As the days grow shorter, the nights longer, and the temperatures cooler, it's time to refresh your wardrobe for fall. But don't worry! This article is here to help you look fabulous throughout the season.
Essential Steps
Choose the Perfect Attire
Consider layering your clothing. Fall weather can be unpredictable, with chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings. If you're busy all day, layering allows you to adjust your outfit accordingly, ensuring comfort and style throughout the day.
- Layering is key to transitioning smoothly between temperatures.
Opt for Layered Tops. If fall brings cooler weather to your area, try layering short or long-sleeved shirts under cardigans or over lacy tank tops. Turtlenecks, button-up shirts, and blouses are also great options. In warmer climates, tank tops and short-sleeved shirts work well. Here are some suggestions:
- Pair a lacy tank top with a long-sleeved shirt featuring a scooped neckline for a feminine look and added warmth.
- Style a plaid button-up shirt over a white tank top or short-sleeved shirt, completing the outfit with jeans and work boots for a classic fall ensemble.
- Consider layering jumpers or knitted dresses over a long-sleeved shirt and tights or leggings for a cozy yet stylish look.
Choose the Right Outerwear. Fall mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons tend to be warmer. Opt for outerwear that can easily be removed when temperatures rise. Here are some suggestions:
- In warmer fall climates, lightweight coats, cardigans, and sweaters are ideal. Avoid heavy, thick materials.
- Invest in a timeless leather jacket for versatile styling options.
- In colder, wetter climates, opt for jackets, trench coats, and heavier coats for added warmth. Hoodies are versatile options that can be tied around your waist when it's too warm.
Rock Long Pants and Skirts. For a chic fall look, opt for long pants or skirts. If you prefer shorter skirts or shorts, consider layering them with dark-colored leggings or tights. Long jeans and dark slacks are perfect for the season. Here are some ideas:
- Tuck skinny jeans into boots for a stylish ensemble.
- Pair wool or tweed skirts with solid-colored tights or leggings for a sophisticated look.
Step into Stylish Footwear. Transition your footwear to closed-toe shoes, sneakers, and boots for fall. Here are some suggestions:
- Stay cozy with fur-lined boots like Uggs or other similar styles.
- Combat cooler, damp weather with Doc Martens or other sturdy boots.
- In warmer fall climates, opt for canvas shoes like Chuck Taylors, Toms, or Vans.
- Add a fashionable touch with riding boots, knee-high boots, or calf-length boots.
Add Warm Accessories to Your Look. Keep warm with stylish accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves that can easily be removed as the day warms up. Here are some suggestions:
- Try a newsboy cap or hats made from felt or tweed for a trendy look.
- Opt for flannel scarves with solid or plaid patterns for added warmth. Save wool or knitted scarves for cooler climates.
- Choose versatile gloves like suede or leather options. In warmer climates, try finger-less gloves for a stylish touch.
Opting for the Right Look
Choose the Perfect Color Palette. As temperatures drop in fall, opt for darker, neutral hues. Skip bright and light tones like whites, pastels, and neons. Embrace these fall-perfect colors:
- Burgundies, navies, and plums for a touch of darkness.
- Browns, grays, and blacks for a classic feel.
- Earth tones like browns, tans, beiges, forest greens, and olive greens.
- Warm shades inspired by autumn leaves such as creams, golds, bronzes, deep reds, and oranges.
Opt for the Right Patterns. Some patterns scream fall louder than others. While vibrant tropical flowers evoke summer vibes, plaid and houndstooth exude autumn elegance. Consider swapping bright florals for darker versions with backgrounds in black, navy, plum, or burgundy, featuring roses, thistle, or pansies.
- Dark florals are your go-to for a sophisticated fall look.
Pick the Right Fabrics. Fall calls for fabrics that provide warmth. Steer clear of linens, silks, and lightweight cottons, which are more suited for warmer weather. Instead, embrace these fall-friendly fabrics:
- Leather
- Flannel and felt
- Cashmere wool
- Denim, corduroy, and chambray
- Cotton
- Lace
Dressing and Layering Your Outfits
Experiment with Boot-and-Jeans Combos. Opt for boots with jeans to stay warm as temperatures drop. For skinny jeans, tuck them into knee-high riding boots and pair with a white shirt under a plaid button-up. Boot cut jeans look great over work boots; avoid tucking them in to avoid bulkiness. Pair with a scoop-necked shirt.
Layer Skirts and Dresses with Leggings. Don't let go of skirts and dresses in fall. Pair them with dark-colored tights or leggings and boots for a chic look.
Bring Out Your Outerwear. Don't stash away your favorite short-sleeved shirts yet. Pair them with a chic suit jacket, light cardigan, or a lightweight sweatshirt. Consider long cardigans, tweed or corduroy jackets, or trench coats for cooler areas.
Layer Your Shirts. Combat cool mornings with a tank top under a long-sleeved shirt or cardigan. Swap the outer layer as the day warms up. Try a lacy shirt over a tank top or a turtleneck for cooler climates. Mix button-up shirts with knit shirts for versatile layering.
Get Creative with Mixing and Matching. Embrace contrasts by pairing solids with patterns, lights with darks, and mixing textures. Experiment with leather and lace, knit boot cuffs with leather boots, or dark shirts under light sweaters. Mix patterns like red plaid with white undershirts or dark florals with black lace.
Choosing the Right Colors for Fall
Useful Tips
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If last year's clothes no longer fit, consider donating them or passing them on to a friend.
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Repurpose summer pieces; for example, pair shorts with tights.
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Transition into winter wear gradually to avoid overheating. Try a long cardigan or thick hoodies as outer layers.