As the fall season approaches, if you are unsure of what to wear to feel and look your best, use this as a step-by-step guide you can come back to over and over. When you look your best, you feel your best.
Jacket Moment:
As the weather starts getting a little chillier, a staple jacket is a must-have.. One of the easiest ways to spice up a basic outfit while being practical is to throw on a cute jacket. Say, for example, you have a pair of jeans and a cute black cami (a basic black tee works too), you can pop on a jacket to keep warm while staying chic. A dark brown suede jacket (like this pricier one from Zara) could add a cozy, cool girl vibe. Or if you wanted to play with texture a bit, you could do a denim on denim look with a cute jacket (like this one from Levi’s). Moving on to trendier jackets, a trench coat is a fashion staple in your closet. Whether it’s a shorter version (like this one from NA-KD) to add some edge to your style, or a longer one, (like this pricer one from Aritzia) to dress up a casual outfit for dinner, trench coats are the perfect fall jacket that let the rain roll off on those gloomy autumn days and keep you warm on a cool, crisp evening, yet still look stylish and classy. One last fall jacket (that is very trendy right now) is the quilted jacket. These jackets (like this white one from Zara) are perfect cottage core, yet also elevate a basic outfit. Whether you want a form-fitting jacket, a slouchier one, something textured, or more basic, the outerwear you choose can not only keep you warm for the “ber” (more like “brrr” months), but also personalizes your style and brings an outfit together.
Decoding Collared Tops:
The collar you wear says a lot about you. Dressier collars, like button-downs (such as this one from Princess Polly, this one from Reformation, or even this one from Lands End), can give off office siren chic, or dress uniform on mass days at Stone Ridge. Sportier collars like rugby shirts (something like this one from J-Crew) can not only be the perfect layering piece, but also a cozy sweater for brisk mornings. Rugby shirts are the perfect way to add masculine pieces to your wardrobe; mix them with feminine pieces for a more elevated look. The last collar to talk about is a recent trend: the peter pan collar. This cottage core piece can be hit or miss; the look can be the cutest addition to any wardrobe, if styled right, and a fashion fail if not. Pieces like this less in-your-face one from Reformation, or this plaid one from Cider, can be cute additions to your wardrobe that won’t make you look like Wednesday Addams, unless that’s what you want (in which case I’m fully supportive). The collar you wear is up to you, but it’s very indicative of your personal style and can be played with in fun and creative ways.
From Casual to Chic: Tops and Sweaters for Every Season
With tops, the important thing for fall is a) will it keep you warm?, b) will it go with any outfit you wear?, and c) can you layer it? What do I mean by can you layer it? Well, have you ever seen those girls who look effortlessly chic with their cute jeans, maybe a pair of boots or some flats, and a cardigan with one button at the top and a cute top underneath? Yes, those outfits are some of the most fall-coded outfits. If you still don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s a good example: you throw on a pair of blue jeans (I recommend either straight leg or flare jeans) with a black leather belt, a pair of mini black boots, a dark grey knit cardigan with (and you can play with this part) only the top button done or the bottom two done, and a black cami with a pretty trim at the top (like this form-fitting one from Aerie or this looser one from Old Navy). These types of tops are versatile and serve as base layers, pairing with sweaters of all kinds (like this reference photo on Pinterest). If the lace trim is uncomfortable, any basic tank top can work too. Sweaters are the best thing you can wear in the fall! They’re not only cozy, but they add an extra layer of elegance to any outfit. In general, v-neck sweaters (like this short-sleeved one from DesignBySi) are some of my favorites, and they can be paired in many ways for a relaxed or more structured look. For a relaxed vibe, put the v-neck piece off the shoulder and pair it with a cute pair of fold-over pants (like these classic grey ones from Brandy Melville). For a more elegant vibe, pair the v-neck with a collared shirt that peeps out and add a trench coat, some dress pants, and a pair of boots. Aside from v-neck sweaters, cardigans (like this one from Edikted), buttoned (like this one from Zara), or off-the-shoulder sweaters (like this one from Subdued) also add a level of comfort while still being chic.
Bottoms for Every Occasion:
Bottoms are a big source of contention especially since it is nearly impossible to find a good pair of pants that look and fit amazingly. Starting with trending jeans right now, flare jeans (like these light blue ones from Princess Polly) are a cute staple for fall and have been trending, especially with the “Stockholm” style. These can be paired with almost anything, but my favorite is to pair them with a short-sleeve sweater (for a warmer fall day) and a tortoiseshell headband. For a slouchier, more comfortable pair of jeans, straight leg jeans (like this pair with studs from Princess Polly) can be perfect. Again, they can be paired with anything, including the sweater example from before or maybe a going-out top for a party look. Straying away from jeans, dress pants, as I alluded to before, can be a great way to bring elegance and “office siren chic” to a fall wardrobe as the weather gets colder. You can opt for a pair of wide-leg dress pants (like these ones from Bershka that all of the French girls are wearing) or a pair of boot cut ones (like these basic black ones from Bershka or these bolder ones from Princess Polly) are a unique way to add workwear into your everyday fall fits. Skorts are also having a moment right now. With the transitional season, skorts help you keep a comfortable temperature during these months. Skorts can range from denim (like this one from Pacsun, technically Edikted) paired with a sweater for a cute pumpkin patch fit, to pleated (like this one from Motel Rocks), or even a basic black skort (like this one from Free People). Skorts also provide some security with the shorts underneath for an extra level of comfort. There is a lot of versatility with the types of bottoms you can wear in fall!
Sneaker Must-Haves:
Moving on to footwear, sneakers are a must-have for every season, but having a standard pair of white sneakers (like these Vejas or these New Balances) can be a great shoe for any outfit. With the cozy fall season, if you want to spice things up a bit, adding a pop of color or a neutral color shoe (like these cheetah print Adidas or this more neutral pair of Adidas) is a fun way to do so.
Boots for the Fall Season:
Aside from sneakers, boots are THE BEST addition to your shoe collection. The must-have boots of the season are brown knee-high boots (like this pair from Princess Polly or this more expensive pair from Sam Edelman). Boots add elegance to your outfit, and they pair well with a skirt and some chunky socks underneath. For a more interesting textured boot, suede ones are trending (like these Frye ones) or try a cowboy boot (like this pair from Free People). To pair with jeans, a shorter boot (like these brown ones from Sezane) can work well to dress up a pair of jeans.
Office Shoes For Everyday:
Scrolling through Pinterest, there is a dressier shoe trend that leans towards pairing outfits with little ballet flats (like these brown Sam Edelman ones or these Mary Jane ones from Sezane) or slingback heels (like this pair from Sezane). I love these trends as they add uniqueness and elegance to any fall outfit. While I love a comfy shoe like a sneaker, whenever I get a chance to wear a cute kitten-heel, it makes me immediately feel so put together and happy with the way my outfit turned out.
Ultimately…
Fashion can be intimidating, so hopefully this has helped clarify what’s in style and helps you pick what works for you. After all trends come and go, but what matters is developing your personal style and being true to what you love!
