Shoes

Claire Vivier’s bags got me thinking about It: the evenings cooling off at four o’clock instead of eight, curling up with the Mr. in the den with an old movie and a glass of port, our beech tree’s Technicolor evolution from chestnut haired damsel to titian diva.

Paul & Joe hooded cape, $270 at The Outnet

Summer’s sweetest nectarine sits next to my laptop at this very moment. We’ve only just begun picking ripe tomatoes.

And yet when my six-year-old nephew mentioned buying back to school supplies last night, with upturned palms and eyebrows, as if to say all this fooling around has been fun, but let’s get real, I believe a squeal escaped me. Is there anything more satisfying than a sturdy blank notebook, a rash of freshly sharpened pencils, and the perfect whisper-thin red pen?

It’s the anticipation of fall that inspires. Here in New England, there’s a feeling of getting back to work. Squeezing summer’s last drops of hedonism and then settling back into routine offer exhilaration and relief, respectively.

emersonmade silk ribbons blouse, $168

We spend the summer dashing through our work, racing to get outside and feel the sun thaw the winter from our bones. (Despite all the best intentions of slavishly slathering on sunscreen – this would be the year! I’ll save my skin! – a tan snuck up on me like that friend who always gets you into trouble. Let’s be honest, if I can keep my face protected with SPF 70 everyday, it’s a step in the right direction.) Autumn offers a return to rigor in all things. We turn the stove back on. We give our clothes more consideration, because we need to wear more of them. We sharpen our pencils.

Layer on a 30th birthday this week and the lifting of summer’s shopping hiatus, and you have the makings of some serious wardrobe strategery.

Chambray shirt, $98 at J. Crew

Winter Bomber cardigan, $270 at All Saints

In this month’s magazines you’ll hear about the new minimalism (it looks a lot like the old minimalism, for those who remember the ’90s), the return of the bodice-and-circle skirt ’50s silhouette, and ‘70s pantsuit chic, wide legs and all. While I respect minimalism, and find it particularly refreshing in eveningwear, for everyday I still prefer a bit of cushion-y layering. The ’50s housewife chic is charming but for my money too costume-y, and while I’m intrigued by the idea of wearing a longer skirt, I’ll skip the calf length numbers, thank you very much. It remains to be seen if we’ll warm to the ubiquitous kitten heels; I wonder if they’ll take off like clogs did over the summer. I love the louche lines of Chloé’s ’70’s inspired collection, especially on those blessed with more leg than I am.

Thankfully you’ll also hear the terms “classic,” “staple,” “simple,” and “investment” bandied about relentlessly. That’s the direction of my tide this season, perhaps because of that milestone birthday. Ten years ago I could outfit myself exclusively at Forever21 and H&M, and often did, to my mother’s chagrin. Now I’d be a fool not to realize the hemlines have grown a tad too short, and while I still occasionally pick up a scarf, t-shirt, or a piece of costume jewelry, my mass market purchases are trending heavily towards Zara and J. Crew. (By the way, Zara begins online shopping September 2.)

Even better than mass market, the investment pieces I bought last year (J Brand’s skinny jeans in black and the darkest blue, two black jackets: The Row’s in cropped leather, and Barbour’s waist-cinching International) work with the previous year’s splurges (Frye riding boots, Foley & Corinna slouchy metallic olive city tote, Oliver People’s sandy gold Skyla shades). If you practice a little patience, in few years the quality pieces begin to add up to a wardrobe.

Air Penny Moc, $198 at Cole Haan

Matilde flat boot, $695 at Loeffler Randall

The compounding returns are incentive to buy less, and buy better. A ‘60s collegiate vibe feels right: pegged jeans, loafers, deconstructed fishermen’s sweaters, a gray cape, and skinny pants in moss green.

Stretch wool Minnie pant in parsley, $98 at J. Crew

If you’re curvy like me (well, the bottom half anyway) the return of the super flattering flared jean is reason enough to celebrate. Maybe top them with a wrapped camel coat, knee-length so as not to overwhelm.

MiH mid-rise flared jeans, $190 at Netaporter

'70s Wrap wool coat, $198 at Violetville Vintage

Now, I’m not plunking down my card for all twelve. So far I’ve pulled the trigger on Repettos, since they pass my newest Litmus test: I’ve wanted them for three years or more.

Repetto Classic Flat, $235 at La Garconne

I’m keen on Karen Walker’s shades and a leopard scarf at a vintage price for an infusion of of-the-moment-ness. Growing up needn’t be joyless. The rest will require some thoughtful consideration, probably over late summer’s lemonade, or early autumn’s mulled cider.