14 Fall Outfit Formulas You Can Always Count On

A miniskirt in fall? Yes, yes, a million times yes. Shorter hemlines can be seasonally appropriate when styled correctly—here, with a heavy knit and to-the-knee boots that limit your exposed skin to just a small swath. (Depending on your colorway, you can also add tights.)

Get the look: Gap sweater ($70); Rachel Antonoff skirt ($198); Sam Edelman boots ($170)

Think maxis are inherently summery? Think again. In long sleeves and a darker print, the breezy style is perfectly appropriate in fall and winter.

Get the look: Doen dress ($155); LOFT belt ($45); Zara boots ($120)

Hey, ’70s lady. Channel Elizabeth Jennings from The Americans in a pair of leg-lengthening flares and a zippered suede or leather jacket. To top it off, toss a simple saddle bag over your shoulder and hit the streets in style.

Get the look: BlankNYC jacket ($188); Uniqlo sweater ($20); Free People jeans ($78)

Another solid option for working gals: a chunky sweater, preferably in a standout color, tucked into a pleated midi. Parisian heels are then the cherry on top.

Get the look: J.Crew sweater ($88); DKNY skirt ($398); River Island shoes ($50)

A great menswear-inspired option, an oversized plaid coat adds polish to whimsical hemlines. Go for a monochromatic look in earthy shades, and then pair the whole thing with pointy-toed stilettos to bring back a hint of femininity to the ensemble.

Get the look: Sezane coat ($390); Madewell turtleneck ($35); Theory pants ($295)

This one’s all about comfort. A fluid top and comfy trousers could read a little pajama-y, but tucking in the blouse and adding statement accessories upgrades the look without sacrificing coziness.

Get the look: Mango shirt ($60); L.L.Bean pants ($35); Dannijo necklace ($285)

Well aren’t these fun? Let cool pants do all the talking by paring them with simple basics like a black tee, black moto jacket and your go-to white sneakers. Note that this top-shoe combination would look just as rad with everything from skinny jeans to a midi skirt.

Get the look: ASOS jacket ($147); Gap pants ($70); Puma sneakers ($70)

How to dress for work without feeling stuffy? Culottes of course—shown here with an oh-so-stylish longline vest. It creates a sharp silhouette and looks professional without being boring.

Get the look: H&M vest ($40); Target culottes ($30); BP sandals ($70)

Simple, elegant and classic, the combination of skinny pants, an essential trench and on-trend bucket bag is a look you can wear over and over again without it feeling tired or overdone.

Get the look: Burberry coat ($795); Joe's Jeans pants ($132); Creatures of Comfort bag ($495)

Another closet staple, your trusty striped tee works great in the fall. Worn tucked into black trousers and with a light jacket, it’s perfect for that in-between weather when you want to layer but don’t want to whip out your parka just yet.

Get the look: Joe Fresh jacket ($50); Madewell shirt ($32); Old Navy trousers ($25)

This looks is all about contrasting the masculine with the feminine. Juxtapose a menswear blazer and slightly loose-fitting, distressed jeans with low heels that might read a little too precious in other situations. Here, they’re the perfect balance to the rest of this outfit.

Get the look: Vince Camuto blazer ($150); Tommy Hilfiger jeans ($43); Zara heels ($90); Brahmin bag ($435)

Have you heard? Bomber jackets are all the rage this season. Let yours take center stage by pairing it with simple basics like a white tee and black skinnies. When the temps drop, swap out the sandals for white sneakers, and you’ve got our ideal fall weekend outfit.

Get the look: New Look bomber ($57); Mango jeans ($40); Steve Madden sandals ($90)

A colorful silk scarf (tied one of a million ways) jazzes up a simple black dress, which, as it gets colder, can totally be worn with a pair of opaque tights and closed-toe boots.

Get the look: Tory Burch dress ($395) and scarf ($125); Sam Edelman booties ($110)

Sometimes the simplest outfit is the best outfit. Case in point: this look, which could sound boring on paper but is thoroughly modern, effortless and cool. Style it with beige loafers, a few delicate rings and a cool hat.

Get the look: Equipment shirt ($218); BDG pants ($60); Levi's jacket ($50)