10 Outfit Staples for Cozy Season: Where to Shop 2024 Fall Essentials

As the weather outside gets a little more frightful, you can take the opportunity to make your outfits just a bit more delightful. Fall fashion is well loved for good reason. From the cozy color palette to the endless ways to layer, autumn is a peak season for experimentation in your wardrobe. To build the perfect autumnal looks, it’s essential to have a collection of outfit staples for cozy season.

Elevate your seasonal wardrobe with these fall outfit staples, and find out where our editors are shopping this year.

1. Classic Cardigans

While cardigans never go out of style, they are seeing a surge in popularity this fall. A neutral cardigan can be the perfect layering piece to transition a summer outfit into fall. In addition to black or brown, you may also want to add a fun color to your collection. A red or mustard cardigan will give all the autumn vibes. Style them open over a t-shirt or buttoned up for a preppy touch.

Where to Shop

Oversized Knit Cardigan: $34.99 on Amazon

SoSoft Crop Cardigan Sweater: $36.99 on Old Navy

2. Knee-High Boots

Nothing completes the perfect fall outfit like the perfect fall boot. This year, we’re loving knee-high boots in black and warm brown tones. They pair well with mini skirts and short dresses to make those summer outfits ready for cozy season. Top the outfit off with a leather jacket or long coat for the ultimate 90s-inspired look.

Where to Shop

Leather Platform Boots: $66.99 on Amazon

Kate Pull On Wide Calf Boots: $348 on Frye

3. Black Mini Skirt

Now is the time to style your black mini skirt a few more ways before it gets too cold. As we said above, a mini skirt with knee-high boots is in this year, and for good reason. A classic black skirt never goes out of style, and it will look good with any of your cozy sweaters, turtlenecks and long coats. It’s a great way to balance an outfit if you feel too covered up by your other fall pieces. Add tights for those crisper fall days.

Where to Shop

Black Mini Skirt: $19.99 on Amazon

Karley Low Waist Mini Skirt: $41 on Princess Polly

4. Button-Down Shirt

A button-down shirt is a versatile piece you can wear all year long. In the fall, the layering possibilities are endless. Add some coziness by putting your shirt over a turtleneck. You can also wear a vest or chunky sweater over the button-down for a classic and chic look. These styling tips work for simple white button-downs or the fall classic — the flannel. Pro tip: these tops are all over the thrift store, and you can also raid your boyfriend’s or dad’s closet for an oversized fit.

Where to Shop

White Boyfriend Button-Down Shirt: $47.70 on Lucky Brand

Plaid Flannel Shirt: $19.99 on Amazon

5. Fall Jacket

Everyone’s ideal fall jacket will be different. If your area experiences a warmer fall, you might go for a lighter weight option like a denim jacket or trench coat. For warmer options, peacoats and flannel jackets will keep you both cozy and fashionable. You also can’t go wrong with a leather or suede piece for those timeless layered outfits.

Where to Shop

Oversized Denim Jacket: $39.96 on Amazon

BDG Faux Leather Car Jacket: $79 on Urban Outfitters

Trench Coat: $26.99 on Amazon

Italian Rewool Long Peacoat: $179 on Everlane

6. Layering Long Sleeves

Layering is key when it comes to fall outfit formulas. A long-sleeved tee or turtleneck can be layered under tank tops, dresses, vests, cardigans, crewnecks or oversized t-shirts. Not only do they help you stay warm, but they add some visual interest to any basic outfit. Black and white long sleeves are wardrobe staples, but you can also add in other autumnal colors that will match the rest of your wardrobe, such as brown, red or deep purple.

Where to Shop

Long Sleeve Rib Knit Tee: $14.99 on Amazon

Turtleneck Long Sleeve: $19.99 on Amazon

7. Dark Wash Denim

A good pair of dark wash jeans will go with any fall outfit. You can choose whatever fit you like, whether it be wide-leg, low-rise or skinny jeans. Rock them with your favorite fall sweaters, jackets, button-downs and sweatshirts for a cozy outfit that never fails.

Where to Shop

Lee Women’s Bootcut Jeans: $31.90 on Amazon

’90s Straight Jean: $128 on Madewell

8. Crewneck Sweatshirt

A crewneck sweatshirt belongs in any closet. While you may wear yours to the gym or lounging around the house, there are so many ways to style it for a cute fall outfit. If you want to keep it sporty, throw it on over bike shorts with tall socks and sneakers for the classic Princess Diana look. Paired with jeans, white sneakers and a hair bow, you’ll feel like you’re going back to school with a cozy, collegiate look. Finally, you can even dress it up a bit by wearing your crewneck with a mini skirt and boots.

Where to Shop

Oversized Crew Neck Sweatshirt: $23.98 on Amazon

Relaxed Crew Neck Sweatshirt: $35.00 on American Eagle

9. Tights

A few good pairs of tights come in handy as the weather gets cooler. They can allow you to wear your favorite skirts and dresses into the fall and winter, while also adding an extra detail to your outfit. Classic black tights are a must, but you can also play around with pattern, texture and color. Cream cableknit tights will make any outfit cozier, while maroon tights have a sultry autumnal look.

Where to Shop

Fleece Lined Black Tights: $13.49 on Amazon

Black & Wine Red 2-Pack Tights: $9.99 on Amazon

White Knitted Tights: $12.99 on Amazon

10. Pullover Sweaters

Last but not least, your fall wardrobe will not be complete without some basic pullover sweaters. A good rotation of sweaters will keep you warm and cozy well into the winter. It’s nice to have some neutral sweaters that will go with anything, but you can also mix in some fun patterns and colors to make things interesting. A sweater and jeans is a classic fall combo, but you can also wear them with skirts, layered over dresses and button-downs, and put under vests and jackets.

Where to Shop

Oversized 90s Knit Sweater: $54.99 on Amazon

Souffle Sweater: $49.90 on Uniqlo

Outfit Staples for Cozy Season!

There are so many ways to dress for fall weather, and everyone’s unique style can bring different elements to the same basics. These fall wardrobe essentials will inspire countless combinations to rock all season long. What pieces do you need to complete your outfit staples for cozy season?

Originally Published 12/1/2020 – Updated 9/18/2024