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30 Ways to Freshen Up Your Look for Fall

The sweltering summer heat is finally disappearing and it's time to start thinking about fall. Although you may be excited to retire your strappy sandals and slinky slip dresses, what will you wear in their place? Because the weather rarely goes from extremely hot to extremely cold, you may start your October mornings in knits but regret that decision by lunchtime. Transitioning from summer to fall can be tricky. Luckily, I’m here to make it simple.

Fashion and beauty trends can prepare you for the seasonal shift. By making a few simple additions to your wardrobe and a couple of updates to your cosmetic routine, you can embody the autumnal essence you so desire. Best of luck!

Wear Animal Print as a Neutral

Wear Animal Print as a Neutral

It’s time to accept the fact that animal print is a neutral. Leopard is a fan favorite and can easily be incorporated into your fall wardrobe. Its neutral tones pair perfectly with autumnal hues. If you’re still skeptical, start small by adding a leopard print belt or mule to your outfit!

Animal print is not the first thing you think of when you hear "fall fashion," but you can actually use that to your advantage. Your look will be fresh and unique while still keeping it in the fall family with your color scheme. 

Wear a Cardigan Over Summer Prints

Wear a Cardigan Over Summer Prints

Contrary to popular belief, summer florals can be worn well into the fall months. Printed dresses and tops can be layered with cozy cardigans to keep you warm and trendy. I give you full permission to incorporate florals into your cold-weather wardrobe.

Sometimes staying fresh is all about breaking the rules, so let the florals flow in fall! You'll end up with an outfit that people weren't expecting...but won't be able to stop talking about, too!

(Image via DressBarn.com)

Trade Neutral Lipsticks and Glosses for Darker Hues

Trade Neutral  Lipsticks and Glosses for Darker Hues

There’s an unspoken rule that encourages you to trade subtle glosses for bolder lipsticks during the colder months. This fall is no exception. Rich plums, dark burgundies, deep mauves, and soft browns are the hottest shades for the upcoming cooldown.

That being said, you don't want to get super-duper crazy with your darker hues. While a pitch-black lipstick might go great with your Halloween costume, it's not necessarily going to look the best for the rest of the season. 

Wear Knit Everything

Wear Knit Everything

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing like an oversized sweater on a cool day. And luckily, cozy knits pair with trousers, denim, and skirts. Because it’s almost impossible to get through fall without a collection of snuggly sweaters, do yourself a favor and add another to your collection.

And this is one instance where you can take your fashion destiny into your own hands! With just a pair of knitting needles and some yarn, you can end up with a one-of-a-kind outfit that people will be jealous of all fall long! 

Invest in a Long-Sleeved Dress

Invest in a Long-Sleeved Dress

Boldly patterned long-sleeved dresses are a fall favorite. They make it possible to be both warm and trendy. Bonus points if they have ruffles or frills!

If you're worried about keeping your legs warm while rocking a dress in fall, never fear! A high-quality pair of wool or fleece tights will keep you nice and toasty while still allowing you to enjoy the flowy freedom of a dress. 

(Image via LaneBryant.com)

Start Using a Thicker Moisturizer

Start Using a Thicker Moisturizer

Although you may love the cold weather that autumn brings, your skin doesn’t. Trade in your lighter moisturizer for a heavier and more emollient formula. (My go-to is Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost gel-cream—you’ll thank me later!)

This is an especially important tip if you have skin that's on the drier side. While everyone could use a little moisturizing in the colder months, dry skin folks need it more than most! 

(Image via Neutrogena.com)

Pair Your Midi Skirt With a Sweater

Pair Your Midi Skirt With a Sweater

The midi-length skirt was summer’s biggest trend, but don’t shove it to the back of your closet just yet. This piece can transition to autumn with the help of a sweater, graphic tee, button-down, or jacket. Dress it up with a heel or down with a pair of chunky sneakers!

Just because it might be a summer fashion doesn't mean it has to be forgotten completely when the weather gets cooler! Any multi-season pieces you might have will save you money and keep you looking great year round. 

Add Tights to Your Look

Add Tights to Your Look

Black opaque tights are the holy grail of hosiery, but a new trend has emerged—vibrant nylons. If you’re feeling adventurous, try refreshing your fall look with a pair of colorful tights!

Just don't forget--when it comes to staying warm, not all tights are created equally. Synthetic tights might come in all sorts of dazzling styles and colors, but when the days get really cold, you'll want to opt for natural fibers. 

Invest in an Oversized Tote

Invest in an Oversized Tote

Smaller purses and bags may be trendy, but this fall we’re all about conventionality. A carryall tote is preferred. It holds all of your essentials in one place. Your laptop, phone charger, wallet, sunglasses, favorite lipstick, and water bottle fit inside this tote—and with room to spare!

Plus, since the days are getting cooler, an oversized tote is a great place to stash an emergency jacket or sweater. Don't get caught off guard this fall--a big tote is definitely the way to go!

(Image via Target.com)

Buy Yourself a Statement Jacket (or Two)

Buy Yourself a Statement Jacket (or Two)

If there’s one item from this list that you choose to purchase this fall, let it be a statement jacket. Once the temperature drops, you’ll be glad to have the extra layer. Leather jackets, oversized camo print jackets, and plaid blazers need to be added to your fall collection ASAP.

However, unless you live in the Antarctic, watch out when it comes to bulk. Really big coats might keep you plenty warm, but they can also be less than flattering for your figure. 

Add a Scarf to Your Outfit

Add a Scarf to Your Outfit

Scarves are the perfect multi-purpose accessory. They keep you warm, and they add dimension to your outfit. You can’t go wrong with a classic wool scarf, a knit infinity scarf, or a houndstooth or plaid scarf. Bundle up and look trendy while you do it!

But don't just pull out the same scarf you've been using for the last ten years. Chances are, it's not as nice as it was when it was new, and there have probably been a ton of trends come and go since you bought it. Splurge on something new this fall!

(Image via Nordstrom.com)

Apply Earth Tones to Your Eyes

Apply Earth Tones to Your Eyes

If you’re in the mood to revamp your makeup routine, invest in an earth tone eyeshadow palette. Beiges, burgundies, greens, plums, and browns are autumnal shades that are sure to complement your fall outfits.

But use caution when applying--when working with darker tones, it can be very easy to overdo it. You're going for a stunning, dazzling look, not a black eye! 

Break Out the Mules, Booties, and Platform Sneakers

Break Out the Mules, Booties, and Platform Sneakers

If it’s mid-fall but still unseasonably warm, transition your shoes before transitioning anything else. Mules, booties, and platform sneakers can be dressed up or down and are huge this fall.

Break out the Uggs, if you must, but you could always let those spend some quality time in the back of the closet this season! There is too much amazing fall footwear to waste on a cliche. 

Buy a Pair of Fleece Lined Leggings

Buy a Pair of Fleece Lined Leggings

Fleece lined leggings are lifesavers, especially if you dread cold temperatures. Not only can they be worn with oversized sweaters and dresses, they can also be worn underneath jeans for extra warmth!

The extra insulation will keep you toasty in colder weather. Plus, there's not much in the world that's more soft and cozy than fleece! 

(Image via LaneBryant.com)

Pay Attention to Autumn Nail Trends

Pay Attention to Autumn Nail Trends

Just like the seasonal evolution of fashion and beauty trends, your nail trends should also shift with the weather. It’s time to trade in your pastel polishes for autumnal hues. Burnt orange, hunter green, indigo blue, deep red, and metallic grey are this season’s must-have nail shades.

However, we'd stop short of doing anything that's too on the nose for fall. Stay away from anything that's pitch black or jack-o-lantern orange! 

(Image via Essie.com)

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Red Lip

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Red Lip

Nothing screams Hollywood glamour like a classic red lip. The signature shade is acceptable for all seasons, including fall. If you’re wanting to refresh your fall makeup routine, wear minimal makeup with an insanely bold shade of red lipstick.

Red lips in the fall are the perfect way to make a fashion statement that's out of the box. While everyone else gravitates towards darker, neutral tones during the season, you'll stand out from the crowd with such an eye-catching color. 

Don’t Ditch Your Sheer Foundation

Don’t Ditch Your Sheer Foundation

Healthy, glowing skin is in—which means you don’t have to ditch your dewy foundation for a matte formula. Instead, continue wearing a sheer foundation.

Creamy moisturizers, luminous primers, and liquid blushes will boost your glow during the colder months!

Trade Blue Denim for Black Denim

Trade Blue Denim for Black Denim

The reappearance of black denim can only mean one thing—fall. Whether you opt for frayed, pleated, distressed, embellished, or dressy black denim, you’ll be following this season’s biggest denim trend.

Black denim jeans are one of those pieces that are perfect for the fall days when you don't know what you want to do fashion wise. They look great with everything, and they're always a quick, easy, and stylish choice! 

(Image via Madewell.com)

Keep Wearing White

Keep Wearing White

The “no white after Labor Day” rule is officially revoked. Keep wearing your white dresses, sneakers, and button-downs. It’s not only accepted—it’s encouraged.

White is not necessarily the first color you think of when you think of fall, but it works surprisingly well during the season. It pairs perfectly with many of the neutral, earth tones that start to crop up during this time of year. 

(Image via Fila.com)

Experiment with Metallic, Shimmery, and Iridescent Shadows

Experiment with Metallic, Shimmery, and Iridescent Shadows

Matte brown eyeshadows are the stereotypical fall go-to. But if you’re willing to ditch the neutral hues, try experimenting with metallic and iridescent shadows.

Bronzy palettes and jewel-toned pigments are being used by makeup artists everywhere and I totally encourage you to copy!

Purchase a Distressed Denim Jacket

Purchase a Distressed Denim Jacket

A distressed denim jacket is a wardrobe essential. Whether it’s worn alone on a breezy autumn night or layered underneath a coat on a chillier fall evening, it’s a must-have transition piece.

If you want to combine two fall fashion tips into one great outfit--opt for a black denim jacket! It will keep you warm during those chilly days, and you'll be rocking one of the hottest colors of the season. 

(Image via FreePeople.com)

Enhance Your Look With Hair Accessories

Enhance Your Look With Hair Accessories

Oversized headbands, bold hair clips, and jeweled barrettes have officially made a comeback. These childhood favorites are fall’s most popular trends and will automatically glam up any outfit!

If you want your fashion to be perfectly on point during the fall, opt for accessories that play up some of autumn's hottest colors. Earth tones, muted oranges, and reds are all great color options for accessories. 

(Image via Nordstrom.com)

Buy All the Chain Jewelry

Buy All the Chain Jewelry

Chunky chain link jewelry is back—and with a vengeance. Layered chain necklaces, chunky chain bracelets, chain link rings, and chain drop earrings are everywhere. And the mixing of gold, brass, and silver jewelry is encouraged.

The cooler months are the time for layering and adding a little bulk to your wardrobe, so don't be afraid to use that jewelry liberally. It will all look amazing when it's glistening on a chilly, fall day!

(Image via Unsplash)

Schedule a Hair Appointment

Schedule a Hair Appointment

New seasons are all about change and what better way to change than by rocking a new ‘do. The blunt bob is in and it's the perfect low-hassle, high-glamor look for the fall. 

Just remember this--if you lob off all your hair, that could make things a bit chillier during the cold months. Although, there are plenty of stylish fall and winter hats to keep you warm if that happens! 

(Image via Unsplash)

Add a Hat to Your Outfit

Add a Hat to Your Outfit

You can never go wrong with adding a classic fedora to your outfit. But if you’re feeling bold, newsboy caps, berets, and bucket hats are the other fall hat trends that will spice up your autumn look.

You could go REALLY old-school and sport a pilgrim hat to get into the season spirit, but that's really pushing it. Unless you're prepared for tons of awkward stares, stay away from anything that attention-grabbing! 

(Image via Unsplash)

Layer Long Sleeves Under Dresses

Layer Long Sleeves Under Dresses

Don’t put away your sleeveless dresses just yet. Layer your thin turtlenecks and long-sleeve tees under your summery frocks. Extending your summer wardrobe has never been so easy.

Any time you have an outfit piece that can pull double duty all year long, it's a good thing. So, don't pack away those sleeveless dresses just yet--they still have a little life left in them! 

TheStewartofNY/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Accessorize With a Silk Scarf

Accessorize With a Silk Scarf

The revival of the classic silk scarf is transforming outfits this fall. The iconic accessory emerged in the ‘30s and has made multiple appearances throughout the decades. It can be accessorized this fall as a necktie, choker, headscarf, bandeau top, belt, or bag accent.

Just remember--a silk scarf is not going to provide as much warmth as other cold-month friendly scarves. So, this is one fashion statement to make early in the season before it gets too cold! 

(Image via Unsplash)

Use Soft, Golden Highlighters to Extend Summer Glow

Use Soft, Golden Highlighters to Extend Summer Glow

Highlighter isn’t just for summer--warm, golden shades can be used during fall too. If you don’t feel like splurging on this product, find an inexpensive shimmery eyeshadow to use in its place.

Highlighter is a great way to balance out the darker makeup tones that are very popular during fall. It's a must-have year round, but especially in the fall! 

(Image via Unsplash)

Change Your Hair Part

Change Your Hair Part

If you’re not willing to make any permanent changes to your hair, try changing your part. You can part your hair on the opposite side you normally do to give yourself more volume, or you can part your hair down the middle to totally change your look.

Fall is the perfect time to try something new with your hair--whether it's your part or something more drastic. If you don't like the results you get, you can always cover up the damage with a cute, cozy fall hat! 

(Image via Unsplash)

Experiment With Biker Shorts

Experiment With Biker Shorts

If you didn’t experiment with the bold biker short trend during the summer, you still have time. Biker shorts are happening and they transition perfectly when paired with blazers and oversized sweaters.

However, this is one fashion bandwagon you're going to want to hop on sooner than later. If you wait too long in the season, it will become too cold for biker shorts! Wear them while the weather is still somewhat warm! 

(Image via StyleVore)