Now that it's shifted from summer to fall, and throwing on that skirt and tee combo you've been wearing for the past three months doesn't correlate with the current season, it's time to embrace "autumnal thoughts" and get back into scarves, sweaters, and pants. However, from the popularity of summer's bold maximalism trends to its minimalistic trends that defined the season, how can we bring back the same fashion trendiness for fall?
Allow me to guide you towards making an outfit go from basic to fashionable, whether you're aiming for the cozy fall vibes from Gilmore Girls to Blair Waldorf's chic autumnal looks from Gossip Girl. So, grab a coffee or tea and dive into these tips for elevating a fall outfit.
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Apply NowThe Power of Shoes
Although shoes can sometimes be seen as the minority of an outfit, it is much more than that. Shoes can be a way of balancing the proportions of an outfit, adding a silhouette, and expressing your style - in this case, the fall style. However, different shoes reflect different vibes, such as sandals with summer and boots with fall or winter.
You probably even have a pair of trainers lurking about which you pair with every outfit (Guilty!). Perhaps, switching up your shoe style and color could enormously upgrade your outfit's value. Examples of shoes perfect for fall include:
âžµ Boots
Boots that come in varied lengths and colors can equate to an infinite of outfit possibilities. In terms of boots' length, you can pair long boots with a mid-length or short-length skirt paired with tights or leg warmers. You can even pair shorter boots with longer skirts and pants to give that ounce of the grittiness that comes with fall. Now, in terms of types of boots, here is a rough list of the types that you can explore in terms of elevating fall outfits:
- Cowboy boots
- Knee-high boots
- Ankle boots
- Calf boots
- High heel boots
- Stiletto boots
- Wellington boots
- Dr. Martens
- Ugg boots
âžµ Ugg boots
Although Uggs are classified as a type of boot, they deserve special mention because they seem to be a popular fall trend to pair with outfits. What makes these types of boots trendy is the comfort and coziness they enforce to the wearer. Not only that, but their autumnal and neutral colour, from brown to white (the ultimate fall color palette). Types of Uggs from the original website include:
Below, you can see Lisa Mottl from Instagram wearing Uggs ranging from the slippers to the classic ones.
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âžµ Sneakers
Sneakers are the perfect way to equip any fall outfit, from outfits incorporated by skirts to trousers, with their masterful utility of being worn anywhere, even on the go. The great thing about sneakers is that they can vary in pattern and color (much like many other shoes), allowing the outfit to exhibit a statement piece with options like silver sneakers or leopard-print sneakers. Some examples of trendy sneakers for fall outfits include:
- Simple sneakers (examples listed below)
- Adidas Originals Handball Spezial Junior
- Gola x Anthropologie Stadium Sneakers (these sneakers are replaced with ribbon ties, embracing the coquette aesthetic)
- Chunky sneakers (examples listed below)
âžµ Flat shoes
Sometimes, less is more, and sometimes, an outfit needs less to make other parts of the outfit pop out more. After all, shoes' silhouette balance the proportion of any outfit. Some flat shoes can include:
- Mary-Janes
- Clogs
- Ballet flats
- Loafers
âžµ Heels
Heels can be a great way to elevate your outfit, enhance your posture, create longer silhouettes, and promote a more sleek fall fit depending on what fall aesthetic you want to go for - think of it as Blair Waldorf-style. Examples include:
- Kitten heels - trendy with trousers to intensify and empower a fall outfit
- Stiletto heels
- (Boot heels)
Image credit: Jack Redgate from Pexels
Blend in an Ounce of Coziness
The fall season is all about getting ready for the cold of winter, so why not elevate your outfits through comfort? You may find that knitted clothing can add a sense of chunkiness to an outfit with its knit designs and ribbed patterns. A list of possibilities includes:
- Knit sweaters
- Leather jackets
- Fuzzy sweaters/jumpers
- Blazers
- Turtle necks
- Cardigans
These give a great sense of warmth and comfort, being parable with any outfit choice.
Image credit: Arina Krasnikova from Pexels
Add a Statement Piece
When it comes to fall fashion, it's the perfect excuse to go over the top with the multiple amount of items one look can layer, from vest to coat. A statement item can be anything that stands out, from the color to the shape. If you want the outfit to match a similar color palette, the way to go is to wear something big like a trench coat (European style) or even a belted wool coat.
For a more keyed-up tone, a leather jacket, plaid shirt-jacket, or a plaid skirt could add to the touch of casualness. As I previously mentioned, you could consider adding an edge to your shoes. The possibilities are endless with fall fashion.
Image credit: Thai Hoang from Pexels
It's All About Layering
You see every fashionista layer, so why shouldn't you? Previously linked with how you want to incorporate a statement piece for a fall outfit, fall gives you the perfect excuse to dress as warmly as you want and go over the top with layers. Maybe you want to pair a jacket with a turtle-neck sweater or maybe denim overalls with a knitted sweater. There's an endless array of possibilities.
Image Credit: Zoe from Unsplash
Embracing Autumnal Colours
Contrasting the idea of adding statement pieces to "upgrade" an outfit, by following an autumnal color palette, you can bring together your fall outfit by differentiating away from winter outfits, inviting in the Rory Gilmore aesthetic associated with the academia of studying near a fireplace with the vibrant tones of falling leaves - often described as a warm and cosy season diverging away from winter. Fall colors can be separated categorically from warm neutrals to rich and earthy hues, hence giving fall outfits variety.
Image credit: Marius Cigher from Pexels
One Word: Accessories
Not only are accessories a HUGE game changer to upgrading an outfit, but they can be multi-purpose for fall outfits. They allow for personal expression, color coordination (such as matching the color of a belt with a top or bag), and even utility. Examples include:
- Headbands
- Scarves (thick or thin)
- Bags
- Belts
- Hats
- Jewellery
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
Image credit: Jéshoots from Pexels
To Wrap It Up
After discovering ways to elevate a fall outfit, you must think of where to find inspiration. So, I have compiled a Pinterest board that display some of the most fashionable fall outfits here.
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