My current layering M.O. has me inclined to throw this cute plaid cape (with pockets!) over a chunky sweater (or a )--and go!

1. The Knitter sweater,
2. BP shawl,
3. GRLFRND jeans,
4. Alexander Wang bucket bag,
5. Vince ankle boots,

Warm winter layering made easy, comfy and super chic. (It also comes in this .)

For the last four days, I (and seven dear friends) have been running around Rome in the rain, relying on jeans to get us from the Vatican to Bibiloteca Angelica to the US Ambassador's residence (Hel-lo!) and then some. On average, we each brought 2 pairs--our favorites, which we knew would work everywhere and with everything. I asked my trusty friends to share their beloved go-to's, so you too could make them yours. They include these by (mine), , , , , and .

My JFK-LAX flights always provide cool style inspo, and yesterday's trip winged it with this Topshop faux fur jacket. (Perfect for my next trip back east!)

I love downtown New Yorker Maryam Nassir Zadeh's lace-up pump--a cool update on a closet classic.

Oh, yes, sweater weather, bring it on. I'll be just fine in this!

Knits are not ordinary this season, and this embellished cardigan is a prime example. I love its oversized shape, sparkly buttons and handy-dandy pockets.

Fall typically ushers in a new pair of must-have jeans. This time around, there's more than one style to choose from, which works for me, because, well, I can never have enough good jeans! To make a fresh point, I'll definitely want to rotate in a pair of non-blue jeans into the mix, like these faded charcoal button-front denim, above, from . The distinct dark (but goes everything!) hue lends new season edge and sophistication. I also like these versions from , and . Another style I want to work: these relaxed, straight-leg, full-length(!) jeans. I know they will make my legs look longer (never a bad thing) and feel comfy (bonus). I'm considering these fashion insider-favored , these spot-on and these super-flattering (on sale!). Boyfriend jeans are also back this fall, but they're more fitted and cropped than seasons past, which makes them extra polished-looking. I'm digging these by , , and .

This super cute faux fur cropped jacket will ease me out of end-of-summer denial. P.S. If you're not ready for a reality check, you can keep dressing for warm weather with 's massive sale!

Last night my sister showed me outtakes from a recent photo shoot she did for a prestigious English fashion magazine, featuring fall's must-have snake skin jeans. Which persuaded me to think I need a pair! The key is to style them with elegant, feminine accents so the overall look is bonita, not Bon Jovi! I'd like to rock the cropped pair, above, along with these by

P.S. If you can't wrap your head around snake print jeans, check out the collab, and the below , which would be a fresh new fall alternative! The other pieces are way cute, too.