11 Chic Plus-Size Outfits That Will Level-Up Your Fall Vibe

Black is always the new black — just ask Wednesday Addams, who has become the unofficial face of the Goth Girl renaissance, thanks to the namesake Netflix hit.

Make the goth look your own, like model Paloma Elsesser, by playing with textures and prints. That small peep of tummy adds a bit of spice to an otherwise monolithic color palette.

Several months after the film’s release, the hype surrounding Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie has finally waned. Pink-mania, however, is still going strong, as evidenced by the rose-tinted Fall 2023 runways of Valentino, Giambattista Valli, and Versace, among others.

Make the bright, summertime color feel fall-appropriate in chunkier fabrics, like knits. Ashley Graham’s printed sweater dress is a prime example. Cozy, snug, and attention-grabbing all in one.

If you’re not a big fan of wearing color in cooler months, not to worry. A bright splash against a neutral canvas is the beginner-friendly route.

Introduce a bright accent color to your spooky szn wardrobe like Barbie Ferreira, who added citrusy hues to her otherwise punk ’fit. Or go bold with a shocking red detail, a massive color trend this season.

Foliage may be wilting this season but your color palette doesn’t have to. Add color to your workwear (or nights out) in a vivid suit. (The rainbow obsession continues well into winter, so a bright two-piece is a solid investment.)

If the weather allows, pair your luxe separates with some of your favorite summer tops à la Iskra Lawrence to get more wear out of your slinkier items.

The grunge cargo pants of the ’90s are back — and they’ve gained some modern-day devotees. From Kim Kardashian to Hailey Bieber, the baggy, multi-pocket pants have worked their way back into the zeitgeist.

Fortunately, the versatile closet staple has since branched out from its denim and khaki glory days. Now, cargos come in a plethora of hues and fabrics, including leather. Channel Amber Riley’s cool-girl ensemble for an edgy take on the nostalgic treat.

Not only is a matching set a wise investment, since you can mix and match them to your heart’s desire, it also instantly makes you look put-together.

What makes this fall’s co-ords different from seasons past, however, is they heavily lean into nostalgia. Massive ’80s-style shoulders have consistently punctuated autumnal offerings. Exhibit A: Michelle Buteau’s pointy, two-tone set.

Any ’fit can be elevated and fall-ified, a word I just made up, by throwing on a chic trench coat. Kendall Jenner is a particular fan of the khaki style, wearing it numerous times in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Rihanna loves a trench with a bite, like snakeskin.

For a more classic look, layer a leather trench coat over your favorite summer dress à la Remi Bader for an updated pairing worthy of an autumn date night.

Nostalgic schoolgirl style continues to permeate the zeitgeist, with runways and streets alike seeing more Mary Janes, knee-high socks, and pleated skirts than ever before.

Wherever you fall in the dark academia versus light academia TikTok debate, unleash your inner preppy girlie with a look that closely resembles a grown-up uniform.

Take Nicola Coughlan’s baby blue ensemble, for example. With a houndstooth mini and logo cardigan (and headband!), she could pass for a modern-day prep school student — only much, much chicer.

A known side effect of babydoll dresses — with their dramatic, poufy sleeves and billowing skirt — is severe main character syndrome. No matter how it’s styled, the voluminous silhouette brings the drama.

Natasha Rothwell rocked this adorable Selkie creation, a favorite of plus-size babes everywhere. Note: the chocolatey color, makes a would-be summer dress feel like fall.

Plaid is to fall, as gingham is to summer. Naturally, this list wouldn’t be complete without a checked number. As Beanie Feldstein shows, you can make plaid work for any occasion — including a posh event.

Bust out your leather and swath yourself in one of the most decadent of fabrics. Augment your leather repertoire with luxe pieces, like dresses in jewel tones, skirts with pleats, or embroidered tops.

Tess Holiday’s look, for instance, is fall personified. Burgundy and leather are tentpoles of fall fashion, which makes this combo feel especially glamorous.