Every September, I go through the same ritual. The first cool morning hits, I pull my sweaters out of storage, and then I stand in front of my closet with no idea what to wear. It’s not that I don’t have options. My brain just takes a minute to catch up and transition from summer dressing to fall dressing. It’s a process.
This year, I’m skipping the guesswork and leaning on outfit formulas instead. I’ve been saving looks from the most stylish people on my feed, and a few combinations kept coming up: a barn jacket with a simple tee, a flannel thrown over a slip dress, and even capris with heels. Keep scrolling for the 10 fall outfit ideas I’ll be copying on repeat, plus the pieces to re-create each one.
Black Blazer + Black Pants + Striped Tee
A black blazer and a striped tee might be the most reliable outfit formula out there. Swapping jeans for black wide-leg trousers makes it a touch more polished for the office without losing any of the ease. It’s what I’ll be wearing on the days when I have zero time to think.
Sweater + Balloon Pants + Dramatic Jewelry
Balloon pants can be a lot on their own, which is why I like grounding them with a simple knit. From there, this look is all about the jewelry. A pendant necklace was meant to complete this look.
Striped Sweater + Capris + Heels
Capris for fall? I’m fully on board. A striped sweater keeps things casual, and a pair of heels makes the cropped pants look sharp and deliberate.
Layered Tees + Tonal Pants + Suede Bag
This one is all about color and texture. Keeping your pants in the same color family as your layered tees makes the look feel pulled-together, and a suede bag adds instant warmth. Suede is everywhere this season, and a bag is the easiest way to try it without committing to a whole jacket.
Polo Sweater + Classic Jeans + Loafers
The polo sweater is having a real moment, and this is the simplest way to wear it. Tuck it into classic straight-leg jeans, add loafers, and you’ve got a polished, slightly preppy outfit that works just about anywhere. I’ll be wearing this one on repeat.
Baggy Pants + Long Top + Poplin Shirt
Layering a crisp poplin shirt under a longer top is such an easy trick for making a simple outfit look styled. With baggy pants, the proportions feel relaxed and a little unexpected, which is exactly why I love it. Let the collar and cuffs peek out, and you’re done.
Rugby Shirt + Leather Shorts
Leather shorts in fall? Hear me out. Pairing them with a slouchy rugby shirt keeps the look sporty and relaxed instead of too done. Shockingly, you can keep wearing this outfit well into November.
Canadian Tuxedo + Flats
I’ve fully come around to double denim this year. Pairing a denim shirt with matching jeans and a sleek pair of flats keeps it from feeling costumey, and it’s one of those outfits that looks way cooler than the effort it takes.
Flannel + Slip Dress
This is my favorite way to keep wearing slip dresses after Labor Day. A worn-in flannel, buttoned halfway or tossed on open, makes a silky dress feel a little grungier and a lot more fall-appropriate. It gives off major ’90s energy in the best way.
Barn Jacket + Tee + Jeans
If there’s one jacket I’m reaching for first this fall, it’s a barn jacket. Throwing one over a plain tee and your favorite jeans is about as easy as getting dressed gets. I’ll be wearing this pairing on every weekend coffee run until it’s cold enough for a real coat.
