Autumn is most everyone’s favorite season, however its crisp mornings, toasty days and cool evenings require wardrobe quick turns that can be difficult to anticipate. The solution? Layers. Piling on and peeling off is the best wardrobe strategy for fall, though curating stylish pieces takes planning. The goal is to strike a balance between not too light but not too heavy, so start now to ensure a smart and stylish fall wardrobe in time for leaf peeping:

1. Gilet
   The classic gilet is a lifesaver in transitional seasons. Adding just enough warmth through the torso, its sleeveless style doesn’t stifle. Get a good down vest for a sporty weekend uniform or try a shearling, fur or faux fur gilet for an elevated weekday look. Pair it with either skinny jeans and knee-high flat boots, or an A-line skirt, opaque tights and Chelsea boots.

2. Wool poncho
   Ponchos deliver warmth with a splash of drama. The swishy, billowing silhouette is attention-grabbing just as much as it is warm. Plus the airflow helps regulate body temperature on toasty fall days. Try a full-length cape-style poncho for high-drama, maximum impact, or the traditional mid-thigh length for a quieter style statement. Also consider knitting yourself one in a chunky, bulky yarn in your best, most serviceable winter neutral.

3. Pea coat
   The traditional pea coat is an investment piece that, for many, is also a wardrobe anchor. It’s both versatile and classic, plus its true navy color is a less harsh and more flattering neutral than black after 50. Keep it traditional with a classic pea coat cut, or try an updated version with stylized design details like metallic hardware, statement sleeve cuffs, a fit-and-flare silhouette or cropped length. Either traditional or stylized, the perennial pea coat is the perfect grab-and-go jacket weight to keep you warm and chic through fall.

4. Jean jacket
   Jean jackets were built for shoulder season. The ultimate in versatility, they can be dressed up or down and look stylish either way. Layer with a cotton polo over a cotton turtleneck or, for more warmth, try a mohair sweater set and scarf. Jean jackets are cropped at the waist, making them pair well with wide leg trousers, skirts or leggings, while keeping the silhouette divided in thirds — the optimal proportions that flatter.

5. Cashmere cardigan wrap
   The perfect fall material, cashmere is lightweight enough to layer but dense enough to deliver crazy-good cozy warmth. A cashmere cardigan wrap is the ultimate fall go-to for both practicality and style. Early in the season layer with a simple t-shirt or tank, leggings and suede driving moccasins. Then, as temperatures drop, change the t-shirt to a cashmere tee, crewneck sweater or turtleneck with a gilet layered over the cashmere cardigan wrap. Once again, autumn is all about piling on and peeling off.

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