Gather up some warm bread and a hunk of cheese, fill a thermos with something nice and hot, and put on a cozy sweater for an autumn picnic (or tailgating party) while the season is still at its glorious best.

My friend Ashley and I headed to Chicago’s Humboldt Park recently with a basket of goodies and some warm coffee. (Ashley takes beautiful photos AND makes the best coffee.)

I’m wearing a skirt from H+M, on sale here, with a 10 Crosby Derek Lam sweater, which I found on sale at Neiman Marcus and which is still available through Barneys Wharehouse. Note that I bought the petite sweater because I wanted it to be kind of cropped for skirts. I also wore the skirt with the detail off to the side for a slightly asymmetrical look (which, truth be told, was sort of an accident—but a good one, I think).

I found the Chanel boots at last year’s Christmas sale at Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the two times a year when Chanel shoes go on sale. That time is coming soon so GET READY.

TIP: Pre-fall merchandise goes on sale by the first week of September. It’s a great time to pick up those transitional pieces that will serve you well during autumn and late winter/early spring.

Outfit photos by Ashley of Sed Bona.

Hope you are enjoying autumn.