9 Non-Basic Ways to Style Your Jeans This Fall (Because It’s Kind of Hard)

Ankle boots, jeans, and a sweater—sound familiar? It’s most likely your trusty fall uniform. Believe it or not, there are actually other ways to style your jeans that don’t involve a basic sweater and simple ankle boots, and this season, we think it’s time to step outside the box and venture into oufit ideas like you never have before. With your favorite pair of jeans already on your body, there is a 90% chance you’ll still feel comfortable in your new fall look even if you are stepping a little outside of your comfort zone. 

Ahead, I rounded up nine of my favorite fall outfits that include jeans. My favorite thing about each of the looks you’re about to see is that although the base of the ensemble is denim, the denim is the last thing you notice thanks to the exciting pieces it’s paired with. Between cow-print handbags and croc-embossed boots, I can guarantee that any of the nine ways to style jeans ahead will leave you looking anything but basic without having to try too hard. 

Style Tip: Have fun with patterns and mix two that would normally be considered an unconventional pairing. While plaid and cow might have you thinking you’ll look like a farm girl, the picture above proves you’ll look anything but.

Style Tip: The bourgeoisie trend is huge for fall 2019, and copying this look will be a step toward tackling the trend for good. Everything from the tall croc-embossed boots to the tailored coat in classic camel will have your jeans looking all kinds of fancy. 

Style Tip: Get a little psychedelic and take your jeans to the next level via punchy tie-dye tops and colorful strappy sandals. The combination will read fun and feel effortless. 

Style Tip: If there’s one thing you can always count on, it’s the fact that formal footwear always looks incredible with jeans. Throw on a statement blouse to complete the look, and you’ll be ready to attend any dinner or evening event that might come your way. 

Style Tip: If you didn’t even want to read this story initially because you’re a jeans-and-tee die-hard, this one is for you. Throw on a long leather trench when the temperature allows, and instantly your simple denim uniform will feel brand new (and insanely chic, might I add). 

Style Tip: Instead of opting for your run-of-the-mill crew-neck sweater, try pairing a chunky cropped knit or cardigan with your favorite high-rise jeans. 

Style Tip: Toughen up light-wash jeans with an oversize suede jacket and chunky-soled boots. Beyond the fact that those two items are major fall trends, there’s no denying the level of cool you’ll feeling walking down the street in this ensemble. 

Style Tip: Not quite fall but not quite summer as far as the temperature is concerned? If you live in New York especially, the answer is yes. In this case, try out a sleeveless turtleneck vest for size and contrast the longer knit with summery strappy sandals. That’s right—have your cake and eat it too. 

Style Tip: We were pleasantly surprised the whole knit-on-knit trend took off mainly because it pairs perfectly with jeans. Whether you buy one like the below that already has two sweaters built in or create your own knitty dynamic duo, I can guarantee that your favorite jeans are going to look great with either 

In case you’re in need of some more top-notch fall outfit ideas, here are nine simple ones you can re-create with ease. 

Insiders Are Skipping Gold Jewelry and Wearing This Instead

For years now, yellow gold has been winning out as the most popular metal for jewelry among fashion insiders. Gold pieces—whether filled or plated, high-end or costume—have been the fashion set’s unofficial go-to accessories to tie their looks together. With the unwavering popularity of yellow gold, we’ve covered everything from the best colors to wear with gold jewelry to the affordable solid-gold pieces that somehow all are priced under $300.

Right now, though, I’ve been sensing some shifts in the jewelry world. Among them, a movement away from gold in favor of silver. Whether worn in the form of chain-link bracelets or sculptural rings (as demonstrated by Christie Tyler above), a pair of modern hoops or a herringbone necklace, silver jewelry is something you’ll be seeing more and more of this year. We also spotted in on the runways—notably at Bottega Veneta with thick chain necklaces—so it is set to be a huge trend in 2020. And the best news? The metal is priced much lower than gold, so go on to shop my edit of the best under-$200 silver jewelry pieces now.

Next, discover how to style the hot-pink trend for fall.

10 Easy Halloween Costumes to Try in Your 30s

It can occasionally seem that the older you get, the less exciting holidays become. Are birthday parties ever going to be as fun as when they were hosted at bowling alleys? Well, speaking as someone who continues to adore each and every celebration no matter my age, yes. Furthermore, what’s Halloween without a bag of hard-earned candy? Good news again: Holidays can get even better with age—birthdays, New Year’s Eve and Halloween included. New Year’s Eve can become a more sophisticated soirée hosted at your apartment, and birthdays are the perfect excuse to treat yourself for an entire day (or weekend… or week), as if you needed an excuse.

Halloween, on the other hand, is a time to lose your inhibitions, forget your daily stressors, and become whomever you want to be for one night. Who wouldn’t want to take part? That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 easy, fun Halloween costumes to wear in your 30s to prove that holidays are just as fun as ever, though if we’re being honest, each of the following costume ideas would be perfect at any age.

It is indisputable that Cindy Crawford was, and remains, a classically elegant icon. With a simple white tank, jeans and a blowout, you too can pull off her effortless beauty. 

Punk rock Patti Smith is a superstar in all rights. With an epic rock career and a literary legacy to boot, her style is just the cherry on top of a perfect Halloween costume. 

Retrospectively the coolest member of the gang, Velma is the Scooby-Doo character I wish I’d looked up to when I was young. We can right those wrongs with a modern-day Halloween costume.  

Jane Fonda in her workout video from 1982 will never stop being relevant, and neither will this costume. 

Isis, the captain of the East Compton Clovers cheerleading team, is a force to be reckoned with. Plus, she has a cute outfit. 

A character and a costume that never cease to be crowd-pleasers. It’s easy to put together and even easier to wear out on the dance floor. 

A fur shag coat is the key piece you need to transform into Penny Lane, and you too can be almost famous.

Mia Wallace is a popular choice on Halloween for a reason—all you need is a white button-down and a black skirt (and a little red face paint if you’re going to commit). 

Truthfully, any member of the Addams family is a perfect fit for Halloween. With their dark and spooky appearance but Morticia’s particularly stylish look, you’ve got the ideal costume. 

The most complex costume yet, a Sally costume can be simplified for those of us not willing to paint our bodies. Simply throw on a rag dress, a red wig and draw some stitches on your arms and legs and—voilà.

Looking for some last-minute Halloween inspiration? Try these costumes you can wear with jeans.