** This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and Collective Voice. All selections, styling, and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
A few years ago, I wrote a post about my fail-proof outfit formula for fall, and today I’m sharing an update for 2024. I started to replace that post with current pictures and republish it, but then I thought it might be more helpful to leave that post as-is and show an updated version, so here we are! I also really like those photos and didn’t want to blow them away. In fact, with just a few small tweaks, I would wear that outfit today.
KUT from the Kloth Julia Coated Denim Trucker Jacket (M) // Treasure & Bond Short Sleeve Crewneck Sweater (M) // KUT from the Kloth Meg High Waist Raw Hem Ankle Wide Leg Jeans (6) // similar belt // Matisse McCarthy Mules (8.5) // similar hoops // Jenny Bird Ola Bangle (budget option) // YSL 54mm Sunglasses (budget option) // similar crossbody
The 5 Key Pieces to a Stylish Fall Outfit
There are basically 5 key pieces to this fall outfit formula: jeans in a current silhouette, a layering tee or sweater, a transitional shoe, an outfit-making jacket, and updated accessories. Let’s break it down!
For this look, I choose a pair of dark wash high waist ankle-length wide-leg jeans, which is a very of-the-moment pant silhouette. Dark washes are also trending this fall, and I feel like they lend a more polished look.
These jeans are soft and stretchy and very comfortable, and they have a raw hem so the length can be easily adjusted if you want them a little shorter. If you prefer a finished hem, I really like this pair with the front patch pockets.
My base layer is this black short sleeve crewneck sweater by Treasure & Bond, and it’s a really nice classic layering piece to wear with jackets and cardigans this season. I like the abbreviated sleeve length and soft fine gauge knit. For size reference, I went with the medium in this top, and it also comes in gray and brown.
For shoes, I debated these flat loafer mules, but I decided to go with a heel. I love the croc-embossed leather on these Matisse McCarthy Mules with the angled, architectural heel. This espresso color looks black or brown depending on what you pair with them, making them a highly versatile piece of footwear to have in your fall closet.
As I said in the original post, I’m all for a simple three-piece outfit, and some days that’s all you need, but throwing a stylish jacket on top is like the icing on the cake.
This coated denim trucker jacket comes in four colors, and I think this deep red is so pretty and fun for fall. The black hardware and lining creates a pleasing contrast and ties into the black top and shoes in this outfit. I did a single wide cuff to give it more of a styled look.
For size reference, I tried both the small and medium in this jacket, I ended up keeping the medium. It gives me a little extra wiggle room for layering, and it’s also a smidge longer than the small, which I think fits my body better.
I often say that having a good variety of jackets in your fall wardrobe is the best way to change up your looks. You can wear the same sweater and jeans every day for a week, and just change out the jacket and shoes, and it will look like a whole new outfit.
For example, I could also wear this sweater and jeans with my black leather bomber and fashion sneakers or black ankle boots, and I’m also going to try it with my green twill utility jacket and camel suede mules.
I also mentioned in the original post that if a stylish jacket is the icing on the cake, a few well-placed accessories are the decorations. In this case, I added with a narrow black belt with gold hardware (similar here), a pair of gold puffy hoops (similar here), and a wavy gold bangle. I also like this gold tone hinge cuff bracelet for a similar look.
Finally, a black crossbody (similar here) and sunglasses (budget option) complete this fall-friendly look. Best of all, everything I’m wearing here is available at Nordstrom for easy one-stop shopping!
As always, when you shop at Nordstrom, you get their free shipping and free returns. And don’t forget about their BOPUS (Buy Online Pick Up in Store) and contactless curbside pickup options.
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