The Best Casual Fall Outfits and Essentials for Men and Women

We love fall fashion. This transitional season with its slight dip in temperatures is the best time to express yourself by picking out pieces from both your summer and winter wardrobe and combining them to create signature looks. But there are so many options to choose from that sometimes it can simply become too much. 

If you don’t want to resort to the same knit-denim look every day out of overwhelm, we’ve got your back with these autumn outfit ideas. Whether your plans include sipping on pumpkin-spiced lattes with your friends or taking a stroll along the golden path of leaves, you can transition perfectly with these casual fall outfits!

Clothing Essentials for Men & Women

Autumn clothes are super versatile. They can be easily mixed and matched for a new look every day, even if you’re dressing up the same pair of pants! Here are some essentials you should definitely have in your closet this fall:

Hoodies & Sweatshirts

We can’t talk about fall fashion staples without mentioning hoodies and sweatshirts for men and women. You can easily throw on these super soft and comfy apparel pieces and pair them with a variety of pants for effortless casual fall outfits. Denim is the most classic choice but we love a sweatshirt-trouser moment. For a smarter look that’s even work-appropriate, throw on a light jacket and slip into a pair of leather loafers. Make sure you have enough variety with pullover, full zip, and quarter zip styles.

Long-Sleeve Shirts

A long-sleeve poplin shirt or a cotton shirt for men layers amazingly well under lightweight sweaters and sweatshirts and adds a touch of elegance with the collar peeking out. They’re also perfect for wearing with blazers or as standalone pieces with wide trousers and denim. Choose neutral colors like black, white, and cream for versatility, and add a few patterned ones for switching up your autumn outfit ideas.

Jackets & Cardigans

Layering is one of the most enjoyable aspects of putting together casual fall outfits. Shackets and jackets for women and menswear in checkered prints go with almost everything so they’re super easy to style, whereas reversible jackets offer the versatility of a delightful 2 in 1 combo. Have a statement jacket ready at all times. To take your layering game to the next level, add a slim cardigan under your jacket. Have a few chunky knits available for days when you feel too lazy to dress up. You’d be amazed at how well it looks with just a pair of dark-washed denim!

Knit Sweaters

Sweaters are yet another staple for casual fall outfits that you should own several of. Reach for soft cashmere, warm wool, breathable cotton, and fleece for men and women in neutral earthy colors like camel, tan, forest green, and auburn so you can wear all the beauty of fall. For the ladies, make sure you have a cute sweater dress ready to pair with knee-high boots — it’s one of those autumn outfit ideas you don’t want to miss!

 

Warm Pants

To start off, you need several pairs of joggers and sweatpants for men and women. These pants are so warm, soft, and cozy, you’ll be tempted to wear them every single day. And you’re free to do so, but when you need something a bit more formal than usual for your casual fall outfits, we recommend having a few pairs of thick trousers. We love how sweaters look tucked inside men’s and women’s relaxed pants but they look just as well untucked. Don’t shy away from bold patterns like houndstooth and tartan.

Vests

A lightly padded vest with a soft cashmere touch is perfect for days when you need just a little bit of warmth. Sweater vests look great when paired with long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, but wearing them as standalone pieces have become quite the statement style for casual fall outfits lately. Have a few zippered vests in materials like fleece and wool handy too. We also love styling quilted leather bomber vests over basic t-shirts for a cool casual look.

Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks are one of those autumn outfit ideas that will never go out of style. The stylized neck adds just the right amount of sophistication that the colder seasons demand. Classic turtleneck styles are great, but you should also experiment with cowl, funnel, and mock turtlenecks. Pick classy neutrals for more combinations for casual fall outfits and have a few vibrant ones for when you want to be extra. 

Collared Polos and Basic T-Shirts

Your basic men’s and women’s t-shirt doesn’t have to be tucked away just because there’s a slight chill in the air. T-shirts are great for layering under blazers, jackets, vests, hoodies, and sweatshirts — basically everything. Have a few women’s and men’s t-shirts in long-sleeves and short-sleeves in cotton. And for a look that’s a little less casual and a little more put together, polo shirts with that signature collar are your ideal go-to.

Blazers

A tailored blazer is an essential piece for casual fall outfits that can take you from day to night. You can wear it to work and then head to the bar in the evening for a few drinks with your friends without missing a beat. Play around with fun patterns, textures, and colors when picking your styles. Ladies, grab those cropped blazers. They’re in and you’ll absolutely slay this look!

Accessorizing Essentials for Men & Women

Accessories make the outfit. Even the most basic of autumn outfit ideas can be elevated with the right accessories. We’re sharing some essentials below but feel free to add more to your look!

Ankle Boots

Name one outfit that doesn’t look good when paired with ankle boots. You’ll have to do a fair bit of thinking to recall one. These shoes look classy and elegant whether you pair them with joggers or tailored trousers. To maximize your outfit pairings, choose colors like black, brown, and beige or off-white.

Chunky Platform Sneakers

For casual fall outfits, sneakers are a must-have. Chunky platforms add so much life to an outfit with their hefty structure, and they’re super comfortable! After ankle boots, a pair of sneakers should be your first pick. White is a classic choice that looks good with every combination but don’t be afraid to play around with pastels too.

Transitional Hats

We believe that a transitional hat every day keeps the winter blues away! Putting on a comfy, stylish hat can add that finishing flair to take your casual fall outfits up a notch. Stock up on different styles like buckets hats, baseball caps, berets, fedoras, and beanies in different colors and a variety of textures and materials to keep all your autumn outfit ideas interesting.

Messenger Bags & Tote Bags

These bags are a functional and practical everyday accessory but they’re also a style statement. Textured leather and quilted bags go with every outfit and look elegant. But we love canvas tote bags with fun prints for casual fall outfits with a little extra something. You can wear these anywhere from your morning grocery run to an art exhibition!

Build Your Capsule Fall Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe consisting of essential fall clothing and accessories will make it easier to assemble new looks every day in a matter of minutes. No need to spend hours mulling over what to wear! Just pick a few of your favorites from the ultra-soft fall classics at Fundamental Coast and stay ready to serve looks this fall season!