The Mindy Project’s Stylist Created a Line of Mindy-Inspired Jackets

1. Swap cropped coats for long coats.

Because what good does a cropped coat do? They aren't very practical for keeping you comfy and warm, especially if you live somewhere where the temperature dips below freezing on the regular.

Plus, cropped coats often come in overly puffy, chunky styles, so they mess with your proportions, which is not flattering at all.

Instead, opt for an ever-stylish trench coat. They’re all the rage right now, plus they’ll give you that nice ‘quiet luxury’ look. Trench coats are shoppable in all sorts of fabrications, but if warmth and practicality is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend snagging a wool one.

2. Trade faux leather for real leather.

When it comes to fashion trends, investment pieces stand the test of time – which is why you shouldn’t be shopping any faux leather winter coats. Not only do they have the possibility of looking cheap-y, they might not last you as long as a real leather coat would.

Look for a real leather coat in a timeless color you know you’re going to wear again and again, like a deep brown or plain black. These neutral colors make ‘em easy to style with everything else you've got going on in your closet, plus a 100% real leather will easily stand up to any weathering as you don it throughout the years.

3. Toss any army jackets (especially camo) for leopard print coats.

Army jackets feel so 2014 – and remember when camo was all the rage? Well, it’s not so much anymore. Army jackets and camo feel so 2014 for a reason, and that’s because much trendier (and much more flattering) coats have taken center stage.

This season, try switching out your outdated army jacket for a different pattern, like leopard. Contrary to popular belief, you can wear leopard and not look too over-the-top. A basic leopard print coat (I love the fuzzy-looking ones) is an easy statement piece to throw over all-black outfits. We’ve matured past camo – try something new this time around!

4. Trade bomber jackets for barn jackets.

Bomber jackets are another ‘so 2014’ pick in my opinion. While they can work well in some instances, I don’t think they are very flattering. They typically come with elastic waistbands and wristbands, which can constrict your figure and movements in a way that just doesn’t feel good.

Loosen up a bit instead with barn jackets, AKA chore coats. They boast a roomier silhouette, plus everyone seems to be donning them right now. They add a subtle utilitarian look to any outfit, all while letting you layer up underneath with your favorite sweaters and long sleeve tees.

5. Ditch dramatic furs for more stylish shearling coats.

While I do love a bit of drama, dramatic furs are just way too extra. They can distract from your look easily and drown out your figure instead of flattering it.

I suggest toning down this “outdated” winter coat style by wearing some stylish shearling instead. Shearling will keep you just as warm, but it looks a pinch more polished. You can shop shearling coats in many colors or snag one that has mixed materials for added visual interest.

1. Cable Knit

I know it's fall when I start seeing cable knit sweaters appear online and in-store. I sound like a broken record, but they're a classic staple that everyone should have in their closets because they're:

• Unisex
• Cozy
• Flattering

You can always go for the oversized When Harry Met Sally look, or you can opt for a sleeker fit. The choice is always yours, but here's a little inspo if you're not sure which cable knit sweaters to get:

Oversized Cable Knit Sweater

The burgundy trend is alive and practically running fall — hence this beautiful cable knit sweater. Aside from the color, it falls in line with the oversized option I was talking about. This makes it a versatile piece that be styled with a mini pleated skirt, a cute satin number, or even leather leggings.

MANGO Braided Sweater

Bypass the color and opt for a cream sweater that's really going to give you that late '80s, early '90s fall style appeal. Since it's neutral, you'll be able to wear underneath a gorgeous burgundy or hunter green coat without compromising the detailed braided pattern on it.

Mixed Cable-Knit Sweater

Do we hear Mariah Carey trilling beautifully in her "All I Want For Christmas" song or is this sweater deceiving us? How about this: two things can be true at once. And, you get to look cute while putting up holiday decorations because I know you've been looking for a red sweater.

2. Cardigan

We're in our grandma eras because we love wearing cardigans, right? I'd argue and say that's not true, but some of us don't mind the foxy grandma style we've adopted.

Cardigans are always going to be top-tier because you can wear them on the days it's cool in the morning and warm in the afternoons. The thickness of their fabric will determine how much you're able to layer with it, but it's not hard to pick the perfect one based on the weather.

Don't believe me? Look at these picks!

Cozy Knit Button-Down Cardigan

Sometimes all a girl really needs is a cute cardigan that she can wear as many times as her heart desires. Lucky for you, I saw this adorable one while looking for table lamps on Target...clears throat.

Cable Knit Embroidered Cardigan

Cardigans don't have to be boring, especially when your style isn't! This one's specifically for anyone who lives a colorful life and likes for their outfits to follow suit.

Reindeer And Snow Cardigan

I promise I'm not rushing Christmas, but look at this cardigan! It has cute little reindeer and snowflakes all over it! How could I ignore someone's chance at having the greatest holiday sweater? Clearly I couldn't because you're probably looking at this and smiling too.

3. Striped Sweater

If you want that naturally preppy fall look, a striped sweater is your best option. It's one of the easiest pieces to style because it serves as the main focal point of an outfit. Here's a few Thanksgiving outfit ideas that you can pull off wearing this trend:

• Lightweight trench coat, striped sweater, straight-leg jeans, Mary Jane flats
• Leather jacket, striped sweater, satin skirt, New Balance sneakers
• Oversized striped sweater, bootcut jeans, and ankle boots

Crewneck Striped Sweater

The fun thing about striped sweaters is that they come in a variety of sizes. The thicker lines create a new dimension that works great for the oversized look IMO. You can take this sweater and wear it over a unitard, or you tuck the front into a pair of skinny jeans.

Crewneck Pullover Sweater

This pullover sweater has 'from the office to happy hour' vibes and I really like that. It's a great universal piece that isn't confined to one environment or event...AKA you need a striped sweater that's as adaptable as you are.

Shrunken Roll Neck Sweater

Again, this is strictly for my girls who love the color pink. At my core, I can't stay away from this color so I don't try anymore. Though it's vibrant, this sweater still feels preppy enough to be worn to your work or your company's country club gathering.

4. V-Neck

Show me a v-neck sweater that doesn't love all body types so I can have a word with it, please. I like this universal style because sometimes you want a different neckline outside of the usual 'crew' option some sweaters have.

Relaxed V-Neck Sweater

Look, grey isn't boring. I thought it was, but it has great potential if you're willing to work with it. Like cream or black, this sweater can be used as a neutral component of your outfit. Think black military coat and knee high boots. Bubblegum pink wool outerwear and silver shoes. Do you see where I'm going with this?

V-neck Pullover Sweater

You can always err on the side of caution and go for a taupe v-neck sweater that doesn't cause a lot of commotion. I love how this almost seems like it could've been a cropped top, but instead sits right at the waist. This makes it easier to pair with bootcut jeans.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater

When it comes to sweaters, who doesn't want a little cashmere in their closet? Unfortunately cashmere can be prohibitively expensive, BUT Quince has great — and quality — options at a much lower price point. I love this oversized look for those chilly days when you just wanna bundle up into something comfortable, but stylish.

5. Turtleneck Sweater

I have a love/hate relationship with turtleneck sweaters that stem from childhood. For the oddest reason, I used to think they were choking me and would give my mom the meanest side eye each time she'd make me wear one. However, I willingly wear them as an adult. Do I appreciate the snug feeling around my neck? No, but they look amazing when paired with leather pants or skirts.

Here are some of my faves right now!

Woodstock Wanderer Sweater

Taps microphone...The best time to wear a striped sweater really is all the time! Spongebob may have ignored his fry cook duties to sing this line, but he didn't lie. Striped sweaters are gifts that keep giving because they seem festive no matter their colorways! However, this particular sweater has Christmas stitched into every seam and we love it!

Bloomchic Turtleneck Cable Knit Sweater

Can't stand the idea of a turtleneck sweater hugging your neck like it's obsessed with you? Here's a sweater that doesn't feel so restrictive!

Mock Turtleneck Sweater

Here's another neck-friendly sweater that's as cute as it's breathable. It's like the faux version of what we're used to because no one wants to yank at their neckline every five minutes.

Turtleneck Tunic Pullover Sweater

But if you've embraced the dark side of turtlenecks, this pullover sweater won't make you gasp every time you take a breath. I'm serious, you'll love wearing it...I think.

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"