The TIC Hotline Is Here: We're Answering All Your Fall Shopping Questions
Fall shoes, everyday earrings, sweater coats, and three wildly differing opinions on what constitutes a "jacket."
Welcome to This Is Cute. We’re Jenna, Jayna, and Verena. We text all day about cute stuff so you don’t have to. If you’re interested in seeing the previous and equally unhinged editions, they’re here.
A fun behind-the-scenes aspect of This is Cute is the inbound! Over the last few weeks we’ve received an uptick in super specific style questions around what exactly to wear now that its officially fall. And so, we compiled a few standouts to tackle. Keep the Qs coming.
Looking for: “A fall jacket, something that can be worn down into the 40s or low 50s.”
JG: We’ve touched on chore coats and vintage field jackets. But for a vibe alternative, I’m really feeling a robe coat! A lot of them are unlined, which gives them that nice louche look and allows for copious under layers when necessary. It also means they won’t over-toast you on milder days. Some standouts include this shawled design from Sea (here in putty too), this cute cozer from & Other Stories (I’d size up to ensure it fit Olsen-style), this fringe-y Cos coat, and a streamlined take from Uniqlo (love the biscuit color, and again, would size up!).
JM: Counterpoint! Don’t fuck with the vibe! While not technically a chore coat, I will always and forever love a barn jacket, and this season J.Crew FINALLY took my (unspoken) advice and made a looooong one. But that’s not why it’s great for this time of year, though it’s not not why either. It’s great because it has a sneaky liner, which is my one weird weather trick. I’ve been wearing this guy sans liner, but give me two more gloomy days and I’ll be buttoning that sucker right in. It’s also a great Etsy search, because a lot of vintage Burberry trench coats come with a removable wool liner. Or you can DIY it and turn any slouchy lightweight coat into a cozier but not sweat city option.
VvP: While you’re both right, you’re also both wrong. A fall jacket that can be worn down into the 50s and 40s calls for a shorty, not a full-length option!!! I’ve already been wearing my vintage denim Big Ben a ton—a bunch of great options from here, here, here, and here, and about a billion more where those came from if you just search “vintage denim barn coat” or some variation on that.
I also just got a $56 camel-tone-on-tone vintage LL Bean barn coat, of which there are also many, many, many options to choose from, including this one, which is the exact same style, down to the red wool lining, as the one I got, if you want to be twinsies.
Another slightly lighter option is the Sezane Will Jacket, which they release every year with some variation on color and materials. We convinced my sister to buy the denim one in a previous TIC, and she’s been wearing it non-stop since temps dropped below 70. It’s unlined, but absolutely perfect for layering, especially if you size up. They have a terracotta quilted “velvet” one right now that looks cozy, classic, and extremely chic, even though I think they should call it quilted corduroy. They’re sold out of the mustard and camel suede, but this khaki color is also great, and a little unexpected. Any of the Will jackets with a great sweater, a thin turtle, and a fun scarf is serve you well right down to the ‘40s.
Lastly, I just got back from a trip out to Washington State’s Lopez Island as part of a project for Ship Supply, and I am officially smitten with their beeswaxed canvas jacket, which I’ll be honest and say doesn’t translate well in photographs. It’s super, super light and thin but the beeswaxed canvas is a real heat-trapper and wind-breaker—this was designed to be functional through fall, winter, and spring in the PNW. Definitely size up up up (I’d do an XXL, for layering purposes and if I were buying for myself) and thank yourself as it breaks into the softest, most beautifully patina’d jacket you’ll ever own—plus you’ll smell like honey. The lovely ladies behind Ship Supply were also kind enough a special offer code just for us: use code THISISCUTE for 20% off!
Looking for: “Fall shoes! Boots! I’m struggling. Every time I leave the house I end up in the same pair of dirty sneakers.”
JM: Not at all revolutionary, and possibly still divisive, but I love a sandal with a sock. I know people have feeeeelings about birks and socks, but I’m talking about a more elevated shoe, and a cute fancy-ish sock (though for the record, birks and socks rule). Le Bon Shoppe is a TIC fave, and they really are the best. Not too insanely expensive, so many options, not too fussy, super comfy. As for the sandals themselves, still obsessed with these Caron Callahans, but also love the idea of these silver beauties with a bright red sock and jeans and a navy sweater. Also dying for these Emme Parsons, which have shearling so they’d be extra cozy with a little cute sock.
JG: Well I am abso-fucking-lutely NOT going first after last answer’s massacre (low 50s = long coat weather, SORRY CHARLIE VVP). And while—because I’m a NICE angel—I am completely onboard with every pair JW shared, I’d love to throw some boots into the mix (mostly because my friend Jill shamed me after our Fall-centric edition featured nary a single boot. Our b!). It really is a fair request though, because there always comes a time in the season when I’m like, SHIT I need a boot that isn’t my trusty Blundstones (even though the brand’s slogan is, somewhat fairly, “the only boot you’ll ever need.”). So, on all of those notes: I'm interested in these Ayede rider boots, which would be fun to pair with mini and A-line skirts and dresses. I think an equestrian-leaning knee-high silhouette feels cool but polished, as opposed to grunge (like a moto) or sexy (like a heeled over-the-knee). Ankle boots of course offer a more versatile shaft height, and this lug-soled pair from Isabel Marant (I know, been a minute!) are the perfect hefty-sleek way to punctuate straight- and wide-leg pants. For a more streamlined (and less sticker shocky) ankle option, Staud has been really upping their boot game. Finally, I find that a heeled and somewhat spindly black ankle boot checks the “going out to dinner” shoe box. These from Khaite are pretty and alwayyys sell out. This patent pair from Toteme have a similar look, and are currently 30% off.
VvP: As someone who basically wears Converse year-round, I don’t feel the most equipped to answer this question. I do, however, have two suggestions.
First are No.6’s crepe-sole boots which are a perennial closet staple, as far as I’m concerned. They release them every year, often in slightly different colorways. They always sell out, though they usually do a second drop a little later in the season. They just put their Fall 24 batch on the site, though some sizes are already gone. Run, don’t walk, etc. These boots work for fall and straight through the slushiest, saltiest NYC winter weather, too.
My second thought is inspired by Michelle Phanh, who was on that Lopez Island trip I keep nattering on about. She had a pair of vintage Polo moccasin-style boots that looked extremely chic. I just found these on Poshmark for $65, and in my size, too, which I’m extremely tempted to buy, but I won’t, so that one of you can.
Things I’d wear them with include: a straight cut, mid-rise, classic blue denim or a crispy off-white pair, too; these toast-colored slub cotton cropped flares by Caron Callahan; a cusp-season shirt dress, like the red Bridge dress from The Great that Jenna recommended a few weeks back, or a Comey, like this or this; or a slim to A-line checked wool skirt. If I wore above-the-knee skirts, I’d also do a super straight denim mini with tights and/or slouchy socks.
Looking for: “An every day, not too big black bag and I don’t want to spend a bill trill.”
JG: A great age-old question, because bags are HARD. Especially when so many of the bests-in-class cost the equivalent of an NYC rent check. However, the good news is there’s a new guard of chic bag makers that are—while not quite cheap—certainly more justifiable. This slouchy top-handle bag from Turkish label Manu Atelier is understated perfection, and will look cooler the more lived-in it gets (a.k.a. you won’t freak when it’s smashed up against the subway pole). I love this little belted guy from the brand, too—it’s sold out in black, but sign up for restock notifs! Sezane is smartly creating low-key elegant crossbodies with a dash of Old Celine energy. And from Korean brand Nothing Written, cute crescents and buckets that are smartly priced and brilliantly logo-free.
JM: Uggggh, bags are SO hard and especially black bags, at least for me, since I tend to wear black so rarely (and usually in protest of being forced outside in the summer). But a black bag is important! So versatile! I’ve been wearing these very very good Alex Mill jeans a lot recently and while they don’t require a black bag, they’ve made me realize that I would like the option of one. I’m still browsing but have narrowed it down to maybe something small and cute like this or this!
VvP: This question reminded me of a vintage woven black leather bucket bag I had for years that has since … kicked the bucket … but that maybe I should replace. Biembiem makes a good one. My “everyday” (ish) black bag is Polene’s Numero Un Mini which they no longer make in black but can be found used here, here, and here. (The gold chain strap and hardware makes it super transitional, but occasionally limiting for everyday wear.)
Looking for: “I’ve been wearing the same small diamond studs for 15 years. Would love a new pair of every day earrings—I’m thinking small hoops or huggies, if those are still a thing.”
JM: I have absolutely zero business answering this question since I cannot wear earrings due to some sort of whacko metal allergy that I cannot figure out, or possibly it’s because for many many years, young hippie Jayna wore very cheap yin yang and turtle and sun and moon studs which made her ears turn black and basically start to fall off her head, and they still haven’t recovered. Youth! The best! But if I could wear earrings, I’d get a collection of little chunky hoops (technically huggies??) and they’d be so cute and make me so happy. J. Hannah makes a great pair, as does Sophie Buhai and for a less spendy option, these Mejuri!
JG: I’ve been letting my lobes breathe for a few months, but love the idea of building up a collection of easily switchable go-with-everything pairs that would live in a cute little catch-all (or vintage ashtray, because how fun?). I’d maybe start with these yarnballs from Lie Studio, which are subtle while also having 80s power secretary energy. From Dorsey, these huggies have never-take-off potential, while these more statement-making drop earrings would look so easy-glam with a white T-shirt, jeans, and belt. I’d also add these Sophie Bille Brahl croissants and teensy Mociun hoops.
Looking for: “My favorite soft long black sweater coat—that I used to make a silky dress work in winter—died. I need a new one. Don’t want to spend a fortune.”
JM: Love a sweater coat! I had the BEST one in college that I wore with absolutely everything and then I had it dry cleaned and it got so so tiny and stiff. Worst! Anyway, this Frankie Shop one is great because it really is a classic cardigan shape, just lengthened, which I think is kinda cool since a lot of sweater coats tend to lean more into the coat aspect (e.g. adding belts and shawl collars and coat-y stuff). This one from Naadam is also nice and simple, though maybe a little on the lightweight side to act as a coat? But see, THAT’S WHERE YOUR LONG JACKET COMES INTO PLAY, VERENA.
VvP: For better or for worse, my first thought here was Jenni Kayne. Her classic Sweater Coat in black could work, depending on how long you wanted it to be and how you feel about pockets. I personally love the length and belt on this one, though the stripes are pretty limiting, and it could read a bit robe-like. Another option is Aritzia, especially for affordability. Their Babaton Ty cardigan is belted, as well as pretty clean and minimalist, and has some good non-black colors, too. My wildcard alternative is a slouchy oversized turtleneck sweater (like this one from Cos that I’ve been eyeing for years) or a long-line crew- or v-neck (men’s always) over silk dresses.
The Cute Catalog™️
Coats & Jackets
Sea Viv Coat in Olive and Brown
& Other Stories Belted Wool Coat
Cos Fringe Wool Coat
Uniqlo Double Face Wrap Coat
Vintage Denin Barn Coat options here, here, here, and here.
Vintage Camel Barn Coat options here, here, here and here.
Sezane Will Jacket in Denim, Terracotta Quilted Velvet and Khaki Suede
Ship Supply Beeswaxed Canvas Jacket
J.Crew Long Barn Jacket
Vintage Burberry Trench Coat
Everlane Long Quilted Liner
Sweaters + Turtles
Mollusk Cambridge Sweater
Everlane Luxe Rib Turtleneck
Frankie Shop Emi Long Felted Wool Cardigan
Naadam Fancy Cashmere Duster
Jenni Kayne Sweater Coat
Jenni Kayne Belted Sweater Coat
Aritzia Babaton Ty Cardigan
COS Chunky Turtleneck Cashmere Sweater
J.Crew Mens Cashmere Crewneck
J.Crew Mens Cashmere V-Neck
Dresses
Bridge Dress by The Great
Rachel Comey Nia Dress
Rachel Comey Agathon Dress
Bottoms
Alex Mill Alek Relaxed Wide Leg Jean
Caron Callahan Layla Pants in Toast
Mango Checked Skirt with Slit
Calvin Klein Denim Mini Skirt
Shoes
Caron Callahan Margaret Platform Sandals
No.6 Two Strap Clog on Platform in Silver
Emme Parsons Folded Slide in Black Nappa and Shearling
Blundstone Chelsea Boots
Ayede Rider Boots
Isabel Marant Ceillie Leather Ankle Boots
Staud Wally Ankle Boots
Khaite Arizona Leather Ankle Boots
Toteme Leather Ankle Boots
No.6 Crepe Sole Boots
Vintage Polo Sport Leather Boots
Bags
The Row Sofia 10.00 Bag
Manu Atelier Mini Gala Bag
Manu Atelier Le Cambon 20 Bag
Sezane Milo Classic Bag
Celine Box Bag (via The Real Real)
Nothing Written Black HT Bag
Nothing Written Black Suede Bucket Bag
Il Bisonte Snodo Crossbody Bag
Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag
Biembiem Adele Bucket Bag
Polene’s Numero Un Mini (Used options in Black: here, here, and here)
Jewelry
J. Hannah x The Met Penannular Hoops
Sophie Buhai Bagel Hoops
Mejuri Chunky Medium Hoops
Lie Studio Uma Earrings
Dorsey Gold Huggies
Dorsey Lucien Drop Earrings
Sophie Bille Brahe Croissant Earrings
Mociun Snack Hoops
Accessories
Toast Knitted Bandana Scarf
Le Bon Shoppe Socks
Vintage Gucci Ashtray