Fall begins with these essentials…

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By contributor Aemilia Madden.

On the first day of fall-like weather in New York City I’m always touched with a bit of melancholy. I wake up and the air has changed from heavy and hot to sharp and chilly, and I instantly stew on the fact that I’ll spend the next six months missing the sweaty days of summer. But, the changing season isn’t all bad. Though I’m not one to celebrate the return of pumpkin spice lattes, I do love the coziness of a night in watching When Harry Met Sally, the sweet hit of a post-dinner negroni, and the return of statement outerwear and playful layering.

The arrival of coat weather means I once again have the chance to get more creative with the outfits I put together. I love the soft touch of cozy knits or slubby tees layered under a comfy oversized jacket when I run out for my morning coffee.

Before the cold hits, I’m sharing a few of my favorite styles right now:

Once the morning air turns crisp, I tend to spend a few more minutes tucked under the covers. This coat makes it feel like I’m cuddled up all day. The soft faux-shearling lining is soft to the touch, and this peacoat’s oversized fit equates to snuggling up inside of it when I’m out with friends or at home on the couch.

I love the versatility of a sleek trench coat silhouette. The vegan leather has this buttery feel that plays nicely with both casual knits and the body-skimming tops and dresses I love for a night out. My suggestion: Go for a slightly retro look and style this coat with a miniskirt and tall boots.

I consider plaid a neutral. Especially when I’m layering a classic check, like this coat, alongside rich jewel tones and textures like a knubby knit, plaid can tone down an outfit. This coat is my go-to for daytime activities because I can throw it on over jeans and a tee and my look instantly becomes sophisticated.

When it's time to transition my wardrobe, I look for ways to keep my sandals and summer dresses around as long as possible. This loose linen blazer is the perfect bridge piece. It’s light and floaty, but it still offers just enough coverage to keep a cool evening breeze at bay. It’s my go-to for styling my last summer holdouts at the office.

I’ve long loved the look of moto jackets, but all too often the fitted leather silhouettes aren’t great for layering. Anything underneath gets awkwardly scrunched when I move or sit. I love that this oversized cotton takes the best of both worlds — it still has that edgy look that I love, but the fit is comfy enough to make me want to wear it all the time.

As I put on this duffle coat, there’s a luxurious, easygoing feeling that comes over me. It's as if I’m spending my whole day dressed in a decadent, cozy robe. The vintage-inspired silhouette has a relaxed feel to it that adds a touch of leisure to whatever you wear it with.

Look — sometimes I want my outfit to make a statement when I walk in a room. This coat does exactly that — it’s bold, playful, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. The furry cuffs and collar add that extra touch of whimsy.

When I’m shopping for something new, I always keep my eye out for unique takes on the basics. A denim jacket is a must-own style, but this drop-shoulder iteration feels especially modern (and is only $98). It’s the type of jacket I can envision wearing a million different ways through fall and into next year, too.

This isn’t your average jacket. Meet the luxe velvet tuxedo style that’s made for formal occasions. Instead of your standard black blazer, try this elegant vintage-style design for times when you want to feel especially dressed up.