9 Ways to Update Your Wardrobe for Fall Travel

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Like it or not, we will soon be bidding adieu to summer and welcoming fall. And while this is definitely giving us the blues (au revoir, long hot days spent on the beach), we’re also excited about harvest season, pumpkin festivals, beautiful foliage, and the trips we’ll take to enjoy all of these things.

And let’s be honest: If you, like me, always strategize about where to go to avoid the crowds of selfie-snapping tourists associated with summer, the post-Labor Day period is the best time to travel and explore new destinations.

Of course, fall brings with it much cooler and rainier weather that you’ll need to prepare for. And that’s where you could have some (fashion) fun. While summer was the season of sundresses, fall requires a bit more layering.

As for this year’s trends, the '70s are making their way back into our wardrobes, so you may want to opt for a comfy, wide-legged pant and a bold printed shirt.

If you’re all about casual but cool outfits, you’re in luck. While the good old jeans and T-shirt combo will forever be our favorite travel ensemble, we wouldn’t mind re-purposing an evening staple like the little black dress into a travel-appropriate option.

Your work may take you to different corners of the world, too, but this doesn’t mean you have to board a plane in a two-piece suit and a button-down shirt.

Here are nine pretty ways to update your fall wardrobe for the new travel season.

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The Classics With a Twist

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Sure, the jeans-plus-shirt look is a travel staple, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Pair your favorite boyfriend jeans (gap.com, $70) with this oversized embroidered tunic (frenchconnection.com, $80). The three-quarter length of the sleeves is perfect to wear with a couple of bracelets like these resin ones by Dinosaur Designs (net-a-porter.com, $175). We’d tie it all together with a pair of bold red loafers (zappos.com, $109).

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This ‘70s Show

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Nothing says the ‘70s quite like a pair of high-waisted pink corduroy trousers (mango.com, $80), a floral shirt (net-a-porter.com, $370), and a red leather belt (shopspring.com, $21) to match the flowers on the shirt. And since you’ll be traveling, these gorgeous black Stuart Weitzman boots (zappos.com, $535) are just about two inches high so they won’t kill your feet.

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Black and White

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These uber-cool Bassike jeans (net-a-porter.com, $360) were made in Japan, and they have a bit of a baggy fit with patch pockets on the back. The J.W.Anderson T-shirt (matchesfashion.com, $130) is not your average plain white tee thanks to the knot detailing on the sleeve. Opt for this trendy hooded bomber jacket (net-a-porter.com, $220) that will protect you from the elements and a pair of PUMA Sneakers with a silver accent (zappos.com, $110). We’re fans of Fossil’s new smart watch (fossil.com, $255) as an alternative to always carrying your phone.

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Best of Two Seasons

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This transitional season means you can still enjoy your favorite summer staples, like a fun floral T-shirt (net-a-porter.com, $110), a light jacket (rebeccataylor.com, $179), and a skirt. But when the weather gets colder, opt for one made from soft Merino wool (shoptiques.com, $164). And, of course, a closed-toe shoe like this classic black loafer (shopspring.com, $395) featuring a brass anklet is a must.

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Dress Up

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Dressing up for a flight is totally acceptable, especially if you have a long layover or are planning on hitting the town as soon as you arrive. We are not going to suggest you wear a bodycon mini-dress because, let’s face it, it’s not the most comfortable travel option. Rather, opt for a beautiful A-line mid-length dress like this one from Joe Fresh (joefresh.com, $39), leather booties (shopspring.com, $395), and throw this relaxed jersey coat (topshop.com, $95) on top. And we fell in love with these gorgeous earrings (garmentory.com, $116) the second we saw them.

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Keep It Professional

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If you’re traveling for business, you really don’t have to sacrifice comfort. This pair of wide-legged pants (hm.com, $40) is chic and very flattering. Wear it with a scoop-neck jersey tee (rebeccataylor.com, $95) and, if it gets chilly on the plane (or when you get to the office), layer on this double-breasted blazer (mango.com, $80). Choose a pair of low, block-heeled shoes (zappos.com, $410) to complete the look.

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When in Doubt, LBD

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The little black dress is so much more than your go-to piece for a night out. Find one that has a casual (read: comfortable) yet cool silhouette, and you can wear it on the plane as well. This loose T-shirt dress (mytheresa.com, $95) is a winner in both categories. Accessorize it with a chic necklace (topshop.com, $18) and an equally cool carry-on, like this vintage-inspired backpack by ONA, which has a separate padded compartment for your camera gear (amazon.com, $499). A leather jacket is a fall must-have and this dark green number by Mango (mango.com, $200) is our favorite this season. Wear this outfit with a pair of classic white kicks (net-a-porter.com, $370).

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The Dark Side

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Spice up an all-black ensemble with a leopard-print scarf (mango.com, $26). It’ll give it a bit of a rock ’n roll vibe. The shirtdress is making a comeback this fall and we love it for its versatility. Wear this one (frenchconnection.com, $75) over simple opaque tights as a dress, or over a pair of skinny jeans (hm.com, $20) if it’s a bit chilly outside. You can also add a belt (amazon.com, $10) for a more structured look and a pair of black Chelsea booties (thursdayboots.com, $169).

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All in One

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There are so many cute ways to style a jumpsuit. Wear this flattering wide-legged one by Alexa Chung (matchesfashion.com, $333) either over a Breton-striped shirt (net-a-porter.com, $225) or under a cozy sweater (matchesfashion.com, $364). And speaking of cozy, these sneaker mules (shopbop.com, $90) have faux-fur lining and look so warm. Accessorize with a delicate necklace (zappos.com, $55).

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9 Ways to Update Your Wardrobe for Fall Travel