The 5-Piece Cheat Code For Getting Dressed This Fall

As the air turns crisp, the seasonal wardrobe shift moves from a casual thought to an immediate priority. Resetting your wardrobe for autumn doesn’t require overhauling every hanger in your closet. Instead, it’s about strategically layering techniques and silhouette-driven essentials that immediately make everything you already own feel current.

This season’s narrative balances rugged durability with soft, romantic fluidity. From sculptural knitwear and statement fringe to subtle plaid details and high-contrast lace, these five key pieces serve as the ultimate blueprint to refresh your transitional rotation and refine your everyday look.

Look across the retail landscape and you’ll see this exact shift playing out across the retail landscape. For example, Anthropologie’s latest fall drop hits these notes perfectly, leaning heavily into tactile suedes, fluid sweater dresses, and elevated knits that prioritize tone and texture over fleeting trends. Think of it as the ultimate cheat code for playing with proportions, whether that means pairing a delicate slip dress with heavy boots or tossing a textured poncho over classic denim. Ultimately, it’s about building a wardrobe that makes you feel excited to get dressed, no matter if you have big plans or the calendar or just want to casually look like you tried.

1. Check It Out

At this point, fall is pretty much synonymous with checkered prints. But you don’t have to go all out in head-to-toe plaid. A splash of the pattern will instantly add interest to all of your looks. Try layering a flannel top underneath a suede jacket or tying a shacket around your waist to break up a monochrome look. Want more of the classic checked print? A silky dress is the piece that will have you feeling like a style star.

2. Slip On A Sweater Dress

Another season-defining moment: the classic sweater dress. Forget about the boring ones that border on clichés. This season we’re gravitating toward sculptural variations that gently hug the body and ones that come with unexpected details like a sheer overlay. Keep one on hand for special occasions or for elevating casually cool moments, too.

3. All In For Animal Prints

Whether inspired by the cuddly-soft coat of deer or Dalmatians, animal prints are the moment. Upgrade your outerwear with a wildly cute fluffy design or elevate your accessories with a croc-embossed handbag or python boots. The best part: these pieces will do double duty in your closet, offering functionality and a ton of personality.

4. Lace It Up

Frilly details like sweet lace are the perfect complement to your rugged boots and tough outerwear. Try styling a lace-trimmed camisole with cool jeans, a silky dress with a chunky knit, or a peekaboo skirt with your favorite plaid top.

5. Fall For Fringe

One of my favorite tips for getting dressed to impress is to add a bit of interest with texture. Right now, nothing does it better than a playful fringe trim. This season, the tassels are anchoring suede jackets, sweaters, and dresses. Pick your player. Either way, you’ll instantly secure your spot as the best-dressed friend.

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Sydney Sweeney’s Favorite Fall Denim Starts With This Y2K Revival Trend

Sydney Sweeney knows what she likes, and it starts with low-rise jeans.

The 28-year-old actress has kept busy, starring in The Housemaid, reprising her role of Cassie in Euphoria season three, and sitting on a slew of unreleased projects. Still, her stacked schedule couldn't keep her away from American Eagle—and for her third collaboration with the brand, she’s once again putting denim at the forefront.

Post the polarizing 2025 “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” campaign and this summer’s “Syd for Short” push, the actress is doubling down on her relationship with the brand, starring in a campaign for one of the most nostalgic denim trends. The curated fall lineup includes straight-leg, wide-leg, barrel, and bootcut options, all with one defining detail: a hip-grazing waist. 

“Fashion always comes back around, but I think people are ready to have fun with denim again,” Sweeney exclusively told Refinery29, calling the hipsters an “exciting change” after high-rise jeans dominated the better part of the last decade.

But the low-rise revival isn’t showing up in the same way as it did in the 2000s. Instead of copying and pasting a look from Christina Aguilera’s Dirrty era and wearing overly tight pants, Sweeney is redefining the denim staple with a more relaxed and practical approach, reaching for billowy, classic, and fitted styles alike. “Low-rise isn’t tied to one super-specific silhouette anymore,” she said. 

Sweeney’s reimagined approach shines through the accompanying photoshoot. In one look, Sweeney wears a minimalist white tank top, reaching for a cropped denim jacket in another. In all, she goes barefoot with tousled hair. The styling feels removed from the need to recreate Y2K looks exactly (think butterfly tank tops and platform flip-flops), reminding us that wearing low-rise jeans is extremely personal; it’s less about dressing like the early aughts and more about making the trend your own. For Sweeney, that starts with the fit.

“I know pretty quickly when I put on a pair of jeans whether I’m going to live in them,” she said. Comfort—or a lack thereof—can make or break a pair of pants, which is why finding the right balance between stretch and structure is essential. Thankfully, American Eagle’s fall low-rise collection offers denim that moves with you, without ever sacrificing shape.

Love them or hate them, low-rise jeans are back, but Sweeney’s fall wardrobe is proof that we don’t need to wear them as if we teleported back in time. Take a cue from Sweeney and make the revival your own. Keep scrolling to discover some of the actress’ favorite American Eagle fall picks.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

American Eagle Low-Rise Baggy Straight Jean, $, available at American Eagle

American Eagle Low-Rise Baggy Ultra Wide-Leg Jean, $, available at American Eagle

American Eagle Low-Rise Kick Bootcut Jean, $, available at American Eagle

American Eagle Low-Rise Flare Jean, $, available at American Eagle

American Eagle Super Low-Rise Kick Bootcut Jean, $, available at American Eagle

American Eagle Lowest-Rise Baggy Wide-Leg Jean, $, available at American Eagle

American Eagle Low-Rise Classic Straight Jean, $, available at American Eagle

American Eagle Low-Rise Baggy Barrel Jean, $, available at American Eagle

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Rock The Business Tie Trend For Harry Styles’ Tour Or Back-To-School Season

Newsflash: You don't need a whole new back-to-school season wardrobe overhaul. Your fall outfits just need minor updates in the form of accessories — like a bold yet versatile snakeskin bag, street style toe-ring sandals, a "big ass bag"... or a business tie.

Ties are having a moment. In recent years, celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Ayo Adebri have also put their stamp of approval on the menswear-inspired accessory for red carpets. But even more top of mind, Harry Styles, who has worn ties for performances for years, is currently wearing '70s business chic uniforms for his Together Together tour. (And I can assure you that all of his concertgoers, including myself, are wearing ties to his concerts too.)

So if you need concert outfit inspo or to update your back-to-school style, simply add a business tie to your look, whether you're trying to channel Harry Styles or Gossip Girl's Serena van der Woodsen.

Ahead, find a range of new and vintage ties from reader-favorite brands (Aritzia, J.Crew, etc.) to designer brands (Burberry, Gucci, etc.) in preppy stripes, kitschy patterns, and fall color combos to help you get down to business.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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Polo by Ralph Lauren Vintage Silk Tie

Polo by Ralph Lauren Vintage Silk Tie, $, available at eBay

Vivienne Westwood 8.5cm Graffiti Orb Tie

Vivienne Westwood 8.5cm Graffiti Orb Tie, $, available at SSENSE

H&M Satin Tie

H&M Satin Tie, $, available at H&M

Gucci GG Silk Tie

Gucci GG Silk Tie, $, available at Gucci

Banana Republic Plaid Linen Tie

Banana Republic Plaid Linen Tie, $, available at Banana Republic

Julia Allert Handmade Transformable Tie-Belt

Julia Allert Handmade Transformable Tie-Belt, $, available at Wolf & Badger

Paul Fredrick Patterned Woven Silk Tie

Paul Fredrick Patterned Woven Silk Tie, $, available at Nordstrom

Calvin Klein Walker Tie

Calvin Klein Walker Tie, $, available at Calvin Klein

Aritzia Pivot Silk Tie

Aritzia Pivot Silk Tie, $, available at Aritzia

Paul Smith Daisy Photo Floral Silk Tie

Paul Smith Daisy Photo Floral Silk Tie, $, available at Paul Smith

Missoni Vintage Cravatte Silk Tie

Missoni Vintage Cravatte Silk Tie, $, available at Depop

Moschino Smiley Face-Motif Tie

Moschino Smiley Face-Motif Tie, $, available at Farfetch

Beccis Bridal Designs Embroidered Wildflower Satin Tie

BeccisBridalDesigns Embroidered Wildflower Satin Tie:, $, available at Etsy

Burberry 100% Silk Tie

Burberry 100% Silk Tie, $, available at FWRD

J.Crew English Silk Printed Tie

J.Crew English Silk Printed Tie, $, available at J.Crew

Comme des Garçons Silk Geometric Pattern Tie

Comme des Garçons Silk Geometric Pattern Tie, $, available at SSENSE

Bonobos Premium Necktie

Bonobos Premium Necktie, $, available at Bonobos

The Tie Bar Wandawega Orphan Annie's Plaid Tie

The Tie Bar Wandawega Orphan Annie's Plaid Tie, $, available at The Tie Bar

The Frankie Shop Lene Striped Tie

The Frankie Shop Lene Striped Tie, $, available at SSENSE

Asos Design Polka Dot Print Tie

ASOS DESIGN Polka Dot Print Tie, $, available at ASOS

Versace Printed Silk Twill Tie

Versace Printed Silk Twill Tie, $, available at Versace

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“We Have Not Been Forgotten”: Meet The Palestinian Designer Behind Olivia Rodrigo’s Dress

Olivia Rodrigo may only be 23, but the pop star knows exactly who she is. The young singer has been vocal about supporting women’s rights since she was a teenager, and recently held the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival — inspired by Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair — raising $20 million USD for women’s charities. During a press conference for the festival, where she announced an initial $10 USD million donation, Rodrigo made waves by stepping out in a Palestinian-designed dress by Nöl Collective. At a time when Palestine is suffering under Israeli occupation, wearing a garment made on the ground with symbols of freedom on it was a strong statement.

“It helped say, ‘We are still here; we have not been forgotten’,” designer and founder Yasmeen Mjalli tells Refinery29. “It meant the world to us.” Mjalli isn’t sure how Rodrigo or her team discovered their fashion brand, but says they were honoured to be chosen, and stayed in contact with her team throughout the process. While the singer’s team suggested some general ideas for the silhouette that aligned with her classic style and the colour pink, Nöl Collective were given more free rein than one might imagine. “We had a lot of creative freedom in the details, such as the shade of pink — a soft and dusty rose — the type of material we use[d], raw silk, [and] details like the flutter sleeves, frilled neckline, the embroidery motifs and the embroidery colours,” the designer explains. “It was so much fun to be given the creative freedom to bring something to life that honoured Olivia’s style while also reflecting our own identity.”

The symbols on the dress are also more than just decoration. While the garment is beautiful, Nöl Collective knows the power that Palestinian embroidery can hold; representing a political reality, the natural world, and our dreams. The design house chose specific motifs to tie into Rodrigo’s ethos and what she stands for. “The flowers spoke to the theme of the Daisy Chain Fields festival. Flowers are incredibly important in our world; they decorate the land after rains, [provide] beauty after a storm, [support] ecosystems, [feed] wildlife, and sometimes [contain] medicinal properties,” Mjalli says. “In this particular instance, the daisy chain symbolizes the power of a united world in the face of adversity.” The dusty rose dress also featured embroidered birds, a clear representation of freedom — not just for Palestinians, but for all those who need it around the world.

It helped say, ‘We are still here; we have not been forgotten’.

Yasmeen Mjalli On olivia rodrigo choosing Nöl Collective To Design Her Dress

Nöl Collective’s garments are handmade in Jerusalem, Gaza, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, and the fashion brand places a strong emphasis on showcasing the entire process. Mjalli knows fashion is inherently political, regardless of where a garment is made. “70% of garment workers in the world are women; it’s a women’s rights issue,” she says. “[And] because fashion has unfathomably detrimental effects on the environment, it’s also an environmental issue.” Fast fashion has been widely criticized for human rights violations and environmental impact, but it’s so easy for consumers to compartmentalize or ignore these issues.

“When you show how the garment is made, you humanize the process and close the gap that separates the consumer from the creator. The hope is that people are more mindful when buying because they can see how much time, labor and love go into a garment,” the designer explains. “We hope that for every garment we put out in the world, you can picture the hands of the women who made them — the same hands which brush hair, pick fruit, and hold children and grandchildren.”

It’s impossible to talk about Nöl Collective without acknowledging the impact the Israeli occupation has had on them. For Mjalli, it’s incredibly hard to put into words how difficult the process of creating garments has been. Moving between cities and towns now takes much longer due to military checkpoints, shipping orders is challenging due to border closures, and customs can destroy shipments at their discretion.

It was so much fun to be given the creative freedom to bring something to life that honored Olivia’s style while also reflecting our own identity.

Nöl Collective founder Yasmeen Mjalli

The fashion house uses natural fibres that it is unable to source locally, so it relies on shipments from overseas. Last week, a large shipment of naturally dyed and hand-woven wools from Indian artisans was rejected. “[It was] destroyed last week, simply because of who we are. This was devastating, because our production had already been delayed for months, meaning the collection would be released much later than needed,” the founder says. “We still had to pay the cost of shipping and for the fabric itself because the artisans still need to be paid for their labor, and then we still needed to buy replacement fabric.” The fashion house ended up having to start a GoFundMe to cover the excess costs because fashion and art matter, and it’s a form of resistance to keep going.

Mjalli wants people to understand how vital it is to support Palestinian businesses, especially those on the ground. “We are creating under impossible circumstances,” she says. “Every day, a door slams shut in our face, and we keep searching until we find another door to keep going. So many talented artisans here don’t get a chance, so supporting artisanal work on the ground here can profoundly impact the community.”

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