Crunchy leaves, pumpkin-spice lattes, and sweater weather are just a few of the fall stereotypes we'll be reveling in this season. And though good things are often better left unchanged, it might be time to switch up our lifelong go-to jeans and chunky knits. If your usual fall uniform looks anything like ours (and every photo you see on Pinterest, ever), you're spending October-December in an oversized maroon crew-neck, dark-wash skinny jeans, and knee-high boots.
This time around, however, we're dedicating our time to getting out of a seasonal style rut before it starts, and saving as much money as we can while doing it. But it's no easy task to strike the right balance between repurposing last winter's trends with your impulsive summer buys and this fall's new arrivals. The five outfits ahead will show you the best way to make use of your closet without the pieces feeling overdone.
Double-Up On Sweaters
Instead of tossing on your favorite oversized crew-neck and calling it a day, add some dimension with this layering trick. Wearing a lighter turtleneck underneath will also help on those weirdly warm fall days when you need to strip down. Finish off the outfit by trading in your typical skinny jeans for a pair of oversized trousers, and accessorize with some simple accessories.
H&M Textured-Knit Sweater, $29.99, available at H&M; & Other Stories Basic Wool Turtleneck, $45, available at & Other Stories; House of Holland X Lee Low-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $159, available at Matchesfashion.com; Genuine People Faux-Leather Metal-Handle Handbag, $166 $139, available at Genuine People; Mango Decorative Buckle Boots, $79.99, available at Mango.
Swap Out Boots For Sneakers
This season, forgo your knee-high boots in favor of your favorite pair of sneakers. To keep the casual feel going, wear a dad-inspired half-zip instead of your typical knit sweater. On the bottom, those two-toned jeans you splurged on (and those quirky earrings you've been dying to wear) are great way to complete your atypical fall look.
J.W. Anderson Mockneck Sweater, $650, available at Need Supply Co; Alxvndra Denim 24, $375, available at Shop Super Street; Jiwinaia Flame Trio Earrings, $157, available at Jiwinaia; Zara Backpack with Zips, $59.90, available at Zara; Vans Old Skool, $60, available at Vans.
— PAID —
Go Overboard On Trends
Play with trendy silhouettes — like an off-the-shoulder knit and cropped, embroidered denim — to keep this tried-and-true combo feeling current. Then, complete the look with of-the-moment backless loafers and minimal jewelry.
PAIGE, $269.00, available at PAIGECOS, $22.00, available at COSTopshop, $85.00, available at TopshopTRUSS, $160.00, available at Opening Ceremony
Wear Fishnet Tights Under Your Jeans
Take a page from our DYI skinny-jeans guide and pop a set of fishnet tights on under some ripped denim. The effect is an instant lift towards making your usual bottoms that much more exciting. Add some extra grunge to the outfit by choosing a chunky, low-heeled boot offset by a hyper-girly handbag.
Ganni Harrison Blouse, $153, available at Ganni; Topshop Super Rip Hayden Jeans, $85, available at Topshop; DVF Love Power Fur Puff Mini Bag, $198, available at Shopbop; Topshop Micro-Fishnet Tights, $12, available at Topshop; Danner Mountain Light Black Boots, $380, available at Danner.
Choose White Denim
The easiest way to prolong the warmer months is by choosing lighter shades of clothing. In lieu of a dark wash, go for a brighter pair of denim. This white fringed hem set is the perfect summer trend to wear straight on 'til winter. Balance the denim out with a neutral-toned tight sweater and a few fun accessories. It'll feel like summer, even in the dead of fall.
Whistles Tie-Side Rib Sweater, $230, available at Whistles; 3x1 Frayed Jeans, $285, available at Farfetch; Forever 21 Reason French Fries Denim Cap, $25, available at Forever 21; Andrea Jiapei Li Triangle Bag, $600, available at Vfiles.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
How To Make Sure Your 9-To-5 Outfit Also Works As A 5-To-9