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There is so much beautiful stuff you can sew in fall.
But personally, I tend to get overwhelmed by all the ideas. So today, we’re going to simplify things.
I’m sharing five outfit formulas that you can sew to create a wardrobe that truly reflects your personal style. These are formulas you can take and make your own, and I’ll show you how.
Outfit formulas are a great way to simplify what you sew and wear.
Once you figure out a few combinations of different types of garments that you feel great in, you can sew endless varieties of that formula and know that you’ll feel like yourself.
I’m going to share 5 different formulas I’m loving this year, the inspiration behind them, and the patterns and fabrics you can use to create your own version of each look.
Ok, got your pumpkin spice latte ready? Let’s get cozy.
Cozy Layered Look: Knit Top + Statement Jeans + Car Coat
One look that I absolutely love for fall is a pair of statement-making jeans with a comfortable knit top and a loose jacket on top.
A pair of statement jeans can have a unique silhouette, color, or fabric. It doesn’t need to be denim! Think colored twill, corduroy, or even wool. You could also use dark denim, which is a little dressier, or even black or white.
Here are some Seamwork patterns.
Flared jeans are great for fall, since they look nice with boots. I recommend the Chelsea jeans, they’re one of my favorites. I made a pair in corduroy you can see here.
Sew a classic pair of straight-leg jeans for a timeless cut, and make a statement with your fabric choice . The Tessa jeans have that classic denim look that is really trend-resistent.
If you sew the Nolan pants in denim, you’ll get more of a utilitarian look. This can be a fun way to dress down a really feminine blouse.
I love the idea of using a striped knit for this outfit formula. Stripes are great for fall and they tend to be trend-resistent.
I like a fitted tee, but something loose and cozy also works.
You can shorten the Lenny dress into a chic turtleneck top. It looks great with jeans.
The Goldie tee has a fun, retro sweetheart neckline. I’ve made a few, including this one in a floral rib knit.
For your jacket layer, you can play with the length, but a longer jacket is nice to have for fall in case it gets a little chilly or it rains.
The Lou jacket has a hood and was developed for waterproof fabric. If you want to follow a tutorial, read this article: How to Sew a Rain Jacket.
The Francis coat has a really sleek, timeless cut. We made a sample with a sherpa collar that would be so cute for fall if you want a 70s-inspired look.
Chic Midi Skirt Combo: Flowy Skirt + Cardigan
The next formula is a flowy skirt paired with a cardigan.
For this look, you can create fun tension by mixing up your fabrics. For example, I love to pair chunky knits with soft, silky fabrics. So if you choose a chunky knit for the cardigan, use a silky fabric for the skirt.
The Seamwork Dezi skirt is cut on the bias, and since it hugs and drapes on your body perfectly, it looks great with long and short cardigans.
The Darcy skirt hits just below the knee. It features three radiating pleats at a lined tie closure for a soft drape. This would look best with a cropped cardigan to show off the tie.
The Kenzie skirt is a beautiful pleated version. This would look gorgeous with the belted cardigan look.
For the cardigan, you can go long or short depending on your skirt.
Lisa is the ideal fall cardigan. And it’s FREE this season if you sign up for my Snippets newsletter here.
Lisa has a relaxed, roomy fit that’s ideal for layering, and it’s shorter so you can still show off your skirt.
Oslo is a great pattern if you want a little more length.
The Sable cardigan makes a statement on its own. It has three tie closures along the center front.
All-in-one Outfit: An Effortless Jumpsuit
Sometimes you just need an all-in-one outfit to throw on with no fuss. Sew a relaxed-fit jumpsuit in a neutral or autumnal color and you’re all set.
I love to layer a jumpsuit. You can put a long sleeve knit top with a crewneck or a turtleneck underneath, like the Alice or Lenny. You can also layer a blazer on top.
The Mercer flightsuit will give you a workwear look. It has so many pockets.
Michelle has a surplice bodice at the back. It doesn’t have sleeves, but if you need an extra layer, wear a lightweight turtleneck underneath for extra warmth.
Banks has long dolman sleeves, which are nice for fall. It also has dramatic wide legs, which can make it a dressier option.
Classic Button-up + Trousers + Chic Outerwear
Here’s an outfit formula that’s a great base for adding as many layers as you need: wear a classic button-up, a pair of trousers, and some chic outerwear.
The Roan tunic has an oversized fit that would look nice with tapered or slim-fit trousers.
The Bud shacket is technically a shacket so it’s between a button-up shirt and jacket. It looks great in flannel for fall.
Wear your button-up tucked in with high-waisted trousers for a polished look.
The Erin trousers are great for this, because they have a tapered leg.
The Ani trousers are a total wardrobe staple, with a tapered fit and pleats at the front.
If you want something a little more comfy that also can be dressed up, sew the Dexter pants. They’re designed for knits, but they have a fitted cut, darts, pintucks, a side zipper, and waist facing.
Since this is such a classic outfit formula, you can have fun with your outerwear to complete your look.
The Keaton blazer is a casual blazer with more of an oversized fit, and it looks great with trousers.
The Chip jacket is a moto style jacket which could add some edge to your look.
The Bay coat is a total classic and it would look lovely in a fall tweed.
The Larkin bomber would give you a modern look.
Cozy Dress and a Long Coat
A cozy dress and a long coat are such an easy outfit formula.
You can sew either of these pieces in a fall color like burgundy, mustard, or forest green or fall-themed prints like florals, tweeds, and plaids.
Knit dresses are a great option for fall, and the Devon dress is perfect. It has a turtleneck and cocoon shape, which is really fun.
For a sleeveless look, the Aaronica dress totally works for fall. You can layer it over a long-sleeved tee or wear it with boots if you need more warmth.
If you want to sew a woven dress, I really recommend the Frankie pattern. It has a fitted waist yoke and 6-gore gathered skirt. I sewed mine in a floral and it’s so pretty and fun to wear.
The Denise coat is gorgeous worn over a dress. It’s lined and has princess seams and it looks great with dresses that are flowy or more fitted.
The Jill coatigan is really fun to make in cozy fabrics.
The Baz coat is great for fall, because it’s unlined and you can wear it wrapped and belted or open.
Tip: Create a Seasonal Formula Plan
One thing I like to do each season is pick out a few outfit formulas, create a color palette, and then sketch out the variations that I can make and wear. I especially like to use this to find ways to remix some of the pieces I’ve made in past seasons.
If you’re interested in seeing more outfit formulas from past seasons, read this article from last fall. Haley and I deconstruct even more fall outfit formulas you can make yourself.
Do you have a go-to outfit formula for fall weather? Or an outerwear piece you wear almost every day? Comment and share!
