I've Been a Stylist for Over a Decade—8 Winter Outfit Formulas I Recommend If You Want to Look Polished

Hanna MW wearing a leather jacket and jeans

(Image credit: @hannamw)

These are the types of days—when it's still cool in the mornings and evenings but gets slighter warmer in the middle of the day—can make it feel impossible to dress correctly for the weather. Well, almost. The perfect autumn outfit for this kind of weird in-between season needs to marry fashion with function. That means it's all about layering. Some of the chicest autumn outfits work so well because they feature classic wardrobe staples in of-the-moment layering combinations that bring both a forward feel to the looks and a practicality for keeping up with the roller coaster of the day's temperatures.

While there are plenty of tried-and-true layering combinations that always work—think a T-shirt underneath a cardigan underneath a trench coat—I've sourced a number of key outfits that'll never fail. The looks in question are all especially relevant for autumn 2024, and I also think said outfits could earn you compliments thanks to their more creative feel. Some people might even go so far as to assume you started working with a secret stylist to amp up your wardrobe. And you know? I say let them. With that, keep scrolling for a few autumn layering outfit ideas, complete with shopping inspiration.

EASY LAYERING OUTFITS THAT MAKE YOU LOOK POLISHED:

1. Button-Down Shirt + White T-shirt + Blazer

woman wearing a grey blazer, blue stripe shirt, and jeans

(Image credit: @shopbop)

Style Notes: Freshen up a casual jeans outfit by layering a white T-shirt and striped button-down underneath your boxiest blazer. Let the white peek out from underneath the shirt by leaving the top few buttons undone, and tuck it all into a pair of high-rise jeans for a polished finish.

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2. Waistcoat + Blazer + Maxi Coat

woman wearing a white coat and jeans and gray blazer in Copenhagen

(Image credit: @darjabarannik)

Style Notes: Waistcoats are still key for autumn, and one cool way to wear yours is to layer it underneath a coordinating blazer. For added warmth depending on the forecast, throw a maxi coat in a tonal colour on top to keep the look polished.

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3. V-Neck Knit + White T-shirt + Leather Jacket + Jeans

Hanna MW wearing a leather jacket and jeans in Copenhagen

(Image credit: @hannamw)

Style Notes: Layering a crisp white tee underneath your jumper, especially a V-neck that shows off the contrasting colours, is the coolest way to wear your basics right now. Pair the combo with '90s-inspired denim and a leather jacket for the freshest everyday outfit that's secretly so easy to throw together.

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4. Double Jumper + Tailored Trouser + Suede Bag

woman wearing a navy sweater

(Image credit: @alexisbadiyi)

Style Notes: Double the knits equals double the fun (and warmth). Tap into the monochromatic trend by wearing a knit and tying another one in the same hue over your shoulders to match. Wear with matchy-matchy trousers for the full tonal vibe.

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5. Jumper + White T-Shirt + Delicate Skirt

Jeannette Madsen wearing a camel sweater and sheer skirt

(Image credit: @_jeannettemadsen_)

Style Notes: The best way to wear a white T-shirt right now? Letting one peek out from underneath a crewneck sweater. It's an easy way to add a forward feel to your everyday basics—and the combo works with everything from jeans to a sequin skirt.

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6. Trouser Suit + Button-Down Shirt + Tank Top

Danielle Jinadu wearing a black suit and white tank top

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Style Notes: The savviest layering techniques are all in the details. Next time you wear a collared shirt and blazer, leave the collar out over the blazer's lapels for some added interest.

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7. Denim Dungarees + Trench Coat + Trainers

Yusra Siddiqui wearing overalls and Vans checkered sneakers and beige trench coat

(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Style Notes: This is your reminder not to sleep on dungarees during the transitional seasons—they're much more versatile than you might have thought. Right now, fashion people and celebrities (ahem, Hailey Bieber) are wearing them underneath a maxi coat, and it brings an unexpectedly elevated feel to the otherwise casual piece.

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8. Roll Neck Dress + Collarless Jacket

woman wearing a black collarless jacket

(Image credit: @erinoffduty)

Style Notes: Collarless, structured jackets are arguably *the* It piece to know for autumn. Of all the ways to wear one, we love the idea of layering it over a long ribbed dress—bonus points for chic stripes.

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Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.

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