Are you over wearing sweatpants every day, but also kind of…not? Here are nine outfit ideas for you.
Despite our quar-heightened affections for sweatpants and other equally comfortable threads, there’s something to be said for actually getting dressed in the AM. And while most of us are missing out on that early-fall nostalgia for back-to-school fashion, there’s no saying you can’t recreate that magic with some clever closet hacks and considered buys. We’ve rounded up the internet’s best video call-worthy looks – uncomplicated outfits that bring maximum impact with minimal input.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 1: A KNIT POLO + RIBBED SHORTS
With no chilly commute to dictate our style inclinations, we’re free to get as stripped down as the thermostat will allow. It’s why we’re so charmed by this knit-on-knit duo: an unbuttoned polo and some spandex-y shorts show plenty of post-summer skin, but the look is still tinged with fall spirit. Roll out of bed in it to your nine AM meeting, then remain in your cozy state all day long.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 2: VINTAGE CARDIGAN + CARPENTER JEANS
If you’ve ever picked up a fitted cardi on the hanger and wondered how in the heck you’d actually style it in real life, here’s your answer. Find yourself a feminine-feeling cardigan (cable-knit detailing and floral embroidery completely optional), leave the bottom few buttons undone and pair it with boy-ish, high-waisted carpenter jeans. The contrast ups the cool factor big time.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 3: TIE-DYE TEE + FLORAL SKIRT
Rejoice! Summer’s ubiquitous print gets a bit more time in the sun, this time in the ultimate pattern clash. On the bottom, opt for another sunny staple – a breezy, to-the-ankle skirt splashed in a micro floral – and keep your proportions roomy. If you want to autumn-ify your fit, tie a neutral-coloured knit around your waist and make actual practical use of it when the weather requires.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 4: SOFT SEPARATES + CHUNKY GOLD CHAIN
It’s time you give Bermuda shorts another shot. Here’s why: when done up in a sumptuously soft teddy material, the breakout bottom of the season helps to sartorially bridge those do-I-dress-for-summer-or-do-I-dress-for-fall mornings. Top these utility shorts with an equally versatile shirt (a lengthy tunic shape is a good bet) and a statement-making gold chain for some head-to-toe sophistication.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 5: STRUCTURED HAWAIIAN SHIRT + BIKE SHORTS
Whoever relegated Hawaiian shirts to casual Fridays never got a look at this structured, wholly high-fashion version. With your trusty pair of black bike shorts worn underneath, this abstractly-designed take does all the work of looking ultra profesh during back-to-back Zoom meetings. And when a hankering for midday snacks arises, all a trip to the corner store requires is a trench and some squeak-y clean sneakers.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 6: CABLE KNIT TWO-PIECE + OVERSIZED CARDIGAN
Dead in the middle of a Venn diagram exploring comfort and style is this divinely wearable outfit. Something about this slouchy-cardigan-tank-and-bike-short combo looks finished even in its simplicity; think of it as the sweater set for the next generation. When coordinating your pieces, keep the colour palette tonal, or go all in on camel, the unofficial colour of elegance with a capital E.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 7: SPORTS BRA + WORK BLAZER
Here’s proof you can get away with wearing a (high-necked) sports bra during office hours. Try it under an unstructured, extra-long blazer with high-waisted trousers to achieve a WFH-appropriate sliver of midriff. Bonus points for taking this athleisure-inspired opp to try out an unexpected colour pairing: we love this butter-yellow-plus-russet combo, but a mint and forest green is a cool option, too.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 8: KNOTTED SWEATER + MIDI SKIRT
It’s time we upgrade that sweatshirt you wore from mid-Feb through, well…you’re probably still wearing it, right? Look for a chunky knit, one that’ll provide all the comfy feels without the rolled-out-of-bed aesthetic. A heavier-weight midi skirt further weather-proofs the outfit, while this stellar styling trick brings some much-needed shape: gather a handful of fabric in the front, twist until it spirals on itself, then tuck in the slack end to create a loose knot.
FALL OUTFIT IDEA 9: A LINEN BLOUSE + RACING STRIPE PANTS
This relaxed-meets-elevated pairing is yet another reason to bust out your well-worn linen after Labour Day. Choose a loose-fitting shape so you can comfortably sport the one-button closure should you decide and throw it over a pair of wear-anywhere racing stripe pants with high contrast detailing. If you can fathom the thought of wearing regular pants, go for a cigarette-style silhouette, or stick to a high-stretch, sweatpant-like pair that only looks fancy.
