We're all for
sculpted shoulders and
bondage accessories, but sometimes all that snug-and-sharp style makes you long for a little slouchy sophistication. When that mood strikes—which it no doubt will—this season, there's only one place to turn for inspiration: Chloé. Currently helmed by creative director Hannah MacGibbon, the storied fashion house revealed a standout collection this fall, featuring loads of luxurious fabrics, sensational shoes, and earthy eighties glamour. From fabulous flat pirate boots to supersized blanket cape-coats to soft silk separates, there is so much to emulate and adore! As you might have gathered, we very much approve of the sumptuous materials MacGibbon used this season. Accordingly, when we began looking for like-minded products, we kept our fingertips at the ready and tried to only pick only highly touchable items. While the fabrics were decidedly upscale, the color palette at Chloé was quite grounded. We saw lots of warm neutrals like camel, nude, and cream, as well as a healthy dose of other hardworking classic hues, such as black, slate, and taupe. In terms of silhouettes and key shapes, MacGibbon offered a range of relaxed slacks, such as
Velvet Tapered Leg Pants ($1560) and tapered High-Waisted Silk Pants ($1010), as well as generously draped pieces and oversized jackets, like the
Gathered Velvet Skirt ($1550) and
Long Twill Blazer ($2260), respectively. Other critical accessory elements came in the form of cord-and-tassel belts, soft OTK boots or lace-up booties, and petite handbags. With these set parameters, we set out in search of our ode-to- Chloé items, the results of which are spotlighted in today's Inspired By story! 1. Loeffler Randall
Oversized Blazer ($575) Though this moss-colored washed silk jacket is our priciest alternative, it's definitely a) worth the investment and b) still significantly less than the Chloé versions! Plus, we adore everything about it, from its easy cuffs to its shawl collar. 2. J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes
Tall Wedge Lace Boots ($128) Whether they come with a
wedge or in a simple
suede style, brown lace-up ankle boots are a staple at Chloé this season. So when we spotted fashion blogger Jane Aldridge's take on the brown bootie we couldn't resist including them. The shoe's two tones give it a jaunty air and we love the perforated details on the toe! 3. Erin Wasson x RVCA
EZ-E Tank ($58)Understated luxury seems to be at the heart of this Chloé collection, and we think this perfectly appointed tank has that same spirit. Designed by the lovely Erin Wasson for RVCA, the top features a number of subtly stellar design choices, like dropped armholes and a welt pocket, which make it a truly noteworthy piece. 4. French Connection
Stellas Pants ($158) If cream flannel slacks—a key piece on the Chloé runway—seem out of place in your post-Labor Day wardrobe, simply think of them as winter white. Also, don't forget that though they're pale, these French Connection trousers are made from a wool blend, so they're a great weight for transitional weather. 5. Banana Republic
Tassel Necklace ($60) Longtime WhoWhatWear.com readers know that we're outrageously fond of Banana Republic's jewelry offerings. This season, one of our favorite BR pieces is this gorgeous gold-plated tassel necklace. It references the Chloé runway perfectly (namely the cord-and-tassel belts) and is a wonderfully unexpected accent for any outfit. 6. Deena & Ozzy
Colorblock Wrap ($48)If you carefully follow the fashion week(s) wardrobe of French Vogue's editor-in-chief, Carine Roitfeld, you know that she sported one of the oversized blanket coats from Chloé's F/W 09 collection recently. While Roitfeld's style is sadly sold-out, we're quite enamored with this similar poncho/wrap from Deena & Ozzy. It has the same great draping, but is a fraction of the price! 7. Bakers
Barby Boots ($100) in Gray Suede As we mentioned earlier (and ladies like Rihanna and Anja Rubik have demonstrated in their off-duty outfits), Chloé's
Flat Over-The-Knee Boots ($1295) are the footwear choice for discerning fashion plates. But for those of us without superstar incomes, an alternative option is required. Happily, Bakers' slouchy suede boots offer similar flair at budget-friendly prices; you almost won't miss the originals! 8. Mischa Barton
Stardust Patent Trim Bag ($44) Yes, you read that correctly, this bag was designed by Mischa Barton and isn't it darling (especially at that price point)? With its long skinny strap chain and petite shape, the purse has lots of style and a hint of the eighties, all of which is key to the Chloé look!9. Topshop
Velvet Bow Playsuit ($125) in Midnight Blue If you examine the Chloé runway show, you'll immediately see several single-shoulder tops (some even embellished with bows) and enough velvet for a flock of Victorians. Perhaps that explains our love for this little romper from Topshop, which combines two Chloé essentials into one garment: velvet and an asymmetrical neckline. What more could you want?
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