If you could peek into my closet you’d see I probably do have 50 shades of grey (sorry…couldn’t resist). So while I probably build at least one outfit a week around this color, I’m also loving how it incorporates key fall/winter essentials: a cape, OTK (over-the-knee) boots, and beanie/scarf/mittens combo.

For the outdoor part of our shoot, I had on a cozy cashmere cape that’s finished with fringe. This is just an indispensable piece to own — for travel (how great on a long flight!), for straddling seasons or locations (NYC to LA for example). I love the combination of marled yarn beanie, beautifully knit scarf and cute mittens. I actually find that mittens keep my hands warmer in the winter, especially for long, cold weather walks.

Indoors, you can see what’s underneath. My LOVE sweater of the season — bell sleeves, peplum waist. I now have it in every color offered! In keeping with my subtle grey palette, I’m wearing velvet charcoal skinnies in a snake pattern and my OTK black leather boots.

For those of us of a “certain age” the neck area seems to be something to avoid or hide, but I’m pushing myself to ignore those arbitrary (or self-imposed) constraints. I love the classic yet cool look of this wrap choker. And so did everyone else who saw it! Forget fear, flaunt what you got!

Cape: (Iris and Ink, old) but love this and this and this

Boots: (old, Stuart Weitzman) but current options here and here (promise you will love these for years…and years)

Sweater: (Ann Taylor, sold out) but pretty cool option here  (on sale! might have to get myself!!)

Jeans: (AG Goldsmith, old) but like these  and these

Beanie: (Club Monaco, old) but cute one on sale here and here

Scarf: (J Crew, sold out) but check this and this out (on sale!)

Mittens: (Portolano, old) but similar here and here

Necklace: (Ann Taylor, sold out) but love this and this

All photos by Chris & MP Allegaert