Trench coat

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

How to Wear: The Soft Trench
As comfortable as a bathrobe—but far more stylish—the latest trenchcoat is easy, relaxed, and the perfect layering piece. Try it with loungewear for a casual-chic weekend look, or belt it loosely over a dress for evening.

Day


Top and pants, Baja East; HirshLeifers.com. Sneakers, lacoste; Zappos.com. Coat, $298; FrenchConnection.com.
Trench coat

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Night
Dress, H&M, $50; HM.com. Scarf, Elizabeth Gillett. Sandals, Jimmy Choo. Coat, $298; FrenchConnection.com.
Plaid weekend outfit

Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D

How to Wear: Plaid
The print of the season is plaid, but there's nothing schoolgirl about these checks. The most modern way to wear them is to mix your patterns. Just remember to keep everything in the same color family, and vary the scale of each print so the look's not overwhelming.

Weekend: Tartan


Coat, Maison Scotch, $255; Scotch-Soda.com. Jeans, $278; CitizensofHumanity.com. Scarf, 424 Fifth. Bag, Coach. Flats, Sole Society.
How to wear plaid to work

Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D

Work: Tartan and Buffalo
Sweater, $310, and Skirt, $450, Sea New York; Barneys.com. Bag, Trina Turk. Boots, Stuart Weitzman.
Plaid night outfit

Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D

Evening: Windowpane
Top, $60, and Pants, $60; Mango.com. Bag, Reece Hudson. Sneakers, Dune London.
Sweater and skirt outfit

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

How to Wear: Knits
Sweaters aren't just for casual days anymore. Instead of pairing them with your usual jeans and boots, try them with dressier skirts and tops—I love the contrast of plain and fancy in these looks.

Long

The perfect elegant yet relaxed outfit for a dinner party.

Sweater, $189; ShaeNY.com. Skirt, Elizabeth and James, $365; ShopBop.com. Bag, Kayu Design. Bangle and Bracelet, Alexis Bittar.
Sweater and skirt outfit

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Midi
This eclectic mix is inspired by the season's boho trend.

Sweater, $695; ToryBurch.com. Skirt, Lauren Ralph Lauren, $125; Macys.com. Bag, Elizabeth and James. Flats, Pretty Loafers.
Sweater and skirt outfit

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Mini
Cool mint green and warm olive are an unexpectedly fresh color combo.

Sweater, H&M, $50; HM.com. Shirt, $60; Gap.com. Skirt, $50; Zara.com. Bag, Cambridge Satchel. Sneakers, Charles Philip Shanghai.