10 Fall Outfit Formulas That Aren't Jeans and a Sweater

It’s not sweltering hot, which means layers are back in play. And yet, it’s not so cold that all of your outfits must be instantly smothered by a parka every time you leave the house. After a summer full of flowing layers and bathing-suit-centric outfits, it’s an opportunity to get back to structured accessories, eye-catching patterns, and inspired textures. But despite all its glory, fall can lull you into an outfitting trap if you’re not careful. Yes, I’m talking about the tried-and-true, convenient outfit combo that is jeans and a sweater . While there’s nothing wrong with this classic pairing, after a summer season of denim shorts and casual tops, this dressing fallback can start to feel a bit stale. And maybe even uninspired. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed fall girlie eager to do any and every seasonal activity (all while wearing a cute fit, ofc), or you’re simply looking for new outfit ideas you can wear to the office as the temps cool, take inspiration from these trending combinations. This article may contain affiliate links or paid partnerships. We may earn a commission or compensation at no extra cost to you. All products are chosen independently by our editorial team and reflect our genuine recommendations. 10 fall outfit formulas that will break your style rut Chunky sweater + boxer shorts + tall riding boots Boxer shorts aren’t just for summer. Pair them with a chunky sweater and a pair of tall riding boots for a casual look that’s far from basic. To avoid looking like you’re stuck in July, opt for a pair of shorts in an autumnal plaid. Think: brown tones, burgundy, or navy. Speaking from experience, this ’fit is easy to throw on for school drop-off and makes for a cozy work-from-home ensemble. Madewell Poplin Shorts, $48 Aritzia Sunday Best Peggy Sweater, $128 Sezane Bridget Knee Boots, $345 JW PEI Laura Faux Suede Woven Shoulder Bag, $169 Le Specs Lunita Tort Blue Light Lens, $85 Olive & Piper Claudia Studs, $52 Gingham pants + suede jacket Gingham is eye-catching without being gaudy. Style brown gingham pants with a velvety suede blazer or jacket for a fun, polished in-office look. Finish the look with a pair of flats that are stylish without leaving your feet blistered by the end of your 9-to-5. ASTR The Label Alma Gingham Kick-Flare Cropped Pants, $89 ASTR The Label Jadyn Lace-Trim V-Neck Sweater, $128 LOFT Faux Suede Oversized Jacket, $85 12th Tribe Sienna Brown Vegan Suede Jacket, $98 Dolce Vita Gibsen Ballet Flats Cocoa Suede, $140 Meller Oza Sunglasses, $65 Mini skirt + turtleneck + quilted jacket If you’re aspiring to a Ralph Lauren fall, then grab a quilted jacket and style it with a tailored mini skirt. If the weather protests the quilted warmth, a field jacket also fits the bill. Stylish rain boots are one of those rare pieces that are both fashionable and practical, and an oversized scarf pulls the whole look together. Wear this formula to the cidery, out for coffee, the apple orchard, and beyond. Ann Taylor Weekend Corduroy Trim Quilted Jacket, $172 VICI Gwen Pleated Wool Plaid Buckle Strap Mini Skirt, $58 Quince Lightweight Baby Alpaca Turtleneck, $70 Macy's Polo Ralph Lauren Woolen Plaid Scarf, $78 MUCK Women's Originals Ankle Boot, $115 Zappos Hunter Nissa, $180 White denim + plaid top + baseball hat Your fall instincts may not point you toward white denim, but this seemingly contrary styling decision can really pop against the browns and reds of your surrounding autumnal landscape. Style with the ultimate fall top (the plaid shirt) and a baseball cap in a coordinating tone for a casual cool-girl ’fit. Abercrombie & Fitch Mid Rise Barrel Jean, $60 Mint Velvet Brown Checked Long Sleeve Shirt, $155 ASTR The Label Taliyah Plaid Ruffle Collar Blouse, $109 Polo Ralph Lauren The Iconic Cotton Chino Ball Cap, $55 Birkenstock Amsterdam Wrapped, $135 Charles & Keith Calla Tote Bag, $139 Silk pants + suede blazer When you want an outfit that looks luxurious (and simultaneously wears like pajamas), reach for a pair of silk or satin pants. A suede blazer adds a desirable contrasting texture, and sandwiching the ensemble with matching heels ensures the look reads “chic” versus “sloppy.” Ba&sh Mosty Long Tailored Blazer, $413 Duffield Lane Tate Top in Chicory Suede, $197 J.Crew Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse, $105 J.Crew Robin Wide-slingback Heels in Suede, $198 Oak and Luna The Golden Hour Stud Earrings Gold Vermeil, $212 Oak and Luna Juno Diamond Necklace Gold Vermeil, $295 Anthropologie Melie Bianco Irene Tote Bag, $118 Silk shorts + mules + windbreaker Fall weather has a tendency to be warmer than we’d like it to be. On those less-than-crisp days, reach for a pair of romantic silk shorts. These trendy bottoms have a way of making an outfit and are surprisingly practical. Try an unexpected mule with them and—if there is a slight chill in the air—a windbreaker in a seasonal gingham print. The perfect outfit for weekend errands or working from your favorite coffee shop. Madewell Funnel Neck Windbreaker Jacket, $158 ASTR The Label Billie Gingham Bomber Jacket, $129 Quince 100% Washable Silk Lace Shorts, $60 Bohme Bricelyn Lace Trim Satin Shorts in Brown, $45 Birkenstock Naples Wrapped, $165 Nordstrom Rack Elspeth 92 Suede Shoulder Bag, $200 Matching set + plaid jacket + rain boots If you want to spend your autumn pretending you’re romping around the Scottish Highlands à la Claire Fraser, pick up a (rainproof) plaid jacket and a quality pair of wellies. Wear both pieces on repeat and allow them to shine by styling them with a neutral matching set. This formula is practical enough to stand up to the docket of favorite fall activities—from apple picking to leaf peeping to picking the perfect pumpkin from the patch. Next Navy Check Cord Collar Heritage Coat, $72 Abercrombie & Fitch 2-in-1 Reversible 100% Cotton Mac Coat, $190 Hill House Home The Maeve Top, $178 and Bennie Short, $119 Hunter Women's Refined Adjustable Quilted Slim Fit Tall Rain Boots, $200 Ariat Kelmarsh Rubber Boot, $150 Trousers + crewneck sweater + UGG boots If your favorite crewneck sweater is beckoning you from the closet shelf, do it justice by swapping jeans for a more chic (and visually interesting) pair of trousers. While you can, of course, don heeled booties, flats, or loafers, UGG boots position the look as casual and cozy for everyday wear. Olivela With Nothing Underneath Devon Wool Crewneck Sweater, $250 Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant, $90 WISKII Solene Ease Trousers, $118 Nordstrom Rack Cashmere Scarf, $40 Tommy Jeans Plaid Wool-Blend Scarf, $49 Cambridge Satchel East West Tote, $395 UGG Women's Classic Ultra Mini, $165 Plaid skirt + cardigan + woven bag Truly, why wear jeans when you can wear a plaid skirt? Preppy and fully autumnal, it’s hard not to feel completely seasonally aligned when wearing this fall fashion staple. Style with a neutral cardigan and, if you’re looking to add extra femininity, a hair bow. Show Me Your Mumu Gia Mini Skort, $138 Aritzia Sunday Best Olive Micro Skirt, $88 Lele Sadoughi Jet Jane Bow Barrette, $19 Anthropologie Clare V. Petit Pot De Miel Hand Bag, $245 Vineyard Vines Katie Cotton Cable Mockneck Sweater, $138 Marine Layer Maggie Funnel Neck Sweater, $148 Anthropologie Melie Bianco Laguna Mini Bucket Bag, $78 Dolce Vita Koko Heels Tan Leather, $135 Dress + barn jacket + tall boots When in doubt, wear a dress and a tall pair of boots. It’s the quickest way to throw on a complete outfit that’s comfortable, seasonal, and polished. Add a trendy barn jacket, tall socks, and tights to fully style the look and simultaneously grant yourself main-character energy. Madewell The Billie Short Jacket, $200 Marine Layer Riley Barn Jacket, $268 Rihoas Coffee Gingham Puffed Sleeve Mini Dress, $44 Abercrombie & Fitch Mock Neck Cable Mini Sweater Dress, $95 Duffield Lane Suede Victoria Dress in Chicory, $239 Macy's MUK LUKS Women's Cable Knit Over the Knee Socks, $21 Thursday Boot Co Crown, $235 Want more fall fashion? Check out The Plaid Pieces Fashion Girls Are Buying Instead of Flannel .