Step Into Your Main-Character Era With These 9 Fall Pieces

Let us set the scene: You wake up in your oversize bed, throw your fluffy duvet covers over your legs, and hop out of bed to perform your meticulous yet genius morning routine. This is all set to a perfectly tailored soundtrack with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of where we’re coming in on this particular storyline. Once that’s all said and done, you head to your closet to pick out your outfit for a scenic, crisp fall day because this is your world, and everyone else is just living in it. 

This is the crux of the “main character” trend, and while there may be some variations (ahem, rom-comcore), the idea is that if you don’t make yourself the lead in your own story, who will? Furthermore, what’s a main character without a signature look to boot? We’re talking showstopping, steal-the-scene, “who is that?” attire. 

When it comes to pulling a look this fall, consider romanticizing your life and treating your daily commute like a catwalk with all the front-row fanfare. With that, we’re delivering the fashion finds that are worthy of the opening scene. 

Hanifa Clarissa Mini

Are you headed to dinner with a new potential suitor? A posh networking brunch? Or out shopping for more main-character pieces? We don’t know. And that’s the point. This bold knit dress gets the job done, and that’s all that really matters. Pair it with knee-high boots for the ultimate head-turning effect.

Price at time of publish: $349

Cult Gaia Casella Knit Cardigan

Depending on the type of main character you’re channeling, it’s key to have a strict aversion to the basics. You have to stand out and you have to be seen even if you’re rocking a staple. It’s the gold clasps and puffed sleeves that really put this cardigan in “I’m one of one” territory, and we love it for that reason alone.

Price at time of publish: $448

Dolce Vita Blanch Boots

Any way you slice it, dressed up or down, every badass fashion phenom has a pair of cowboy boots, and it would be criminal for you, as a main character, to venture out into the world without a carefully selected pair. This black-and-white pair by Dolce Vita is tame enough to rock with a minimal look but striking enough to take things to the next level.

Price at time of publish: $295

Favorite Daughter The Phoebe Bustier Top

You’re in a serious and smart (but forever stylish) mood, and there’s really no other piece that will capture that than this checkered bustier. When you’re ready to deliver modern Elle Woods vibes, we think pairing this with tailored pants or wide-legged jeans will truly do the trick.

Price at time of publish: $228

Kenneth Jay Lane Long Tapered Hoop Clip Earrings

You had to be buried under a rock to miss the hoopla surrounding Balenciaga’s coveted drop earrings (and all the dupes that followed) this summer, and while you may not have snagged an original pair, you’re still here for a statement earring. This pair taps into the structural style that’s all the rage at the moment, making them an easy pick for this list. Whether you’re running for a morning coffee before work or perusing stores for Christmas gifts for yourself or others, you’ll want to wear these.

Price at time of publish: $78

Good American Denim Trench Coat

A standard trench just won’t do. You’re chic, you’re of the moment, and you’re rushing into your favorite coffee shop in a graphic tee, the aforementioned cowboy boots, and this denim trench, only to bump into another potential love interest—the plot thickens. We love this pick for its nod to a timeless classic while delivering a modern twist.

Price at time of publish: $289

Fe Noel Gatsby Evergreen Robe

There’s a main-character manual somewhere that insists that the lead sashays around their apartment in a robe at least once—we just know it. It’s a fixed aspect of the plot. This vibrant printed piece by Fe Noel is one that will live on in your wardrobe for years, and we think it’s more than worthy. Still, if your budget won’t allow for such a steep purchase, we think this beauty from Anthropologie is just as worthy of some camera time. 

Price at time of publish: $785

Eloquii Slit Hem Faux Leather Pant

Most main characters understand the power of leather, and you’ll be no different. And look, if you’re going to do it, you may as well really go for it. So, a three-piece ensemble in head-to-toe buttery chocolate leather? Yes, please. 

Going for the whole look? Grab the bustier and coat.

Price at time of publish: $60

Anthropologie The Love Knot Faux Leather Bag

As the main character you have places to go and people to see, which means you need a bag with ample space to carry necessities for the adventures you’re bound to get into. We love this mustard beauty for its shape, knotted handle, and the variety of shades it comes in.

Price at time of publish: $98

Why Trust Byrdie

Dominique Hobdy is a fashion, beauty, and commerce editor with over 10 years of experience writing and editing for major media brands. She holds a B.A. in Print/Online Journalism from Howard University. When it comes to her personal style, her wardrobe lives somewhere between everyday basics and grandiose pieces that beg the question, “Where could you possibly go in that?” She tapped into her sometimes over-the-top style to compile this list.