39 Cute Fall Outfits That *Aren’t* A Basic Sweater and Jeans
Can I be real with you for a second? I’ve spent my entire career tracking the latest trends and the newest styles. Normally, fall outfits serve the same range of earthy tones and reused boot designs (*yawn*), but not this year. For once, I’m actually excited about the fresh looks about to hit. Upcoming 2021 fall trends are looking 100% unexpected: bright neons, fringed-out accessories, unexpected animal prints, and, yes, the tie-dye you lived in for all of summer 2021.
All that and many, many more cool-as-hell trends are about to hit your TikTok feed and your closet. (Ever hear of scrumbo dressing? Yeah, keep reading for more on that.) So check out these cute fall outfit ideas and trends that’ll get you so pumped up for the cold weather.
Chill-As-Hell Tie-Dye
Yeah, that tie-dye summer vibe? We’re just gonna keep it going. Do the trend in darker tones for your cool weather looks.
Knee High Socks
Knee high socks are rising from the ashes of early 2000s fashion and they’re better than ever. Come fall, stockings be your favorite accessory to stylize a look while adding warmth.
Quilted Totes
One of fall’s best accessory trends: XL quilted bags. They’ll go perfectly with all those athleisure looks you’ve mastered while social distancing.
Blazers and Hoodies
Throwing a blazer over a sweatshirt transforms a comfy classic to a crazy chic outfit. Paired with jeans, boots, and a pulled-back bun – your casual fit just got a whole lot cooler.
That Cher Horowitz Type of Vibe
Channel your inner ’90s babe in all-over plaid, then throw on your favorite hoodie for a modern twist.
Western Animal Print
Cow hide spots, zebra-printed cowboy boots – this look is like a how-to for fall fierceness. Go for animal prints that give off that urban cowgirl look.
Extreme Collars
Oversized collars are a vibe I can get behind. Style the extra girly look with simple trousers and plain white shoes for an elevated look.
Luxe Punk
Hot Topic shoppers, rejoice. In 2021, we’re embracing the return of all thing ’90s punk, with chokers, latex, and combat boots.
Wrapped in Butter
Butter, but make it fashion. For fall 2021, you’ll be wearing this color from your outfit to your nails and beyond.
Bucket Hats
Having childhood nostalgia? This trendy 2000s piece is coming back and it’s hotter than ever. Bucket hats are great for covering even the most tragic hair day and make your entire fit feel authentically retro.
Fancy Gloves
Masks and gloves won’t be going away any time soon. Give your safety gear an update with fancy gloves that’ll make you feel like a (socially distant) queen.
Fringe Bags
These bags would win the high school superlative for “Most Unique” in a heartbeat. Tack one onto any fall outfit to make the whole look feel fresh.
Scumbro Aesthetic
Yes, scumbro style is now a thing. You heard it here first. Grab your Docs, your baggiest jeans, a tie dye sweatshirt, and channel your inner Pete Davidson. This aesthetic is tough to master (think: hypebeast meets fck boi) but oh so fun to test out.
Everyday Sneakers
Not just for the gym anymore. Pair your freshest sneaks with a ruffled skirt or girly dress to stay sporty while dressing sweet.
New Business
An oversized blazer is a cute twist on a business room classic. Layer the jacket-turned-dress over a tee and short-shorts to stay covered while still showing major leg. Some delicate jewelry and a chunky boot are the best additions to this polished piece.
Track Star Looks
Tracksuits are having a moment. Your velour one is great, but let’s get creative, people! Bold patterns and even bolder color combinations, laced up with your favorite sneaker will turn every head.
Conductor Hats
This cap is one of the trendiest fall pieces. You’ve seen it all over Instagram courtesy of street style gurus. Keep it from looking costume-y by copying Rihanna’s style (per usual). Go for a neutral cap, then pair it with even more neutrals to keep the look lowkey.
Hot Highlighter
Cooler weather makes people think darker colors, but not this year! This fall is all about electric hues and bright neons. Opt for a saturated jacket to keep you warm well into the winter months.
Out of This World Dressing
Alexa, play “NASA” by Ariana Grande. Space-age metallics and iridescent accessories are taking over the fashion world at the moment. Go all-in with logo patches and lots of matte silver.
Boiler Suits
Think overalls, with a little more spunk. These are an easy outfit go-to with so much freedom to accessorize. Rock a cool belt along with a fun bandana around your neck to personalize your look.
Statement Sleeves
The puffy sleeve trend has been going strong and will continue well into fall 2021. Think: even bigger, more exaggerated sleeves.
Sporty Spice
Layers. Layers! Can you hear me yet? LAYERS! Piling on plush, sporty getup is the ultimate style trick for the girls in the back who never want to get out of bed. The key to tying a comfy look together (read: not looking like you’re wearing pajamas) is allll in the color coordination.
Cherry Red Accents
This accessory ties together an outfit like the cherry on-top of a sundae. Try a bucket bag shape for when you need to just grab and go.
Edgy Whites
White staple pieces have a longer street life than just the summertime. Pair your favorite pieces with fall trends (this year, neons and leopard print) to keep them in season.
Ultra Long Skirts
This length can feel overwhelming, but don’t panic – it’s actually kind of amazing. Embrace the length with a wild leopard print, simple boots, and a bright sweater that clashes in the best way.
Teeny Tiny Accessories
Secure the bag. This teeny tiny one is an adorable accent to any cute fall outfit. She might not fit much, but she can handle a few hair pins, a lipstick, maybe even your phone (if you’re lucky).
Biker Babe
Biker shorts are everywhere. This athletic piece is adored by sports fanatics and fashion-lovers alike. Great from spin class to brunch, keep it sporty with a sweatshirt and sneakers or pair with a blazer and a heel.
Grandma Visors
Visors aren’t just for your grandma and her poker club. The headwear offers an unexpected addition to any cute fall outfit. Pick a see-through version for a futuristic pop or go woven with an all-neutral outfit.
Statement Sets
Alright, I’ll admit, monochromatic sets can be a lot. But they make for a great two-in-one. Wear together for a major statement or rock the pieces separately to tone it down a bit.
Patterned Midi Skirt
A patterned midi skirt is the most recent addition to most fashion girls’ closets atm. It’s the easiest way to dress up a T-shirt that isn’t quite professional enough for your internship.
Bell Bottoms
This 70’s trend gives off a classic, vintage feel no matter what you wear it with (a prim sweater, a smocked crop top, a tie dye T-shirt). Replace your typical mom jeans with a pair of these sleek pants.
Cardigan Tops
Cardigans are finally cool. Button yours all the way up to replace your favorite match-everything sweater.
Winter White Booties
White booties are a year round staple. White is always a risky business, but if you keep your shoes clean and wear them strategically, you can rock these bad boys 365 days a year.
Satin Suiting
Tired of wearing dresses for every occasion? Same. A satin set is the new power suit is the cool-girl solution. Try pairing a hot heel and a full bodied pony for a little extra oomph.
Big Coat Energy
This is volume to the tenth degree. A puffer jacket has become a statement of colder weather and honestly, the bigger the better.
Millenial Pink
Will this Insta hue ever go out of style? Probably not, but I’m not complaining. This color will make any fall outfit feel so posh.
Any-Occasion Sequins
Major glitz isn’t just for parties anymore. Grab a leather jacket and a stacked bootie to bring the look down a notch (if that’s what you’re feeling).
Sherpa Style
2019 was the year of the sherpa jacket. 2021 will bring brighter colors and trendier styles. This fluffy, bear-like jacket is a fall must. Throw it over a summer dress or layer up with a turtleneck and bell bottoms.
Headbands and Blazers
The season’s hottest accessory is the headband. Bold colors with bold materials, all to create a bold outfit. This versatile headpiece isn’t just for the preppy girl anymore. Get creative and pair it with your edgiest look.
Senior Style Editor
Kelsey is Seventeen.com’s fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd.
Ann Wang is a fashion editor and stylist at Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day.