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    1. Fashion

    If You’re a Minimalist, You'll Want to Copy These 3 Easy Fall Outfits

    Don’t overthink your autumn wardrobe. Try these looks instead.

    Lauren Tappan's avatar
    By Lauren Tappan
    Published 4 September 2026 In Buying Guides

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    Lauren Tappan wearing a trench coat and jeans; Lauren Tappan wearing a barn jacket and white pants; Lauren Tappan wearing a leather jacket and jeans
    (Image credit: Lauren Tappan)
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    Autumn holds a special place in my heart. From the comforting sound of crisp leaves crunching beneath my boots to the sweet taste of pumpkin spice lattes, there’s much to love about the season. But perhaps my favorite thing about this time of year is dressing for it. A glimpse inside my closet will reveal that I’ve already replaced my warm-weather looks with a well-rounded lineup of minimalist fall outfits. Needless to say, I wasted absolutely no time bidding farewell to summer.

    However, given the fact that temperatures aren’t yet bone-chilling cold, I haven’t bulked up my closet with faux fur coats or quilted puffers. Instead, I’ve opted for lightweight layers, such as barn jackets, leather bombers, and tailored trenches. I’ve also made sure to add thin sweaters and cardigans to my rotation, along with T-shirts and tank tops that I can layer beneath them.

    As for shoes, I’ll be slipping into my knee-high black boots—a quintessential fall footwear choice that never fails to round out my autumn ensembles. And for those moments when I want a less clunky option, I’ll choose ballet flats or slim sneakers.

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    If you need a bit of wardrobe inspiration this fall, look no further. Ahead, I’m showing you how to style three of my most reliable minimalist outfit formulas that I return to season after season. The best part about these looks is that they’re beyond easy to style. Defined by neutral shades and streamlined silhouettes, these straightforward uniforms take the guesswork out of fall dressing. Feel free to thank me later!

    Barn Jacket + Tank Top + White Pants + Flats

    Lauren Tappan wearing a barn jacket and white jeans

    (Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

    Sturdy old barn jackets have been around forever. But in recent years, the utilitarian-inspired style has emerged as a high-fashion fall staple. I have several options in my closet, but this one is my absolute favorite. It’s coated in a warm khaki hue and decorated with contrasting brown collars. Although the original style is sold out, I found a similar alternative at J.Crew, which is just as chic.

    As for the rest of my outfit, I decided to anchor the look in white linen pants. Before you say anything—yes, you can wear white and linen after Labor Day. You just have to make sure to give the look an autumnal twist. I did just that by choosing a chore coat, but you can achieve the same result with a suede jacket or a plaid blazer.

    If you take a look at my footwear, you can see that I ditched typical boots for my trusty pair of Vivaia ballet flats. They’re inherently charming and they add an elevated spin to the outfit. Not to mention, these shoes are incredibly comfortable. They’re crafted with a cushioned sole and soft woven fabric.

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    Aritzia, The Effortless Pant™ - Powerlinen™

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    Leather Jacket + Sweater + Jeans + Boots

    Lauren Tappan wearing a leather jacket, a sweater, and jeans

    (Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

    If you see me wearing this outfit several times this season, don’t judge me! It’s one of my go-to combinations, mainly because I can’t resist a layered look. I started off with a simple white tee as the base layer. Then, I added a buttoned sweater and a leather bomber jacket into the mix. Styled together, these three pieces make the outfit feel intentional and considered.

    Complete with baggy jeans, boots, and a colorful handbag, it’s a relaxed look that’ll rise to any casual occasion. Whether you’re meeting up with your friends for a laid-back dinner or you’re heading out to see a movie, consider copying this exact formula.

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    Knitted Button Cardigan - Women | Mango Usa

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    Cam Low-Rise Full Straight Jeans

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    Reformation, Nancy Knee Boot

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    Trench Coat + Cardigan + Jeans + Sneakers

    Lauren Tappan wearing a trench coat, jeans, and adidas sambas

    (Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

    I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, no autumn wardrobe is complete without a tailored trench coat. Typically stitched with a lightweight construction, this capsule piece is absolutely essential for the transitional season.

    The olive green style that I’m wearing above is designed with a checkered lining for a whimsical appeal. Yes, I’m a minimalist, but I like to throw in a playful touch here and there.

    I finished off the look with a few of my other must-have fall basics: a white T-shirt, a cozy cardigan, wide-leg jeans, and Adidas Sambas. The pumpkin spice latte in my hand is the accessory that really pulls the entire look together.

    sezane,

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    DÔEN, Petra Knit Cardigan

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    Ren Wide-Leg Jeans

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    Ren Wide-Leg Jeans
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    Samba

    Adidas
    Samba
    $100
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    CATEGORIES
    Fall fashion
    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Lauren Tappan
    Lauren Tappan
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    Fashion Editor

    Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

    Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.

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