Use these styling tips to look fashionable and chic all season.
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Layer, layer, layer
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Layering is a surefire way to look stylish this fall and a practical way to dress. Be careful when you’re layering — don’t choose only bold pieces, and make sure the look is cohesive. But don’t be afraid to wear three layers and combine unexpected pieces.
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Mix and match patterns
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Mixing and matching patterns is an easy and fun way to look stylish this fall. If you’re worried you’ll just look crazy, pick a through line. For example, choose two patterns with the same color palette or pick the same pattern in different colors — or wear whatever patterns you want.
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Mix and match textures
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Mixing and matching textures will also keep your style fun this season. Don’t be afraid to pair cashmere with leather or linen with denim. It’ll add depth to your outfit and give you a more dynamic look.
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Wear classic footwear
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Fall is all about classic footwear: Riding boots, Mary Janes, and ballet flats. With the weather changing, you want your outfits to also be practical, and opting for classic footwear is a great way to ensure you’re both fashionable and ready for any event.
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Lean on rich colors
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There’s no reason you can’t wear colors in the fall, but it’s best to give the neons and pastels a break for the season. Opt for rich, deep colors. Think jewel tones and dark neutrals. They’re easy to wear and make for the most beautiful looks.
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Pick an aesthetic
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If you’re getting dressed in the morning, help yourself out by choosing a particular aesthetic. It could be cottage core, coastal chic, or dark academia. Whatever it is, selecting a vibe will help you choose your clothing accordingly, and it’ll help you remain cohesive.
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Wear thick gold hardware
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Fall is the season to use all your chunky gold accessories. Earrings, bracelets, rings, belts, purse handles — if they’re thick and gold, wear them.
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Go monochromatic
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Few outfits are as classic and chic as a monochromatic look in the fall. When choosing a monochromatic look, utilize other styling tips, like mixing textures and layering, to make your outfit more interesting.
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Play with different sizes
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Don’t be afraid to play with different sizes in the fall, either. Go for an oversized look or layer with something a little smaller than you might normally choose. It’s a great time to experiment.
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Carry leather accessories
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Leather accessories scream fall. Whatever color your leather (or pleather) has been dyed, it’ll look good in the season. It can match a variety of aesthetics, too, so you can get lots of use out of an investment piece.
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Get cozy
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If the only aesthetic you’re going for this season is cozy, great. You’ll still look fashionable. Opt for comfortable knits and loungewear sets that feel like walking around with a blanket. Use chic outerwear and good accessories to elevate your looks.
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Mix and match basics
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If you’re struggling with what to wear, get back to basics. Literally. Just dig out your basics. You can’t go wrong with a pair of black boots, neutral trousers, a plain white T-shirt, and a blazer. It may not be the most original outfit, but it will be stylish.
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Mix and match animal prints
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Think of animal prints as a neutral and a pattern this season (and every season). Don’t be afraid to mix and match them, but use the tip for mixing and matching patterns to style them.
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Categorize more colors as neutral
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If the only colors you consider neutral are black, white, gray, and tan, it’s time to expand your scope. Add wine, navy, olive, plum, and mustard to your list — at a minimum — and use those to mix and match. At the very least, incorporate them with the classic neutrals.
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Look for elevated basics
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Basic doesn’t have to mean boring. When looking for more basics this season, select pieces with a unique feature, like a thick collar or structure. You can still style them like any other basics, but they’ll elevate the look.
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Don’t forget about tights
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Tights are one of the greatest layering pieces in existence. They can add dimension underneath a pair of ripped jeans, add a pop of color, or allow you to get more use out of your miniskirts. Don’t try to make it through the fall without them.
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Find some classic pieces
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If you want to elevate your wardrobe even more, find some classic pieces to add to your closet this fall. Look for a tweed jacket, a camel trench, or any other piece you know you’ll get lots of use for years.
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Layer outerwear
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Don’t limit your layering to what you’ll wear on your body when you’re inside. Layer with outwear, too. This could mean throwing on a trench coat over a blazer or layering a lightweight jacket on top of a denim jacket.
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Don’t bundle up
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We’re not quite to winter yet, which means that we don’t need to worry too much about the elements. Take advantage of this time by carefully curating your outerwear looks. Keep your jackets unzipped, and don’t wind your scarves. Opt for a chic, undone look.
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Go bold with accessories
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It’s a lot harder to make bold outfit choices in the fall simply because of the weather. If your outfit is boring, go bold with your accessories. Carry a fun purse or wear a unique piece of jewelry to add some fun to your look.
Acacia Deadrick is a South Dakota-based writer who has written for sites such as Nicki Swift, The List, and Glam. She loves music and all things pop culture, and she can be found watching TV, completing a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time.