Dear Westcoasters,

WTF IS THIS WEATHER? Yeah, I have no idea either. It’s almost as if the entire world were overheating, like our collective asses had accidentally turned up the oven dial and now the smoke alarm is blaring. Weird. It looks like we’ll be keeping our coats in the closet for at least a few more weeks. Before we pump the breaks on all our checks and stripes, let us remember we can still honor the fall is other ways.

Should you feel the need to dive into the season with all your clothes on, respect the fall color palette—olive, chocolate brown, plum and of course pumpkin spice (I’m still talking clothes, not snacks). Traditionally, fall manifests in a cornucopia of warm tones and shades of coffee. Whether you prefer almond milk or mocha, an earthy neutral is a staple. For example, one cannot go wrong with a lightweight oatmeal colored poncho in cashmere. Something to float over your ensemble once the sun has stopped screaming from the sky. A cape also works, bonus points if it has a hood.

Even if the days refuse to cloud over you can still walk out in your boots and booties. This is not to say you can’t still milk your sandals for all they’re worth, it’s just that somewhere after the thirteenth hour on my feet I’m usually happier with some arch support. If you can hoof it in a heel, more power to you. God has truly shown her light upon you, bless up. However, I am leaning toward the shoe of the season manifesting itself in boots form. Time will tell if this premonition is correct. Fingers crossed. And while we’re crossing those finger let’s also say a prayer for cooler temps—before the moths finish eating all my cashmeres…