As the official arrival of autumn brings a familiar shift in the weather, fashion enthusiasts everywhere are busy pivoting their wardrobes to meet the cooler temperatures. The transition from breezy summer linens to cozier autumn layers always requires a careful assessment of which seasonal trends are genuinely worth adopting into a daily rotation. Fortunately, actor Dakota Johnson has once again offered a masterclass in effortless, practical seasonal dressing.
The acclaimed actor was recently spotted stepping out in New York City, debuting a comfortable and practical footwear choice that offers a subtle, sophisticated twist on the timeless ballet flat. Paired seamlessly with classic straight-leg denim, her ensemble presents an effortlessly chic fall outfit formula that is destined to be widely copied as the season progresses.
While Johnson could easily have settled for a pair of basic black flats and still achieved a polished look, she instead leaned into her status as a true fashion influencer by opting for a nuanced and timely color update. Rather than going for standard neutrals, Johnson chose a rich dark maroon shade—so deep it borders on a warm brown—that mirrors the changing leaves falling on the ground during this time of year. This clever seasonal hue provides a remarkably chic way to elevate a standard pair of straight-leg or cigarette jeans, proving that small adjustments in color palette can entirely transform a foundational wardrobe staple.
The footwear style itself represents one of the hottest trends currently dominating the fashion landscape: the soft, glove-style leather shoe. Specifically, Johnson chose the coveted Jane flat by Khaite, a design celebrated for its supple leather construction that hugs the foot like a second skin. This minimalist approach to footwear combines the ease of a traditional flat with a modern, glove-like silhouette that feels both fresh and timeless.
To complete her understated yet impeccably styled outfit, Johnson paired these rich maroon glove flats with a classic pair of Levi’s 501 straight-leg jeans. The relaxed, structured fit of the denim provided a casual counterbalance to the refined elegance of her shoes. She layered a simple, basic black top underneath a cropped checked blazer by Nili Lotan, a piece that introduced subtle pattern and texture while maintaining a sharp, tailored silhouette. To top off the look, she added a pair of sleek, rectangular sunglasses by Valentino, cementing the city-ready aesthetic.
Perhaps the most notable styling detail of her appearance, however, was Johnson’s refusal to entirely abandon summer aesthetics. Rather than packing away all warm-weather accessories, the actor cleverly incorporated anklets into her autumnal look. While anklets are traditionally associated with bare ankles and sandals during the sun-drenched months of summer, Johnson demonstrated how to successfully transition the piece into cooler weather by wearing a delicate gold chain around each ankle, peeking out just above her shoes.
A version of this story was previously published on Vogue Spain.
