John Patrick Organic Bronze Leather Trench Coat & Black Wool Cape

Why It's Good:

A trench for all time and a cape for all occasions—you can't go wrong with Organic's classic, fresh, well-made pieces for fall.

Why It's Green:

At the vanguard of making organic cotton a growing industry, Patrick takes scrupulous care of his Peruvian farmers. With this trench coat in particular, the leather is vegetable dyed; no hazardous chemicals or toxic solvents that run off into our groundwater were used. The cape is made of American organic wool from non-genetically engineered, hormone-injected nor chemically fed (i.e., real, natural!) sheep.

Where To Get It:

Bronze vegetable-dyed leather trench coat. $1140, available at Henry Lehr in Westport, CT; call to place an order (203) 226-9772. Black organic wool cape, $405, available by special order; email johnpatrickorganic@gmail.com.

Fall's Chicest Cover-Ups

When it comes to a fall jacket, I want something that's somehow both au courant and timeless. After all, I'm going to be wearing it more than any other piece in my closet (until winter arrives without question), and probably spending more, too, so the investment better last. That's why I'm in love with Organic's bronze leather trench coat. The sophisticated color and slight distressing makes it fresh and edgy without approaching trendy, plus a trench (have you noticed?) is always in fashion. The length is especially nifty: You can imagine it looking equally kicky over trousers and this season's stiletto two-tone spectators as layered on a wool mini, leggings and tall flat boots. The classic black wool cape is versatile, too: Elegant without looking ruthless, soft without being bohemian, intercontinental without seeming London Fog, this cape could take you to work, to events, to your mother-in-law's, and back. Gloves, though foxy, are not included.