The Only 3 Outfits You Need to Pack for Any Fall Trip, According to Someone Who Works in Fashion

"Who's down for a fall trip ?" Like clockwork, I look forward to someone in my 14-person group message posing this question at the end of every summer. Over the years, we've escaped chaotic, bustling New York City for quiet (save for the much-appreciated sound of crickets) and relaxing weekends in the Poconos, Catskills, and other small, picturesque towns within a five-hour driving distance. This year, we're headed to Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, a quaint area brimming with classic fall activities like apple picking , hiking, and more. As a fashion writer, naturally, part of the fun is assembling fall outfits for these excursions.

After taking numerous autumn trips as an adult, I can confidently say I have my packing down to a science. Step one? Reach for a handful of versatile looks that toe the line between functional and fashion-forward. For starters, since the weather this season is notoriously hard to predict, a rain jacket is a sound idea, and I'm eyeing styles from Rains, Free People, and The North Face that are cute and functional. Stretchy leggings should also make the cut, in my opinion; they take up little space in your carry-on and are primed for almost any occasion. And don't forget about your footwear: Merrell's Bristol hiking boots are my favorite as they're stylish enough to wear on non-outdoor activities, too (more about them below).

To help you pack for your own fall vacation, I've put together three outfits that are fashionable, comfortable, and perfect for a variety of activities, from hiking to apple picking.

Outfit 1 Mango Pockets Cotton Parka Faherty Marley Fair Isle Cardigan Alex Mill Alek Relaxed Wide Leg Jean Found: the perfect ensemble for apple picking, followed by some sightseeing and shopping. I'd suggest starting the outfit with a barn jacket, which has returned to the fashion scene with gusto this year — and what better way to partake in the trend than on a fall trip? This iteration from Mango reads especially fresh and modern, thanks to its corduroy collar and metal hook fastenings. But if the utilitarian look doesn't resonate with your personal style, there are plenty of other options that will work, like an oversized denim jacket or trench coat. Tip: whichever jacket you go with, wear it en route to your destination to save space in your carry-on.

On the bottom, you can't go wrong with wide-leg jeans, such as this pair from Alex Mill. The slouchy, relaxed silhouette offers ultimate comfort — a must when gallivanting around town. From there, punch up the neutral outfit by way of a Fair Isle knit, such as this cozy cardigan from Faherty. Rendered in a rich, fall-esque color palette, the sweater is made from a merino wool blend that'll keep you warm all day.

Outfit 2 Halfdays Pieper Fleece Bandier Center Stage Pocket Legging Lands' End Women's Lightweight Jersey Skimming Long Sleeve Turtleneck Rains Long Jacket If you're the outdoorsy type, the brand Halfdays needs no introduction. Founded in 2020, it champions high-performance apparel for a host of activities, from skiing to hiking. I reach for this fleece zip-up for any outing that involves Mother Nature because it has everything you could ever want in a jacket, like water-repellent material and three pockets (two in the front and one in the back). It's especially great when the weather isn't quite cold enough for a heavy-duty puffer, but some sort of topper is still needed. A thin layer underneath, like this lightweight long-sleeve turtleneck from Lands' End, will ensure you're comfortable on your journey. Now, you may not necessarily need a rain jacket, but it's a smart move to bring one along just in case (you can thank me later). This Rains coat comes in a medley of colors, so choose the one that best aligns with your fashion sense.

If you, like me, typically hit the nearby trails, opt for stretchy, easy-to-move-in leggings to see you through the adventure. I'm a fan of these Bandier Center Stage Pocket Legging, as the moisture-wicking bottoms boast a comfortable wide double-layer elastic waistband. And, as the name implies, there's a handy compartment to store your phone — in other words, you may be able to go hands-free and leave your bag behind. Round out the look with hiking boots or durable sneakers, and off you go. (Or, if lounging around the house playing UNO is more your speed, this look works for that, too!)

Outfit 3 Everlane The Quilted Liner Dôen Marielle Dress A weekend in a charming town calls for an exciting evening out exploring the scene. Note: anything overly dressy — say, a silk or sequin number — would likely feel out of place, as most local restaurants and bars are often quite casual (at least, I've always found this to be the case). A long, flowy shirt dress, however, fits the bill. I'm particularly enamored with this black, white, and red checkered version from Dôen. It cinches in at the waist and hits around the ankles, resulting in a silhouette you can wear virtually anywhere.

Atop the frock, consider a cozy olive green quilted jacket like Everlane's military-inspired style.

I own a similar-looking version and wear it on repeat all season long — and yes, it will accompany me to the Poconos. Crafted from 100 percent recycled polyester, this lightweight piece is easy to fold up and pack in your carry-on. Last but not least, jazz up the look with your jewelry — a dainty necklace and statement earrings will do the trick.

Best Accessories for Fall Travel Outfits Now that you have your looks all sorted out, it's time to talk accessories. No fall outfit is complete without trusty boots, a cozy scarf, and a functional bag, just to name a few tried-and-true items. Below, I've rounded up a handful of options to toss in your carry-on, all of which will come in handy during the weekend.

Merrell's Women's Bristol Hiker Mid Calling all hikers! If you're in the market for a new sturdy boot, I'd suggest checking out Merrell's Bristol Hiker style. These waterproof shoes come with a laundry list of enticing features, the first being a special Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsole, which provides grip on wet and dry surfaces. They also have a wide toe area, so your feet won't feel pinched, plus they offer natural odor control, which is a must after a long, sweaty day on the trails. One reviewer ensured that, unlike some hiking boots, there's no break-in period needed with this pair, which I can attest to. And you don't have to be an avid hiker to enjoy Merrell's boots: they'll look just as cool for an afternoon out-and-about on your upcoming trip.

Baggu Ribbed Socks I'm constantly singing the praises of Baggu's Ribbed Socks — they're that good. Sure, you may be thinking, What's so special about a pair of socks? Well, first off, their comfort is unmatched, thanks to the ultra-soft blend of bamboo rayon, polyester, and nylon. Not to mention, the material is quite thick, making them a go-to for cold temperatures. I also appreciate the fact that they don't slip down or bunch up throughout the day. I'm partial to the cream hue, as it pairs well with any shoe, though I also own the grape-colored purple style, which adds the perfect splash of color to every outfit.

Damson Madder Chocolate & Baby Blue Fluffy Stripe Scarf I'm a sucker for a cozy blanket scarf, especially in crisp, brisk fall weather. This chocolate and baby blue striped design from Damson Madder (one of my favorite labels at the moment) piqued my interest, as it's guaranteed to amp up every cold-weather look. Made from recycled polyester, the super fluffy accent is equal parts comfortable and cute, whether you don it on a scenic walk — taking in the foliage, of course — or grabbing a cup of coffee and pumpkin muffin. I'd throw this baby over the aforementioned Fair Isle sweater for a fun print-mixing moment. The best part about an oversized scarf like this Damson Madder iteration? It can also moonlight as a blanket during the car ride to and from the getaway.

Ganni Recycled Shell Shoulder Bag Deciding on a bag for your weekend getaway is no easy feat. On one hand, it needs to be practical and suitable for a variety of occasions. And on the other? It should be stylish enough to take you from day to night. Fortunately, Ganni's Recycled Shell Shoulder Bag ticks both boxes. With a roomy interior and zipped pockets, you can house all your everyday necessities, such as a small wallet, keys, hand sanitizer, and so on. And due to the heavy-duty recycled shell material, unwanted scuffing won't be an issue. Minimalists will be drawn to the sleek black shade, whereas maximalists will have a tough time passing up the funky leopard print style.