How to Wear a White Dress in Fall

(Image credit: Jeremy Moeller)

If summer is for showing off how great you lookwithout a lot of clothing, fall is for demonstrating what you can dowith your wardrobe. It's time to burrow into your oversize fuzzy sweaters and wear the same pair of blue jeans Monday-Friday. Fall fashion means figuring out how to layer without looking like an overstuffed penguin, and for revisiting your favorite transitional-weather gear, from chunky ankle boots (opens in new tab) to classic trench coats. (opens in new tab) We're going to show you how to easily recreate street style stars' fall outfits with minimal effort.

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1. Entrenched In It

A classically tailored trench should be in your wardrobe—and if it isn't, now's the time to snag one for crisp autumnal days. Pair yours with denim, clogs, and your favorite tee to master quintessential French girl style.

Shop similar:Everlane Trench Coat (opens in new tab) , $198

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2. Pulled Together Polo

Pull a look together with a thin, ribbed knit polo in a neutral shade, like navy.

Shop similar: Frame Polo Sweater, (opens in new tab) $215

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3. Sweater Vested

A sweater vest will be your go-to fall layer for anywhere, any day. Pair it with jeans, over a floaty maxi dress, or styled over a crisp button-down.

Shop similar: Ganni Sweater Vest (opens in new tab) , $136

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4. Earn Your Stripes

Stripes are an evergreen staple. Wear them in the summer with a breezy bermuda short, and transition them to fall weather with your favorite pair of denim like Nikki Ogunnaike.

Sbop similar:Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Shirt, (opens in new tab) $101

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5. Slip Skirt and Blazer

There's nothing more chic than a silky slip skirt accompanied by a slightly oversized blazer. Finish the look with a carefree straw tote and a '90s thong kitten heel.

Shop similar: Vince Satin Slip Skirt, (opens in new tab) $168

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6. Head-to-Toe Denim

Take a cue from one of fall's most prominent fashion trends and pull your favorite denim pieces together for an effortless total look.

Shop similar: Reformation Denim Jumpsuit, (opens in new tab) $198

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7. Bring Out Your Long-Sleeve Dresses

In the summer, sleeveless dresses and tops are your go-to for beating the heat and getting sun-kissed shoulders. Come fall, though, maxi dresses (opens in new tab) with sleeves will be your BFF because they'll provide coverage once the temperature dips. You can style your maxi or midi with a denim jacket and a pair of boots.

Shop similar: Scotch & Soda Midi Dress, (opens in new tab) $198

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8. Wear a Dress or Skirt With Booties

There is a small weather window for when you can wear your summer clothes with fall pieces, like a good 'ol bootie, without your outfit looking weather-confused. Take a tip from Aimee Song and go for that head-to-toe black look—her floral booties add a cute touch. Or, try a bright summer dress with a moodier pair of booties.

Shop similar: House of Harlow 1960 Mini Dress, $137, and Dr. Martens (opens in new tab) , $200

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9. Blazer as Outerwear

In the early days of fall, all you need is a blazer to keep warm in the early mornings and after sunset. Find one that will match with your Monday through Sunday outfits or do the opposite and invest in that one statement piece. Either way, blazers works well with all your transitional weather pieces, from a pair of jeans to skirts.

Shop similar: Anine Bing Blazer, (opens in new tab) $399

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10. Embrace Your Winter Whites

Start embracing your winter whites as soon as the air feels crisp. To break up the neutral look just a tad, insert a print. Camille Charriere went for the classic polka dot, which tied in nicely with her snow white sweater and booties but still stood out as the main attraction in her outfit.

Shop similar:Frame Cashmere Sweater, (opens in new tab) $220, and Joseph Midi Skirt, (opens in new tab) $365

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11. Step Up Your Outerwear Game

When you have on a statement coat, you can wear sweats underneath and no one will bat an eye. Now's the time to show off your favorite glossy trenches and teddy bear-inspired shearling jackets. A good fall coat is one investment piece you shouldn't skimp out on.

Shop similar: Bardot Trenchcoat, (opens in new tab) $199

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12. Embrace Leather Weather

Autumn's cooler temps mean you can finally break out your new leather pieces. Buttery soft leather will always be in, whether it's a shirt, dress, or even a jumpsuit. Nanushka is one of the brands that does this best, so investing in a piece from the label is a must.

Shop similar:Nanushka Leather Midi Skirt, (opens in new tab) $375

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13. Swap Your Jeans for a Deconstructed Pair

Instead of buying another pair of black skinny jeans, think outside of the box and choose a deconstructed pair. The crisscross button design is wearable and not a dramatic change to your wardrobe (for those who are more trend-wary), yet it still adds a level of coolness to your sweater or t-shirt.

Shop similar:Agolde crisscross jeans (opens in new tab) , $218

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14. Wear Your Button-Down With a Sequin Skirt

Give your beloved button-down shirt (opens in new tab) new life on the weekend with a shimmery skirt, like this sequin number. You'll look instantly dressy for whatever going-out plans you have. If your office dress code is more lax, you might even be able to get away with this look come Monday morning.

Shop similar:Asos Sequin Mini Skirt, $74

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15. Dust Off Your Denim Jacket

Fall officially signals the start of denim jacket weather. To breathe new life into your look, incorporate a shimmery, metallic top. Street style star Andresha Debourg went the extra mile with two different colored shiny pieces for a fancy-but-dressed-down vibe. Tie your ensemble together with a pair of sneakers that match your top.

Shop similar: Free People Denim Jacket (opens in new tab) , $98

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16. Layer With Thin Turtlenecks

One way to dress for tricky transitional weather is with layers. To wear your summer pieces—like a linen jumpsuit—into the fall, slip a thin turtleneck sweater underneath. Weather-permitting, you can skip the jacket altogether.

Shop similar: Uniqlo Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater, (opens in new tab) $50

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17. Fill Your Outfit With Autumnal Colors

If summertime colors are all pinks and yellows, then fall calls for muted tones like burnt orange and rich burgundy. You'll soon find that brown and orange hues are just as versatile as black or navy. Don't be afraid to mix and match various prints in these shades.

Shop similar:Dodo Bar Or Dress, (opens in new tab) $730

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18. Try the Slip-Dress-and-Cardigan Combo

A foolproof way to make your summer slips fall appropriate is with a lightweight cardigan. The cover-up gives offers that extra warmth, necessary since spaghetti straps don't exactly provide you with much coverage. I recommend a taupe or beige option that will go with everything in your closet.

Shop similar:Athleta Lightweight Cardigan (opens in new tab) , $80

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19. Style Your Summer Sandals With a Fall Dress

Not ready to trade in your lace-up sandals for suede ankle boots yet? I feel ya. Luckily, in the early weeks of autumn, you can still wear open-toe sandals or woven espadrilles without flirting with hypothermia. Style your summer shoes with your favorite long-sleeved T-shirt dress or a cozy fall sweater and jeans.

Shop similar:Kule The Tee Dress, (opens in new tab) $128

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20. Wear Your Trench Coat in a New Way

Here's an idea for a fresh way to style your most-used piece of outerwear: Leave it unbuttoned, wear it slightly off one shoulder, then roll up your jacket sleeves to expose the sleeves of your shirt. To keep the coat on, simply belt it. This slightly disheveled, but effortlessfashun look will make everyone on the streets do a double take—in a good way. Plus, now your cute top won't be hidden under your trench coat.

Shop similar: River Island Sleeveless Trench Coat (opens in new tab) , $160

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21. Wear a Dress Over Jeans

My favorite fall combination is a dress over jeans because I'm not a fan of tights. (They always rip!) This simple combination ensures you can wear your Free People summer dressand your fall jeans without picking favorites. When it comes to what kind of denim you should wear underneath, go for a straight or slim fit with a cropped or frayed hem for extra style points.

Shop similar:Mother Jeans (opens in new tab) , $143

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22. Incorporate a Plaid Print Into Your Outfit

Plaids are always in for fall/winter. An unconventional way to work this classic print into your outfit is with an accessory, like this Les Petits Joueurs handbag. Caroline Daur added some color to her all-black ensemble by toting around a plaid bag and topping it all off with blue sunglasses and a red lip.

Shop similar: Burberry Plaid Bag (opens in new tab) , $830

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23. Look Trendy in a Pantsuit Set

Find a good pantsuit set and you're good to go for any work event or fancy dinner party. The two-piece look is so easy to wear (I like to layer a crop top or tee underneath) and you can rock it with sneakers, mule pumps, boots, or flats. Best of all, you can wear the coordinates separately or together, like this Fashion Week attendee did.

Shop similar:Ena Pelly Blazer, $268, and Ena Pelly Trousers, $248

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24. Cozy Up in a Thick Sweater Dress

The cool, but not muggy, temperatures in the fall make it possible to wear things like a sweater dress and not suffer a heatstroke. Instead of accessorizing with a belt, strap on a waist bag to highlight your midsection and to break up the look. While Xenia van der Woodsen chose a pair of sparkly boots, you can trade in booties for sneakers or a cool Everlane glove heel (opens in new tab).

Shop similar:Cotton Citizen Sweater Dress (opens in new tab) , $185

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25. Cover Up in a Shearling Jacket

The shearling jacket is a good in-between option for days when you can't wear a leather jacket (it'stoo cold), but you also don't want to wear a down coat (it's notreally winter yet). Two years ago, I found a great one at Forever 21, which I wear over and over with jeans and boots—simple. The jacket shields me from the wind and keeps me warm, though I don't recommend wearing it in snow storms: the shearling gets wet and crusts over.

Shop similar:Anthropologie Leather Sherpa Biker Jacket, (opens in new tab) $188

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26. Pair Your Summer Skirt With a Fall Sweater

Pause! Don't pack away your summer skirts yet. You can rework them for fall in several easy steps: 1. Find a sweater thin enough to tuck into your skirt, 2. Wear a pair of tights underneath your skirt, 3. Style with the ankle or knee-high boots of your choice. Top with your favorite transitional jacket and, voilà! Your skirt is now ready for #OOTD photos at the pumpkin patch.

Shop similar:Vince Camuto Sweater, (opens in new tab) $48 and Reformation Skirt, (opens in new tab) $198

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27. Accessorize a Jumpsuit

Just like dresses, jumpsuits are a one-and-done outfit. You basically just have to throw it on and you're ready to go out the door. It also couldn't be easier to elevate a jumpsuit—throw on your favorite boots, belts, and blazer and you've got a trendy outfit with minimal effort.

Shop similar:Amanda Uprichard jumpsuit, (opens in new tab) $250

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28. Monochrome It Out

Nothing says chic more than a monochrome outfit. For added fun, I like to play with textures. For example, I'll pair brown leather pants with a matching knitted sweater. You can also make things interesting by wearing one color in varying shades. Don't forget to keep your accessories minimal in neutral tones so all of the focus is on your look.

Shop similar: Weekday Varsity Jacket, (opens in new tab) $104, Alice + Olivia Satin Pants, (opens in new tab) $350

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29. Get Matchy Matchy

Matching sets are the holy grail for lazy dressers since they require zero thought. Just throw on the top and matching bottoms and you're good to go. For chillier temps, go with pants and a blazer or when the weather teeters back to warm (as it often does in the fall), opt for a matching skirt set. It really doesn't get easier than a matching set.

Shop similar: Jonathon Simkhai Crochet Pants, (opens in new tab) $299, Jonathon Simkhai Crochet Shirt, (opens in new tab) $269

Brooke Knappenberger is the Editorial Fellow at Marie Claire, where she writes across the board from books and celebrities to fashion and beauty. As a pop culture junkie, Brooke obsessively consumes and writes about the latest movie releases, streaming TV shows, and celebrity scandals. Brooke is a proud St. Louis native and is currently living in New York City. Outside of work, you can find her either jamming out to Drake, reading a Sarah J. Maas novel, or shamelessly online shopping.

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Source: https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/news/g4916/cute-fall-outfits/