The crisp autumn air and changing leaves mark the beginning of one of the most romantic seasons – fall date nights! As the temperature drops, it’s time to bid adieu to flimsy summer dresses and welcome layered ensembles that keep you snug and stylish.
Figuring out what to wear on a fall date night can be tricky. You want an outfit that makes you feel confident, captures the spirit of the season, and is appropriate for your plans. The key is finding that perfect balance between stylish and sensible.
To help inspire your next autumn date night look, I’ve compiled a definitive guide to fall date night outfits.
In this blog post, you’ll discover my favorite date night looks spanning casual, smart casual, and formal dress codes. I’ll also share stylish layering tips, color palette suggestions, and date night-friendly fabrics to embrace.
Elements to Keep in Mind For Fall Date Night Outfits
Before jumping into the outfit inspiration, here are a few style tips to keep in mind when planning your next fall date night look:
Consider the Weather
Fall weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures fluctuating greatly from day to night. When choosing an outfit, check the forecast and plan attire that you can layer accordingly. Always bring a coat or jacket to combat any unexpected crispness in the air.
Choose Seasonal Colors
Incorporate autumnal hues like mustard yellow, olive green, terra-cotta, wine red, and burnt orange into your look. These warm shades pair beautifully with fall neutrals like camel, navy and grey.
Experiment with Textures
Fall is the perfect time to play with tactile fabrics like leather, suede, velvet, knits, and corduroy. Incorporate thesematerials into your looks through your clothing or accessories.
Make Layers Your Friend
Layering is essential for fall date nights! Build your look starting with a lightweight base layer, then add intermediate layers like cardigans or jackets, finishing with a coat or jacket to protect against the elements.
Opt for Seasonal Footwear
Ankle boots, knee high boots and booties are date night staples for fall. Heels work well too for more formal affairs. Just bring a spare pair of flats in case your feet need relief at the end of the night!
Don’t Forget Accessories!
Scarves, beanies, gloves, and tights are great seasonal accessories to incorporate into your autumn date night attire. Simple jewelry and a chic handbag will complete your look.
Now that you have the basics down, let’s look at some fall date night outfit inspiration!
Casual Fall Date Night Outfits
If your autumnal plans involve apple picking, hay rides, bonfires, or casual dinners, you’ll want an outfit that’s stylish yet comfortable. Here are 10 casual date night looks perfect for laidback fall activities:
1. Jeans and a Button-Up Shirt
A classic button-up shirt paired with jeans or trousers is a foolproof date night look. Tuck the shirt in or leave it out over your bottoms. Complete your outfit with a medium-weight jacket like a denim, corduroy or leather jacket. Add heeled booties or ankle boots to polish off your look.
2. Sweater and Skirt with Tall Boots
For an effortlessly chic vibe, pair an oversized sweater with a knit skirt or leather skirt. Finish the outfit with versatile over-the-knee or knee-high boots. Bring a scarf to tie everything together.
3. Sweater Dress and Tall Boots
A knit sweater dress is ultra cozy yet still feminine for fall. For leg coverage, layer sheer tights underneath and pair with over-the-knee boots. Throw on a trench coat or moto jacket for added warmth.
4. Graphic Sweatshirt and Jeans
Give your graphic tee an upgrade by pairing it with distressed jeans or leggings and a bomber jacket. Complete the casual look with crisp white sneakers. This outfit works great for outdoor autumn activities.
5. Plaid Button-Up and Jeans
A quintessential fall combo, a plaid flannel paired with jeans or leggings can’t be beat. Roll up the sleeves and finish the look with cross strap shoes.
6. Oversized Pullover and Bike Shorts with Sneakers
Bike shorts lended major athleisure vibes to summer outfits. Continue the look into fall by pairing bike shorts with an oversized knit pullover or sweater. Add white sneakers and a beanie for a sporty date look.
7. Sweater, Jeans, and Mules
This outfit combo is equal parts comfy and cute. A roomy knit sweater paired with jeans or leggings creates a relaxed vibe. Dress it up with slip-on mules with a bit of a heel.
8. Sweatshirt, Leggings, and White Sneakers
Going super casual? A graphic sweatshirt, leggings, and white sneakers can’t be beat for laidback autumn activities like apple picking or hiking. Bring a denim or leather jacket in case there’s a chill.
9. Corduroy Pants and a Cropped Sweater
Corduroy pants are a fall wardrobe staple. For date night, pair high-waisted cords with a cropped sweater. Complete your outfit with ankle booties for an of-the-moment look.
10. Overalls and a Turtleneck
Overalls are back in style! For a retro date night vibe, pair overalls with a long sleeve turtleneck. Add ankle boots or classic white sneakers on your feet. Finish with a baker boy hat for a playful touch.
Smart Casual Fall Date Night Outfits
If your date plans involve dinner at a nice restaurant, an evening at the theater, or drinks at a swanky bar, smart casual attire is in order. These 10 ensembles toe the line between dressy and laidback for a polished look:
11. Jumpsuit and Heels
A jumpsuit is a chic one-piece option that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Pair a dressy jumpsuit with strappy or block heels and simple jewelry for an effortless evening look. Bring a leather jacket for a styling boost.
12. Faux Leather Leggings, Heels, and a Silky Cami
Faux leather leggings lend instant polish to any outfit. Balance their edginess with a silky camisole and heels. Add a moto jacket or long coat on top and you’re ready for date night.
13. Midi Skirt with Slit, Long-Sleeve Crop Top, and Ankle Boots
A midi-length skirt with a dramatic slit shows just the right amount of leg. Pair it with a long-sleeve crop top and ankle boots. Simple gold jewelry completes this sophisticated look.
14. Faux Leather Pants, Heels, and a Lacy Cami
Leather pants may seem intimidating, but they’re surprisingly versatile for a night out. Combine faux leather pants with a delicate camisole and heels for contrast.
15. Wrap Maxi Dress and Strappy Heels
A wrap-style maxi dress cinches the waist for a universally flattering silhouette. Pair it with strappy heels and a moto jacket for a comfortable yet elegant date night look.
16. Mini Skirt, Tall Boots, and Sweater
Show off your legs in a ladylike mini skirt and over-the-knee boots combination. Balance the leg with an oversized knit sweater on top. This outfit works for both day and night.
17. Slip Skirt, Blouse, and Pointed-Toe Heels
Slip into liquidy satin with a midi slip skirt in a jewel-toned hue. Pair it with a V-neckline blouse and pointed-toe heels with ankle straps for effortless sensuality. Keep accessories minimal.
18. Printed Pants, Loafers, and a Cropped Sweater
Make printed pants the focal point of your date night outfit by pairing them with simple loafer flats and a cropped sweater. This look masters understated chic.
19. Faux Leather Skirt, Mock Neck Top, and Booties
An A-line faux leather skirt lends structure while the mock neck top keeps things sleek on top. Tie the look together with your favorite booties and dainty gold jewelry.
20. Wide Leg Jumpsuit and Block Heels
A wide leg jumpsuit provides breezy elegance. Cinch the waist with a belt and complete your look with block heel sandals. Simply swap in a jacket to transition this outfit from day to night.
Dressy Fall Date Night Outfits
When an occasion calls for more formal attire, get dressed up in these 10 elegant date night looks:
21. Sequin Dress and Heels
Nothing says glamour like a sequin dress! Choose a midi or maxi length sequin style in a jewel tone or metallic shade. Pair it with strappy heels and dazzling jewelry for a red carpet-worthy look.
22. Satin Slip Dress, Stiletto Pumps, and a Fur Coat
A satin slip dress oozes old Hollywood sophistication. Layer a fur coat on top for diva-esque glamour. Finish with sparkling jewelry and stiletto pumps.
23. Off-the-Shoulder Cocktail Dress and Ankle-Strap Heels
An off-the-shoulder mini dress shows just the right amount of skin. The sultry neckline pairs perfectly with ankle-strap heels and a glittering minaudière for a stylish night out.
24. Bodycon Dress and Pointed-Toe Pumps
A bodycon dress hugs your best assets. For leg-lengthening appeal, add pointed-toe pumps. A bold red lip and chandelier earrings polish off the bombshell look.
25. Metallic Faux Leather Dress and Stiletto Heels
Shine bright in a metallic faux leather dress! This eye-catching silhouette pairs perfectly with stiletto heels. Finish with a sleek top-handle bag.
26. LBD and Statement Heels
You can never go wrong with the timeless versatility of a little black dress (LBD). Play up the cocktail dress with vibrantly-hued statement heels and a box clutch.
27. Embellished Midi Dress and Block Heels
An embellished midi dress brings just the right amount of sparkle for date night. Pair the ornate frock with block heel sandals to balance the look.
28. Satin Midi Skirt, Lacy Cami, and Pumps
Get creative by pairing a satin midi skirt with a lace-trimmed camisole and classic pointed-toe pumps. The contrast of textures gives this outfit dimension.
29. Faux Leather Pencil Skirt, Silk Camisole, and Ankle-Tie Heels
A faux leather pencil skirt and slinky camisole create the illusion of a dress. Tie the look together with ankle-strap sandals and minimal accessories for date night elegance.
30. Jumpsuit with Cape and Jeweled Mules
Make a dramatic entrance in a caped jumpsuit that demands attention. Ground the bold look with understated mules to finish your ensemble.
Strategies for Layering Your Fall Date Night Outfits
One of the keys to looking stylish on a fall date night is layering – both for function and fashion. Layers provide versatility to adapt to the cooling nighttime temperatures. They also create visual interest and dimension in your look.
When layering fall date night outfits, incorporate lightweight, medium-weight, and heavyweight pieces. Here are layering combinations that work for autumn evenings:
Light Layers
- Camisole, tee, or bodysuit
- Light sweater or long sleeve blouse
- Unlined jacket (bomber, denim, leather, etc)
Medium Layers
- Long sleeve tee or sweater
- Oversized cardigan or wrap
- Lined jacket
Heavy Layers
- Sweater dress
- Chunky knit sweater
- Coat (peacoat, trench, parka, etc)
Some examples of layered date night outfits include:
- Camisole, cardigan, mini dress, and ankle booties
- Bodysuit, faux leather moto jacket, midi skirt, and pumps
- Turtleneck, oversized blazer, jeans, and loafers
- Sweater dress, cropped puffer coat, and knee high boots
- Long sleeve tee, wool coat, leggings, and booties
Use the forecast to guide which layers you’ll need. Bring an extra lightweight or heavyweight layer in your bag just in case. Follow these suggestions to master functional, fashionable layering on your next autumn date night.
Color Palette Inspiration for Fall Date Nights
When building a fall date night outfit, color choice is key. Rich autumnal hues not only usher in the spirit of the season but also complement most complexions.
Here are prime colors to incorporate into your fall date night attire:
Neutrals
- Camel
- Beige
- Grey
- Cream
- Black
- White
- Navy
Warm Tones
- Red
- Terracotta
- Tomato Red
- Burnt Orange
- Mustard Yellow
- Olive Green
- Forest Green
- Rust
Cool Tones
- Eggplant
- Plum
- Wine
- Magenta
- Royal Blue
- Emerald Green
- Teal
- Rose Pink
Both warm and cool-toned palettes pair beautifully with fall’s neutral basics. To make the colors pop, opt for monochromatic looks or color block with neutrals like black, white, navy, or grey.
Jewel tones also shine for autumnal evenings. Don’t shy away from rich sapphire blue, ruby red, and emerald green hues. Finish your date night palette with metallics like gold, silver, bronze and rose gold for a touch of shine.
Use these fall color combinations to inspire your next date night outfit. Bold, vibrant autumn hues energize any cold weather look.
Fabrics and Textures to Embrace for Fall Date Nights
Beyond color, fabric choice also factors into crafting a stylish fall date night outfit. Materials with seasonal texture and weight will keep you cozy as the temperatures drop.
Here are date night-friendly fabrics and finishes to embrace for autumn:
Knits
From cable knit to ribbed textures, knitwear in sweaters, cardigans and dresses makes comfort chic.
Faux Leather
Faux leather lends instant polish and edge to dresses, pants, skirts, and jackets.
Velvet
Luxe velvet fabrics elevate dresses, jumpsuits, and accessories with their rich depth.
Corduroy
Corduroy pants, skirts, and jackets capture retro 70’s style with a modern twist.
Satin
Liquid-like satin adds elegance and movement to dresses, skirts, camisoles and more.
Tweed
Tweed blazers, pants and sets evoke an equestrian vibe perfect for date nights.
Suede
Buttery suede makes jackets, skirts, boots, and accessories irresistibly soft.
Plaid
Classic plaid remains a staple for blouses, dresses, coats, and accessories this fall.
Incorporate these tactile fabrics into your autumn date night wardrobe. Their cozy, seasonal appeal is perfect for staving off the evening chill in style.
Accessorize to Elevate Your Fall Date Night Style
The right accessories can take your fall date night outfit from simple to standout. Jewelry, scarves, tights, and handbags help tie together your look while showcasing your personal flair.
When accessorizing for a fall date night, consider:
- Jewelry: Dainty gold, pearl or crystal jewelry projects romantic femininity. Or go bold with layered pendant necklaces and chunky cocktail rings.
- Scarves: Silky scarves add a pop of color while providing extra coziness.
- Tights: Sheer black tights lend polish and leg coverage under dresses and skirts. Patterned tights make a funky statement.
- Handbags: Structured top handle, ladylike satchels, and compact clutches all work well for date nights out.
- Shoes: Heels, booties and tall boots are date night go-tos. Flats or sneakers keep things casual.
- Belts: Cinch in waists and dresses with skinny belts. Wide belts make stronger style statements.
- Hats: Wool fedoras, baker boy caps, and berets provide chic autumnal flair.
Elevate your whole date night look by complementing your outfit with well-chosen accessories. They provide the finishing touch to any fall ensemble.
Conclusion
I hope this guide equips you with plenty of fall date night outfit inspiration! The key is finding a look you feel confident and comfortable in that also fits the vibe of your autumnal plans.
Use the tips and suggestions for layering pieces, colors, fabrics, and accessories to help craft your ideal fall date night ensemble. Don’t forget to check the weather so you can dress accordingly. Most importantly, enjoy mixing and matching elements to develop unique date night styles that showcase your personality.
Here’s to romantic autumn evenings filled with cozy, chic fall style! Let me know which date night look from this post was your favorite.
