Even though back to school seems like it should signal the start of fall weather, for most of us, that isn’t exactly the case! Summer temps are still holding on strong here in the Midwest, and probably will until a good way into September (maybe even longer). As much as I’m craving cozy, rainy days and spiced chai lattes, I know that I can still get my fall fix with the right outfits in the meantime. Keep reading for 9 early fall outfits that will give you the perfect taste of autumn… while still being weather-friendly!
1. black vest + jeans + sandals + straw bag
vest | jeans | sandals | bag | necklace
If you love a chic, yet effortless look for the weekend, you’re in luck. This first look is easy to recreate with the help of a few wardrobe staples! Start with a pair of straight-leg or slim-cut jeans. For the sake of this outfit, go for a medium wash – this shade is perfect for transitional weather.
Next, reach for a vest top in a neutral color. If you want to lean into the fall vibes, a classic black version is classy and the perfect deep color for autumn. When the weather finally does cool down, this vest top doubles as a great layering piece!
As for your accessories, go for warm-weather necessities. Open-toed sandals help keep you cool and are comfortable enough for a busy day spent shopping or running errands. Meanwhile, a woven tote ties back into your shoes with its leather handles. Finish the look with a gold pendant necklace, and you’re ready to go enjoy the last bit of warm weather for the year!
2. barn jacket + t-shirt + shorts + riding boots
shorts | tee | jacket | boots | belt
One of the pieces that I’m most excited to pull out for fall again? A barn jacket! This piece already has me reminiscing about a recent trip to England, because it’s the perfect outerwear for the English countryside. However, when it comes to early fall outfits, you’ll want to hold off on pairing it with classic denim and heavy sweaters.
Instead, opt for classic warm-weather pieces to start your look. Think a pair of white pleated shorts and a white t-shirt. Then, layer on your jacket! Add a pair of leather knee-high boots and a coordinating belt. This will tie your whole look together, which would fit right in for an evening stroll in the Cotswolds.
3. black vest + khaki tailored shorts + flats + belt
vest | shorts | belt | shoes | earrings | sunglasses | bag
Want more ideas about how to style your sleeveless vest as part of early fall outfits? Try pairing it with a tailored pair of shorts. A pair of trouser shorts is an elevated alternative to your favorite pair of denim cut-offs. They’ll give any outfit a more polished, sophisticated look – all while helping you stay cool.
As for your accessories, think timeless, elegant pieces. A black belt helps to give your outfit a more finished look and highlights your natural waist for a flattering effect. Meanwhile, you can swap out your summer sandals for a more fall-appropriate pair of Mary Jane flats. Then, when it comes to your bag, think structured, with minimal details – this type of bag will never go out of style! Oval sunglasses and a pair of gold stud earrings round out your ensemble.
4. off-white jeans + white t-shirt + beige sweater + clogs
jeans | tee | sweater | shoes | bag | necklace | hair clip
Yes, you can wear white after Labor Day! In fact, your white or off-white denim pieces are perfect for early fall outfits. They’ll still fit in with your other bright, light warm-weather pieces, while also giving you a little extra coverage for chilly mornings or cool nights.
Try styling a monochromatic look for a casual Saturday with white and off-white pieces. Start with your off-white jeans. On top, layer a cozy sweater over a white t-shirt. The white t-shirt underneath adds just the right amount of contrast and dimension.
As for your accessories, lean into fall fabrics and textures to balance out the more summery pieces of the rest of your look. A suede shoulder bag, clogs, a gold necklace, and a tortoiseshell claw clip are the perfect final touches to your casual chic outfit.
5. jeans + white t-shirt + crop trench + sneakers + tote bag
coat | tee | jeans | sneakers | bag | sunglasses
Sometimes less is more, and that goes for your outfits, too. If you want to keep things simple, you can’t get much more classic than a white t-shirt and jeans. This simple outfit formula will never go out of style, and it’s perfect for creating early fall outfits.
The perfect piece of fall outerwear might just be a trench coat, and a cropped version is the ideal way to ease into cool autumn temperatures. Plus, it adds just the right amount of Parisian chic style to your outfit! Next, add another French-approved style – a Longchamp tote bag. It’s perfect for holding all of your necessities (and more) for the day while you’re out and about. Finally, a pair of leopard print sneakers is the cherry on top of this simple, yet stylish outfit idea.
6. oversized button-up shirt + jeans + burgundy loafers + burgundy sweater + watch
jeans | top | shoes | watch | sweater
Sometimes it’s the little details that change the aesthetic of your outfit the most, and make the biggest difference in your overall look! For instance, adding a few fall-ready favorites can instantly transport your look from summer to a cozy fall scene.
A breezy white button-down and jeans might be a summer favorite formula, but you can adapt this look for fall with a few easy additions. First, tie a sweater (in a rich fall color like burgundy) around your shoulders. Even if it’s not quite cool enough to actually layer the sweater over your shirt, this adds a preppy touch in the perfect autumn hue.
Next, reincorporate burgundy into your outfit with another classic academia-inspired accessory – a pair of loafers. Finish your look with a gold bracelet watch. This is the perfect look for casual Friday at the office, meeting a friend for lunch, or browsing your local bookstore for your next read.
7. beige skirt + white t-shirt + brown blazer + brown flats + brown bag
top | bag | shoes | blazer | skirt | necklace | watch | earrings
Have you reached for a long white skirt again and again this summer? If a white midi or maxi skirt has been on heavy rotation in your warm-weather outfits, you can style it for fall with a few styling swaps.
First, consider swapping out your bright white style for a slightly more muted color, like beige. On top, you can add contrast with a white t-shirt and a chocolate brown blazer. Then, choose chocolate brown versions of your go-to accessories. A suede tote bag, a leather watch, and ballet flats are ideal if you’re dressing for the office. Add minimalist gold jewelry for the finishing touch to the perfect early fall work outfit.
8. off-white jeans + striped tee + denim shirt + green trench coat + clogs + belt + straw bag
top | denim shirt | jeans | shoes | belt | coat | bag
Love the grounded, earthy shades in a fall color palette? Colors like khaki, olive, beige, tan, and brown are the perfect neutrals for styling early fall outfits.
Check activities off your fall bucket list in this outfit that’s as stylish as it is practical. To build your look, start with a pair of off-white jeans, paired with a classic white t-shirt. Next, layer on a denim button-up shirt – it adds texture, color, and warmth to your look. To keep out early fall wind and rain, choose a trench coat in khaki or olive green for your outerwear.
Suede clogs are easy to slip on, comfortable to wear, and perfect for your fall looks. As far as handbags, accessorize with a straw tote bag – it’s an aesthetic touch from summer to transition into early autumn, and is large enough to hold any finds from your local farmer’s market or festivals! Finish your look with a leather belt, and you’re ready to head out and enjoy a beautiful fall day in style.
9. jeans + white t-shirt + denim shirt + red sweater + clogs + red handbag
top | denim shirt | shoes | jeans | bag
All-denim looks are having a moment, but they’re also a staple in fall style! Here’s how to style a denim-on-denim look for modern-day fashion. (No Justin and Brittany comparisons, here). First, go for a lighter shade of denim for your top and jeans for early fall. Underneath, choose a white t-shirt. This helps to break up your two denim pieces.
Next, add a pop of color – bright red is perfect for autumn. Tie a sweater around your shoulder (perfect for layering if you need a little extra warmth when the sun sets), and a red suede bag. Finish your look with a pair of suede clogs and white socks.
Your Guide to a Stylish Start to Fall
We’ll be diving headfirst into cool weather before we know it, but in the meantime, it’s a fun challenge to style fall outfits while also enjoying the sunshine-filled days and warm temperatures! These 9 fall outfits will make getting dressed in the transitional season a breeze.
Ready for more on fall fashion? Up Next: 10 Iconic Paris Fall Outfits to Channel Your Inner Parisian
Your early fall outfits are spot on. I appreciate your style and turn to it for inspiration. Thank you for all the amazing classic fashion ideas!
I am so thrilled to hear that, Teddi! Thank you. And I’m glad you find this helpful!
I really enjoy your sense of style. I’m partial to navy and would love to see some combinations in that colour. Keep up the great combinations!
Thanks so much, we’ll keep that in mind!