The Most Sophisticated Outfit You Can Wear This Fall
Here in our L.A. offices, there's rarely a moment where we even get the chance to break out our thicker sweaters and outerwear, since the majority of the time, the weather only warrants a light jacket. While I'm not complaining about this luxury, there are times when I secretly wish it would get as cold as it does in most other parts of the country so that I could put to use the stockpile of fall outfit ideas I have saved up. Now is one of those times. I'm blaming it on a single outfit combo, in particular, which has me feeling a type of way.
Scrolling through my folder of inspiration photos, I noticed a pattern start to emerge. All of the outfits I had a visceral reaction to involved the same three pieces: a slouchy sweater, a pencil or other type of midi skirt, and knee-high leather boots. Sounds pretty specific, right? Well, in just a matter of minutes (i.e., once you scroll down the page), you'll learn exactly why I'm obsessed. Everything about these slouchy sweater-and-skirt outfits has me blasting the AC in my L.A. apartment just so I can re-create them. While pencil skirts don't have a connotation of being particularly fresh-feeling (some would even call them stuffy), I've found the combination of chunky-knit sweaters and leather boots to offer the sophisticated piece a forward—and ultimately cozy—feel.
Ahead, see the photos that have me falling in love with the three-piece outfit and then shop the key pieces you need to nail the look.
On the street:
They've both got the right idea.
A cropped sweatshirt also works here and adds a cool streetwear element to an otherwise polished ensemble.
These fall colors, though.
Try out a slip instead of a pencil skirt for a softer feel.
We'll have what she's wearing, thanks.
Throw a blazer over it for an extra layer.
This outfit proves the combo works with ankle boots and knee-high boots alike.
Shop slouchy sweaters:
This is a Pernille Teisbaek favorite, FYI.
Shop midi skirts:
Wear with a black sweater to let the skirt really stand out.
Shop knee-high boots:
The slouchy leather creates a cool texture when worn with a below-the-knee skirt.
Now you're all set to try out my favorite fall outfit combo, too.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End
And the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt