The weeks between the first cold morning and finals are the hardest to dress for. It is 40 degrees on the walk to your 8 a.m. and 65 by lunch. The answer is not a whole new wardrobe. It is a handful of pieces that layer well and a few formulas you can repeat without thinking.
Below are 10 easy outfits that take you from early fall into real winter, built around what students are actually wearing this season.
What is trending on campus right now
A few signals keep coming up across campus style coverage and fashion press this fall:
- Henleys are back. Teen Vogue reported in late September that henley-and-lace-cami outfits are going viral on TikTok, and Harper's Bazaar called the henley a surprise fall trend.
- Matching sets are a campus staple. In a Her Campus survey of more than 350 Gen Z respondents, 93% named matching sets a top trend for fall.
- Denim is going darker. Harper's Bazaar noted that baggy jeans are shifting to deeper washes.
- Color beats beige. Burgundy, chocolate brown, purple and cobalt are leading, and Grazia declared the sad-beige palette over.
10 fall to winter outfit formulas
1. The henley layer
Waffle henley + lace-trim cami underneath + dark flare jeans + loafers. The Waffle Knit Henley Hoodie adds a hood to the classic button placket, so it doubles as your walk-to-class layer.
2. The cable turtleneck
Cable-knit turtleneck + straight or wide-leg jeans + ankle boots. The Cable Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater has a relaxed raglan fit, so you can wear a long sleeve under it once it gets properly cold.
3. Dark flares, any top
Fitted long sleeve or mock neck + High Waist Flare Jeans in dark indigo + sneakers. Flares balance out a chunky sweater and make any basic top look intentional.
4. The shacket over everything
Tee or hoodie + Long Plaid Button Shirt Jacket + jeans. The longer length adds coverage on windy mornings, and the oversized cut fits over a hoodie through about November.
5. The matching set, styled up
Cropped zip hoodie + flare sweatpants in the same color + clean sneakers + small gold hoops. Pair the Cropped French Terry Zip-Up Hoodie with the High Waist Flare Sweatpants in grey for a set that looks put together, not pajama-adjacent.
6. Leopard as a neutral
Black or cream knit + Leopard Print Knit Mini Skirt + opaque tights + boots. Her Campus named leopard this season's new neutral, so treat it like denim and pair it with anything solid.
7. Colored tights under a mini
Oversized sweater + mini skirt + Colored Sheer Tights in burgundy, purple or cobalt + loafers. Elle called it a colored tights renaissance this fall, with burgundy and purple leading. It is the cheapest way to winterize a skirt you already own.
8. The guys' quarter-zip formula
Knit quarter-zip + tee + dark relaxed jeans + a beanie. A quarter-zip in brown, charcoal or heather grey covers class, a game and a holiday dinner with the same piece. Business Insider reported that searches for men's quarter-zips are up more than 300% over five years, so you will not be the only one wearing it.
9. The longline cardigan
Fitted long sleeve + long open cardigan + flare jeans or leggings. A longline cardigan is a jacket replacement for indoor-heavy days when you are going from class to library to dining hall.
10. Full winter mode
Turtleneck + quarter-zip or chunky knit on top + dark jeans + beanie + gloves + a long scarf. Once it is truly cold, layer two knits instead of reaching for a heavy coat you will have to carry around all day.
How to make 10 outfits from fewer pieces
- Pick one dark denim. Dark indigo flares or wide-leg jeans go with every formula above.
- Choose two knits in different weights. One fitted, one chunky, so you can stack them in December.
- Add one statement piece. Leopard, a plaid shacket or a burgundy layer keeps repeat outfits from feeling repetitive.
- Finish with cheap extras. Tights, a beanie and gloves change an outfit for under $30 each.
Colors to lean into
Vogue called burgundy the ultimate cold-weather classic in its fall color report, and chocolate brown, olive, navy and cream all pair with it. If your closet is mostly black and grey, one burgundy or brown piece will do a lot of work.
Shop more layers in Cold Weather and Outerwear. Everything ships from a US warehouse, usually in about 3 to 11 business days, and unworn items can be returned within 30 days.