Fall is the season where getting dressed gets harder, not easier. Mornings are cold, afternoons are warm, and you never know which one you'll get. The fix is a small set of pieces that layer well. Here's a simple way to build a fall wardrobe that works from the first cool morning through Thanksgiving.
Start With the Layer That Does the Most Work
A knit sweater or cardigan is the most useful fall piece you can own. It goes over a tank on a warm day, under a coat on a cold one, and works as the main event when the weather in between makes up its mind. Pick a mid-weight knit in a color you already wear a lot.
The Five Fall Pieces Worth Owning
1. A knit sweater. Crew neck, V-neck, or patchwork, it does the work of three tops.
2. A cardigan or cardigan coat. Easy over almost anything, especially in plaid or a neutral.
3. A jacket that goes with everything. A faux-suede jacket or a shacket handles most of the season. See jackets and coats.
4. A long-sleeve dress. One midi dress with sleeves covers work, dinners, and family events.
5. A cozy set. A knit or striped two-piece set is the easiest way to get dressed on a cold morning.
Fall Colors That Are Easy to Mix
Brown, cream, olive, rust, camel, and burgundy all work together, so buying one piece in each gives you a lot of combinations. If you want to keep it even simpler, start with brown and cream and add color from there.
How to Layer Without Looking Bulky
Keep the layer closest to your body thin, the middle layer fitted or normal, and the outer layer looser. A thin knit under a cardigan under a coat looks good. Three thick pieces stacked on each other does not.
Fall Outfit Ideas to Copy This Week
Sweater vest over a button-down with straight pants. Long-sleeve midi with ankle boots and a cardigan. Oversized knit with leggings and sneakers. Cardigan coat over a tee and jeans. A set in a warm shade with a long coat on top.
What to Buy First
If you only buy one thing this month, buy the sweater or cardigan you'll reach for most often. Then add a jacket, then a dress. Building slowly beats buying a whole new wardrobe and finding half of it doesn't get worn.
Browse everything in the Fall Edit to see what's in now.
