I'm Thinking Ahead—6 Elegant Fall Outfits I've Already Jotted Down

As someone who hates fall-coded flavors like cinnamon and subscribes to the Leandra Medine school of thought ("love summer, hate everything else"), I truly mean it when I say that the only thing that gets me excited about fall is the fashion. As we creep toward September and things start to cool down, a little outfit inspo is very necessary to keep spirits up. Would I prefer to wear sandals and tank tops forever? Obviously yes, but at least the colder temps can tempt me with the promise of coats, blazers, and great denim.

These six fall looks aren't necessarily fancy, but the vibe is elegant. Even the more casual outfits feel elevated and put-together thanks to some excellent layers and intentional accessories. If you have classic style or you love neutrals and are looking to start shopping early and invest in fall wardrobe staples, these chic looks will have you counting down the days until it's cool enough to wear a coat.

In case you were done with your hot takes on this summer's long-shorts trend, capri pants showed up to keep the comment sections lively. I am still a firm medium, but Sylvie Mus's look that pairs them with an oversize blazer and kitten-heel mules really feels like something I'm here to dabble in.

As if we were going to get through a story about elegant fall outfits without some inspo from Anouk Yve. Every year, I'm pleasantly reminded of just how many ways I enjoy wearing a super-simple denim look with a long wool coat. Keep riding the wave of on-trend denim, and this outfit formula really just never goes out of style.

A black leather (or leather-look) skirt is such a reliable staple and opens up the world of fun that is mixing textures within a monochromatic look. Also, a moment for that fall sweet spot when you can wear a cozy knit without a coat and bare as much ankle or leg as you please.

If you love a good blazer-and-jeans combo, fall really is a time to thrive. Gray is the perfect transeasonal choice when you're investing in tailoring and already have a good black option in your wardrobe. When it comes to fall footwear, I personally make the most of every single day when the weather is still sandal-friendly.

Blame it on the fact I'm rewatching Friends for the bazillionth time, but I'm really into the Ross Geller vibe of having a white tee peeping out from under all knits at all times. I love this look on Linda Tol even though I have mixed feelings about long denim skirts, but I think the very deliberate A-line silhouette is what makes this work for me.

Firstly, another great peep of a white tee under a knit! Secondly, I know that it's very annoying when you like what someone is wearing and they tell you it's vintage, so I apologize for having to tell you that Dawn Tan's suede jacket is, well, vintage. There aren't a load of suede options to shop for the season ahead just yet, but they'll be here soon enough—I'd keep an eye on department-store men's sections for the best oversize finds.