This fall, our fashionable Editor in Chief, Erika De La Cruz, embraced familiar hues and textures in an adventurous wardrobe for office, travel, and at-home wear. Rich in chocolate, burgundy, and cream hues, blending textures like satin, denim and leather, the fashion guru styled herself in ensembles inspired by trends in menswear, office siren, and the 1970s. From Dallas to New York and back to Los Angeles, we spotted the it-girl in boyish looks like oversized blazers, relaxed jeans, and leather loafers, but balanced out with flowing skirts and cowl-neck cami’s. Erika De La Cruz is the master of the boy-meets-girl aesthetic. For the hottest trends in fall fashion, scroll for 24 must-have additions to your fall wardrobe.
Park Avenue Pollyanna
Vintage textures took the driver’s seat in Erika’s wardrobe this fall. By mixing and matching denim and suede, our EIC stays sharp on cool autumn mornings. To match her vibe, step into these Tibi blue jeans. Haters may say that the high-waisted look is out, but the poofy wide-leg construction refreshes the look. Next, Erika layers this COMMENSE blazer over the denim for a warm contrast. Erika says it doesn’t matter what you wear underneath, as long as its neutral, but she swears by these comfy TECOVAS booties for daily wear. The baby heel is the same mahogany color as the blazer, without drawing too much attention. So, for a pop of dark contrast, Erika wore a black Prada bucket bag with many of her looks this season. And this purse matches her brown hair beautifully, but it also looks great on a blonde.
Simple and Chic
Charli XCX just dropped a Converse collab in October, but Erika De La Cruz has been sporting Chuck Taylor’s for years. The TV Presenter loves her faux-leather platforms, which have enough height to step up your fall wardrobe. We spotted her wearing this Rails midi-skirt, on her way to Verve for an oatmilk latte. It’s wide, A-line silhouette feels flowy, even though it’s weighed down by black denim. Also, if you are starting to get chilly in the morning, Erika stays cozy in this round-neck sweater from Mango. It’s warm and made from 100% recycled materials. And since we still have sunny weather in LA, Erika wears Coach pilot sunglasses with a sepia tint, soothing her eyes.
Deep Autumn Aesthetics
One of our favorite Erika De La Cruz moments was when she wore this elevated autumn ensemble to Latinas Disruptors Dallas in October. Never afraid of menswear, the bestselling author sported a Reformation blazer over a Dolce&Gabanna bralette. The double-breasted style is timeless on men, but has enough tapering for a flattering, feminine silhouette. Since nobody loves a pair of fall boots more than Erika, she swears by Banana Republic for these leather thigh-highs. With only an inch of height, they couldn’t be easier to walk in! And because the entire outfit is black, Erika warms it up with a plum-colored slip skirt from Vince. But watch out on a windy day, because this satin number has a generous slit up the front. Pro-fashion tip: wear the blazer open to show off your midriff at dinner this weekend.
Andes Crème de Menthe
Sometimes you need a little sweat treat for fall, and this toasty ensemble looks like a crème de mente bar that you’d find at grandma’s house. Dark chocolate and forrest greens ground the look in earth tones, but this white pleated Zara skirt sifts a creamy contrast into the mix. Any time of year, Erika swears by a statement neckline. This COMMENSE patchwork sweater layers a mock cardigan over a v-neck bodice: giving the effect of a sweetheart silhouette. How innovative? For everyday strolls, the EIC keeps it cozy in these kitten-heeled Madewell booties. And with the holidays approaching, Erika loves her pine-green tote from Anthropology. It’s the right size for business flights to New York, or for car rides home for the holidays.
Witching Hour
We think that Erika De La Cruz stole this skirt out of Stevie Nick’s closet. Sold at Banana Republic, this wind-catcher of a skirt twirls and whirls while she walks in these Steve Madden heels. Always on-the-go, Erika’s wardrobe is all about movement this season. As a call to the 70’s, the best-selling author dons a cowl-necked cami. It’s satin shine and free-flowing construction glides from her tippie’s to her shoulders in this L-Agence number. Finally, now that daylight saving time has come to an end, this heart-shaped, onyx necklace from Thatch has a touch of darkness for autumn wear.
Slicked Back Chic
Kick, skip, and jump in these wide-leg jeans from Citizens of Humanity. Erika loves to play up its dynamic shape with a sharp silhouette on top…and this Italian wool J-Crew vest does the trick! Are you brave enough to wear it open? After Saturday nights at Tatel, you might find Erika stepping out in these Madewell loafers on her way to jazz at Bar Lis.
Pulling off a chic look, like this, Erika loves slicking her hair back. Achieve a high-pony or chignon in seconds, with the NEXXUS Slick Stick and this Amazon bristle brush. Also from Amazon, we love these cat-eyed sunnies for snatched eyes! And with a gold orb Bagatiba necklace, this monochromatic ensemble has just enough edge for jazz nights and dinners out. Speaking of jazz, check out our favorite jazz clubs here!
And for more must-have, fall styles, check out our round-up of the best fall boot brands here.