Fall looks can be summed up in one phrase: it is all about layering. A hoodie is just a hoodie until you wear it under a trench coat, vest, or oversized flannel shirt, and suddenly the same item suits a totally different occasion.
Here are some examples of fall outfits created with this concept in mind, incorporating combinations of leather and knits, denim and flannel shirts, or even a tailored blazer paired with a more relaxed-fit item. Some of the looks shown here are very casual and great for running errands.
The others are more formal and are ready for a dinner party. A couple of options will also let you wear summery clothes a bit longer than expected.
Choose the one that best reflects your wardrobe and start combining items.
A Few Fall Layering Tips
- Keep the layers balanced. Try pairing one fitted piece with something a little looser.
- Mix textures to make a simple outfit feel more interesting. Knitwear, denim, suede, and leather can work well together.
- You can still wear some of your summer favorites in fall. Add a cardigan, jacket, or vest instead of putting them away.
- Fall colors such as brown, burgundy, olive, and forest green can instantly give an outfit a seasonal feel.
1. Chunky Turtleneck Sweater Under a Trench Coat
The turtleneck sweater is enough to cope with the cold on its own. All you need to do is throw a trench coat over the turtleneck sweater and leave the coat buttons open, because it would be a shame to cover up a good sweater.
Quick Info
Best For: Office work, shopping
Style: Classic layered
2. Plaid Flannel Shirt Layered Under a Denim Jacket
Flannel is soft. Denim is not. Wear them together to create an outfit with texture rather than one smooth layer. Wrap the flannel shirt around your waist when it’s warm, or wear it buttoned under the jacket when it’s not.
- The flannel design takes care of itself
- The denim gives the outfit shape.
- You can pick your sneakers or boots depending on what’s available by the door.
3. Cardigan Over a Midi Dress for Fall
A midi dress alone can get too cold once the weather cools in the fall. The oversized long cardigan keeps you warm while still keeping its shape. Ankle boots round off the outfit.
Quick Info
Best For: Brunch, daytime
Style: Feminine
4. Wool Coat Over a Sweater Dress
Two pieces of clothing, one outfit: the sweater dress for the basics, and a coat made out of wool for everything else.
1. Choose a coat that reaches below your knees.
2. Wear it belted so that the dress underneath is visible.
3. Wear high boots.
Quick Info
Best For: Dinner, formal daytime plans
Style: Polished and warm
5. Quilted Vest Over a Long Sleeve Top
It is not always necessary to wear the whole jacket. Instead, you can simply put a quilted vest over a plain long-sleeved shirt to keep the torso warm while keeping your arms free. Just wear some jeans, and that is it!
Quick Info
Best For: Outings, casual days
Style: Sporty layered
6. Leather Jacket Over a Knit Sweater
The soft sweater may feel good on its own, but a leather jacket makes the look instantly cool. Leave the jacket open for a more relaxed look. Pair it with ankle boots and black jeans.
Quick Info
Best For: Night out, casual dinners
Style: Edgy classic
7. Blazer Over a Turtleneck
Turtlenecks can be boring on their own, but when you layer a blazer over them, suddenly they become refined. Wear trousers or dark denim, depending on how your day will go.
- Go for a blazer that fits at the shoulders.
- Expose the turtleneck collar above the lapel.
- Complete your look with loafers or ankle boots.
Quick Info
Best For: Office days and dates to dinner
Style: Refined layered
8. Poncho Over a Long Sleeve Top
A poncho is an underappreciated piece, and perhaps that is because it can be difficult to pull off. Wear it over a slim long-sleeved top so the loose poncho is balanced by the fitted layer underneath.
Quick Info
Best For: Weekends and other casual occasions
Style: Bohemian layered
9. Corduroy Jacket Over a Basic T-Shirt
Corduroy is a fabric that will add texture to your look and can be paired with a basic T-shirt. An oversized jacket will give you enough space for layering. Straight leg jeans will complete the look, and sneakers or ankle boots are good choices for footwear.
Quick Info
Best For: Casual outings, weekend plans
Style: Casual fall
10. Scarf and Beanie With an Oversized Coat
At times, the accessories do more for the person wearing the outfit than the outfit itself. An oversized wool coat, along with a big scarf doubled up around the neck and a beanie, is all it takes to pull off a simple sweater and jeans during the coldest days of autumn.
Quick Info
Best For: Outdoor days, holiday markets
Style: Cozy classic
11. Puffer Vest Over a Flannel Shirt
Two textures, but now it’s puffer vs. flannel, not denim. The vest provides warmth for the body part where it is worn, while the flannel sleeves are left visible and appear more deliberate than a jacket would.
Quick Info
Best For: Outdoor activities, farmers’ markets
Style: Outdoorsy layered
12. Suede Jacket Over a Ribbed Tank
Suede’s texture complements a simple piece of clothing, such as a ribbed tank. The piece worn underneath should be snug so the jacket can drape freely.
- Suede looks best in browns or tans for fall.
- A ribbed tank prevents the layer underneath from adding thickness.
- Wide-leg trousers balance the jacket style.
Quick Info
Best For: Date night, dinner, going out
Style: Soft rustic
13. Cropped Cardigan Over a Collared Shirt
Wearing a shirt alone would seem very office-like. But when you add a cropped cardigan with the buttons open, the shirt suddenly feels more casual. The collar visible from underneath the neck of the cardigan takes care of all the styling required.
- Leave the buttons of the shirt open.
- Ensure that the cardigan falls at your waist level, not below it.
- Tuck the shirt in to maintain a neat look.
Quick Info
Best For: Brunches, casual meetings
Style: Preppy layered
14. Oversized Flannel Over a Fitted Dress
A flannel thrown over a simple fitted dress can quickly change the mood. It is not tucked in or buttoned, just draped there like you would throw on a flannel jacket without thinking about it.
Quick Info
Best For: Outings, pumpkin patches
Style: Rustic feminine
15. Trench Coat Over a Hoodie
A hoodie may not be the first thing you think of with a trench coat, but that’s precisely what makes it work. The coat adds structure the hoodie lacks, and the hood fits neatly under the collar when you’re not wearing it.
Quick Info
Best For: Errands, everyday wear
Style: Layered
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
The fashion of the fall season is all about wearing clothes that you already possess rather than purchasing new clothes. A blazer can give you a totally different look than a trench coat, and a summer dress will work well in October with an extra layer.
Simple layering can help you transform your old clothes into fall clothes. When choosing your own layers, focus on comfort and fit.
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