Hey y'all! If there's one piece I reach for more than anything once fall finally shows up, it's a good thermal or long sleeve top. It's that easy. The comfortable layer that works with your jeans, your boots, and whatever the weather decides to do that day. How are we styling our long sleeves this fall?
The short answer: style a thermal or long sleeve top like an elevated basic. Pair it with high-rise jeans or corduroy pants, add boots and a little jewelry, and finish with a scarf or an open layer when it cools off. Choose a relaxed or oversized fit for weekends, and tuck a fitted one into trousers when you want to look more polished.
Here are four outfit formulas I'm loving right now!
1. The Everyday Formula:
Thermal + Wide-Leg Jeans + Boots
This is my go-to when I want to look put together without trying too hard. Start with an oversized waffle-knit thermal (Free People's We The Free thermals are some of my favorites) and give it a quick front tuck. The waffle texture adds interest, so the rest of the outfit stays simple. Pair it with a high-rise, wide-leg jean, finish with boots and a crossbody, and you're set for errands, lunch, or school pickup.
Formula: oversized thermal + high-rise jeans + boots + crossbody bag
Shop: Long Sleeve Tops · Jeans
2. The Rich Fall Colors Formula:
Burgundy + Chocolate Brown
If you know me, you know I can't get enough of burgundy and chocolate tones this season, and they are delicious together. Try a washed burgundy long sleeve with chocolate brown corduroy pants. The soft, washed fabric keeps it relaxed, and the corduroy makes it feel like fall. Add gold jewelry and brown boots to pull it all together. No burgundy in your closet? Rust, olive, and mustard work with brown too.
Formula: burgundy long sleeve + brown corduroy + gold jewelry + brown boots
Shop: Long Sleeve Tops · Pants
3. The Casual Workday Formula:
Fitted Long Sleeve + Trousers
A long sleeve top isn't just for weekends. Tuck a fitted, scoop-neck long sleeve into pull-on trousers, then layer a couple of necklaces, like a dainty initial necklace with a longer pendant. It's comfortable enough for a long day but polished enough for a meeting.
Formula: fitted long sleeve + tucked into trousers + layered necklaces + loafers or ankle boots
Shop: Long Sleeve Tops · Pants · Necklaces
4. The Weekend Formula:
Thermal + Scarf + Hat
This one is all about the accessories. Start with a soft, relaxed thermal in a soft fall color, tie a bandana-print scarf at your neck, then add a wide brim felt hat. Add your favorite jeans and boots finish the look. It's perfect for game days, pumpkin patches, or a weekend market.
Formula: relaxed thermal + neck scarf + felt hat + jeans + boots
Shop: Long Sleeve Tops · Accessories · Shoes
Bonus: make it a little prettier. Want something softer than a classic thermal? A floral or mesh-knit long sleeve works in any of these formulas. It's light enough to layer under a vest or quarter zip, and it brings a feminine touch to fall.
Want more ideas for the jeans in these outfits? Check out How to Style Wide-Leg Jeans.
Thermal & Long Sleeve FAQ
What is a thermal top? A thermal is a long sleeve top made from a waffle-textured knit. The little pockets in the weave trap warmth while staying breathable. Today's thermals are softer and come in relaxed, oversized fits, so they work as a stylish top on their own, not just a base layer.
What do you wear with a thermal top? High-rise jeans, corduroy pants, and trousers all work well. Add boots or sneakers, then finish with a scarf, layered necklaces, or a quarter zip or vest on top.
Should you tuck in a thermal top? A front tuck works best for most oversized thermals. It defines your waist and keeps wide-leg pants from looking overwhelming. Leave fitted thermals untucked with slim jeans, or fully tuck them into trousers for a polished look.
How do you layer a long sleeve top without looking bulky? Keep the base layer fitted and put the volume on top. A fitted long sleeve under a relaxed quarter zip or vest stays streamlined. Let just the cuffs and hem peek out.
The best part about a great thermal or long sleeve top? You'll wear it all season long, on its own now and layered later. Shop our Long Sleeve Tops online, or stop by the boutique in Historic Downtown Buda and try a few on with your favorite jeans. We'd love to help you put the whole look together!
xoxo, Amy
Amy Krell is the owner of Ellipsis Boutique in Buda, Texas, and has been helping women find comfortable, on-trend outfits since 2017.
