** 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.
And if you aren’t already a Nordy Club member, be sure to sign up so you can start earning points toward Nordstrom Notes when you shop. You also get to enjoy exclusive perks like members-only access to sales, offers, and events — like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which will be here again before we know it!
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24 Responses
I love how your jacket really ratchets the outfit up!! However, when you arrive where you are going you take the jacket off and the outfit is much less interesting????
I don’t usually take it off, but if I do, I don’t mind the simplicity of the outfit underneath. But you can always do a printed top or blouse if you want a more interesting base layer. Or add some necklaces.
There are so many pop up’s I can’t read your post
What size are you wearing in the jeans?
The 6. I almost always size down in KUT.
I love the red trucker jacket on you! It provides just the pop of color that takes this great outfit to another level!
Thanks! I agree.
Presumably the red coated denim jacket is no longer available, as you didn’t provide a link. It is very cute. I like your outfit.
Ooops! linked it under the top photo but I forgot to link it when I mentioned it in the post. I’ll fix that. In the meantime, its right here. https://shopstyle.it/l/cgGAt
I love this whole look although I’d probably opt for a lower heel for me! It really does help to have a variety of jackets as completer pieces. This is also true here for our Canadian winters!
Safe travels!
A lower heel would work too!
Helpful post! And such a cute outfit. I have a question about the Veronica Beard “Lada Chelsea” boot you linked. I’m looking for a boot (preferably ankle length) that I could wear when we travel this winter to Japan. Is it comfortable to walk longer distances in or is it more jump-out-the-car-and-into-the-restaurant kind of comfortable? Thanks!
Hey Christa, I wore them traveling this week. Walked all over two airports, and went shopping with my daughter at the mall on Sunday. They were great! SO comfortable.
Maybe it’s me and where I live but I honestly think that if it’s cool enough out to wear a jacket I wouldn’t wear the mules or other shoes that would bare so much skin. I would freeze. I do love your clothes though. You always give me so many fresh ideas.
I have that Jacket in two colors and wear it comfortably any time it’s under 85 degrees. It’s very light weight.
You can definitely wear boots with this if you want, but I wear this outfit when it’s quite mild outside. As Annie said, it’s pretty lightweight.
Great outfit and updated look. Welcome home, again!
Thanks, Ginger! I hope you fared this last weather event okay.
I love this look as well. The beauty of it is….I already own the jeans and the jacket in a butterscotch faux-suede. I have a few black tees as well. However, I would prefer this look (for me) with a low heel – something I can walk a mile in. Aside from a running shoe, what kind of footwear can I put with this outfit? What are all my options? I struggle a lot with footwear when putting together my outfits. I don’t like to sacrifice comfort for style. I own many sandals but few become my “go-to” shoes. The same with boots. It would be nice to see in one of your blogs the possibilities of footwear suggestions that could be worn with the various outfits according to style and the season. That would be helpful to me!
Well, believe it or not, I have a post on that! This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a place to start.
Thanks for this post- I love this outfit formula and I purchased the dark red jacket you were wearing! I can’t wait for it to get here. My only issue personally with this outfit is the wide leg ankle jeans with mules: visually it cuts off the leg, imo. Since I’m just shy of 5’5″, I would wear boots with these jeans to look taller.
Cyndi I agree. While it looks cute on Jolynne, at 5’3 I have the same issue! I’ve decided the cropped wide legs are not the most user friendly for us short girls! I’m sticking to full length in wide leg silhouettes (and pairing them with heels!) I’m updating my crops to a slim or girlfriend cut. Still more current than skinnies, but hopefully less “chopped off”!
Love this outfit! I tried on those jeans and I liked how soft the fabric was but I wasn’t sure I could make them work for my body. I have short legs and I like wearing flats so wasn’t sure if they would be the most flattering on me. However, you rocked them!! I may have to reconsider 😊
Love everything about the outfit except the length of the jeans. You look SO much slimmer in full length jeans unless they’re a slim leg with sandals or flats. I realize this is just my opinion here but I really think most women look awful in short wide leg jeans, especially in those mules. In sandals or a less heavy shoe it’s a bit easier to pull off but definitely not with those shoes, too heavy looking.