weight coats, oversized blazers and trenches with sweaters and turtlenecks.

Layering on the West Coast

Thin, light layers for cool mornings and evenings out over your tanks, tees and slip dresses are perfect for autumn in Los Angeles! Expect oversized blazers, lightweight trenches, denim jackets and Moto jackets to be popularized this season.

Khaite Leads the Way With Fashion Forward Layering Silhouettes

Khaite’s Fall jacket styling perfectly encapsulates the trends we’re seeing for Fall 2023. Moto jackets, lady jackets, denim, crops and trenches are styled in classic chic neutral colors, opting for embellishments in python print, fringe or rocker-chic silver studs. We’ve picked out our favorites of Khaite’s directional styling images to inspire your wardrobe.

Shop Fall Jackets Here

The post Autumnal Layers, The Fall Layer for Every Outfit this Season appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

It’s that time of the year again, where we all pull out our winter’s coziest coats from storage! If you’ve ever pulled out your coats, only to realize you have no idea how to freshen them up for the new season, look no further! This is your 101 guide on coast to coast essential coats, washing winter coats and how to take care of them.

How do you buy the perfect coat? To build a successful coat wardrobe, you have to start with the why. Why do you need a coat? For that chilled-to-the-bone winter air of NYC? For the mild winter mornings in LA? For business trips across the country? For that special night out so you don’t freeze in your dress? The reality is that you can’t solve every situation with one coat.
If you’re in NYC, chances are you need a coat that can withstand layering. And if you’re in sunny Los Angeles, you’re going to need something notably lighter. Not only is weather a factor, but your needs can change based on the occasion as well!

We’re going to show you a few of our favorite basic coat styles that cover the most common needs from coast to coast, and how to wash winter coats, maintain their quality and keep them clean.

Want travel ready outfits for work, vacation outfits or an update to your winter wardrobe basics? Wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles can be found here!

The All-Purpose Oversized Wool Coat

A true essential, this oversized wool coat is perfect for a commuter’s NYC layers with it’s wide armholes and chic design. We recommend purchasing this piece in basic colors to extend the wearability. Stick to black, camel, navy, maroon, olive or cream before venturing into check patterns or statement colors.

How to Care For a Wool Jacket

-Use a lint roller to clean a coat after daily wear before hanging the piece in your closet.

-When there’s a spill on your jacket, blot the spot and do not rub it! The idea is to soak up the spill and not spread it further.

-Always hang your coat on a sturdy hanger with ample space to keep the weight of the coat from stretching the shoulder areas. If packed too tightly with other items, your coat could become crumpled.

-Make sure to dry clean winter coat at the end of the season and hang in a garment bag to prevent insects from infesting the wool.

The Belted Trench & Wrap Coat

Best serving the fall and spring climate of San Francisco and New York, these trending coat styles create a flattering shape like no other! We love duster-trench hybrids for Los Angeles that provide all the style without the rainy disposition. The wrap coat is a chic go-to for NYC and LA evenings out, desk-to-dinners, alfresco date nights and any other occasion you need a cozy-yet-elegant top layer. 

How to Care For Waterproof Trench Coats

-Although care for a trench largely depends on what the piece is made out of, most trenches (Unless they are leather) are much more machine-wash friendly than other coat alternatives. Even still, it is best to dry-clean and spot clean when possible. 

-If you need to clean your waterproof jacket as well as reproofing, try this product. 

How to Care for Leather Trench Coats

-Never leave your jacket folded for a long period of time, as this can encourage creases and cracks in the leather. 

-Keep your jacket away from heat sources like sunlight, ironing and steam to avoid the material becoming brittle.

-Keep your jacket DRY! No Rain! If your coat does get wet, leave it out on a hanger to dry.

-Condition your leather to prolong it’s lifespan and prevent cracking.

How to Care for Faux Leather (Vegan Leather, Pleather) Trench Coats

-While there are different forms of faux leather, there are a few general rules of thumb to keep the material from cracking and distorting.
-Avoid machine washing to maintain the integrity of your coat. Mix liquid dish detergent with warm water, and use a soft bristle brush to hand-scrub your garment and then rinse with cold water. Hang garment to dry to avoid distortion of the coat.
-Just need to freshen up your coat without washing it? Freshen between washes by spritzing with The Laundress Delicate Spray – a versatile formula for cleaning your faux leather that has antibacterial properties, which adds scent while removing odor.

The Cozy Puffer Coat

This is a great coat for travel that accounts for rain, snow, and proper coziness. For NYC, invest in a down puffer jacket. For Los Angeles, opt for a lightweight alternative. 

How to Care For a Down Jacket

-Aim to wash this piece 1-2 times a year and spot treat when needed. Excessive washing can cause wear and tear!

-Avoid compressing your jacket by squishing it in a backpack or travel suitcase. If too compressed, give it a low-heat tumble in the dryer and hang it up as soon as possible. 

-Keep this piece from getting soaked, as it takes a LOT of time to dry!

-Feathers sticking out of your jacket? Don’t pull them out – push them back in! See these patching instructions by rei.com.

The Going Out Coat

These are the coats that are fashion forward with the sole purpose of adding a fabulous top layer to your ensemble. Great for events, nights out and statement outfits!

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The New Year sales are here, but what should you buy? This week we take a look at what Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher and her assistant Keli look for and purchase during a sale.

Meg says that a sale is the perfect time to stock up on luxury basics you normally couldn’t afford. Great coats, jeans, sweaters, blazers, cardigans, boots and bags that can be worn again and again lower the cost per wear and make jumping on a sale a worthy investment. Here are some of Meg’s favorite picks of the current New Years Sale!

Meg’s Sale Picks

Keli’s all about stocking up on flattering statement pieces that can be worn back to neutral color palettes. We’re talking versatile animal patterns, unique silhouettes and textural pieces like fringe, tulle or shiny silks that take an outfit to the next level. The key to a worthy sale purchase is finding an interesting but adaptable piece that can be layered and styled to match any season!

Keli’s Sale Picks

The post The Stylist’s Pick: New Year Sales! appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

You’ll know just what outfit to wear for the next holiday party with our ideas on how to wear glitter and metallics. Whether you prefer subtle shine or bold sparkle – we have looks that cover anything from casual outings with friends to office party mingling, and even the most fabulous nighttime soirées!

GLITTER & SHINE SKIRTS:

The outfit possibilities are endless when it comes to shiny statement skirts! Match a sequin pencil skirt with a sweater and boots for an easy-wear outfit to the office party, or pair metallic pleats with a leather jacket, tee and white sneakers for an easy weekend look. We love the idea of pairing a sparkling skirt with muted colors and neutrals for impressive contrast.

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GLITTER & SHINE PANTS:

Pants that shine possess an ability to give two distinct moods: Go sophisticated with a white blouse or simple sweater, or go full rocker chic with feathers, fur or fringe!

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GLITTER & SHINE TOPS:

We love a glitter cami layered over a mesh top or under a blazer! Sparkly tops also look great with simple black jeans or muted leather leggings.

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GLITTER & SHINE BLAZERS:

Layer a glitter blazer over a tee and leather pants or a mini dress for nights out!

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GLITTER & SHINE EVENING:

Embrace glitz and glamour with the all-out elegance of a sequin jumpsuit or dress!!! For more stunning metallic and sparkle evening wear, check out our post on Galvan.

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GLITTER & SHINE SHOES:

Use shoes that shine as a statement, or as additional texture to compliment another piece in your outfit. Here are some of our favorites!

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GLITTER & SHINE ACCESSORIES:

Perhaps the most subtle way to add luster to your ensemble, try out a hair accessory or silver-flecked socks to distribute understated radiance to any outfit!

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Want more glitter & shine inspo? Check out our pinterest page here:

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Black Friday is HERE! And now you’re left with the question – What the heck do I buy?? There’s so many seemingly great offers to sift through, but we’re here to tell you exactly what’s worth nabbing those deals on: The Luxury Basics and The Versatile Statement.

Luxury Basics

Let’s start with the luxury basics. They’re the pieces you may initially hesitate to buy due to a hefty price, but are trend-resistant quality pieces that will last for years. The goal is to find pieces that are well made and will continue giving back to your wardrobe season to season.

Here Are Some Great Basics We Love:

This is one of those pieces really worth splurging on. A belt may seem like a trivial accessory, but a good belt can elevate an outfit and emphasize figure flattering shapes (see our post: How To Wear a Waist Belt). Invest in a belt like this one that is both flexible and high quality for a wardrobe essential that will withstand the test of time.

Get the right ankle boot and have a trusted go-to shoe that you can pair with almost anything. This one from Madewell is available in some of the best basic colors!

The white sneaker is the must-have for owning casual style. Pair with dresses, jeans, and anything in-between! We love this sneaker from Y-3.

Leather jackets never go out of style. We love this one from ALLSAINTS for it’s classic silhouette!

Warm yourself up with the perfect cardigan. Jenni Kayne is great for quality pieces that are timeless AND cozy!

Versatile Statement Pieces

The versatile statement piece is a boot, bag, coat, etc. that speaks to the now in pattern or shape, but can be seamlessly inserted into your wardrobe and worn in many ways throughout the season. The idea is to keep your cost per wear in mind. If you can wear it over and over again, it’s likely worth it’s price tag!

Here Are Some Trend-Right Versatile Pieces We Love:

We love how these Loeffler Randall boots are both trend-right in shape AND in pattern, yet can also fit into a range of styles. Think pairing them with anything from dresses and skirts to wearing over your favorite skinny jeans! The wearability here is super high. Croc makes any outfit look oh-so expensive, after all.

You may think a good holiday dress can only be worn once, but we know you can find something better. Opt for a dress that’s elegant enough to play up with great heels and jewelry, but is simple enough to also dress down with a cardigan or blazer. We LOVE this Reformation dress (also available in petite sizes!) that is trend-right in color and has a modern slit. It’s elegant, but simple enough to wear over and over again.

Blazers still aren’t going anywhere and this one from Reiss a great starter piece. See our post on How to Wear the Oversized Blazer for more inspo on just how versatile this piece can be!

Colder weather is here – LAYER UP! Nod to trending waist cinching silhouettes by trying this Frankie Shop trench coat in cool cream or tan for easy wearability. 

Leather pants might as well be the jeans of Winter 2019. Pair these Rag & Bone faves with a cozy sweater and sneakers or ankle boots!

Want some style inspiration? Check out our pinterest for style tips, mood boards, outfit ideas and more!

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Every Casual Friday in the office is a chance to stray away from your usual uniform into more expressive territory. Despite this golden opportunity to upgrade in style, many of us are fraught with wearing the same old thing in an attempt to “play it safe”. We’re here to show you our favorite casual work outfits for men that go beyond the monotonous button-up with jeans. No matter what kind of office you’re in, there’s an outfit in here for you. Keep reading for outfit ideas that are creative, comfortable AND good looking!

The Turtleneck

Layer a turtleneck under your blazer or overcoat and pair these pieces with a trouser, chino or jeans. Keep your footwear sharp with a Chelsea boot, or play on the casual side with a sneaker. We love turtlenecks for their nod retro class, as well as their versatility and comfort. For more ideas on the turtleneck, check out our post With a Nod to Sammy Davis.

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Alternative to the Denim Jacket

The denim jacket – an otherwise laid-back piece – comes across as elevated when worn in alternative colors (as well as similar-style trucker & structured shirt-jackets in fabrics such as corduroy and suede). These pieces are a great top layer over trousers or jeans, and we love the creative element they bring to any outfit.

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Spicing Up the Button-Up

Give the button-up a refresh with an outer layer! A coat, blazer or denim jacket can add interesting texture and silhouette to an otherwise tired outfit.

Shop Outer Layers:

Want more outfit ideas? Check out our pinterest board below!

MEN’S BRANDS WE LOVE!
If you want more great pieces, check these favorites out for unique menswear:

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Increase the wearability of your fall and winter pieces with our favorite figure-defining game changer, the waist belt. We love waist belts for their ability to flatter over layers and cinch any outfit as a trend-right centerpiece! In this article we’re going to show you five ways to style a waist belt for easy-to-wear outfits you can rock throughout the entire holiday season!

The Cinched Dress

Cinching a dress at the waist draws all attention to the smallest part of your figure! Try cinching a layered slip dress for added shape, or go ultra-feminine and belt a dress with a full skirt.

The Belted Blazer

Blazers have been going strong for the entirety of 2019, and the trend isn’t showing signs of stopping any time soon! To see more on blazer outfit ideas, check out our recent post The Oversized Blazer here.

The Belted Trouser/High-Waisted Jean

The waist belt adds a classic touch to trousers or jeans. Looks great with a tucked in blouse, or when paired under an open blazer or trench.

The Cinched Cardigan

Cinching a chunky cardigan adds definition and proportion to an outfit that might otherwise have none.

The Skirt Centerpiece

Adding a belt to your skirt creates a perfect centerpiece to work back to shoes and accessories!

Want more inspiration on how to wear a waist belt? Check out our pinterest page here.

Shop Waist Belts:

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Styling The Wide Leg Jean for Fall

You’ve seen wide leg jeans last throughout the sunny days of 2019, but how do you transform this airy silhouette from summer to fall? The answer is within how you style your pieces! Playing with heavyweight sweaters, ankle boots and layering are key to transforming this still trending pant to the chilly months ahead.

The Chunky Sweater

Pair your wide leg jeans with a chunky sweater. Break up the bulkiness by tucking a part of your top piece at the waist, and pair the outfit with ankle boots or sneakers!!

The Oversized Blazer

We LOVE how the oversized blazer adds flattering movement to the outward silhouette of wide leg jeans. Pair these pieces with a basic long sleeve, tee or blouse and add ankle boots, heels or heeled mules.

The Outer Layer

Whether it’s a trench, teddy bear sherpa or thick coatigan, use your outer piece to add weight and movement. Complete the outfit with a shoe that adds femininity through shine, chic silhouette or statement color. We love ankle boots or heels with this look!

Check out our pinterest board on more outfit ideas and ways to style wide leg jeans!!

Shop Wide Leg Jeans:

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Knowing how to tie a great bow is one of the best assets anyone can have for their wardrobe. In this article, we’ll go over common mistakes that are made, along with an in-depth tutorial of how to tie both a proper bow and a modern bow that works for pants, skirts, jackets, dresses and blouses!

Placement of the Bow

The placement of a bow makes all the difference. Whether it be a dress, paperbag pants, or a wrap top, the bow acts as a center to your outfit. Use this to your advantage by tying your bow at your ribcage or most ideally on the smallest part of your waist for a slimming effect. When a bow is tied too low, it brings unflattering attention to larger parts of the body!

Fluff Out Your Centerpiece

A poorly tied bow can look flat and wrinkled if pulled too tight, creating a look that is unkempt and sloppy. As the centerpiece of your outfit, ALWAYS take time to fluff out the loops and keep the knot from appearing too tight!

“THE CLASSIC BOW” TUTORIAL

1. Begin with a looped tie, pulled tightly and laying flat.

2. Take the bottom hanging piece and make a loop (or “bunny ear”).

3. Bring the top hanging piece over the loop, and pull it through!

“THE MODERN BOW” TUTORIAL

This is an alternate way to tie a bow, best used for a modern take on high waisted pants, or a relaxed look on trench coats!

1. Make the right side of your tie slightly longer than the other.

2. Cross the right longer side over to the left, then pull it under and over to the top. Create a loop (or “bunny ear”) with the top piece.

3. Take the shorter bottom side and wrap UNDER AND OVER around the loop. Tuck it through and pull tight! Fluff the top loop and you’re done!

See more examples of how to tie a bow on our pinterest board here!

Meg Gallagher is a recognized Personal Stylist styling women and men in Los Angeles and New York City (both in-person and virtually)! Visit meggallagher.com to discover how she can help transform your wardrobe and transform your life!

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This year we’ve seen chain link transcend from necklaces and bracelets, to dangling earrings, to belts and now HAIR ACCESSORIES! The possibilities are endless – go bold and edgy, minimalist and clean, or layer and mix pieces for a look that’s entirely new. In this article, we’re going to show you how to wear these pieces for on-trend style you can apply to your own wardrobe!

Layering Your Chains

Mix and match weights, textures and metals to master this layering trend! We love playing off the strength of heavyweight chain link with delicate pieces layered underneath!

Shop Necklaces Here:

Statement Jewelry

Throw on a single bold chunky chain link necklace or bracelet for an effective minimalist approach. Opt for more subtle edge with dangling chain earrings or a barrette.

Shop Statement Pieces Here:

Chain Link Belts

This trend looks best when utilized to accentuate the feminine figure. Highlight your waist by pairing this piece with a high waisted skirt or jeans – or using it to cinch your blazer/duster.

Shop Belts Here:

Check out our pinterest board on Chain Link here!

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