Welcome to The Great Try-On. With fall on the horizon, we seized the opportunity to try on some of the best fall pieces from some of your favorite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the most foolproof way to shop online is to see an item IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to some successful fall purchases.
Funny enough, I’m sitting in my apartment writing this the morning after attending Staud’s star-studded and stunning S/S 22 runway show on what was the last day of New York Fashion Week and my final event of the evening. From the casting—hello, Irina Shayk, Precious Lee, Lily Aldridge, and more—to the guest list (which even boasted Larry David) to the clothes and accessories that stole our hearts, it was a night to remember and an ending worthy of NYFW’s long-awaited IRL comeback.
Of course, while I couldn’t help but mention it, that’s not actually what we’re really here to talk about. If you could bring your attention back to the current season for a moment, I’d like to take this opportunity to brag about my recent Staud “haul,” in which I got to try on a ton of brand-new pieces from the brand’s fall 2021 collection, which is in stores and ready to shop right now. From matching sets (of both the cozy and party-ready variety) to soon-to-be It bags to boots and a coat to remember, below are nine must-see pieces I tried on at home and truthfully didn’t want to return. Plus, at the end, you’ll find even more of my favorites from the brand’s current offerings, so to get started, simply keep scrolling.
My review: It’s no secret that I love a matching set, so slipping into this little knit situation was truly a dream. As someone who has a newfound appreciation for the softness of cream as opposed to the starkness of white when it comes to clothing, I love the color and can already see it going with so many of my coats and jackets. The fact that it’s not too matchy-matchy (the top is ribbed, and the pants are in a simpler wool blend) also put it over the edge and made it feel somehow much more special.
My review: When I’m not buying things in black, white, or beige, there’s a good chance it’s hunter green. I’ve always been so drawn to the color for its richness and ease of pairing with anything, and this bag only strengthens that belief. I love the shape and size, too, and the fact that it can easily be converted to a clutch for night. At under $200, I’m compelled to call it a must-have.
My review: Are you ready for boot season? I’ve been waiting for this moment since the first day of last spring. Usually, at the beginning of fall, I invest in one new pair of black ankle boots to add to my admittedly impressive collection, with the hope being that I use them not only that season (through winter) but also for years to come. I can totally see these comfortable Chelsea boots filling that role this year. They’re under the radar, they have a slight platform for extra height, and the toe shape feels forward without looking too trendy. I also love how the shaft is extra high, so they look a little cooler than your average ankle boots when paired with skirts and dresses.
My review: Want to feel like the embodiment of the word hot? Buy this corset-style top. Want to look categorically cool? Snag the matching pants, which also come in a baggier cargo style for anyone who can pull them off. This fall ‘fit is ready for anything. I can see myself wearing it with sneakers for lunch on the weekend or dressing it up with heeled mules for a night out. Either way, it’s a worthy addition to any wardrobe.
My review: I’m not usually one to opt for a non-basic knit, but my colleague Lauren put this sweater on my radar, and I was instantly into it. I love the unexpected pairing of colors used on the various trims and the relaxed vibe that the zippered neckline gives it. The only downside was that for me, at 5’2″, it felt a few inches too long (as with many of the items I try on), and since knitwear is difficult to tailor, it would take some extra consideration to come up with more flattering ways to style it.
My review: Simply put: I love this bag. Not only is it the perfect nod to the ’90s, but the polished leather also feels so durable and ready for whatever an NYC winter might (literally) throw at you. Beyond that, it’s actually big enough to fit all my day-to-day essentials without feeling too oversize for my frame. Overall, it’s a winner for me.
My review: Last but certainly not least, we have this luxe green faux-leather coat. As you can see, it’s a lot longer on me than on the e-commerce model, but this time, I actually think it works to my advantage because it feels very chic at the ankle-grazing length. What I love about it is that—aside from being able to wear it over all my usual neutral outfits—when belted it can really be a look of its own. Also, the color really softens the piece overall and makes it less “Matrix vibes” and more like something Nicole Kidman could wear in a limited series.
No basic outerwear here.
Brown suede is so luxe.
Wedding guest dress, anyone?
Prepare for compliments.
It’s the styling for me.
Lug soles make these white boots a safe choice, even in NYC.
Is it too soon to be thinking about holiday parties?
