3 Fashion Week Styling Hacks Anyone Can Wear

Friends! Last week marked the 50th edition of Self Checkout. I want to say a quick thanks for rocking with me—it means a lot. (Reminder: You can always find old sends on Marie Claire’s website.)

Fashion month is upon us. The menswear editors are over in Europe right now, and the street style photos are full of outfit ideas. I’m thinking ahead for what I’ll wear over the next three weeks of ripping and running in very cold weather from New York City to Paris. After many, many seasons of doing this, I’ve gathered a few styling philosophies anyone can incorporate into their everyday lives.

THE COAT IS THE LOOK

Simple. That’s all you’ll be seen in. Spend your money here.

THIN LAYERING PIECES WILL BE YOUR KEY TO COMFORT

While your inclination may be to wear just a huge chunky knit sweater, I recommend going with a thinner knit. Then, add an extra piece like a thin turtleneck, a T-shirt, or a camisole—it helps when battling overzealous indoor heating.

7 POINTS WILL MAKE YOU FEEL THE MOST PUT TOGETHER

I rarely subscribe to TikTok fashion advice, but this gem unlocked a styling method that really made sense to me. It’s basically another way of saying don’t forget your accessories, because they will make your look.

Anatomy of an Outfit

This week was filled with in-office meetings (what week isn’t?) and a Broadway show (10/10 recommend seeing Cult of Love). The number one dressing challenge was putting together outfits that kept me warm on my 15-minute walk to the subway, but not overheating me indoors. Here’s what I came up with.

TUESDAY...

Everyone in New York loves to grumble about how cold it is, but Tuesday was truly bone-chilling. I had to resist overdressing, though, as there is nothing I hate more than sweating on a crowded MTA train while commuting. Enter: thin layers paired with a furry coat. These boots and cashmere socks kept my feet warm.

WEDNESDAY...

After weeks of deliberation (inspired both by this story on what comes after the barn jacket and my obsession with this Altuzarra runway coat) I finally bought a duffle coat. I found it on The RealReal (search "toggle coat" for success) but there are countless options on the market. Honestly? I’m obsessed with this style. The pockets are so deep and can hold my mittens, hat, headphones, keys, and wallet. The rest of my outfit was cute (this Bally sweater I hemmed and hawed about before finally shopping and these jeans I rediscovered in the back of my closet), but Wednesday’s look was really about the coat.

THURSDAY...

Another cold day in paradise! I worked from home (we’re finishing up our January Mogul issue and I’m writing the cover story), and also went to see Cult of Love, a hysterical family dramedy starring Shaileen Woodley and Zachary Quinto. The Loeffler Randall boots were the key to this look, which, thankfully, I could walk two miles in while wearing them fresh out of the box. I skipped right over the breaking-in phase and went straight to comfort.

Reading List

First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.