Bonjour September: Trench Coats, Fall Layers, and Birthday Moments
Shop the Look | Sizing & Details below
September has arrived, and I could not be more excited. It always feels like a fresh start, a little reset before the coziness of fall truly settles in. And because it also happens to be my birthday month, I might be a little biased when I say it is my favorite! Cake, candles, and chic trench coats? That is basically the perfect recipe for happiness!
This past weekend I celebrated my birthday in Cancún and it was such a beautiful way to welcome a new year of life! On top of that, I also got to celebrate friends getting married, the best kind of weekend! I have linked some of my looks from the trip here in case you are planning your next tropical vacation and need a little style inspiration!
Back home in Southern California, the days are still warm but the mornings and evenings are beginning to cool off. That means it is trench coat season, and lately I have been reaching for this cropped version on repeat. It is effortless, easy to throw on, and feels just right for transitional weather. I have had my eye on the Sézane Bobby Jacket for ages (if you know, you know, it sells out constantly), but until I can snag one in my size, this alternative has been a nice placeholder. While the quality does not quite compare to the French original, it still gives me that vibe I love!
The Look: Easy Chic for September
When it comes to transitional outfits, I always find myself reaching for the pieces I know I will wear again and again. This look is built from some of my all-time favorites:
Cropped trench coat: Light and versatile, the perfect layer for September mornings and evenings. It adds structure without ever feeling heavy.
Wearing size S.
Favorite denim: The Baggy Daddy from Levi’s is a dream! The linen blend makes them incredibly comfortable, while the relaxed cut still feels polished enough to elevate simple looks.
Wearing size 27.
The perfect white tee: Crisp, clean, and timeless. It’s the kind of piece that works as a foundation year-round.
Wearing size M.
Black ballet flats: My go-to for everything from errands to coffee dates. Chic, minimal, and instantly French-inspired.
Wearing size 6.5.
Structured crossbody bag: Simple, practical, and always polished. The kind of bag that ties any outfit together.
Navy cap with white embroidery: Casual yet intentional, and this one is especially special to me. It is part of the Los Angeles Je T’aime initiative, which began after the devastating fires in January of this year as a way to show support and love for our hometown and its people. One hundred percent of the profits from each sale are donated to the American Red Cross, which provides safe shelter, food, essentials, and support for those affected by disasters. Made in L.A., it is a simple piece with a big impact!
This look feels like the definition of September dressing: easy, chic, and ready to carry you from coffee runs to evenings by the coast!
How to Style a Cropped Trench
I am working on a video that will share some more of my favorite ways to style cropped trench coats, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
Coffee run chic: Pair your cropped trench with denim, a simple tee, and ballet flats for a polished yet effortless everyday look.
Evening elegance: Throw it over a slip dress with strappy sandals or loafers for a lightweight layer that still feels elevated.
Workday polish: Style it with tailored trousers, a silk blouse, and loafers for a smart yet relaxed outfit that transitions seamlessly from desk to dinner.
Weekend strolls: Layer over a knit sweater with wide-leg trousers and sneakers for a casual yet put-together weekend look.
Parisian touch: Wear it with a striped Breton top, slim denim, and loafers or ballet flats for a timeless French-inspired outfit.
Layered for fall: Add a chunky knit underneath, paired with midi skirts or dresses and ankle boots, for those cooler days that call for cozy sophistication.
The cropped trench is one of those pieces that makes even the simplest outfits feel intentional, and it is a silhouette I see becoming more and more popular this season.
Final Notes
September brings with it a sense of possibility, a chance to refresh your wardrobe, embrace new tones, and lean into the effortless layering that makes French style so timeless. Whether it is investing in a trench coat you will wear on repeat, discovering new brands that inspire you, or simply celebrating the little joys of the season (like a slice of birthday cake for me), this month is the perfect balance of chic and cozy.
Here is to a season filled with trench coats, autumn colors, and endless outfit inspiration. I cannot wait to share all the looks, travels, and discoveries with you as we step into fall together. Keep an eye out for my upcoming video where I will be styling the cropped trench in some of my favorite outfits.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also love:
Simplicité en Trench: 4 Classic Looks for the Pre-Fall Season
Suede Layers for L’Entre-Saison: 4 Effortless Pre-Fall Outfits
With Amour,
M.