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
(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)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.
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Oversize Blazer The Great The Little Tee Vuori Villa Wideleg TrouserSweater + Balloon Pants + Dramatic Jewelry
(Image credit: @cortnebonilla)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.
LE SUNDIAL Venice Opera Tasseled Carnelian and Silver Necklace J.Crew Rollneck Sweater Reformation Aven Satin Pants Vagabond Shoemakers Brandi LoaferStriped Sweater + Capris + Heels
(Image credit: @abimarvel)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.
Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan Vuori Halo Low Rise Crop PantLayered Tees + Tonal Pants + Suede Bag
(Image credit: @monikh)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.
EB Denim Rory Layered Long Sleeve J.Crew Luna Pant J.Crew Berkeley Large Shoulder BagPolo Sweater + Classic Jeans + Loafers
(Image credit: @anoukyve)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.
Lovers and Friends Mattelyn Polo Sweater Nili Lotan Roxane Jeans Jeffrey Campbell Booshky Slingback Kitten HeelsBaggy Pants + Long Top + Poplin Shirt
(Image credit: @aimeesong)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.
ASTR the Label Laura Top ASOS DESIGN Dipped Hem Oversized Shirt COS Pleated Wide-Leg PantsRugby Shirt + Leather Shorts
(Image credit: @greceghanem)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.
White & Warren Cashmere Rugby Polo Pullover Avec Les Filles Pintuck Faux Leather Trouser Shorts Flattered Agnes Mini BagCanadian Tuxedo + Flats
(Image credit: @monikh)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.
NILI LOTAN Travis Denim Shirt AGOLDE Low Slung Baggy Flyweight Jeans Margaux The Fonteyn FlatsFlannel + Slip Dress
(Image credit: @nataliegrayherder)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.
Lovers and Friends Samira Flannel Top Aritzia Fresca Cami DressBarn Jacket + Tee + Jeans
(Image credit: @smythsisters)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.
Alex Mill Chiltern Street Barn Jacket rag & bone The Slub Tee Favorite Daughter The Jen Slim Straight Leg Jeans