The Surprising Place to Build Your Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Find all of your fall essentials and then some.
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There’s a running joke among New Yorkers that fall is the three-day period between sweltering hot summer temperatures and the first sub-40-degree day, which is just as likely to happen in October as it is in December. And while dressing for winter is pretty easy—layering up and always taking a chunky scarf are good rules of thumb—dressing for the ever-elusive fall isn’t nearly as intuitive. That’s doubly true when it’s cold enough to need a winter coat at 9 a.m. but too hot for so much as a blazer by noon. (Nobody really knows how to dress for those days.)
Luckily, there are a few genius-but-simple layering tricks I’ve bookmarked over the years and always come in handy during these transition months. Some of them range from no-brainers, like adding a heavy leather vest over a button-down for some added warmth, to smart, sneaky tricks like layering an unbuttoned cardigan underneath a lined blazer, hidden from plain sight.
Ahead, 12 stylish outfit ideas for transitional fall days.
@mija_mija 1. Rethink Athleisure
Who says athleisure has to be 100% leisure? Pair a hoodie with jeans or trousers and a chic pair of heels for a look that works at the office, for weekend errands, or even a casual date night.
@chrisellelim 2. Put a belt on it
Sure, a belt’s primary function is to keep your pants up, but there’s something extra appealing about topping your outerwear with one that feels more editorial.
@laurencaruso_ 3. Hide you layers
Bet you’d never guess that I hid a cardigan underneath this blazer. On a particularly breezy day, layer a cardigan beneath your jacket and leave it unbuttoned. (Or, take a cue from Hailey Beiber and button just the one.)
@scoutthecity 4. Play with proportions
If a bomber jacket feels too sporty, pair it with a mini skirt and knee-high boots for a look that’s equally sexy and—more importantly—warm.
@alyssainthecity 5. Make use of your cocktail dresses
Throw a chunky sweater under a svelte cocktail dress and you’ve got a look that’s ready for just about any occasion.
@mariaalia 6. Add an unexpected summer layer
Don’t pack away your tube tops or bustiers the moment summer’s over: Instead, layer them atop oversized button-downs, ribbed sweaters, or knit dresses. It’ll add just enough visual intrigue without feeling too try-hard.
@babba 7. Layer tights—even when you won’t see them
Layered leggings had its moment in the sun back in the early-aughts, but these days, opaque tights just might be your best friend if you’re looking to wear a midi dress for fall activities. Plus, they’re way easier to slip off and carry in your bag if you get too hot than most thicker layers.
@shhtephs 8. Bring back the leather vest
A hefty vintage leather vest is too heavy for the end of summer—but it’s the perfect way to stave off the chills once temps begin to drop.
@anoukyve 9. Tie a sweater over it
To the naked eye, that sweater isn’t really serving much of a purpose. But anyone that’s taken their coat off and back on again more than a dozen times in a single hour knows it’s the autumn equivalent of an umbrella in the spring: It’s there if you need it, and looks stylish until then.
@charlottebuttrick 10. Layer a blazer over sweats
Don’t want to take off the sweats before you leave the house? A well-tailored blazer acts like a complete antidote to the lazy-girl look—and makes this the ultimate instant outfit.
@sophiesahara 11. Add a sweater vest
Don’t have a heavy leather vest on hand? A sweater vest works wonders when layered atop a summer dress—and makes a warm-weather hue like white feel right at home in the fall and winter months.
@anaasaber 12. Add a colorful topper
A brightly colored beanie is the best fall layering weapon around: It can completely change any lackluster look to one that’s eons more memorable.
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