It's Finally Cool Enough to Wear Jeans—6 Chic Outfits I'm Planning to Copy

Each and every September, I remember how much I *love* my jeans. New York weather is always so weird this time of year. One day, we're sweating through our linen vests at the US Open, and the next, we're searching for a shoulder bag that's big enough to fit an umbrella but still cute enough for New York Fashion Week. It's about the time when Instagram starts showing me people wearing their chic denim in Copenhagen instead of their chic swimsuits in Spain. As I say every year, summer is the best, and everything else is objectively worse. Truly, the only thing stopping me from lamenting the arrival of fall is the outfit inspo currently in my feed.

The great thing about these six looks, which range from classic to trendy, is that the denim itself is entirely interchangeable. We all have our go-to pair, and I promise they all work spectacularly with these easy fall outfits. Whether your vibe is high-rise or low-slung, relaxed or straight leg, a faded blue or a dark wash, simply insert your favorite jeans into any of the outfits below, and get excited for cooler weather ahead.

This open-knit sweater from Parfois is perfect over an oversize button-down shirt, but it's the on-trend brooch that makes it feel especially cool. This Oscar de la Renta one is chic, but I love Etsy for more affordable options. Quick styling hack: Be sure to thread the pin through both the shirt and the sweater so the weight of the brooch doesn't pull on the delicate knit. (In fact, do this with a tank or undershirt anytime you want to add a brooch to a knit.)

This white crewneck tee and oversize black blazer are so good—just another reminder of how the '90s really delivered when it comes to super-simple outfit ideas. (Bonus points for the chic bob.) The wash and fit of the faded-blue jeans Lucy Alston is wearing here are very reminiscent of Jerry Seinfeld and arguably the perfect nod to the '90s, but this exact look would be equally as chic with a straighter-leg black style or even a baggier ecru pair.

Anouk Yve is always good for a cool look that feels both polished and highly wearable. Belted denim with a tucked crewneck knit worn under a trench is a classic fall outfit formula, and it only gets better with the addition of a very on-trend pair of suede loafers. There are a lot of chic and pricey options out there, but this under-$150 pair I spotted at Nordstrom is my number one affordable pick.

Leather bomber jackets are everywhere right now. This season, it's all about oversize aviator styles with a vintage vibe and collared, zippered options that feel minimalistic and cool. I like the injection of a punchy color by way of the jacket itself or poppy retro sneakers. Zara is currently doing a great vegan leather bomber for under $100 that comes in both black and brown. My pick is the brown paired with these yellow Sambas.

Vicky Montanari is no shrinking violet when it comes to her fun style, so it's no surprise she ran with bright-red jeans. If you're a little more low-key, swap them out for a black pair, and you still have a trendy take on what's fundamentally a classic look. The cropped trench is this season's take on the fall staple, Tabi ballerinas are the cool crowd's go-to black flats, and there's nothing like a scrunchie, even a neutral one, to let the world know you're not taking yourself too seriously.

Here I am again with the suede, and I won't quit because it's such a key trend this fall. Every blazer and jacket I've spotted recently has been selling out in a flash, so if you're into genuine suede, don't snooze on the below style from Staud that's getting a lot of buzz. Vegan styles will naturally ring in cheaper, and even more affordable is the Will Jacket from Parisian brand Sézane. It's actually a brown quilted velvet versus a suede, but I love that it's giving similar energy for under $200.