I just got back from a week-long African safari, so I feel particularly qualified to say: Animal print is trending.

Yes, you can shop the trend on statement bags and power jackets and ballet flats and belts, but its reach doesn't end there. Because this fall, sneakers, too, are getting the exotic animal treatment—and frankly, it's about damn time.

Animal print sneakers are a low-effort staple that will maximise even the most relaxed outfit. Zebra-striped, cow-spotted, or snakeskin-covered—add pretty much any style to your fall lineup to unlock a whole new world of sartorial possibilities. How do I know? Because I recently added a pair to my own wardrobe, and I simply cannot stop wearing them.

Ahead, shop my new footwear fixation—plus, all the styles I'm currently eyeing.

As I write this, there’s a crisp chill in the air. The soulful melody of Nat King Cole’s "Autumn Leaves" hums in the background. I have a frothy cup of pumpkin spice latte by my side. This can only mean one thing: fall is officially here. And as such, my capsule wardrobe is brimming with trench coats, denim bottoms, and knee-high boots. However, I’d say the most cherished part of my cold-weather closet is my collection of brown suede bags, which I consider to be an absolute must-have for fall.

Unlike viral bag styles like sequined pouches and embroidered clutches, brown suede purses have a perennial appeal that makes them practically immune to fashion’s volatile trend cycle. Perhaps it’s because rich suede feels inherently cozy and well-suited for brisk temperatures. Or maybe it’s that warm hues of cognac, chocolate, and chestnut resemble the earthy shades of changing leaves. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that brown suede is a seasonal staple.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. The runways offer plenty of proof. Nearly every autumn-winter season, brown suede bags resurface like clockwork, and Fall 2026 was no exception. Chanel embraced the timeless material with its iconic Flap Bag, complete with quilted stitching, chain straps, and a shimmering gold double-C logo. Dior opted for a structured tote punctuated with a delicate bow, while Altuzarra went oversized with a massive bowler bag boasting a domed top and a flat base.

Trust and believe, I’m eyeing these designer styles for my future wardrobe. But for now, I have a lineup of brown suede bags already in heavy rotation. Ahead, discover some of my favorites and how I’m styling them. Invest in them now, and they’ll be yours to carry season after season.

The Work Bag

DeMellier’s New York Large Suede Tote has earned a prime spot in my corporate closet. Its roomy silhouette makes it perfect for all my office essentials, including my laptop, water bottle, and beloved planner. Functionality aside, I adore the stunning gold hardware that makes it stand apart from the rest.

On a typical workday during the fall season, you can find me wearing this sumptuous tote with a tailored trench coat, a soft sweater, and a pair of simple trousers.

The Weekend Bag

I don’t know about you, but my calendar is packed on the weekends. Between brunch outings, museum visits, and late-night hangouts, I’m booked and busy—and I need a purse that will keep up with me. Luckily, I’ve found just that in this gorgeous cognac-colored shoulder bag. It’s large enough for my phone, wallet, and lipgloss, but not at all cumbersome. The version that I’m wearing is sold out, but I found a wonderful alternative at Staud.

Complete the look with a funnel-neck jacket, corduroy pants, and ankle boots. It’s a cool-girl ensemble that’ll earn you tons of compliments.

The Everyday Bag

A casual moment calls for an everyday bag that’s relaxed. My chill purse of choice is this tote from & Other Stories. It’s crafted with a slouchy shape that feels super laid-back. For errand runs, I’ll often style this bag with a buttoned coat, wide-leg jeans, and Chelsea boots.

Welcome to Put Together, Marie Claire's new fashion video series.

Every other week on Instagram and TikTok, Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan breaks down the season’s biggest trends—from celebrity style moments to runway standouts—and shows how to make them feel wearable in real life.

If you’re confused about culottes, you’re not alone. The style itself is a mystery to many, and the way it's pronounced (koo-lots) is even more puzzling. So, allow me to clarify things for you. Culottes are classified as mid-length trousers featuring a wide-leg construction, a split-skirt design, and structured fabric. While this pants trend has been around since the Victorian era, it recently experienced a rise in popularity on the Spring 2026 runways of Fforme, Max Mara, and Celine.

However, these cropped bottoms aren’t just for warm days—they’re a transitional staple that works just as well once the temperatures drop. The Fall 2026 collections of Zimmermann, Staud, and Maison Margiela made a convincing case, offering culottes in wool, leather, and flannel. Paired alongside cozy knits and insulated outerwear, the silhouette earns its place in any cold-weather wardrobe.

Following designers' lead, I’m styling culottes all fall long. Ahead, discover how I’m wearing them for every occasion this season, from upscale days in the office to casual errand runs.

For a Day in the Office

My coworkers will tell you that I take my nine-to-five outfits very seriously. Dressing for the office is one of my favorite things to do, and I love experimenting with new silhouettes. So, when I discovered the culottes trend, I swapped my traditional trousers for the pants pictured above. Teamed with a cashmere cardigan, a button-down, slingbacks, and my favorite laptop bag, this corporate uniform gets the job done.

For Running Errands

I’m the type of gal who likes to feel put together when I’m running around town. There’s nothing wrong with sweatpants and hoodies, but there’s something about tailored separates that encourage me to be more productive throughout the day. Whether I’m grabbing groceries or stopping by the hair salon, this look—composed of pleated culottes, a tailored trench, and glossy loafers—will help me check off my to-do list in style.

For Weekend Outings

This weekend, I’m heading upstate for a festive fall day in Beacon, and I’m planning to wear this exact outfit. Grounded in chic autumn staples—including a sturdy barn jacket, a suede bag, knee-high boots, and denim culottes—this look is perfect for a day of apple picking and cider tasting. I also love the warm color palette, rooted in shades of olive green, chocolate brown, and charcoal.

A great wardrobe begins with the basics: a classic white T-shirt, a walkable loafer and sneaker, an arsenal of knitwear, and a great pair of jeans. Few categories beyond these possess the same staying power, versatility, or ability to make getting dressed feel as effortless as a well-fitting pair of jeans. Whether worn with a crisp button-up shirt or a cool blazer and layering tee, denim is the foundation upon which countless good outfits are built.

Fortunately for the fashion set, the denim landscape has never been more varied—or more interesting. Basically, there's a silhouette for everyone! Classic straight-leg jeans remain the forever wardrobe hero, while slim-fit silhouettes have returned to our Hedi-era repertoire. On the trend-forward end of the spectrum, barrel jeans add an edgy element, while winter white denim challenges the notion that lighter washes belong exclusively to the summertime. Hint: white jeans look incredible with a sweeping coat.

From timeless blue jeans to contemporary cuts with a little more personality, the best pairs prove that denim's greatest strength lies in its ability to evolve without ever losing its relevance. Below are the best jeans for women, spanning tried-and-true brands like Levi and Agolde, and bestselling favorites among editors from The Row, Khaite, and Toteme.

The Straight-Leg

The ultimate denim mainstay, straight-leg jeans offer a clean, uncomplicated silhouette that works with everything in your wardrobe. Try styles from Frame, Agolde and Khaite.

The Baggy

Relaxed in fit but never lacking in style, baggy jeans bring an effortless, borrowed-from-the-boys vibe to everyday dressing. Find favorites from Levi, Gap, and Khaite to juxtapose with more polished pieces.

The Slim Fit

A refined alternative to oversized denim, slim-fit jeans follow the body's natural proportions without feeling restrictive. Modernize them with embellished jackets, evening bags, and suede loafers.

The Wide-Leg

With elongated lines and generous proportions, wide-leg jeans deliver the ease of relaxed denim while featuring the chicness of a tailored trouser. The best of both worlds!

The Winter White

No longer reserved for the summertime, white jeans offer a refreshing departure from traditional blue, black, and grey denim. Find styles from Toteme, The Row, and Slvrlake.

The Flare Leg

Nostalgic yet modern, flare-leg jeans create a figure-flattering, lengthening shape that feels particularly perfect when teamed with pointed-toe boots and cropped jackets.

The Barrel Leg

The new kids on the block are suddenly a fan favorite among the style set. Defined by their curved, sculpted shape, barrel-leg jeans introduce an unexpected element to everyday outfits.

When you think of Sézane, a few distinctly Parisian signatures likely come to mind: perfectly undone blouses, romantic floral dresses, and the type of effortless denim that suggests its wearer has never spent more than five minutes getting dressed. The French label has long mastered the art of looking put-together without appearing to have tried particularly hard. But as temperatures dip, Sézane’s new fall and winter arrivals offer a reminder that the brand is just as adept at dressing for staying in—or, at the very least, dressing as though you’d rather be. Cozy season has arrived!

For fall and winter, comfort takes center stage, though not at the expense of good taste. Think generously fuzzy knits, plush cardigans, baby-soft textures, and relaxed silhouettes that practically invite you to cancel your plans. There are cozy sweaters destined to become permanent fixtures in your weekly rotation, polished layers that make even the most practical cold-weather outfits feel well-curated, and plenty of pieces that blur the line between getting dressed and getting comfortable.

Whether you’re layering up for a brisk morning commute, settling into a long lunch, or spending a particularly indulgent Sunday at home, these are the pieces that make comfort feel like a sartorial choice rather than a concession to the weather. Consider this your invitation to embrace the softer side of French-girl style.

Great style has never been about how much you spend—it's about how it all falls together. Knowing what to buy, what to skip, and which pieces have the power to make an entire wardrobe feel more elevated. This week's affordable fashion edit is proof that a polished fall and winter wardrobe doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag. The focus? Beautiful textures, interesting silhouettes, rich seasonal colors, and deceptively simple pieces that make even the most pared-back ensembles look more intentional.

I'm particularly drawn to the pieces that strike that hard-to-reach balance between timeless and directional: you know, those elegant blouses, perfectly relaxed denim, playful skirts, and dresses that feel equally relevant now and months from now. Outerwear is another standout, with tailored coats from J.Crew, suede options from H&M, and cocoon coats from Madewell. Don't sleep on Alex Mill, either; they have more than tote bags! Let's also not overlook the finishing touches. A sharp loafer, sleek low heel, and edgy shoulder bag can make an affordable outfit look even better.

From everyday wardrobe essentials to the occasional statement piece, this week's affordable fashion finds are all about achieving that elusive high-end look without the high-ticket spend.

Tops, Blouses & Tees

There's plenty to add to cart in blouses this edit—for everyday practicality in Banana Republic's collaboration with Zankov, and plenty of day-to-night options from H&M, Chan Luu and Cos.

Trousers, Denim & Skirts

A well-rounded fall and winter wardrobe starts with great bottoms, from relaxed denim and tailored trousers to chic skirts with a little extra glamour to them.

Dresses

The beauty of a great dress is how little styling it requires, especially come fall and winter. Think fluid satin, understated knits, and romantic details that transition easily season to season and event to event.

Bits, Bobs & Baubles

Never underestimate the transformative power of a well-chosen accessory, particularly when you're working with a wardrobe of understated staples. Croc-embossed loafers, cool-girl jewels, sleek pumps, and polished handbags add an extra boost.

Outerwear

If there's one category worth prioritizing as temperatures drop, it's outerwear. A need and a want, this edit can elevate everything underneath it. From suede blazers to funnel-neck styles, these affordable finds add polish without the price tag.

There's getting dressed, and then there's getting dressed. Zara's new Studio Collection is devoted to the latter, with an assortment of elevated wardrobe additions that blur the line between everyday dressing and occasion wear. Think richly textured coats, embellished jackets, statement skirts that deserve an outing, and ornate footwear that can spice up any monochrome outfit. Of course, there's plenty for the actual evening hours, too: sequined separates, sculptural draped dresses, and elegant heels that feel suited to holiday soirées. They can make or break a night out, but can also make the most ordinary Tuesday feel worthy of a little fanfare.

Launched on Thursday, October 22, Zara's Fall/Winter 2026 Studio Collection marks the latest installment of the brand's biannual limited-edition offering, made in collaboration with creative directors Baron & Baron, stylist Karl Templer, and Zara's in-house design team. The collection spans a richer, more eclectic approach to dressing, with lace, sequins, embroidery, jacquard, fringe, and intricate tailoring appearing alongside everyday knits, trousers, and shirting.

Basically? The best clothes shouldn't have to wait for an invitation. Ahead, the chicest finds from the newest drop.

Watches are the perfect presents for those tricky-to-shop-for people on your list. To make the gift your own this holiday season, treat a special someone (or yourself) to a statement-making timepiece from the new Stephanie Gottlieb x Movado collaboration.

A decade after the New York jewelry designer launched her eponymous label, Gottlieb and the Swiss brand debuted watches that are "made to be worn like your favorite jewelry," per the press release. Playing with pops of citrine, blue topaz, amethyst, pink tourmaline, and more, Gottlieb reimagined the almost 80-year-old Museum Dial in her recognizable rainbow form.

"Movado’s iconic Museum Dial became the perfect canvas for bringing my world of color to life," Gottlieb said in a statement. "We wanted to create watches that feel both joyful and timeless—pieces you’ll reach for to celebrate life every day." Similar to her signature tennis bracelet and necklace, each watch face explodes with color. Meanwhile, the mesh gold band grounds the daring design in everyday wearability.

"Stephanie has an incredible talent for using color and gemstones in a way that feels fun, personal, and distinctly her own,” said Margot Grinberg, the president of Movado. "This collaboration brings her unique perspective to the Museum Dial, creating a fresh expression of an iconic design while staying true to the simplicity and timeless modernism at the heart of Movado’s design DNA."

The "centerpiece" of the limited-edition collection is, without a doubt, the rainbow Museum Dial. It features the same Milanese mesh band as the previous picks, but with a gradient assortment of bezel-set gemstones bordering the gold watch face.

This isn't Gottlieb's first high-profile partnership: She's a pro at translating the brand's style vocabulary through the lens of another company. Her cool-girl earring collaboration with Studs launched in Dec. 2024. In Sept. 2025, she teamed up with Oak and Luna on a 44-piece collection of sterling silver and gold vermeil sparklers. Fast forward to this month, and she introduced her lab-grown diamond line with Sofer Jewelry, too.

Peruse the Stephanie Gottlieb x Movado pieces below—and don't wait to place your order. Only 110 pieces are available in each design. So, once they're gone, they're gone.

Shop the Stephanie Gottlieb x Movado Collaboration

For years, the foundation of a well-curated winter wardrobe has rested on the classics: tailored wool coats, timeless trenches, and minimalist leather silhouettes. But this season, the runways and fashion people are trading pared-back staples for something much more expressive. Enter the statement jacket, the fall and winter outerwear trend bringing personality back to cold-weather dressing. Similar to the evening bag resurgence and textural accessories, the season's most desirable outfit toppers are anything but basic.

Of course, embracing maximalism doesn't require abandoning the staples already hanging in your closet. In fact, the appeal of these statement coats and jackets lies in their ability to spice up an otherwise simplistic look—just throw it on and go! A leopard-print coat adds intrigue and edge to straight-leg jeans and a cashmere sweater, while a richly patterned brocade jacket brings an unexpected sense of occasion to sharp tailoring. Meanwhile, fanciful fur-trimmed options, from Posse to Valentino, offer a hint of old-world glamour without feeling too costumey.

The message? This winter, the most interesting thing about your outfit might be the last piece you toss on before running out the door. Make it worthwhile.

Brocade

This texture was once reserved for grand occasions, but it's enjoying a modern renaissance that proves it can be styled with, well, everything. With intricate florals, metallic finishes, and tapestry-like textures, these ornate layers bring a welcome dose of decadence.

Animal Print

Zebra print is having its own moment, but so are animal prints of all types! From classic leopard and tiger stripes to graphic cow prints, these bold coats are surprisingly versatile.

Fur-Trimmed

A little excess never hurt anyone, and this season's fur-trimmed jackets and coats are embracing glamour in a playful, whimsical way. Plus collars, exaggerated cuffs, and contrasting texture make everything from ladylike coats to everyday jackets a lot more interesting.

Military Coats

Which outerwear trend is marching back into our rotations? The military-inspired coat! But this time, the emphasis is on decorative details rather than utilitarianism. Ornamental buttons, braided details, and structured shoulders command attention.

Silk & Satin

Who says you have to save the silk and satin for special occasions? Rendered in fluid trenches, polished jackets, and elegant longline coats, these lustrous jackets are luxurious without being overly precious. Temper them with simple pieces underneath.

Feeling that chill yet? The long-awaited crispness in the air has sent me straight to the sweater shelf—but I’ve admittedly been waiting for this since the calendar start of fall. It’s a two-pronged desire: I am a bona fide sweater lover, and I also couldn’t stand another moment of this summer’s humidity. Getting dressed lately revolves around how much knitwear I can reasonably work into an outfit, whether that’s a chunky cardigan over a T-shirt or an oversized turtleneck pulled on with jeans.

My fall knitwear wish list is already taking shape: slouchy crewnecks, thick cable knits, and cardigans I can button up and wear on their own. Rich shades of chocolate and burgundy feel especially tempting, though I’ll always have room for another gray sweater. It's not just sweaters I'm replenishing; I'm also making space for any kind of buttery knit—whether that's a pair of fluid lounge pants or even an oversized wool coat. The common denominator? Soft, cozy styles that make getting out from under the covers a little more bearable.

Of course, stocking up on sweaters can get expensive, especially when cashmere enters the conversation. I’ve rounded up 19 cozy fall knits worth adding to your rotation—and with everything under $250, these finds from Bloomingdale's, Boden, and more leave room for more than one favorite.

Looking expensive and spending a fortune are two entirely different things—and this season’s best outerwear makes a convincing case for the former not requiring the latter. With luxury coat prices climbing well into four figures, the smartest wardrobe investment might just be the one that leaves room in your budget for everything else.

Fortunately, affordable fashion has never looked quite so polished. From sculptural silhouettes to rich textures and impeccable details, this season’s best affordable coats and jackets prove that great style isn’t dictated by a designer label—or its price tag.

This season, the appeal lies in the details. Think sculptural funnel necklines, generous proportions, and luxe-looking textures that give even the simplest outfit a certain sartorial gravitas. Classic trench coats have been reimagined with abbreviated hemlines and cinched waists, while scarf coats offer an elegant solution to the perennial question of accessorizing. Elsewhere, plush faux-fur jackets, chocolate-brown leather alternatives, and sharply tailored wool-blend coats deliver the kind of understated polish typically reserved for a considerably higher tax bracket. The common denominator? Thoughtful design that transcends its price point.

In this edit, you'll find tried-and-true favorites from brands like Madewell, J.Crew, and Alex Mill, along with soon-to-be-coveted stars from Rue Sophie, Leset, Zara, and Reformation. Among them, brocade car coats, classic wraps, furry finds for when the weather truly drops, and modern longline silhouettes for the minimalist and maximalist.

In April, Gap's first collaboration with Victoria Beckham sold out before I could snatch the parka jacket and jeans in my sizes. Luckily for me, the "multi-season" partnership promised more collections. Now, seven months after I mourned the loss of a wallet-friendly, Beckham-branded wardrobe, the labels confirmed the second Gap x Victoria Beckham collab will launch this week. Here's my chance.

Over the weekend, Gap teased "round two" on social media, but close-ups of the comeback collection remained under lock and key until October 20.

"For this second drop, we wanted to build on the design language we established in the first collection, with a stronger focus on texture, proportion, and layering, while keeping the ease and versatility that feels so intrinsic to Gap,” Beckham revealed in the press release. The 37 pieces were "designed to work as part of a modern wardrobe—refined and considered, but still effortless and made to be worn in many different ways.”

The collection features everything from fitted sweaters and quarter-zips to funnel-neck jackets and dark denim, with prices starting at $28. (That's more affordable than the first collaboration.)

“From the start, we envisioned this partnership in two chapters, allowing us to build on the strong foundation of the first collection and go even further with the second,” said Mark Breitbard, Gap president and CEO, in an official statement. “The strong customer response to the Spring collection reinforced what we believed from the beginning: Victoria Beckham's distinct design perspective brings a fresh lens to Gap's iconic essentials, and this collection builds on that momentum with elevated wardrobe staples designed for everyday wear.”

Gap x Victoria Beckham 2.0 revisits some of the initial launch's signature silhouettes: denim-on-denim, high-collar coats, and Beckham-ified everyday basics. But according to the press release, "knits take center stage." It is the partnership's first Fall/Winter line, after all.

The Victoria Beckham Effect gave timeless turtlenecks a unique, button-down bodice, while quarter-zip collars were tucked beneath ribbed, V-neck sweaters. The knitwear is rounded out with cool-girl coats, available in taupe herringbone wool and chocolate-colored felt.

For the campaign, Mona Tougaard—a longtime Victoria Beckham loyalist, who often walks in the creative director's Paris Fashion Week shows—models a master class in cold-weather layering.

Sure, funnel-neck fashion is all the rage right now (the trending shape was spotted on recent runways from Altuzarra, Khaite, and Victoria Beckham, of course). But Gap x Victoria Beckham was ahead of the curve, offering go-with-everything windbreakers and parkas with structured standing collars back in April. (The silhouette also had a moment last spring: It's "here for both a good and a long time," Marie Claire said at the time.)

This time around, though, the neckbands doubled in size. On the quilted parka, for instance, the collars stretched beyond the model's mouth, giving the look an infinity scarf-style finish.

Part two of the Gap x Victoria Beckham allegiance comes weeks after the retail conglomerate debuted a collaboration with A.P.C. (I swear, the Gap team doesn't sleep.) The 37-piece collection of "essentials" looked fresh from a French girl's fall-winter wardrobe, but now, Gap is shining a spotlight on the London girl look.

That said, Gap x Victoria Beckham is also the latest in a long line of impressive partnerships (with Dôen, Sandy Liang, Awake NY, and more), all of which made buzzy fashion brands more accessible than ever.

Now that shoppers know it's a can't-miss collaboration, the new batch of Gap x Victoria Beckham could sell out even faster than the first. Right now, the entire line is available online and in select stores. Here's hoping you set an alarm.

Shop the Rest of the Gap x Victoria Beckham Collaboration

Friends! The fashion month flu has come for me, which means I’ve had all the time in the world to do not much more than scroll through new arrivals, watch everything on every streaming platform (RJ Decker, anyone?) and, of course, think about what I wanted to cover in this week’s newsletter.

Last weekend (before I got sick) I did a big closet clean out in an effort to curb my shoppies (saving as much as I can to go big on our honeymoon in Japan!), and reconnect with what I had in my wardrobe. In doing so, it made me think about the gaps I could fill and small tweaks I could make, which eventually led me, of course, to adding more color into the mix. All roads, for me, always lead to adding a bit more color into the mix. It’s very easy to fall back on all black or gray (especially as it gets colder), but over the next four months I want to make a conscious effort to wear color. Here’s where I’m starting. Plus, some visual inspo for those who are new to wearing color.

Purple

Well, this should come as no surprise! But purple has always been a favorite of mine and will continue to be well after the trend dies down. But it was only recently that I realized just how good it looks when paired with green, pink, or red. Start small with a hint of the regal color like a scarf or hat, or really go for it with a chunky knit that will make everyone stop and ask you where you bought it.

Green

The thing I Iove about green so much is that while it is a color, it can also function like a neutral. That is to say that it’s really easy to style and works with many, many other colors. The work is just finding one that fits you. Is it army green pants that can replace your jeans? After all, those will probably be easier to wear a layer under. Or is it a chunky cardigan that makes up half a very chic twinset? The choice is yours!

Red

Remember when red socks and loafers were literally everywhere on the street style circuit? Feels like a fever dream now, but if you missed the moment it’s never too late to add some of the color into your life. Especially as we head into the holiday season! Whether it’s just a hint or all the way, head-to-toe red always works.

Leopard

Now, I wouldn’t say that leopard is necessarily a color—more like a print, I guess—but my newsletter, my rules. And as far as I’m concerned, a cold-weather wardrobe isn’t complete without some leopard. It’s another pattern that I consider to basically be neutral and goes with almost everything! The Nike Rifts are already on their way to me and if my coat closet wasn’t already busting at the seams the Gap coat (under $250 with an extra 40 percent off) would be too!

If there’s one thing Miuccia Prada has never wavered on, it’s the power of a good skirt. Throughout her tenure at Prada, the designer has treated the wardrobe staple as something far more interesting than a femme formality, continually reimagining its proportions, subverting its prim-and-proper associations, and challenging the very notion of what makes a skirt desirable. For Spring/Summer 2027, that fascination found its latest expression in a silhouette that has spent far too long relegated to the corporate dress code: the knee-length skirt. And no, this isn’t an invitation to dress like an extra on Mad Men.

At Prada, the once-conservative hemline felt anything but conventional. Rather than leaning into its buttoned-up reputation, the collection reframed the knee-length skirt as an exercise in modernity, proving that a little restraint can be infinitely more interesting than an abundance of skin. It’s a silhouette that occupies the sweet spot between polished and provocative, offering the sophistication of a pencil skirt without the accompanying HR department energy. This emphasis spread past Prada, too, with brands like Marni, Dries Van Noten, and Loewe following suit.

The secret to wearing a knee-length skirt now is to resist every instinct to make it look respectable. Pair a sharply tailored iteration with a worn-in leather jacket and pointed pumps for a little hint of downtown or embrace the art of considered layering with a sweeping trench coat and sumptuous knitwear. For something decidedly less conventional, try an oversized sweater and animal-print mules—a combination that lends the otherwise demure silhouette a welcome dose of eccentricity. It’s all about juxtaposition: structure against slouch, polish against nonchalance, and just enough sartorial mischief to ensure nobody mistakes you for someone on her way to a performance review.

Ahead, four knee-length skirt outfit ideas to test out this season, and the next, and the next.

A Knee-Length Slip + Funnel Neck Jacket + Pumps

You can always count on Nour Hammour to craft the perfect funnel-neck leather jacket, and this one adds just the right amount of toughness to Leset's sweet, silky skirt.

A Knee Length Pleated Skirt + Trench Coat + Ballet Flats

For every autumnal occasion, from apple-picking to cider-sipping, look to this youthful look that embodies the ethos of Miu Miu.

A Knitted Knee-Length Skirt + Oversized Sweater + Printed Mules

Haven't you heard? Animal print, particularly zebra print, is all the rage in fashion again. This pair adds a welcome punch of print to a chocolate brown and brick red pairing.

A Leather Knee-Length Skirt + Button-Down Shirt + Loafers

For late nights and special events, look to the leather knee-length skirt for a little edge and glamour. It looks especially chic when paired with Loulou de Saison's fur-trimmed evening jacket.

Shop More Editor-Approved Knee-Length Skirts: