It’s official, we are well into the “brrrr” months (September, October, November…), and along with that chill in the air comes something many have been waiting for all year: pumpkin spice. It is undeniably everywhere you turn. Commercials, menus, your local coffee bar, your local actual bar (you know, the one that’s currently serving on the sidewalk)—pumpkin spice has become the most unlikely 21st-century phenomenon, the one you never knew you wanted until you were told you did.
This craze can be traced to one particular mermaid-branded caffeine slinger that has been dealing in PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes, obv.) since the early 2000s. But—hold on to your candy corns!—it doesn’t stop there; pumpkin spice is a $600 million a year industry. For such a moneymaker, though, pumpkin spice is rather divisive. For some, the mere suggestion of a PSL can trigger a gag reflex, recalling assorted jack-o’-lantern guttings of their youth.
Whether you love pumpkin spice or loathe it, one thing we can all agree on is that the colors surrounding PSL season are what we crave. Those deep, rich hues, taking their cues from the turning leaves, are what autumn is really all about. They instantly bring to mind all of one’s northeastern collegiate fantasies, those of Love Story and The Way We Were, of tailgates and crisp homecoming weekends, of apple picking and over-the-river-and-through-the-woods going. Colors that, let’s face it, never emerge from the depths of your closet but for this small sliver of time. So, in honor of these fleeting fall fashions, let’s raise a PSL and toast to the hues to have.
Play With Texture
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
Keep those lazy-Sunday feels going all season long by pairing silky slipdresses with snuggly oversize teddy-bear coats. Your look will be ready for the streets even if your head is still in the sheets.
FIRST IMAGE: Stella McCartney coat, $3,275. SECOND IMAGE: Loewe dress, $4,600; Celine shoes, $1,550.
Leather Weather
Sure, you’ve heard of leather and lace, but leather and leaves? Foliage prints are given a jolt of rock ’n’ roll attitude with a layer of leather.
FIRST IMAGE: Fendi coat, $6,900, shirt, $1,190, and skirt, $3,980; Longchamp boots, $1,165. SECOND IMAGE: Balenciaga dress, $5,900.
From the Inside Out
Pile on the seasonal hues, starting with your base layer, all the way up to your finishing touches—the perfect “right now” wardrobe.
FIRST IMAGE: Miu Miu coat, $2,950, dress, $3,350, and belt, $550. SECOND IMAGE: Salvatore Ferragamo shirt, $760, pants, $3,600, and belt, $525.
Ready for Anything
Zip into an always practical (and always fashionable) fall-colored bomber and grab your matching bag. You’ll be good to go, whatever might come your way.
FIRST IMAGE: Sacai coat, $1,655, and boots, $1,550. SECOND IMAGE: Anna Sui cape, $684, dress, $609, and bag, $275.
Photographer: Tyler Joe | Fashion Editor: J. Errico | Model: Anastasia Offutt at State Mgmt. | Hair: Francis Catanese for Contact NYC | Makeup: Claudia Lake at Contact NYC for MAC | Prop Stylist: Miako Katoh
MORE FROM OUR OCTOBER DIGITAL ISSUE
The Good Husband
Joseph Errico is Marie Claire’s Fashion Director. As a career-long fashion editor and celebrity stylist, he has had the opportunity to work alongside the world’s top image makers and talent. He has styled editorial and advertising, red carpet, music videos, fashion shows and writes about fashion, culture and most anything bon vivant-y for marieclaire.com. He feels most at home in an airport lounge, a beach, a disco or gossiping front row at the collections. His blood type is Gaultier.
-
Princess Eugenie Welcomes Second Baby
This name!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Finally, Stylish Summer Jewelry You Can Sweat, Swim, and Shower in
Waterproof pieces you can keep on all summer long.
By Emma Childs
-
These Brushes Will Completely Change How You Apply Makeup
The Kevyn Aucoin The Duet Foundation Brush is our desert island pick.
By Samantha Holender
-
Yara Shahidi Joins Forces With Cartier Women's Initiative to Empower Entrepreneurs
"Giving back is essential to existing in the world."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Chloe's Top-Handle Penelope Bag
This eye-catching bag also does good for the planet.
By Sara Holzman
-
Mindy Kaling's Custom Jonathan Simkhai Gown Is a Nod to Chanel Couture
"I feel so confident in this gown."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Isabel Marant's Oskan Moon Bag
"The key word is versatility."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Poppy Harlow
The CNN host's key to a great wardrobe? Borrowing from her stylish friends.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Making of Ariana DeBose's Custom Versace Gown
"When I first saw it, I was left speechless."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Silvia and Sofia Tcherassi
"Waking up early in the morning is a must."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Cynthia Rivas
For one of fashion's favorite skincare gurus, great skin is the ultimate accessory.
By Sara Holzman