How to Dress for Fall

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®

Last Updated: June 5, 2024

The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting darker and longer - and it's getting colder! Well, have no fear! This article will guide you through looking great for fall.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Clothes

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1
Plan on layering your clothes. Temperatures fluctuate greatly during the fall. Mornings will be chilly, afternoons will be hot, and evenings will be cool again. If you are at work or at school all day long, you may not have the time to change your clothes. The best way to manage this is by wearing layers, which you can take off as the day grows warmer.
- Layers are a great way to stay comfortable when the weather is transitioning.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ashley Kahn
  Wardrobe Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
2
Wear shirts that can be layered. If you live in a place that gets cooler weather during fall, consider wearing some short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts; these can be worn under cardigans, or over lacy tank tops. You may also wear turtlenecks and button-up shirts and blouses. If you live in a place that gets warmer weather, you can wear tank tops and short-sleeved shirts. Here are some more ideas:
- Wear a lacy tank top under a long-sleeved shirt with a scooped neckline. The lace will peep out from under the neckline, giving you a feminine look while keeping you warm.
- Wear a plaid, button-up shirt over a white tank top or short-sleeved shirt. For a classic fall look, pair this with some jeans and work boots.
- Consider layering jumpers or knitted dresses over a long-sleeved shirt and some tights or leggings.
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3
Choose appropriate outerwear. The mornings and evenings during fall are usually cold, while the afternoons are warm. Because of this, you want to wear something over your shirt that can be easily taken off. Here are some suggestions:
- If you live in a place that is relatively warm during the fall, wear light coats, cardigans, and sweaters. Avoid anything too thick or warm.
- Invest in a leather jacket if you want a timeless piece you'll be able to wear over and over.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ashley Kahn
  Wardrobe Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
- If you live in a place that is cold and wet during the fall, consider wearing a jacket or a long trench coat. You can also wear heavier coats, cardigans, and sweaters.
- Hoodies are great for all sorts of weather; they can also be easily tied around your waist when it gets too warm.
4
Wear long pants and skirts. If you really want to wear shorter skirts or shorts, consider layering them with dark-colored leggings or tights for a chic, fashionable look. Long jeans and dark-colored slacks are perfect for fall. Here are some more ideas:
- If you wear skinny jeans, you can tuck them into a pair of boots.
- Pair a wool or tweed skirt with a pair of dark, solid-colored tights or leggings.
5
Wear boots and sneakers. Fall is the time to put away your wedges, pumps, sandals, and flip flops. Instead, wear close-toed shoes, sneakers, and boots. Here are some ideas:
- Got cozy and comfortable with a pair of Uggs or other fur-lined bulky boots.
- For cool, damp falls, opt for a pair of Doc Martens or other combat, military, or work boots.
- If you live in a place that gets warmer weather during fall, you can wear canvas shoes, such as Chuck Taylors, Toms, or Vans.
- You can also wear some fashionable riding boots, knee-high boots, or calf-length boots.
6
Gather some warm weather accessories. Accessories such as scarves, hats, and gloves not only keep you warm, but they are also easy to put away for when the day gets warm. Here are some ideas:
- For hats, try a newsboy cap, or hats made from felt or tweed.
- For scarves, try something made from flannel with a solid or plaid pattern. Avoid wearing wool or knitted scarves, unless you live in a cooler climate.
- Gloves are the most versatile. Consider wearing some suede or leather gloves. If you live in a warmer climate, try on a pair of finger-less gloves.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing the Right Look

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1
Choose the right colors. The weather starts to cool down during the fall, so you should wear darker, more neutral colors. Avoid vivid and light colors such as whites, pastels, and neons. The colors that are most suitable for fall are:
- Dark colors, such as burgundies, navies, and plums.
- Neutral colors such as browns, grays, and blacks.
- Earth tones, such as browns, tans, beiges, forest greens, dark greens, and olive greens.
- Warm colors based on the fall leaves, such as creams, gold, bronze, dark reds, and dark oranges.
2
Choose the right patterns. There are certain patterns that are more associated with fall than others. Fabrics with bright, cheerful tropical flowers (such as hibiscus) will remind people more of summer or spring, and may look out of place on a cool, rainy, fall day. Plaid and houndstooth are perfect for fall, however; they are more somber and reserved, which blends well with the cool weather.
- Consider wearing dark florals instead. An example of dark florals is anything with a black, navy, plum, or burgundy background. Flowers that work well with fall include roses, thistle, and pansies.
3
Choose the right fabrics. You want something that can keep you warm. Avoid linens, silks, and light cottons. Not only are they too light for fall, but they are also often associated with warmer weather. The fabrics that are the most suitable for fall are:
- Leather^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ashley Kahn
  Wardrobe Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
- Flannel and felt
- Cashmere wool^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kathi Burns, CPO®
  Board Certified Professional Organizer
  
  Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}
- Denim, corduroy, and chambray
- Cotton
- Lace

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing and Layering Your Clothes

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1
Try wearing boots with jeans. Both will help keep you warm as the weather starts to grow colder. Keep in mind, however, that skinny jeans look best tucked into a pair of boots, while boot cut jeans look better when placed over the boots. Here are some more ideas:
- Pair skinny jeans with some black or brown knee-high riding boots. A white shirt worn under a plaid button-up shirt will complete the outfit.
- Wear some boot cut jeans over a pair of work boots; avoid tucking them into the boots, or you will create too much bulk. Pair this with a long-sleeved, scoop-necked shirt.
If you can't part with your skirts and dresses for a season, then wear them with a pair of dark-colored tights or leggings and a pair of boots for a quick, chic look.
3
Bring out the outerwear. Just because fall brings cooler weather does not mean that you have to put your favorite tank top of short-sleeved shirt away. You can still keep warm while wearing your favorite shirt by pairing it with a chic, fitted suit jacket or light cardigan. You can also pair it with a light-weight sweat or hoodie. Here are some more ideas:
- Cardigans come in both short and long lengths. Consider wearing a long cardigan un-buttoned, and securing it around your waist with a wide belt. A pair of skinny jeans and tall boots will complete the look.
- Try a tweed or corduroy jacket. The textures will add some contrast to your outfit.
- If you live in a cooler area, keep warm by wearing longer coats or a trench coat. If you live in a warmer area, then try to find a jacket without a lining.
4
Layer your shirts. You can keep warm on cool mornings with a tank top worn under a long-sleeved shirt or cardigan. As the day grows warmer, you can take the cardigan or outer shirt off. Here are some more ideas:
- Wear a lacy shirt over a similar-colored tank top.
- If you live in a cooler climate, you can try wearing a tank top or shirt-sleeved shirt under a turtleneck.
- Pair a button-up shirt with a knit shirt. You can wear a tank top, short-sleeved shirt, or long-sleeved shirt depending on how warm or cool it is in your area. The layering will keep you warm in the morning, and you can take the button-up shirt off when it gets warmer.
5
Mix and match. Fall is all about contrast: summer turning into winter, life turning to death, and warm turning to cold. Consider pairing solids with patterns, lights with darks, and mixing textures. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Try pairing leather and lace. The two textures work well together because they are so different.
- Another way to mix and match textures is by wearing knit boot cuffs with some leather boots or solid-colored leggings.
- Wear a dark-colored shirt under a light-colored sweater.
- Mix and match patterns, such as a red plaid button-up shirt with a white undershirt, or a dark-floral skirt with a black, lacy shirt.
- Pair a flowing, boho blouse with some skinny jeans and boots. Secure the blouse around your waist with a colorful silk scarf or a wide, leather belt.

What Colors Should You Wear In The Fall?

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How can I choose a great fall jacket?

Ashley Kahn
Wardrobe Stylist
Ashley Kahn is a Wardrobe Stylist based in Houston, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, Ashley styles women both in-person and virtually and is passionate about empowering women through the art of personal style. She believes every woman deserves to feel comfortable, classy, and confident every single day. Ashley holds a business degree from Sam Houston State University. She has been featured on KPRC's Channel 2 Houston Life and ABC 13's Check This Out Houston and in the Houstonia magazine. Ashley has also hosted Macy’s “The Wardrobe Edit” and the “It List” fashion shows.

Ashley Kahn

Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Answer

Leather is a great fall staple because it's classic and timeless. When you put a piece of leather into your wardrobe, you can rest assured knowing that you're going to be able to use that piece over and over in years to come.

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If you are wearing clothes from last year and they don't fit you anymore, consider donating them or giving them to a friend.

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You can still use summer pieces; for example wear shorts with tights, etc.

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Introduce winter items by wearing them in a way that doesn't get you over heated, try a long cardigan or thick hoodies as a coat.

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