With fall officially here, it’s time to break out all the cozy outfits… right? Well, not exactly. I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but fall in the Midwest can quite literally swing 30–40 degrees from day to day. While that can make outfit planning a bit tricky, what can I say – I do love a challenge! If you’re looking for fall outfit inspiration with layers and a transitional vibe, read on.
1. striped sweater + mini skirt + knee-high boots
This striped short-sleeve cashmere sweater from Quince is a favorite. Well, to be fair, I have a lot of favorite pieces from Quince (they’re one of our favorite retailers at MCO, after all), but this one is up there. It’s soft, lightweight for warmer weather, and chic. What’s not to love?
For a dinner in the city, I paired my sweater with another favorite wardrobe staple I wear all the time: the Dream mini skirt from Everlane. I know the mini length is not for everyone, though you can always add more coverage with tights.
Though I don’t have a favorite brand for knee-high boots yet (these are older from Nordstrom), I absolutely love the style. Whether you like kitten heel, block heel, or no heel, knee-high boots are a style that belongs in every fall and winter capsule wardrobe! You can wear them over skinny jeans or with shorts – they’re great for adding a nod of fall to your looks without dressing in head-to-toe autumn.
2. white tee + cableknit sweater + jeans + boat shoes + socks + tote bag + baseball cap
On its own, an outfit consisting of a sweater and jeans may not feel very special or “fall-y”, but the details and selection of accessories are what make it shine. Let’s start with the tops. A white tee is a perfect layer under your sweater. Not only does the pop of white add a little something something, but you can always remove the sweater if you get too warm. The cable knit detail is perfect for fall, and cuffing the sleeves is a small styling trick that adds some extra detail, but also cools you down a little, too.
Want to make your outfit feel like autumn? Add suede accessories and darker tones; this is key to styling hot fall outfits! The chocolate brown boat shoes + the chocolate brown shopper tote add in the autumn touches. Plus, who doesn’t love a coordinating moment? Burgundy socks are a small detail that can add more seasonal touches without overheating your look!
3. oxford shirt + cashmere sweater + blazer + neck scarf + jeans + loafers + socks
This look has a lot of layers, but they can easily be removed without sacrificing your look.
For a day in the city, I wore this preppy-inspired ensemble with an Oxford shirt, my favorite cashmere sweater, my favorite oversized blazer, jeans, and a silk scarf. Once the weather warmed up, I removed the scarf and cashmere sweater, and still had a chic look!
As you can see again, pairing socks with loafers is one of my favorite ways to add a pop of style. It’s low-key and low effort, but produces big results! It’s a style tip I picked up in Paris a few years ago, and have been implementing it since.
4. sleeveless top + denim skirt + mules + belt + sweater (optional)
I’ve heard mixed feelings about denim skirts – from those who are glad they’re “in” again to those who are traumatized from wearing them when they were younger – and both are okay! Though I’m not here to convince you one way or the other, I do want to let you know they can be updated.
Though I’m usually a clean, no-rips kind of girl when it comes to my denim, I don’t mind a little bit of distressing for denim skirts – it helps make this piece feel current and modern. Other ways to make it feel current, casual, and cute for this weather? Try pairing it with a sleeveless top, mules/loafer slides, and a belt. To complete the outfit, casually drape or tie a coordinating sweater around your shoulders. It adds the perfect preppy fall touch without too much weight!
5. white tee + blazer + leopard print slip skirt + sneakers
Cute fall style doesn’t always have to be olive green, chocolate brown, and burgundy! Though those colors are great, there’s just something about leopard print. Though I love it year-round, it’s a great print to pull out for the autumn season, too.
I love finding ways to combine cute and casual style, and this outfit idea is a great example of that. Your casual pieces (sneakers, t-shirt) are an unexpected yet stylish pairing with your slip skirt and blazer. Pairing these together is the perfect way to be on the go… effortlessly!
6. chambray shirt + corduroy pants + suede loafer slides
Though I believe in the rule of 4 (adding another element to your top + bottom + shoes combo), you don’t always need it. This subtle fall outfit plays on the elements of fall in a low-key way – perfect for you casual dressers. A chambray shirt is a fresh pairing with off-white corduroy pants. Slip on suede shoes and you’re good to go!
Backless, slip-on shoes are one of my favorite ways to navigate transitional weather. Sometimes you can’t decide what type of shoe you should wear, and these encapsulate both summer and autumn perfectly.
7. white tee + red cardigan + jeans + loafers
Your favorite outfit combos might not always be clothing pieces. Though I certainly have go-to outfits I love (blazer + tee + jeans + ankle boots, for one), I also have favorite styles I love paired together. Case in point: Leopard print + red!
I’ll try many different reiterations of this combo, and I’ll never tire. Starting with my favorite base (white tee + jeans), in this outfit, I added a pop of red with this Sezane cardigan and a pop of leopard print with these (also Sezane) loafers. You can get creative with how you style your cardigan, too. Tuck it in, let it hang, button all, button none, button one, wear it backwards… It’s a humble wardrobe piece that carries maximum styling potential!
A Week of Fall Outfit Ideas
Though ideally we want to dress for the calendar, sometimes we have to dress for the weather. And though these outfits don’t scream “fall”, they add a nod to the season while still being practical. Use these real-life outfits as inspiration as you plan for your own transitional fall outfits.
Inspired by the red cardigan outfit? Here are 10 Red Cardigan Outfit Ideas You’ll Definitely Want to Recreate
