If you’ve ever watched the film, You’ve Got Mail (or if you’ve ever visited the Big Apple around this time of year), you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when I say that New York in autumn is a whole vibe. If you’re not familiar with the iconic opening montage of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks walking the Manhattan streets to The Cranberries soundtrack, you should probably stop reading and immediately watch it. The leaves turning orange in Central Park, the smell of the first cold morning, pumpkins on brownstone steps and a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils (just watch the film, okay?) are all iconic, but it’s really the New York autumn outfits we’re here to talk about today.
After a sticky summer in the city, there’s something refreshing about autumn that brings the best outfits out of New Yorkers. Think clever layering, cute cardigans, maxi coats and chunky boots—and don’t forget the sunglasses for those crisp, blue-sky days. New York women seem to have an innate sense of style year-round, but when I’m planning my outfits this time of year, it’s no coincidence that the influencers I look to most for inspiration are based in New York City. This season more than ever, I’m finding myself trying to copy their cosy but effortlessly cool style, and I know I’m not alone.
So whether you’re jetting over to the city soon to experience New York in the fall firsthand or simply looking to bring some of the city’s style into your UK day to day, I’ve pulled together some of the coolest (and easiest to copy) autumn outfits I’ve seen on NYC girls for inspiration. See and shop them below—Meg Ryan would approve.
Elevated Outfits New Yorkers Will Wear In Autumn and Beyond:
1. Maxi Coat + Loose Jeans + Sunglasses
Style notes: The calm ease of loose jeans and a roomy trench is the pinnacle of cool-girl style. When paired with some chic black sunglasses, this ensemble is a New York sunny autumn day staple.
Shop the Look:
This shape is perfect for layering underneath.
A COS tee will never fail you.
Straight cut jeans work with boots, trainers and any other autumn-ready shoes.
Oval frames always look expensive.
2. Denim Jacket + White Shirt + Patchwork Jeans + Loafers
Style notes: A classic combo with a twist. Patchwork jeans always bring flair to a double denim look and comes to life when styled with a crisp white shirt and leather loafers.
Shop the Look:
I love the relaxed fit of this jacket.
Different shades of denim complement each other so well.
The heel on these loafers are the perfect height for running around the city during the day.
3. Cardigan + Wide-Leg Trousers + Belt
Style notes: Preppy cardigans and wide-leg trousers are a timeless yet minimalistic autumn trend that is seen year after year on the streets of New York. Pair with some extra-large sunglasses and a statement belt.
Shop the Look:
M&S are always so good with classics.
A perfect colour for pairing with neutrals.
Tan and brown belts are autumn wardrobe staples.
4. Denim Shirt + White Tank + Denim Skirt + Ankle Boots
Style notes: Denim shirts are the best layer for autumn, as they're heavy enough to shield you from any breeze yet light enough to take off and carry around when the sun comes out. Doubled up with a denim skirt, tank and boots, and you have the best combination for a bright fall day.
Shop the Look:
Such an easy fit.
Minimal and easy to layer.
Nothing says autumn quite like a denim skirt.
5. Trench + Straight-Leg Jeans + Converse
Style notes: A buttery trench and classic converse are the best combo in the height of autumn. I love how Raeann has styled this casual outfit with some everyday straight-leg jeans. This look works so well with a classic causal flat off duty shoe.
Shop the Look:
An investment piece at the top of my wish list.
A timeless shape.
Classic and useful for all year round.
6. Puffer Jacket + Cardigan + Black Jeans + Sunglasses
Style notes: Different shades of brown in really work in this look. Dark brown is definitely a trending colour this autumn and looks so luxurious under a cropped puffer. Make it your own with your favourite high-waisted dark wash jeans and light shade sunglasses.
Shop the Look:
Guaranteed to keep you warm and it folds up for easy packing.
Such a staple.
Perfect for sunnier fall days.
Is there anything chicer than black denim?
7. Trench + Polo-Neck + Chunky Ankle Boots
Style notes: This is layering at its finest. Chrissy is utilising the best shapes and monochromatic colours that you can wear on repeat all autumn long. This combination will always look good when paired with some utilitarian chunky boots.
Shop the Look:
A timeless coat that'll last you through this autumn and many more to come.
A short-sleeve style is ideal for days when the weather is all over the place.
Grab them before they sell out.
8. Leather Trench + Collared Knit + Knitted Midi Skirt
Style notes: A Leather trench is a versatile coat that trends each year for good reason. Mix and match your textures with a light collared knit and a heavier knitted skirt, and swap between ankle boots or open toe mules to suit the changing weather.
Shop the Look:
I adore the texture on this particular coat.
Forest green is an understated autumnal shade.
Don't forget about knitwear skirts—these are practically made for the season.
9. Suede Blazer + Trousers + Brown Loafers
Style notes: Suede and blazers seem like an unlikely match, but when paired with brown loafers and a classic button-up shirt like Christie has done here, it definitely works.
Shop the Look:
Well structured and cosy.
The ideal high waisted straight-leg.
The gold embellishment does it for me.
10. Leather Jacket + Mini Skirt + Knee Boots
Style notes: I cannot resist a leather during the chillier months. This elevated belted style is a great example of how to incorporate it into 2024. And the burgundy tights paired with the knee-high boots only add to the appeal!
Shop the Look:
So chic.
Love the flare on this mini.
A cooler alternative to black tights.
A great high-street find.
11. Knitted Dress + Knee-High Boots
Style notes: Dark browns encapsulate the essence of autumn. I'm always on the hunt for the ideal knee-highs at the end of the year, wondering how I'll work them into different outfits. I love how Babba has paired the staple boot with a ribbed midi — sleeveless for the warmer seasonal days. When the weather cools off, throw on a classic camel trench for a contrast in shades.
Shop the Look:
This dress also has a fun orange version.
An investment pair you'll cherish for years.
Sleek, functional and matches the brown-and-neutrals theme.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
