Cozy Fall Aesthetic: Autumnal Outfits to Adore

Warm, sunny days giving way to crisp mornings is one of the first clues that cooler weather is approaching. Soon it’ll be prime time for fungi foraging, pumpkin picking and soup savoring. In addition, no fall season would be complete without those perfectly curated Instagram photos of said autumn activities. You know the ones we’re talking about. The dreamlike setting of a field of sunflowers at golden hour. An image of glove-adorned hands holding a mug of coffee with foam art that captures the ultimate cozy fall aesthetic. Or a snapshot of a Tim Burton movie on a TV surrounded by fairy lights and bowls of Halloween candy. These days, we’re all about transforming our spaces into oases that speak to our personality and style. To complete your idyllic experience, you’re going to need the right outfits. That’s where we come in.

Certain ensembles and escapist trends go hand and hand, much like nap dresses and the cottagecore aesthetic. Or, breezy linens and coastal grandmother style. The goal is to wear clothes that make you feel completely immersed in your surroundings. You can interpret the cozy fall aesthetic in many ways, so we’re happy to offer a fashion roadmap. Now, it’s time for a sartorial storytime. Grab your tartan blanket, put on your sherpa-lined boots and circle around the campfire. Ladies, we’re taking the cozy autumn aesthetic and showing you how to create outfits with the same homey feel.

What is the Cozy Fall Aesthetic?

What is the cozy fall aesthetic when it comes to fashion, you ask? Turn to the items in your closet that make you feel as snug as a bug. It’s all about infusing the Danish concept known as hygge into our everyday outfits. The Cambridge Dictionary defines hygge as a “quality of feeling warm, comfortable and safe.” It “comes from doing simple things such as lighting candles, baking, or spending time at home with your family.” Sit back for a moment and ponder the outfits you would wear in each of the aforementioned scenarios.

Cabincore style and dark academia fashion (hello, Harry Potter fans) are just two examples that encapsulate this overarching autumn theme. Cable-knit stockings, soft flannels and teddy bear jackets are a few styles that come to mind. Do you like to change your look from day to day and don’t necessarily fit into one style category? No problem. Let’s go beyond the confines of any trends and explore the fall-ready items in your closet that you can mix and match with ease. Also, we dive into outfit ideas based on individual lifestyle preferences. Be sure to take a peek and see what resonates with your stylish self.

Cozy Fall Aesthetic Must-Haves for Your Closet

Are you wanting to achieve a functional and fashionable wardrobe that exudes cozy fall aesthetic vibes? It’s time to gather your softest and most snuggly items and identify the gaps in your wardrobe. You’ll need a mix of tops, bottoms and layers to pull it off. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we are here to put your mind at ease. For one thing, there’s no need to break the bank or do a complete closet overhaul. Simply cross-reference the items we suggest with pieces you already own. From there, sprinkle in a new women’s 2022 fall fashion trend (or two) to keep your looks feeling fresh. Also, this is a great opportunity to replenish well-loved basics that are ready to go into attire retirement. Above all else, if you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, you’re on the right track. Check out our favorite comfy fall pieces below.    

Knitwear Galore

If you’re choosing to add only one thing to your cozy fall aesthetic wardrobe, let it be a knitwear item. Whether in the form of a cardigan, pullover or vest, knit sweaters are the cuddly heroes of our autumnal closets. Dig out those turtlenecks you reserve for the holiday season because it’s their time to shine. The best part? The warm cozy autumn aesthetic is not defined by any specific colors or prints, which means there’s something for everyone. Are you a gal who loves grungy neutrals? Or, maybe you’re drawn to punchy bright hues and bold, oversized prints. Either way, you’re invited to this sweater party.

Unsurprisingly, we are crushing on more than Fair Isle and fuzzy sweaters when it comes to knitwear. Crocheted accessories add instant coziness to any ensemble. Wrap yourself in chunky scarves, slip on those mittens and reach for tall peek-a-boo socks. These subtle, yet effective accessories are surefire ways to turn up the dial on your fall looks. 

Style Tip: With the cottagecore craze in full swing, it’s our favorite time of year to take up a new homesteading hobby. Why not give crocheting a try? You can make your own accessories and even give them to loved ones around the holidays. There is something truly special about giving and receiving handmade gifts. Bonus—you’ll be one step closer to a more sustainable wardrobe.

Bottoms Made of Soft and Stretchy Fabrics

Queue up Carrie Underwood’s song “Stretchy Pants” because we want our bottoms to give in all the right places. If we deem an outfit as part of the cozy fall aesthetic, then the pants need to have some stretch. From flared yoga pants with pull-on waistbands to dark-wash denim with high spandex content, you’ve got options. Don’t forget the power of soft fabrics, too. Fleece-lined leggings can take your typical athleisure look from zero to one hundred on the cozy scale. In addition, keep an eye out for plush materials like velvet or corduroy. Who knew we’d be welcoming our Y2K fashion-inspired velour tracksuits back into our closets?

Layers Upon Layers

Fall is arguably the most fashionable season of them all. Wouldn’t you agree, ladies? The reason is that you can play around with layers without the worry of overheating. Want to layer a turtleneck tee under a lightweight crew neck pullover and top it off with a denim jacket? Go for it. Not only does outerwear keep you toasty, but it can also level up your look in one fell swoop. For that cozy fall aesthetic, give quilted shackets, oversized plaid jackets and sherpa quarter-zips a try. After all, the right coat can feel like a warm hug on a chilly fall day.

Cozy Fall Aesthetic: Fashion for the Homebody

Does the perfect night in sound like the combination of a good book, warm beverage and comfy loungewear? Is this a typical Saturday night for you? If so, you are one step ahead to achieving that cozy fall aesthetic as a homebody. Bust out those sweater sets, plush robes and furry slippers because you can’t overdo comfort. Tuck your pant bottoms into your socks Cameron Diaz style from “The Holiday” and light some candles for added ambiance. Now you’re ready to dive into the next murder mystery on your TBR (To Be Read) list. 

Cozy Fall Aesthetic: Outfits for the Social Butterfly

Looking for ways to feel dressed up on a night out while maintaining a cozy fall aesthetic? We’ve got you covered. Again, it all has to do with comfy pants. Seek out a pair of ponte pants since they are the perfect combo of leggings and slacks. They are truly the best of both worlds. For an edgy style twist, opt for monochromatic tones like heathered grey and black and layer with a leather jacket. Sticking to the tonal theme, accessorize with silver accessories like hoop earrings and metallic accents like studs and zippers. Instead of stilettos, complete your look with a pair of statement-making suede boots. Even better if they have a platform versus a heeled sole so you can dance all night without sacrificing comfort. 

Cozy Fall Aesthetic: Styles for the Adventure Seeker

If you’re a gal who’s always up for a harvest moon hike or creepy corn maze, this one’s for you. The windy, rainy season is upon us, so you will likely face the elements on your escapades. With this in mind, build your look around a pair of all-weather boots. To incorporate a cozy fall aesthetic, wear warm wool socks and a pom-pom beanie. Whether you rock activewear or sturdy denim, top off your look with a cushy puffer jacket. Tuck a blanket scarf into your backpack for later. You may need to cuddle up with it on your next haunted hayride or during a post-apple-picking picnic. Now you’re ready to scratch your adventure itch while keeping comfort top of mind.

Ready to infuse all things cozy into your wardrobe this fall? Our style experts are here to help. Take your style quiz, schedule a Fix and don’t forget to ask your stylist for an array of comfy styles. While you wait for your items to arrive, why not relax and enjoy a board game by the fire? Try on everything in the comfort of your own home, buy what you love and send back the rest. Shipping and returns are always free.