Cooler weather has arrived – and with it, outerwear! When I’m not lounging on the couch in cozy loungewear (with a fall-scented candle and jazz music in the background, of course), you’ll find me taking all my favorite fall pieces for a spin – including layers and jackets galore. From barn jackets to trench coats, let’s dive into some (actually real this time) fall outfit inspiration!
1. cardigan + barn jacket + jeans + loafers
There’s nothing wrong with denim jackets, but one way I’ve been subtly updating my fall wardrobe is by giving mine a break and bringing out a barn jacket instead. This piece is more versatile than you might think – it’s giving casual, it’s giving rugged, it’s giving preppy.
You can wear it with skinny jeans and boots to live out your countryside fashion dreams, or use it to dress down an outfit, like mine above. A barn jacket doesn’t just have to be casual and rugged; when paired with a cardigan, jeans, and loafers, it takes on a casually chic touch. This one from Lands’ End is amazing quality and feels like a sturdy piece I’ll be wearing for years to come.
2. black dress + cropped trench coat + knee-high boots
Some people might not wear their LBDs that often – and that’s totally fine – but I certainly do! It’s all about finding the right one (or ones) that work for you. Not every little black dress needs to be something fancy you save for cocktail parties. While it can be, your wardrobe might benefit more from a silhouette that you actually find comfortable and wearable.
I love this dress (it’s an older piece) because the high neckline offers great coverage, the fit-and-flare silhouette is feminine, flattering, and comfortable, and the sleeveless design makes it easy to layer both under and over. On its own, it’s not particularly fancy, but if I had a cocktail party to attend, I’d dress it up with slingback heels. Hopefully, that helps you see that the right wardrobe is about being right for you.
Oh, and before we go to the next look — let’s talk cropped trench coats. I love and wear my full-length one plenty, but this cropped style from Sézane has been in rotation too! Sometimes it’s the practical choice — a warmish day when you don’t need a lot of thickness — and other times it’s the aesthetic choice: the cropped style looks great with a flared skirt. And sometimes, it’s simply the choice because you like it! How cute is that plaid lining for fall?
Related: We Think These Are the 12 Best Sézane Pieces for Classic French Style
3. red sweater + leopard print jeans + red ballet flats
Red and leopard print are still going strong! Though I didn’t need a jacket on this particular day, the outfit still gives all the fall aesthetic vibes without one. Plus, a short-sleeve sweater is such an underrated wardrobe staple. If you frequently deal with fluctuating weather or your autumn season doesn’t get too chilly, a short-sleeve sweater strikes the perfect balance between summer and fall.
Related: 12 Hot Fall Outfits to Wear When Autumn Still Feels Like Summer
4. oxford shirt + polo sweater + quilted jacket + skinny jeans + riding boots
What does one wear to a fall winery? Well, I can’t speak for everyone, but this is what I wore! For walking through grassy fields, riding boots provide both a sturdy base and plenty of style. I love this season for all the layering opportunities, and the combo of a button-up and a sweater is such a timeless classic. Speaking of layers, I’m obsessed with this quilted jacket from Lands’ End – it’s lightweight and reversible. Not only do you get two looks in one, but you can also cuff the sleeves for a fun pop of color!
5. polo shirt + denim skirt + trench coat + knee-high boots
Nothing in this outfit is from this season – but that’s the beauty of some looks, right? They don’t need to be new to look good. That’s why we’re always preaching the power of investing in timeless basics! I’ll go to my grave raving about the benefits of a capsule wardrobe – especially in a time when it feels like people are more interested in massive clothing hauls than in building a classic closet. So, you’ll have to pry my trench coat and striped tops from my cold, dead hands. (Also, what’s with my doom and gloom jokes? Beats me!)
6. oxford shirt + jeans + heeled clogs + belt
Something about this outfit is giving boho retro. And when I put it on, I almost thought I looked like Cindy Crawford. I know – it’s probably bad etiquette to compare yourself to a supermodel, but I wasn’t talking about looks here!
Cindy’s known for her classic style, especially her love of bootcut jeans and button-ups. And what do her outfits always have? Belts. (Photo evidence here and here.) So, channeling that ’90s supermodel energy, I gave the outfit a fall twist with these heeled clogs. They were a hit during the hippie movement and were often worn with bell-bottom jeans and bohemian styles.
These days, flat clogs are more common (have you seen the new ones with the strap?), but why not bring back the retro versions every now and then? By the way, this under $100 Oxford shirt is one I own in multiple colors. It’s called “The Must-Have” for a reason!
7. oxford shirt + sweater vest + mini skirt + tights + loafers
There’s something about preppy style in the fall season… it just works! Button-ups/Oxford shirts and sweater vests (sometimes even worn together) make regular appearances in my fall outfits. After all, if you can’t embrace the academia vibes in autumn, then when can you?
While I tend to keep my outfits mostly neutral, I love incorporating fall colors – like burgundy! With burgundy socks and a matching bag, this preppy fall outfit feels perfectly complete. And if you want your outfit to feel complete complete, feel free to throw on a trench coat for that extra fall layer.
Fall Outfit Inspiration
My last outfit post featured transitional looks, since the weather hadn’t quite caught up with the calendar. But now, with October more than halfway through, cooler weather has arrived, and I’ve been loving all the jackets and layers. If fall is your favorite outfit season, too, then the moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here!
When it comes to timeless fall outfit ideas, you need the right pieces. Check out 10 Classic Fall & Winter Staples That Will Outlast Every Trend
Loving the denim on denim. The clogs totally change it up! Also the academia look – very gamine!
Thanks! Loving the academia looks for this season.