Whether you love the cooler temperatures or wish summer would stay a little longer, you must prepare yourself for fall weather. Many ladies prefer fall styles over those from any other season, but finding the perfect styles for you can be challenging. Since fashion trends come and go, you might feel unsure about your fall clothes from last year. With this guide for fall outfits, you can combine your capsule wardrobe pieces with a few fall must-have essentials to build gorgeous fall ensembles.

Neutral Base Layers

Base layers are the shirts you wear underneath your jackets, cardigans, flannels, and other outer layers, but you can also wear them alone. When you think of neutral base layers, you probably think of plain white t-shirts; however, your base layer collection can also consist of neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts, turtle necks, and lightweight crewneck or scoop neck sweaters.

When you wear neutral colors like white, cream, black, and gray, it's much easier to make your outer layer the star of your outfit. Unless you want to wear thick hoodies or a coat all season, you must layer your outfits to stay warm and stylish, and it all starts with the right base layer.

Various Jean Washes

Jeans should be a staple in your closet all year round, especially during the fall months. If you wear jeans frequently, you should consider adding various washes to your wardrobe. You can't go wrong with a mid-wash on a typical day, but you should also have light-wash and dark-wash pairs to wear for other occasions.

Aside from color, you must also consider the style. For instance, straight-leg jeans are perfect for a sleek outfit. On the other hand, distressed skinny jeans are the ultimate option for brunch with the girls or a last-minute date night. If you have plans to attend a few concerts this fall, consider investing in a pair of black bootcut or flare jeans to create an adorable western outfit.

Black Leggings

Every woman needs at least one pair of quality black leggings in her closet. Leggings are incredibly versatile as you can dress them up or down almost instantly. If you want a comfortable outfit to relax in, you can pair your black leggings with a cropped graphic tee, an oversized cardigan, and white sneakers. If you need to dress up a bit more, pair your leggings with a tunic top or thigh-length dress, a denim jacket, and booties.

Sweaters, Sweaters, Sweaters

Nothing says fall like trendy women's sweaters. You can benefit from having multiple different colors, styles, and thicknesses when it comes to fall sweaters; in fact, sweaters are the best way to create an effortless fall outfit. If you love throwing on a solid-colored t-shirt in the summer, you can think of sweaters as the fall alternative. Slide into your favorite pair of jeans, a chunky knit sweater, and booties or sneakers when you don't know what to wear this season.

Jackets and Flannels

Everyone should have a few jackets and flannels to choose from since they're staples for cooler weather. For a typical fall day, you can pair a flannel with a neutral base layer to stay warm; however, you might opt for triple layers on those extra chilly days. Consider these outer layer options and how to layer them:

  • Denim jacket
  • Leather jacket
  • Shacket
  • Plaid flannel
  • Solid-colored flannel

Warmer Fall Day

On a warmer fall day, you should wear a white or black t-shirt with a plaid flannel. This way, you can take off your outer layer and tie it around your waist if you get warm, but your outfit still signifies fall.

Typical Fall Day

Typical fall days are the best for wearing a long-sleeved base layer with a denim or leather jacket over it. If you want something a little lighter, consider a shacket instead.

Cold Fall Day

Cold fall days can feel a little more like winter, but that's okay because layering is your best friend. Start with a long-sleeved turtleneck for your base layer, then add a flannel. If you're warm enough, you can stop there. If not, adding your denim jacket or a shacket as a thicker outer layer will complete the look and keep you cozy.

Puffer Vests

A puffer vest is an awesome fall staple, and it's perfect for those who don't love wearing coats. It keeps you warm but doesn't feel constricting because it lacks sleeves. Whether you're dressing up or dressing down, you can rock a puffer vest. For example, it'll look great with black leggings, a cozy tunic, and a scarf. On the other hand, a vest also works well with colored jeggings, a knit sweater, and booties.

Sweater Dresses

You may not think about adding a sweater dress to your fall wardrobe, but it makes for a perfectly unique outfit. You can rock this dress on its own on a typical fall day or pair it with leggings and a vest for colder days. Consider getting a sweater dress in a deep green or black shade, as these are incredibly versatile colors for fall and winter.

Boots and Booties

As you can see from the suggested outfits, every woman needs boots and booties in her closet for fall weather. Black, tan, brown, and gray are perfect options when deciding on boots, as they match almost any ensemble. No matter the occasion, boots will be your go-to shoe for fall.

Pro Tip

Opt for neutral-colored animal print booties to add a little flair to your fall outfit!

Neutral Handbags

A neutral handbag is a necessity for all of your fall outfits. With that in mind, you should invest in a high-quality gray or beige tote purse to carry all your essential items; this bag will look great with any sweater or jacket you choose.

Stylish Scarves

Scarves are the perfect way to add a pop of color and dimension to your ensemble, and they come in many different colors, patterns, and styles. Whether you're wearing a knit sweater, a long-sleeved shirt, or a sweater dress, a cozy scarf is an excellent way to level up your fall outfit.

Hopefully, this guide for fall outfits will help you decide which fall must-have essentials you should add to your wardrobe. For many, fall is the best time of year, and it’s the perfect opportunity to wear beautiful earthy tones and dress for warmth.

Fall Must-Have Essentials: A Guide for Fall Outfits
September 21, 2022 — Ryan Mercado