Fall has always been a special season for me. It’s not as overwhelming as summer, yet not as freezing as winter. The best part? Definitely “dressing up.” Layered outfits, cozy textures, warm colors—this is the season when your wardrobe can truly shine. But I’ll be honest: I’ve made many mistakes when putting together fall outfits. Sometimes I overdressed, sometimes I got the colors wrong. Over time, I learned that small tweaks can make a huge difference. So here, I’m sharing with you 12 common mistakes and their solutions, based on my own experiences.
1. Over-Layering
Layering is the essence of fall, but once you overdo it, things can quickly go wrong. I’ve had those days when it’s chilly in the morning, warm at noon, and windy in the evening—so I piled on everything “just in case.” The result? An uncomfortable, bulky outfit that made me look heavier than I was.
The solution is simple: layer, but smartly. Start with a basic tee or shirt, add a knit or cardigan, and finish with a blazer or trench coat. That way, you’re both comfortable and stylish.
My personal rule? Layer from thin to thick fabrics but keep the colors cohesive. That’s how you get movement and comfort without looking messy.
2. Wrong Color Combinations
When fall comes, many people automatically grab black and gray. I used to wear black all the time because it was easy. But I noticed that wearing only dark colors sometimes made me look older and drained my energy.
The truth is, fall gives us the most beautiful natural palette: browns, rust, mustard, olive green,butter yellow, camel… Combine these with neutrals like beige, white, or cream, and you’ll instantly look more vibrant and season-appropriate.
My favorite? Tonal dressing. Think beige trousers, a camel sweater, and a brown trench coat. Chic and sophisticated. I’m not saying ditch black completely—just use it as a supporting shade rather than the star.
3. Wearing the Wrong Outerwear
Outerwear during fall can be confusing. My mistake used to be either freezing in a summer jacket or sweating in a heavy winter coat. Both ruined my day because comfort is key to enjoying style.
The best solution is “transitional pieces.” Trench coats, blazers, lightweight wool coats, or even a bomber jacket are lifesavers this season. They keep you warm without overheating.
For me, a trench coat is the ultimate staple. It works with jeans, dresses, skirts—basically everything. Plus, it’s timeless, so you can wear it year after year without it ever going out of style.
4. Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Footwear is where most people go wrong in fall. I once wore sandals when summer had clearly ended and spent the evening freezing. Another time, I wore thick snow boots in September and spent the whole day sweating.
What works best are transitional shoes. Chelsea boots, loafers, chunky sneakers, or ankle boots strike the perfect balance between comfort and style.
Personally, I swear by Chelsea boots. They go with jeans, dresses, skirts—you name it. Plus, they’re one of those investments that will last you for years.
5. Mixing Too Many Textures
Fall outfits are all about textures: wool, suede, leather, denim. But wearing them all together at once can look chaotic. I learned this the hard way when I looked in the mirror and realized I seemed like I was “trying too hard.”
The trick is to stick to two or three textures max. For example: leather jacket + jeans + cotton tee. Balanced, stylish, but not overwhelming.
What I do is pick one “hero texture.” If I’m wearing leather as the standout, the rest of my outfit is softer and simpler. That way, my look stays sharp without being over the top.
6. Forgetting Accessories
Accessories are game-changers for fall outfits, yet so many people skip them. I used to ignore them too, focusing only on clothes. But I realized that sometimes just a scarf or hat can completely elevate an outfit.
Scarves, shawls, fedora hats, or dainty gold jewelry add warmth and style at the same time. With the right accessory, even the simplest outfit becomes eye-catching.
My personal favorite? A colorful scarf. Adding one to a neutral outfit instantly boosts my energy and makes the whole look pop.
7. Carrying the Wrong Bag
Bags can make or break your fall outfit. One mistake I often see is people holding onto tiny summer bags or switching to oversized sporty backpacks. Both can throw off the balance of your look.
I invest in medium-sized leather bags. Suede is also a fall favorite—it just feels right for the season and looks effortlessly chic.
Here’s a tip: your bag doesn’t have to match your shoes exactly. But keeping them in the same color family makes your outfit look polished and intentional.
8. Losing Proportions
Baggy top + baggy bottom is one of the quickest ways to disappear in your clothes. I fell into this trap with the oversized trend and didn’t like how sloppy it looked in pictures.
Balance is everything. If your top is oversized, go for slimmer bottoms. If your pants are wide, choose a more fitted top. For example: an oversized sweater with skinny jeans is a classic combo.
Another trick I love is using belts. Cinching a loose dress at the waist instantly restores proportion and creates a flattering silhouette.
9. Over-Matching Colors
Color coordination is important, but taking it too far can make you look boring—like you’re wearing a uniform. I used to wear all black head-to-toe, but it drained me.
The smarter way is tonal dressing. Pair different shades of the same color to create depth. For example: light beige trousers, a medium camel knit, and a dark brown coat. Harmonious yet dynamic.
10. Wearing Thin Tights and Freezing
Many people still wear summer-weight tights in fall, and I used to be one of them. I thought, “It’s not winter yet,” and ended up shivering all evening.
Thick opaque tights are the solution. They keep you warm and let you wear dresses and skirts comfortably during colder days. Plus, they come in so many colors to play with.
I mostly stick with black opaque tights, but experimenting with dark brown or burgundy ones adds so much character to an outfit.
11. Choosing the Wrong Fabrics
Fabric choice can make or break your comfort. Synthetic fabrics in fall are the worst—they trap heat and can leave you sweaty and uncomfortable. I once bought a sweater just for its design, but the fabric made it unbearable to wear.
Natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and cashmere are much better options. They’re breathable, cozy, and long-lasting.
I personally believe in “less but better.” One high-quality wool coat is worth more than ten cheap synthetic ones that make you uncomfortable.
12. Blindly Following Trends
Following fashion trends is fun, but not every trend looks good on everyone. I once wore an oversized suit just because it was trendy, and I didn’t feel like myself at all.
The trick is to adapt trends to your own style. If it doesn’t suit your body, vibe, or personality, it’s not serving you. Fashion should work for you—not the other way around.
My golden rule: try trends in small doses. If metallics are in, I won’t wear a full metallic outfit. Instead, I’ll carry a metallic bag. That way, I’m trendy but still true to myself.
Final Thoughts
If you pay attention to these 12 common mistakes when styling fall outfits and apply their solutions, you’ll stay stylish without sacrificing comfort. To me, fashion isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about having fun and expressing yourself. Take inspiration from nature, mix and match your wardrobe wisely, and remember this: the outfit you feel most confident in will always be the most stylish one.
