When a new season rolls around, it can be a challenge to reset our retrain and shift our focus to a whole new genre of outfits! What helps to make this a smooth style transition? Having a list of go-to women’s fall outfits to kickstart a brand new season of chic looks. If you need a little inspiration, keep reading for easy fall outfit formulas that you can save for cooler weather. What’s great about this list is that it’s full of capsule staples that you might already have waiting for you in your autumn wardrobe from last year!
1. barn jacket + cable knit sweater + neck scarf + jeans + ankle boots
barn jacket | jeans | boots | neck scarf | sweater
Our first look is inspired by the English countryside – one of my favorite fall aesthetics. English style is perfect for fall – it’s full of cozy cable knits, classic barn jackets, timeless denim, and practical (yet chic) boots.
For a look befitting an autumnal stroll through the Cotswolds, reach for a pair of straight-leg jeans, a warm sweater (even better if it’s cable knit to add texture), and a chore or barn jacket. You can have some fun with the colors here – any autumn neutrals will do.
Finish your look with just two accessories – a red neck scarf for a pop of color, and a pair of ankle boots. You can always choose a pair with a slight heel if you like, but for active fall days, I prefer a very minimal heel height. Now, you have the perfect look for the farmer’s market, apple picking, or spotting autumn colors.
2. turtleneck + blazer + jeans + tote bag + gold hoops + loafers
jeans (similar) | turtleneck | blazer | loafers | tote bag | earrings
Although most of these looks are full of basic staple pieces, it’s fun to mix in a pattern now and again to show some personality. A pair of leopard print jeans is exactly what I’m talking about! At MCO, we believe leopard print is a staple – so although these pants might not be your classic blue jeans, you can wear them year after year without worrying about them being a fleeting trend.
As for the rest of your look, keep things simple to let your statement jeans shine. If you’re dressing for a weekend lunch or casual Friday, style a cozy knit and an oversized blazer on top. Next, accessorize with a leather work tote that has enough space for your laptop and daily essentials, a timeless pair of loafers, and minimalist gold huggie hoops.
3. white tee + sweater + jeans + hoops + ankle boots + belt + shoulder bag
white tee | sweater | jeans | boots | belt | earrings | bag
Jeans and a sweater is a fall outfit formula I go back to time and time again. The reason? It always works, and it’s easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. If you’re in the mood for a classy yet casual outfit, reach for a crewneck sweater worn over a white tee, paired with classic straight-leg jeans. As for shoes, a pair of leather ankle boots will fit neatly under the width of your jeans for a streamlined look.
Accessories are key to making your look appear more intentional and put together. Reach for a leather belt, a structured shoulder bag, and gold hoop earrings to finish things off. And if you need one more layer to stay cool on a chilly fall evening, consider a leather jacket to add a bit of edge!
4. white button-up shirt + leggings + hoops + mules + tote bag
button-up shirt | leggings | mules | earrings | tote bag
If you work from home, you know the drill – professional on top, casual on the bottom. The best work from home looks get you in the mindset of the office, while still being cozy enough to wear around the house. This outfit formula gives you the perfect balance: an oversized button-down paired with soft leggings.
Want to move your work to a coffee shop for a few quiet hours outside of the house? This look is perfect for that, too. Just pack your work tote with your laptop and charger, and slide on a pair of leather mule loafers. Add a pair of gold hoop earrings to your jewelry, and you’re all set to power through your morning (and look chic doing it).
5. turtleneck + trousers + leather purse + slingback heels
turtleneck | trousers | heels | bag
Don’t worry, I also have an outfit formula for you if you work in the office! Instead of leggings, you’ll want a more elevated style of pants – a wide-leg trouser from Everlane is perfect. The vertical pleats and high waist on this pair make for an especially flattering fit.
On top, you can’t go wrong with a neutral turtleneck. And if you prefer to give some shape to your outfit and highlight your waist, add a belt to the pants and tuck in the front of the sweater for a classic French tuck.
When it comes to footwear, slingback heels are a safe bet for year-round style. I love the pair above for the short heel height, which also happens to be a block heel, for added comfort. Finally, if you don’t carry your computer to and from the office every day, go for a minimalist handbag like this top-handle style from J.Crew. The patent leather looks make it appear extra polished!
6. trench coat + sweater tee + neck scarf + jeans + Mary Jane flats + leather bag
trench coat | jeans | bag | shoes | sweater tee | neck scarf
For those whose taste aligns with the chic French women of Paris, try this next fall outfit combination. First, start with wide-leg or straight-leg jeans. These are the silhouettes that French women prefer. On top, go for a classic tee – or a sweater version if you want to add a little bit of warmth. Next, add a French girl staple piece of outerwear – the trench coat. You can’t go wrong with a tan version, but you can style whichever color you already have!
Next, Parisians love neck scarves – so incorporate one to add some interest to your neutral fall look. Finish the ensemble with a chic leather bag and a pair of Mary Jane flats.
7. red sweater + jeans + hoop earrings + leopard print shoes + leather bag
red sweater | jeans | shoes | bag | earrings
Even though most fall looks tend to be muted and neutral, a pop of bright red is the perfect way to breathe new life into your autumn style. An outfit formula that I love to style again and again? Red paired with leopard print – specifically, a red sweater and leopard print shoes. Whether you go for sandals, boots or flats, this is a fun outfit combination that’s as easy as it is chic.
For the rest of your look, go for a dark-wash pair of denim, gold hoop earrings, and a structured leather shoulder bag. Now you have a great go-to look for all of your weekend activities.
8. button-up shirt + trench coat + pencil skirt + sunglasses + slingback flats + watch
shirt | skirt | trench coat | slingback flats | watch | sunglasses | earrings
Here’s another outfit idea for your fall workwear. The great thing about this look is that you can wear it all year long – just switch out the outerwear when the seasons change!
First, start with a classic button-up or button-down shirt. Then, go for an office staple – the pencil skirt. If you prefer a looser fit, you can always swap out the structured pencil skirt for a silk or satin version instead.
As for your accessories, go for a pair of black flats (slingbacks are great), a gold watch, and pearl earrings. If you’re dressing for fall temperatures, add a trench coat! It’s just enough coverage to protect you from the wind, rain, or a fall chill in the air.
9. white t-shirt + cardigan + jeans + earrings + baseball cap + sneakers + crossbody bag
sneakers | jeans | bag | t-shirt | sweater | baseball cap | earrings
Let’s switch into a more casual gear for this next look. First, start with a classic base: a white t-shirt and jeans. When it comes to white t-shirts, they’re not all made the same! This is one of those purchases I never regret spending a little more on. A white tee is a staple you’ll reach for again and again, so it makes sense to spend a little more upfront on a t-shirt that won’t stretch out after a few washes. If you need suggestions, Carolyn created a list of the best white t-shirts.
Next, add a cardigan on top. If it gets warm, a cardigan is easy to throw around your shoulders for a chic touch! Then, accessorize with a baseball cap for a casual look and sun protection. Finish your look with white sneakers, earrings, and a crossbody bag. It’s the perfect outfit formula to elevate your style for running errands.
10. white t-shirt + lady jacket + jeans + ballet flats + sunglasses + gold watch + pearls
lady jacket | t-shirt | ballet flats | bag | earrings | watch | jeans
Even though fall weather won’t be here tomorrow by any means (unless you live somewhere on the other side of the world), I’m already dreaming about re-wearing my sweater collection. One of my favorite purchases from last year was a lady jacket style cardigan from J.Crew, and the striped version of my sweater (shown above) is the perfect staple piece for autumn.
If you don’t have a lady jacket style sweater, any cardigan will work for this look. Layer it over a white tee and jeans to go from work to the weekend in style. Next, add classic and elegant accessories like ballet flats, a gold watch, pearl earrings, oval sunglasses, and a shoulder bag. You instantly have the perfect classy yet casual look to wear all season long.
Fall Outfits at Your Fingertips
Fall weather will be here before we know it – summer’s already flying by! Get ahead of next season’s looks by saving this list of fall outfit combinations. That way, you’ll be steps ahead of stepping out in style when cooler weather arrives.
Ready for more outfit ideas for autumn dressing? Up Next: How to Dress Like a French Girl This Fall With These 7 Must-See Tips
