shopping

5 Cool Ways to Upgrade Your Look This Fall

We’ve been too focused on caftans and Birkenstocks this summer to realize that it’s actually going to be cold soon. But, with September less than a week away, it’s time to get our acts together and begin the daunting task of dressing for fall.

Every year, there’s a tendency to get the usual stuff — boots! layers! knits! — but, the change in season doesn’t have to keep you in a rut. While you’re stocking up, you might as well upgrade your look in little ways. Do you have a tendency to rely on heels too much? There’s a cool mod boot for you. Don’t like wearing tight, fussy dresses? There’s a comfortable one that you can wear with sneakers, no problem. Taking cues from street style, we devised outfits to inspire a new, polished look for fall. Click through our slideshow for five ways to get in gear.

Mix a Chic Office Dress With Dressy Sneakers

There’s nary a body-con dress in your closet because you hate the sucked-in feeling. If you want to feel comfortable, try this roomy, breathable dress that still looks sharp, thanks to its contrast panels and detailing. Pair it with dressy sneakers for a little edge.

Dress-Up Ripped Jeans

Are you always in a skirt or dress, and feel unsure about how to style jeans? Surprise everyone when you show up wearing ripped denim, which can still be sexy — especially when paired with heels like these.

Go for a Mod Ankle Boot

If you’re never found in heels shorter than three inches, try giving your arches a break (however high they naturally are) with a mod bootie featuring a stacked kitten heel. You’ll find that these actually leave a more lasting impression than heels, especially with a look like this one. 

Try Pairing a Miniskirt With Chunky Knits

If you love a midi-skirt, try going short. Dust off an old mini or grab this Topshop skort and layer it with something chunky like a sweatshirt and a jean jacket. 

Pair a Patterned Dress With a Bold Shoe

If you gravitate to pant suits or jeans and dress shirts, try switching it up with an easy, midi-length dress. If you’re daring enough, pair it with red heels — or your favorite flats.

5 Cool Ways to Upgrade Your Look This Fall