just in: fall staples

Coats, knits and tights are all over the Zara, H&M and Pull & Bear stores. It's funny how us in the tropics dream of walking around in trench coats with skinny jeans and knee-high boots on a regular day. (It's so gloriously chic!) I see girls having fun trying on these looks in-stores. Well actually, I don't think that even if we live in a perpetual 30-deg climate that we should miss out on the fall trends. Ok, before you think I've completely gone crazy - I'm not asking you to walk down Orchard Rd in a fur-lined parka or wool jumper. There are some creative ways that you can incorporate some fall staples into your everyday wear. 

Knit and leather are not just for colder climes.
I've been drooling over a leather gilet ever since I saw it on the men's section at H&M. The problem: it was $199! Thankfully, I saw this recently in the women's from H&M's Divided line retailing for a more reasonable $69. Went one size bigger to simulate the fit of the men's version. 
Wear this with short skirts, midi pleated skirts, with chiffon dresses or as a stand-in for a blazer.


A gray knit has been on my wishlist for the longest time. I found a nice version at Zara TRF. The catch: it was still too thick. Found this thinner, more weather-appropriate version at H&M for a cheaper price too. Pair with printed skirts, over a dress, with pencil skirts. On colder days, you can tap your inner preppy by using as a layering piece with a button-down shirt.


You can even appropriate an old trench coat just like this DIY idea from one of my favorite blogs My Daily Style:

With all this wet weather we've been having lately, you can wear a sleeveless trench like a raincoat.