Ahh, fall. The smell of bonfires, the cool morning breeze, football games—or fashion week, whichever you prefer—there’s something special about the new season. While some may be mourning the last moments of summer with the end to careless nights and longer days, others are more than ready for the drop in temperature and spending cozy nights in. As the leaves begin to change, so do our wardrobes, and we’re here to help you find the best fall outfit ideas for everything between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
From blazers, knit sweaters, and denim to knee-high boots and loafers, the new season brings fun new pieces to shop for or pull out from the previous year. It’s also the perfect time to find new ways to wear your favorite transitional pieces, like midi dresses and short skirts. If you’re not quite ready to part with your favorite sundress or summery tank, there could be more than one way to wear them as the weather gets chillier. Plus, with new trends of the season (see: animal prints and cherry red), there are endless ways to refresh your tried and true pieces.
Finding the perfect outfit can be daunting, so if you’re still at a loss for what to wear this autumn, keep scrolling to see all of our editors’ favorite fall outfits. From timeless jeans and loafers to trendier wide leg pants and cool sneakers, there is bound to be an outfit or two that speaks to you. Gear up for the transition from hot September days to chilly November nights, with the best fall outfits, handpicked by editors.
“Fashion isn’t about rules, so let’s stop listening to this myth that white can’t be worn after Labor Day. A white wrap coat is especially crisp for fall because it looks lively and will stand out among the usual browns, oranges, and reds. Since the weather is still decent, give the coat some contrast with black mesh flats.” —Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
“In my opinion, a fall wardrobe is not complete without a solid pair of knee-high boots. They’re so versatile and can make a casual shirt dress like the one Taylor Swift wore while out and about in New York City more weather-appropriate. I love how easy this look is to recreate and how it mixes preppiness with a sleek touch.” —Tara Larson, Contributing Writer
“For the days you’re feeling a more casual ensemble, elevate your athleisure look with a crewneck sweatshirt, relaxed pants, and cool sneakers. You can dress up the outfit further with a sleek purse and sharp accessories.” —Tara Larson, Contributing Writer
“You can always go back to basics. A timeless, soft turtleneck sweater and a great pair of denim are a staple every year in my fall wardrobe. Add a pair of classic black boots and take the guesswork out of getting dressed.” —Tara Larson, Contributing Writer
“Fall is the best time of year for fashion because you can be really creative. You have the luxury of mixing different seasonal pieces because the weather is cool—but still nice enough to show a little skin. I am a sucker for the shorts and boots combo because it feels fierce and so chic. It’s interesting and appealing to the eye and is hack that gives an outfit contrast. If you’re a little overwhelmed by the idea, mix up the formula with a turtleneck and a floor-length trench or light coat. That way, you’re still pretty covered up.” —Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
“As soon as the temperature drops, I’m pulling out my tights. One fun way to rock the look is to style a sheer pair with a miniskirt and a graphic tee. Throw a coat on and a pair of Mary Jane shoes to tie everything together.” —Tara Larson, Contributing Writer
“Since it’s not quite frigid enough for a heavy coat, it’s all about layering and layering can be a lot of fun. I live for blazers, and like to incorporate them in my fall wardrobe as much as possible with sweaters and cardigans, but one way to give blazers new life for fall is with a hooded sweatshirt. Throw on a blazer over a hoodie and you have an instantly cool fit that feels fresh and modern.” —Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
“For a timeless look, I’d opt for a great pair of denim paired with a crisp white shirt. Rounded out with a pair of black leather loafers, and you’re set for the office, dinner plans, or anything in between.” —Tara Larson, Contributing Writer
“Had to add both of these together because these two together are a great example of two different people tapping into likely similar inspirations and coming out with very different outcomes. Both are really onto something though. The green is so ubiquitous right now for obvious reasons, but beyond that I love the mix of textures and reflectiveness in the skirts and sweaters.” —Aamina Khan, Trending Style Writer
“While I’m always excited to pull out my jeans and sweaters for fall, I’m not always ready to put away my summer dresses. Enter: Boots and a blazer. Throw your favorite midi dress on with a few colder-weather pieces and you can extend your summer wardrobe into the new season.” —Tara Larson, Contributing Writer
“Though my Dr. Martens make an appearance regardless of the time of year, fall is a great time to style them. Paired with a simple sweater and cropped pants is an easy and cool way to bring them into your autumn rotation.” —Tara Larson, Contributing Writer
“This isn’t a straightforward outfit, but something I really look for in outfit inspiration is a good color story, rather than just how to style pieces. I’m so obsessed with this styling, but what really makes it pop is this jewel tone primary color story. Primary colors are obviously universal, but this version where the denim is a beautiful deep blue and the red is vibrant and the yellow is a golden shade. That’s the kind of thing that really sings in the fall and winter. I would totally wear this exact fit, but more than that, what I’m really taking away from this photo is the palette.” —Aamina Khan, Fashion Writer
“Fall is a great time to be adventurous with your wardrobe. As the temperatures drop, you can reimagine some of your summer pieces for fall. Mules are a great place to start—especially if you have a closed-toe pair. Throw on some socks, and you have given the shoe new life! Balance it out with a maxi skirt and a shacket for more pizzaz.” —Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
“Jorts or Bermuda shorts are here to stay, and they are a great piece to keep in your fall rotation because of the elongated length. If you want to give your jorts collection an upgrade, a pair of leather ones are a great idea for autum. You can rock them with knee-high boots, or like the above street style star did with knee-high socks and loafers. Throw on a cardigan or a leather shacket, and your look is complete.” —Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
“I love this plaid printed ruffle skirt that model Cami You-Ten is wearing. I love the bomber. I love the boots. These are all pieces that can be hunted for secondhand because there are a hundred iterations of ‘plaid skirt with slit’ and ‘black jacket.’ Seeing all the iterations might help you sort out what minor changes in these garments go best with what you’ve already got.” —Aamina Khan, Trending Style Writer
