LE CATCH

Before long (blanket) coat weather comes cape weather, naturally. This fall is calling for eclectic-looking ponchos, the kind a global jet-setter would wear, and they look chicest atop citified street wear. I'd like to throw on one of these ponchos by Nasty Gal, Miss Selfridge, Burberry (or this one), Michael Kors, and Etoile Isabel Marant nonchalantly over my shoulders

Everything about this Instagram pic of London-based stylist Caroline Sieber, above, is glamorous, from the Positano backdrop to her white scalloped bikini. Her choice of a floppy wide-brimmed hat is also suitably fabulous--and it's all I want right this very minute. To completely shield my face from the (already-had-too-much) sun. To add more dramatic flair to my swimsuits. So far, I like these options from Melissa Odabash, Bop Basics, and Jonathan Adler.

Photo: Caroline Sieber

Gold will be in the spotlight this fall, and I'd like to go for it with this head-turning shimmery skirt.

Yes, summer's end is in sight, but, thankfully, there are still weeks left to wear sandals, even new ones, like these from Alexander Wang, which are not only 40% off but will stride deep into fall. More end-of-season sale gems at Neiman Marcus include this Pam & Gela striped sweater, this Nanette Lepore studded sandal, this striking Elle Sasson embroidered skirt, this cute Whit dress, and this Vince leather jacket. You can check it all out here.

$375, tibi

An asymmetrical hemline adds the perfect amount of drama to this day-to-night dress.

1. Tibi dress, $375, tibi.com
2. Alison Lou stud earring, $295, kirnazabete.com
3. Kate Spade case, $498, shopbop.com
4. Valentino sandal, $875, bergdorfgoodman.com

I have plenty of autumn staples ready and waiting in my wardrobe, but the one I need to update is the ankle boot. After all, this fall calls for boots that have a fresh-looking chunky heel and hit shin-level--but are as versatile as styles from years past. I'm eyeing these options from Gianvito Rossi, Chloe (nearly sold out!), Alexander Wang, Diane Von Furstenberg and Isabel Marant.

$200, nordstrom

Just the idea of wearing these pink sandals makes me smile. #ultimatepartyshoe

1. T by Alexander Wang dress, $395, netaporter.com
2. Arme De L'Armour cuff, $435, netaporter.com
3. Star Mela beaded clutch, $72, shopbop.com
4. Ted Baker London pink suede sandals, $200, nordstrom.com

$80, warehouse

There's no going wrong with this sleek denim dress.

1. Warehouse denim dress, $80, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Gabriel Artigas lightening rod studs, $220, stevenalan.com
3. Prada camo tote bag, $890, neimanmarcus.com
4. Dolce Vita sandals, $159, shopbop.com

This photo was taken last summer, upon docking in Shelter Island, New York, after a 90-minute white-knuckled boat ride from Quiogue. I look like I am ready for a picnic, but in reality I am just glad to be ashore in one piece. Long story short: my fast-driving childhood friend was at the helm, but hadn't been in the bays much since the hurricane-rearrangement of all the sandbars. Thankfully, we made it (barely) without slamming into said sandbars! While I might skip the boat ride next time, I'll be pressing the repeat button on this outfit (J.Crew tunic, C.Wonder bag, sandals from Greece) when I return to Long Island in August. And I'd also love to sport these cute boat-to-beach pieces such as this Free People embroidered dress, this Melissa Odabash voile top, this Cynthia Rowley striped wetsuit, this head-turning Vix cover-up, and this Marysia scalloped one-piece.

$64, topshop

Scalloped shorts make stylish summer day dressing a breeze.

1. Raquel Allegre gauze blouse, $365, netaporter.com
2. J.Crew hat, $58, topshop.com
3. Thierry Lasry sunglasses, $485, shopbop.com
4. Samudra print clutch, $65, shopbop.com
5. Balenciaga sandals, $865, barneys.com
6. Topshop scallop shorts, $64, topshop.com