While there are many things to love about autumn—festive candles, spiced cocktails, you name it—a wardrobe refresh ranks at the top of our list. As the days grow chillier, we’re itching to swap our breezy sundresses and sandals for sumptuous, layerable knits and sleek boot silhouettes that are easy to mix and match even well through winter.
To help you put together some surefire hits this season, we’ve curated 11 fall outfit ideas inspired by fall 2024 runways, street style mavens, and even one of our favorite sartorial icons. No matter your aesthetic or upcoming social calendar, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion, below.
The Tonal Ensemble
“The key to mastering a fall outfit is tone and texture,” says Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country’s deputy digital lifestyle director. As a rule of thumb, try experimenting with pieces in different shades of the same fall hue and of varying rich finishes like suede and corduroy. One of our favorite looks? Head-to-toe burgundy, down to some crimson leather loafers and cropped, wine-colored socks.
Plaid Perfection
Smart tailoring has a place in every season, but especially in fall. A plaid suit set makes for the chicest (and easiest) cold-weather office uniform. Add a bit of shine with some coordinating gold jewelry, or keep the look effortlessly understated by accessorizing with a neutral handbag and matching pumps.
The Scarf Coat Outfit
“The scarf coat is back is a big way for fall/winter 2024,” says Senior Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor Sam Peters. “Following the continued success of Toteme’s viral version, which first launched in 2021, numerous brands and designers are offering their own fresh spins on the two-in-one piece this season.” The best part? The standout silhouette can make even basics look eye-catching.
Denim-on-Denim
Sophisticated double-denim looks are still going this season. Here, a classic denim jacket and oversized jeans combo serve as the ideal canvas for layering on seasonally-appropriate accents like a vivid mustard-yellow coat and burgundy-toned handbag.
Quiet Luxury Dressing
You can never go wrong building an elevated capsule wardrobe. For a timeless cold-weather outfit formula, get inspired by a ’90s-era Gwyneth Paltrow. Follow her lead and tuck a slim-fit turtleneck into a pair of tailored trousers, then throw on an oversized coat and simple scarf—preferably all in the same color family to fully nail a streamlined aesthetic.
Boho-Inspired
Breezy boho looks were seen all over fall 2024 runways, from Chloé to Isabel Marant. Take a note from their playbooks and style a floaty, floor-length frock with some sleek knee-highs or slouchy mid-calf boots to really play up the laidback vibes. Naturally, stacked necklaces and bangles are also a must.
A Cool Contrast
Experimenting with scale is one of the simplest ways to create an eye-catching look. We love the idea of pairing a minimal silk skirt and long-sleeved top with voluminous accessories like a chunky blanket scarf and oversized leather handbag (yes, the impractical micro-bag trend has officially sunsetted). Add on a pair of slim, cat-eye sunglasess and low-profile flats, and you’re bound to rake in compliments.
A Vision in Red
Burgundy and crimson hues are perennial fall favorites, but we’re still hooked on the unofficial color of the year: tomato red. Worn head-to-toe amidst gray, dreary weather, the vibrant shade makes for an instant dopamine boost. For a glamorous, Parisian-inspired look, try styling a knit dress, tights, wool coat, and kitten heels all in the same punchy rouge hue.
Modern Y2K
Forget the unflattering, skin-tight low-rise jeans of yesteryear. This season, ease your way into the Y2K-inspired trend with a relaxed-fit boyfriend style or classic straight leg option. Adding on a longline sweater or tee with a boxy leather jacket will also keep the look feeling more polished.
The Quilted Coat Outfit
A quilted jacket is the ultimate transitional weather staple. Style yours with wide-leg trousers, a trusty canvas tote, and your favorite white sneakers for a casual-chic weekend ensemble that will effortlessly take you from brunch to running errands.
Elly Leavitt is a fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst covering fashion, design, and more across multiple brands. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.
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