These easy looks require little-to-no effort.
If summer is for showing off how great you look without a lot of clothing, fall is for demonstrating what you can do with your wardrobe. It's time to burrow into your oversize fuzzy sweaters and wear the same pair of black skinny jeans Monday-Friday (but every outfit will look different! we promise!) Fall fashion means covering up and figuring out how to layer without looking like an overstuffed penguin. Though I'm still trying to master that last part, I can show you how to create 12 cute autumn outfits, as seen on the streets. Read ahead for some quick styling tips.
Fall officially signals the start of denim jacket weather. (Even if you've been wearing yours around the office because #airconditioning.) To breathe new life into your look, incorporate a shimmery, metallic top. Street style star Andresha Debourg went the extra mile with two different-colored shiny pieces for a fancy-but-dressed-down vibe. Tie your ensemble together with a pair of sneakers that match your top.
Shop similar: Ksubi denim crop jacket, $240
One way to dress for tricky transitional weather is with layers. To wear your summer pieces—like a linen jumpsuit—into the fall, slip a thin turtleneck sweater underneath. Weather-permitting, you can skip wearing a jacket altogether.
Shop similar: H&M ribbed turtleneck, $15
If summertime colors are all pinks and yellows, then fall calls for muted tones like burnt orange and rich burgundy. If you don't already have these colors in your wardrobe, might I suggest this pumpkin spice–colored bodysuit? You'll soon find that brown and orange hues are just as versatile as black or navy. Don't be afraid to mix and match various prints in these shades, like the ladies on the left.
Shop similar: BP bodysuit, $18
A foolproof way to make your summer slips fall appropriate is with a lightweight cardigan. The cover-up gives offers that extra warmth, necessary since spaghetti straps don't exactly provide you with much coverage. I recommend having a taupe or beige option that will go with everything in your closet.
Shop similar: Eileen Fisher slip dress, $248
Not ready to trade in your lace-up sandals for suede ankle boots yet? I feel ya. Luckily, in the early weeks of autumn, you can still wear open-toe sandals or woven espadrilles without flirting with hypothermia. Style your summer shoes with your favorite long-sleeved T-shirt dress or a cozy fall sweater and jeans.
Shop similar: Kenzo T-shirt dress, $260
Here's an idea for a fresh way to style your trench coat: Leave your outerwear unbuttoned, wear it slightly off one shoulder, then roll up your jacket sleeves to expose the sleeves of your shirt. To keep the coat on, simply belt it. This slightly disheveled, but effortless fashun look will make everyone on the streets do a double take—in a good way. Plus, now your cute top won't be hidden under your trench coat.
Shop similar: Jonathan Simkhai trench coat, $995
My favorite fall combination is a dress over jeans because I'm not a fan of tights (sorry, Kate Middleton). They always rip! This simple combination ensures you can wear your Free People summer dress and your fall jeans without picking favorites. When it comes to what kind of denim you should wear underneath, go for a straight or slim fit with a cropped or frayed hem for extra style.
Shop similar: Ganni wrap dress, $280
Plaids are always in for fall/winter. An unconventional way to work this classic print into your outfit is with an accessory, like this Les Petits Joueurs handbag. Caroline Daur added some color to her all-black ensemble by toting around a plaid bag and topping it all off with blue sunglasses and a red lip. If you're not into plaid bags, perhaps try a plaid heel with jeans?
Shop similar: Balenciaga plaid bag, $2,775
Find a good pantsuit set and you're set for any work event or fancy dinner party. The two-piece look is so easy to wear (I like to layer a crop top or tee underneath) and you can rock it with sneakers, mule pumps, boots, or flats. Best of all, you can wear the coordinates separately or together, like this Fashion Week attendee did.
Shop similar: Argent blazer, $378 and Argent trousers, $248
The cool, but not muggy, temperatures in the fall make it possible to wear things like a sweater dress and not suffer a heatstroke. Instead of accessorizing with a belt, strap on a waist bag to highlight your midsection and to break up the look. While this fashionista chose a pair of sparkly boots, you can trade in booties for sneakers or a cool Everlane glove heel.
Shop similar: Nice Martin, $165
The shearling jacket is a good in-between option for days when you can't wear a leather jacket (it's too cold), but you also don't want to wear a down coat (it's not really winter yet). Two years ago, I found the best one at Forever 21, which I wear over and over with jeans and boots—simple. The jacket shields me from the wind and keeps me warm, though I don't recommend wearing it in snow storms: the shearling gets wet and crusts over.
Shop similar: Forever 21 shearling jacket, $41
Pause! Don't pack away your summer skirts yet. You can rework them for fall in several easy steps: 1. Find a sweater thin enough to tuck into your skirt, 2. Wear a pair of tights underneath your skirt, 3. Style with the ankle or knee-high boots of your choice. Top with your favorite transitional jacket and, voilà! Your skirt is now ready for #OOTD photos at the pumpkin patch.
Shop similar: BP black sweater, $39 and Raquel Diniz polka dot skirt, $262