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Every piece on our Best Cute Fall & Winter Outfits for Women board had to pass three tests. It is well reviewed by the people who bought it. It works with more than one thing already in your closet. And it still looks right when the season turns from September sweaters to January coats. These seven outfits are built only from pieces that passed, with the reason each one is here and why it earns a place in your wardrobe.
Camel, chocolate and gold
Why it is our pick: this is the look on our board cover. A camel coat warms up dark knits and black leather, so the outfit reads rich rather than heavy. The Belle & Bloom Walk This Way coat is a wool blend with a soft hood and cropped sleeves that show off a sweater cuff. The Vince boiled cashmere funnel neck is structured enough to hold its shape under a coat. The Cinq à Sept Veena faux leather midi has real buttons and pockets, and the Franco Sarto Gisella boot meets its hem so no leg shows on cold days.
Why you should own it: each piece works on its own. The coat goes over jeans, the cashmere goes with trousers, the skirt goes with a T-shirt in spring. Add the Coach Tabby in maple leather and the Ana Luisa Guilia hoops and the same outfit goes from errands to dinner.
The trench and wide-leg denim
Why it is our pick: early fall needs a coat that is not yet a winter coat. The London Fog double-breasted trench has the oversized lapels and square-buckle belt that make the shape, and it layers over a sweater when the temperature drops. Under it, the Madewell Arden crewneck is 100% cotton with an easy boxy fit, and the 7 For All Mankind Dojo wide-leg trouser jeans are cut in stretch denim with a slightly shorter inseam, so they skim the floor without hemming.
Why you should own it: a trench, a cotton crewneck and a dark wide-leg jean are one of the fall formulas we see saved again and again, and none of them dates. Finish it with the Coach Brooklyn 28 in warm brown suede, a slouchy shoulder bag that softens all the tailoring.
Cashmere over satin
Why it is our pick: a soft cardigan buttoned over a satin maxi skirt is the prettiest way to dress up a knit. The Nordstrom cashmere V-neck cardigan has generous raglan sleeves and is as easy as a sweatshirt. The Open Edit satin maxi is a lightly lustrous A-line that moves when you walk. The contrast of matte cashmere and shiny satin is what makes it look considered.
Why you should own it: it works at the office, at a long lunch and at a holiday dinner, and both pieces pair easily with everything else here. Wear it with the Gisella boots in winter and loafers in fall, and carry the Coach Chelsea 30 in warm brown suede.
The black turtleneck uniform
Why it is our pick: this is quiet luxury at its most wearable. The Nordstrom classic cashmere turtleneck in black is knit from soft cashmere with ribbed collar, cuffs and hem. The Liverpool Kelsey wide-leg trousers are smooth, stretchy ponte, so they look tailored and feel like leggings. Over both, the Cole Haan Slick wool blend coat has a convertible collar that buttons up into a tall stand, so you can leave the scarf at home.
Why you should own it: black on black never needs ironing, matching or a second thought, and a good coat lifts it from plain to polished. The Coach Brooklyn in tobacco Signature suede and gold hoops add warmth.
Weekend cozy
Why it is our pick: the weekend outfit should be the warmest one you own. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse is the original baffle-quilted puffer with 700-fill-power down. The Princess Polly Harmony sweater has dropped shoulders and full balloon sleeves, and MOTHER The Weekend jeans have a flared bootcut leg with frayed hems. The UGG Classic Short II in chestnut is sheepskin that keeps feet warm indoors and out.
Why you should own it: every piece is a repeat wear, from the school run to the farmers market to the airport, and the puffer handles real cold that a wool coat cannot.
A little western
Why it is our pick: western boots are the easiest way to make jeans and a sweater feel new. The Tecovas Annie has decorative stitching, a snip toe and a Goodyear welt, so it is built to last for years. The Levi's reversible faux shearling jacket gives two looks from one hanger. The Princess Polly Edern cardigan in oatmeal is a chunky knit to throw over a white tee, and the Wit & Wisdom Brittany baby bootcut jeans are cut to sit neatly over a boot.
Why you should own it: the boots and jacket carry the look, so the rest can be pieces you already have. It is relaxed, warm and different from the camel coat crowd.
Holiday nights
Why it is our pick: holiday dressing does not have to mean a dress. The CeCe sequin sleeve mock neck sweater pairs a soft cotton-blend knit with glittering sequined mesh sleeves, so it is cozy and festive at once. Wear it with the Veena faux leather skirt and the Gisella boots, and throw the Bernardo faux fur coat over the top, a longline chevron-pattern faux fur with an oversized notched collar.
Why you should own it: it is warm enough to walk to the party, and every piece except the sweater works again in January.
Build your own
The board holds about sixty pieces: trench coats, puffers and wool coats, cardigans and cashmere, wide-leg, bootcut and flare jeans, satin and floral maxi skirts, and the bags and boots to finish them. For everything in one place, see our full fall and winter edit.
Best Cute Fall & Winter Outfits for Women
Long camel coats and belted trenches, cashmere and soft cardigans over wide-leg and bootcut denim, satin and floral maxi skirts, faux leather and knee-high boots. The palette stays warm and quiet, oatmeal, camel, chocolate, grey and black, so one beautiful coat does most of the work.