Look Chic for Fall: 5 Style Updates For the Girl Who Wants to Look Classy But Doesn't Know Where to Start

From trouser-cut jeans and equestrian inspiration to metallic touches, these simple swaps will make you instantly feel a little more chic

By Jenny Smith Mattfeldt | Published September 4, 2025 | Does contain affiliate links.

If you’re ready to elevate your look for fall but not really sure where to start, this is your guidebook. Think of it as your shortcut to looking chic without overthinking it: five simple elements that instantly shift your outfits from “just cozy” to effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re in the mood for a little vintage charm, a hit of grunge, or a polished staple, these are the pieces and textures that will carry you through the season looking like you have it all figured out (without actually having to try that hard).

Soft Edge: The Brown Leather Jacket

There’s a reason brown leather jackets are quietly stealing the spotlight this fall. Unlike their black counterparts, they have a warmth and softness that feels immediately approachable than a classic biker jacket. A well-cut brown jacket adds structure to an outfit without feeling harsh, and it’s the perfect way to introduce a touch of texture, grunge, or edge without going full-on hardcore. Layer it over creamy knits, a crisp white shirt with jeans, or even a flowy dress, and suddenly your outfit has a little bit more intrigue. It's like Stars Hollow street style with a little sophistication.

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Faux Brown Leather Jacket

Sophisticated Comfort: Trouser-Cut Jeans

There’s something quietly transformative about a pair of wide, trouser-cut jeans. The silhouette is forgiving yet tailored, giving your outfit an immediate sense of intention and polish. Like you spent hours planning your look when, in reality, you might have just stepped out the door. They elongate your legs, create movement, and pair seamlessly with anything from a structured blazer to a simple cashmere sweater. (It doesn't hurt that they're extremely comfortable.) These jeans let you walk through your day looking elevated, without ever feeling restricted. Pair them with ankle boots or pointed flats, tuck in a classic white shirt, and you have a look that reads like a street-style moment straight out of NYC.

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Rag & Bone Wide Leg Jeans

Vintage Charm: Equestrian-Inspired Pieces

There’s a certain romance to equestrian-inspired style that never really fades. Think cozy sweaters stitched with horse motifs, soft knits in forest green or cream, and scarves patterned with bridles and bits that feel like they were borrowed from an Hermès trunk. Anything that incorporates horses just immediately feels a bit old school but very wearable, elevated but cozy. Slip a vintage knit over a t-shirt, or drape a silk scarf over a simple sweater, and suddenly you have that English countryside aesthetic: a little nostalgic, a little chic.

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Satin Equestrian Scarf

Shine Bright: Metallic Touches for Fall

Fall doesn’t have to be all chunky knits and muted palettes, metallics are here to remind us that cozy can still be bold. From Hailey Bieber’s futuristic metal-detailed dresses to Demi Lovato’s grunge metallic jeans onstage, these shiny accents are helping usher in fall. Think statement trousers in bronze, a silver-stitched leather bag, or even a flash of gold detailing against soft suede or cashmere. The contrast is what makes it chic: the sharpness of metal paired with fall’s natural warmth. Whether you go full-on statement pants or just add a metallic purse to your rotation, these touches catch the light (and the eye) in a way that feels elevated, exciting, and like you spent way more time planning your outfit than you actually did.

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Gold Metallic Acrylic Clutch

Effortless Elevation: The Classic Trench

A trench coat in the fall might not sound groundbreaking but that’s exactly the point. It’s a staple for a reason. The beauty of a trench is that it transforms even the simplest outfit with zero extra effort. You need a jacket anyway, so why not throw on one that instantly shifts your entire aesthetic? Swap your windbreaker or puffer for a long, structured trench, and suddenly jeans and a tee read like a polished, intentional look. It’s the easiest way to add allure and elevation without trying. And classic doesn’t have to mean boring, play with unexpected shades like olive green, deep burgundy, or even a rich suede or faux croc finish, that will give you a unique approach without losing that timeless feel.

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Dorian Suede Trench Coat

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