Fall is upon us! And can you believe that today is the final day of September? If it’s still warm where you are, you probably have cooler temperatures coming soon. Meanwhile, it’s a great time to layer on style in your outfits, so you can easily adjust for the weather as the day goes by. Today I’m sharing style inspiration boards for 5 favorite fall outfit formulas for everyday life.
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These boards are meant for inspiration more than anything. You probably have everything you need to create most of these looks in your wardrobe already. But the items shown are available and can be shopped through the words in the captions of the style boards. I’ve selected items in a wide range of prices; some are higher and some are lower. But throughout the blog post you’ll see some surprising finds if you click through.
Also, I actually shared these same formulas in last Wednesday’s YouTube video. But I thought you might like seeing them worked out a little differently here. So to see me wear each of these formulas, be sure to watch the video below.
Outfit Formula #1
Outfit formula #1 is one that has taken on new vibes in recent years: non-jean pants + a pullover sweater. Since the pandemic, it’s become very popular to wear that pullover sweater over more relaxed pants, such as joggers or other pull-on pants, especially for travel or everyday types of days. The idea is to create a comfortable and casual look that is still pulled together.
In the video I wore the above tan sweater with my Frank & Eileen joggers (which I actually have on today!). But here I found some less expensive joggers. The style formula is not limited to joggers, however. You could work this formula with chinos or even dressier pants, too. Below is a photo of another outfit I’ve styled already this fall using that exact same formula, but the look is different.
Later you could adapt this fall outfit formula to the cooler weather by wearing a t-shirt underneath the sweater. Then you can remove the sweater and put it around your neck if the day warms.
Outfit Formula #2
The second fall outfit formula that I enjoy for everyday life is non-jean pants + a button-up shirt + jacket.
Again, I worked this formula with joggers in the video, but you can work it with dressier pants, chinos or cargo pants, too. And the jacket is the element that can really change the tone of the look. You could top your shirt with a trending bomber jacket, a blazer, a denim jacket or even a feminine lady jacket.
Outfit Formula #3
It doesn’t get any simpler than fall outfit formula #3: a pullover sweater + jeans. The key to this ultra simple formula is to choose jeans and a sweater that are stylish enough to stand alone. That doesn’t mean they need to be fancy, just smart. This year so many different silhouettes of jeans are available, and the style you choose can definitely alter this look, too.
As I also pointed out in the video, changing your shoes will also set the tone of this one-two combination. The boots above keep the outfit a little polished, but swap them out for ballet flats or sneakers or loafers for different vibes. Again, when the weather gets cooler, add a crewneck tee under your sweater for a nice pop of interest at the neckline. Then you can remove the sweater and wear it over your shoulders if you warm up during the day. So on trend!
Outfit Formula #4
This outfit formula has become one of my favorites in recent years, as button-up shirts have risen in popularity. I love wearing button-up shirts because they feel a little cooler and less stuffy on days when the temperatures fluctuate. For this formula combine button-up shirt + t-shirt + jeans.
One of my favorite ways to work this formula is with a flannel shirt, and they’re so on trend this year. But you can also work it with a more feminine cotton print shirt, such as this one from Talbots. By the way, Talbots is having a Cyber Monday sale today with 40% off sitewide and $5 shipping. Wow! Of course, as the name of the sale implies, that’s online only. Check out some of my favorites of the newest arrivals at Talbots HERE.
Outfit Formula #5
The final fall outfit formula I worked in last week’s YouTube video was a one-and-done dress. But of course you really work that familiar formula by adding accessories, shoes and any accent pieces as you will.
You can see how I worked that fall dress outfit formula here.
I think that what throws us off with dresses in the fall is footwear. Take note, if you want to wear hose, you absolutely can. Just keep them sheer and in your skin tone; don’t go darker with them (i.e. tan). If you’re ready to add tights, go head. Keep those opaque and consider adding texture this year if you’d like. But if you’re still comfortable going bare-legged right now, that’s perfectly fine. For now you can wear loafers, feminine flats, sneakers or booties. Later you can swap in knee-high boots, as I will for the dress above.
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Blessed for My Day
This past weekend I had the pleasure of speaking at a women’s retreat in Wisconsin, where I’m now vacationing for a few days. We talked about keeping a soft heart when you’re in a hard place in life so that God can redeem that hard thing and bring good from it. When we stay soft to the touch of our Great Physician, He can truly heal our hurting hearts without leaving any scars.
I shared from the story of Jacob and Esau’s reunion. You may remember from Genesis 27 that Jacob had hurt his brother deeply and Esau had threatened to murder him. So Jacob fled. Many years later when they reunite Jacob approaches his brother with fear and trembling. But God had obviously done an amazing work in Esau’s heart because he was gracious, generous and loving toward the brother who had cheated him out of so much. That act of forgiveness was a testimony to God’s grace, and when we treat someone like that we show those around us an amazing picture of God’s lovingkindness, too.
Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept…And he said, “What do you mean by all this company which I have met?” And he said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.” But Esau said, “I have plenty, my brother; let what you have be your own.” Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then accept my gift from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably. ~ Genesis 33:4,8-10
I really appreciate these outfit formulas, Kay! They really help me use my individual pieces effectively.
Love the message. Thanks for all the styling ideas. We’re having cool mornings and hot afternoons.
You are in my neck of the woods this weekend . You are lucky to get such beautiful weather this late in our season. Happens rarely.
We are going on an Alaskan cruise next July and I was wondering if you could let me know the pants you took on your cruise that were water repellent?
You showed some cute ones but I can’t remember where you got them from. Thank you and hope you are enjoying Door County😊
We’re loving it here! Just lovely. You can find all of my Alaska attire and packing essentials here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/DressedforMyDay?tab=posts The pants I wore most are not waterproof, but they did very well for me. They’re these https://rstyle.me/+8FxBs87Q4vZQklQLvctkUA
Nice formulas!