Last week, I talked about fall outfit ideas, but I just can’t quit thinking about and looking at autumnal staples as the signs of the season start to emerge. We’re not quite into full fall weather, so there’s still time to pair summer favorites with lightweight to midweight fall finds for layered looks that embrace the contrast of the slow changeover of the weather, while the year itself seems to be speeding by. Here are a few options for buying and styling this season’s trends and essentials.
First up, shorts. It may officially be fall now, but I’m not packing away all of my shorts just yet. Yes, the Madras plaid pair and the cutoffs are going into storage, but the longer Bermuda-style shorts and tailored shorts are still in rotation through October. If you don’t have such a pair to wear this fall, you are in luck, because the offerings from most retailers are on sale! Everlane’s The Pleated Short in Stretch Linen gives you a lighter fabrication, but an autumnal feel in shades of cedarwood, black, and lichen green. For a more structured fit, check out Spanx’s Supersmooth Stretch Twill Short in navy, dark pine, or flax. For either pair, wear with a full- or half-tucked button-down or striped long-sleeve tee, belt, and a loafer. As we deepen into fall, wear with an oversized turtleneck sweater, long socks, and knee-high boots. Finish off with a trench coat and a bag big enough to hold your umbrella, or better yet, a bag with a sleeve for said umbrella.
Shorts aren’t for everyone, so another trending bottom option to consider this season is the pencil skirt. You can go traditional with a below-the-knee black skirt like Tommy Hilfiger’s Midi Pencil Skirt on sale at Saks off 5th and wear it with pointy-toed flats and a printed blouse. Or look for something more alternative, like Gap Factory’s Denim Midi Pencil Skirt in black or medium indigo. A denim pencil has a bit more edge to it and can be worn casually with sneakers and a sweater. Or lean into the edge with a graphic tee, leather jacket, and boots.
In terms of shirting, it’s time to go big or go home. Oversized button-downs are the name of the style game this fall. Pair them with shorts, skirts, jeans, or go the traditional route with dress pants or a full suit. Look to the classics like white, blue, or pinstriped. If you don’t already have this staple in your wardrobe, you can easily source it secondhand or from the closet of that man who lives in your house. The key is styling it slouchy versus sloppy. Leave it loose with a more fitted bottom and structured jacket. Or do a full or half tuck with a wide-leg pant and belted. As fall turns to winter, I like to layer a fitted turtleneck under a button-down shirt with only a few buttons fastened, and pair it with a higher-waisted pair of trousers and boots.
Oversized isn’t limited to buttoned shirts; tees are coming in boxier silhouettes this season. While the weather remains on the warmer side, you can throw a roomier t-shirt, like Uniqlo’s AIRism Cotton Oversized T-shirt, over your pencil skirt with sneakers for semi-casual days. This trend definitely skews younger and may not be flattering on women of a certain age (of which I include myself in that group). However, I do like the idea of an oversized t-shirt tucked into a utility barrel pant, worn with boots and a barn jacket, here this fall, versus a more fitted or cropped version from seasons past.
Speaking of barn jackets, yes, they are still trending as they did last year, but you may also want to consider adding a camel coat to your outfit roster this season. Whether you’re going with a funnel neck or wrap style, in a suede, wool, or basic trench, camel is always a sophisticated neutral to top off any autumn look. I foresee myself wearing my camel trench with the above oversized button-up, with cropped jeans and ballet flats here in October. As we head into the holiday season, I’d look to a wool version, like Kohl’s Roaman’s Women’s Plus Size Long Tailored Wool Blend Coat in soft camel to throw on over shirtdresses or a little black dress for evening festivities.
And speaking of the holidays, you can pre-game while also being on trend by working pops of color or whole outfits of red in your autumnal look lineup. For a pop of red, consider accessories like boots or bags. I love a witchy red boot for this time of year, like Miz Mooz’s Flicka bootie, worn with a midi dress and cardigan combo. For a full red look, you can go the simple route with a red dress like Boden’s Nicolette Ponte Shirt Dress. If you’re in the market for making more impact, then look to coordinated sets like Gap’s CashSoft Cardigan, Linen-Blend Cropped Shell, and Linen-Blend Midi skirt, for a three-piece look all in modern red. If you’re wearing an all-red outfit, keep the accessory more neutral. All-over red looks great with your camel coat.
These few fall essentials may already be living in your closet, if so, now’s the time dust them off and get them on. As we all know, fall is a fleeting season with a small style window before winter rolls in. So, don’t hold back, gear up those autumnal outfits for the most stylish season of the year.
