This cropped bow-tie tank is cuter than cute. And don't let its high-summer looks fool you...

1. Kate Spade Saturday tank,
2. A.P.C. camo jacket,
3. Chloe cross-body bag,
4. Givenchy sandals,
5. Michael van der Ham jacquard pants,

The cubist pattern and glitzy beads ramp up the glamour factor here. And it's not necessarily an evening-only kind of deal either...

I got a taste of fall last weekend up in northern Santa Barbara (I will share deets about my trip in the next few days!). At sunset, the wind started to blow down the mountain valleys to the beach, and it became downright chilly. The only thing I had to throw on over my sweater was my husband's ski jacket, which he happened to have in his car! My overall look was, um, not so good. In any case, it got me thinking ahead to fall and all the cozy, chic jackets I'd like to wear. At the top of my list is the pilot jacket, like this by Whistles or this by Topshop. I also adore this quilted leather Topshop and if I could go all out money and statement-wise, I'd go for this guy by , too! (The one pictured above is by Fillipa K, from last winter). Think of the pilot jacket as a cross between an army parka and a bomber. It's fresh-looking, yet classic, incredibly utilitarian--a perfect teammate for both jeans, sleek trousers and dresses--and it's in line with next season's sporty street vibe. I see it layered over a jean jacket in the lead-up to winter, and later with a warm sweater, beanie, and big, chunky scarf. You will probably see me wearing it non-stop very soon!

This leather trimmed short sleeved J. Brand jacket is going to facilitate those transitional late summer to early fall days of what-do-I-wear dressing. (You may recall my fondness for these stylish last spring.) Bridge the cool/warm gap like this...

For me, fall begins with a new boot (or two or three!). I need one in my arsenal that's right-this-minute looking and extremely versatile--i.e., goes equally well with a killer dress and an old pair of jeans . This black beauty pretty much nails it. Come the first hint of autumn chill, you might see me in...

Clearly, this is a heat wave-friendly lightweight that you could wear casually, but I love the fact that you could also crank it up a notch like this...

I love a trophy jacket that makes a mouth drop. This beaded one might just make people keel over with envy!

It's almost unfathomable that I don't already have a lightweight motorcycle jacket like this in my closet! Seriously, the concept is genius, because it's perfect for California's cool summer evenings (or east coast buggy nights) or just plodding around a frigid air-conditioned office. It's definitely the kind of thing I'd dress up (slung over my shoulders with a strapless dress) or down, like this...

This cute cropped swing trench makes me want to do a rain dance. I'd wear it in any summer shower with...

A longtime music festival staple, the kimono jacket is making its way, big-time, on to the hard city streets and looking suitably sophisticated. (Zara is even going long on this lightweight cover-up, currently offering no less than 15 on its website!) I like a kimono jacket paired with more modern pieces, so it looks less hippie-dippy, and a print that's subtly striking, such as this black and white one by , this lace , this beaded topper from (or this vibrant ) and this pastel .