5 Date Night Outfit Ideas for When It’s Cold Out

1. Cable Knit

I know it's fall when I start seeing cable knit sweaters appear online and in-store. I sound like a broken record, but they're a classic staple that everyone should have in their closets because they're:

• Unisex
• Cozy
• Flattering

You can always go for the oversized When Harry Met Sally look, or you can opt for a sleeker fit. The choice is always yours, but here's a little inspo if you're not sure which cable knit sweaters to get:

Oversized Cable Knit Sweater

The burgundy trend is alive and practically running fall — hence this beautiful cable knit sweater. Aside from the color, it falls in line with the oversized option I was talking about. This makes it a versatile piece that be styled with a mini pleated skirt, a cute satin number, or even leather leggings.

MANGO Braided Sweater

Bypass the color and opt for a cream sweater that's really going to give you that late '80s, early '90s fall style appeal. Since it's neutral, you'll be able to wear underneath a gorgeous burgundy or hunter green coat without compromising the detailed braided pattern on it.

Mixed Cable-Knit Sweater

Do we hear Mariah Carey trilling beautifully in her "All I Want For Christmas" song or is this sweater deceiving us? How about this: two things can be true at once. And, you get to look cute while putting up holiday decorations because I know you've been looking for a red sweater.

2. Cardigan

We're in our grandma eras because we love wearing cardigans, right? I'd argue and say that's not true, but some of us don't mind the foxy grandma style we've adopted.

Cardigans are always going to be top-tier because you can wear them on the days it's cool in the morning and warm in the afternoons. The thickness of their fabric will determine how much you're able to layer with it, but it's not hard to pick the perfect one based on the weather.

Don't believe me? Look at these picks!

Cozy Knit Button-Down Cardigan

Sometimes all a girl really needs is a cute cardigan that she can wear as many times as her heart desires. Lucky for you, I saw this adorable one while looking for table lamps on Target...clears throat.

Cable Knit Embroidered Cardigan

Cardigans don't have to be boring, especially when your style isn't! This one's specifically for anyone who lives a colorful life and likes for their outfits to follow suit.

Reindeer And Snow Cardigan

I promise I'm not rushing Christmas, but look at this cardigan! It has cute little reindeer and snowflakes all over it! How could I ignore someone's chance at having the greatest holiday sweater? Clearly I couldn't because you're probably looking at this and smiling too.

3. Striped Sweater

If you want that naturally preppy fall look, a striped sweater is your best option. It's one of the easiest pieces to style because it serves as the main focal point of an outfit. Here's a few Thanksgiving outfit ideas that you can pull off wearing this trend:

• Lightweight trench coat, striped sweater, straight-leg jeans, Mary Jane flats
• Leather jacket, striped sweater, satin skirt, New Balance sneakers
• Oversized striped sweater, bootcut jeans, and ankle boots

Crewneck Striped Sweater

The fun thing about striped sweaters is that they come in a variety of sizes. The thicker lines create a new dimension that works great for the oversized look IMO. You can take this sweater and wear it over a unitard, or you tuck the front into a pair of skinny jeans.

Crewneck Pullover Sweater

This pullover sweater has 'from the office to happy hour' vibes and I really like that. It's a great universal piece that isn't confined to one environment or event...AKA you need a striped sweater that's as adaptable as you are.

Shrunken Roll Neck Sweater

Again, this is strictly for my girls who love the color pink. At my core, I can't stay away from this color so I don't try anymore. Though it's vibrant, this sweater still feels preppy enough to be worn to your work or your company's country club gathering.

4. V-Neck

Show me a v-neck sweater that doesn't love all body types so I can have a word with it, please. I like this universal style because sometimes you want a different neckline outside of the usual 'crew' option some sweaters have.

Relaxed V-Neck Sweater

Look, grey isn't boring. I thought it was, but it has great potential if you're willing to work with it. Like cream or black, this sweater can be used as a neutral component of your outfit. Think black military coat and knee high boots. Bubblegum pink wool outerwear and silver shoes. Do you see where I'm going with this?

V-neck Pullover Sweater

You can always err on the side of caution and go for a taupe v-neck sweater that doesn't cause a lot of commotion. I love how this almost seems like it could've been a cropped top, but instead sits right at the waist. This makes it easier to pair with bootcut jeans.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater

When it comes to sweaters, who doesn't want a little cashmere in their closet? Unfortunately cashmere can be prohibitively expensive, BUT Quince has great — and quality — options at a much lower price point. I love this oversized look for those chilly days when you just wanna bundle up into something comfortable, but stylish.

5. Turtleneck Sweater

I have a love/hate relationship with turtleneck sweaters that stem from childhood. For the oddest reason, I used to think they were choking me and would give my mom the meanest side eye each time she'd make me wear one. However, I willingly wear them as an adult. Do I appreciate the snug feeling around my neck? No, but they look amazing when paired with leather pants or skirts.

Here are some of my faves right now!

Woodstock Wanderer Sweater

Taps microphone...The best time to wear a striped sweater really is all the time! Spongebob may have ignored his fry cook duties to sing this line, but he didn't lie. Striped sweaters are gifts that keep giving because they seem festive no matter their colorways! However, this particular sweater has Christmas stitched into every seam and we love it!

Bloomchic Turtleneck Cable Knit Sweater

Can't stand the idea of a turtleneck sweater hugging your neck like it's obsessed with you? Here's a sweater that doesn't feel so restrictive!

Mock Turtleneck Sweater

Here's another neck-friendly sweater that's as cute as it's breathable. It's like the faux version of what we're used to because no one wants to yank at their neckline every five minutes.

Turtleneck Tunic Pullover Sweater

But if you've embraced the dark side of turtlenecks, this pullover sweater won't make you gasp every time you take a breath. I'm serious, you'll love wearing it...I think.

The best dress for girls who love a classic fall moment:

Ann Taylor Crew Neck Knit Dress

Classic fall outfits are always going to get us through the cooler season because they're effortless, like this striped knit dress. Using it as a base, you can add a lightweight trench coat for rainy days or a wool number when you need extra warmth. Next up, step into a pair of knee high boots and voilá! You'll have a low-fuss outfit that still looks chic.

The best dress for anyone who's tired of boring sweaters:

By Anthropologie Tulle Twofer Mini Dress

I've already added this dress to my wishlist because it's so pretty. I love anything that looks super feminine or frilly so this is one of those petite dresses I could wear every week if I had the chance. If you're on the hunt for anything that puts your other sweater dresses to shame, I highly recommend you buy this tulle mini dress!

For the girl who loves wearing colorful outfits:

Boden Ribbed Metallic Dress

The edit team at Brit + Co loves colorful pieces, which is why this metallic dress is beckoning to me. Besides the shimmery flecks, the expertly placed shades of hunter green, bubblegum pink, marigold, magenta, maroon, and cerulean blue are gorgeous.

I imagine this is something Ms. Frizzle would wear if she were in the modern world, and I mean that in the best way ever.

The best dress for the girl who loves a fun party moment:

Maeve Tweed Fit & Flare Mini Dress

This is the ultimate party dress for the girl who needs the perfect choice for the holidays. It's giving modern brocade and I'm 100 percent ready for it to appear in my closet. Even if I can't get my hands on it, I sincerely hope you can because you'd look stunning in it.

Just look at the fit & flare fit. It's known for being one of the most flattering designs for all body types and it happens to make us petite girls look like we're floating from one room to the next.

For anyone who knows animal print and fall belong together: 

Miss Selfridge Animal Print Dress

To you, animal print during fall is like wearing florals during spring; you have to have it. I don't blame you because it's basically a neutral print that you can build several outfits around. This dress has a little bit of leopard and cheetah print mixed together for something that feels fresher than what we've seen, meaning it could very well work in your favor.

MANGO Leopard Print Dress

But if you don't care about mixing animal prints, stick with the tried and true leopard pattern us millennials love so much. You seriously can't go wrong, considering this dress happens to get the pattern and color just right (meaning it doesn't look cartoonish). Plus, it's begging you to throw a denim or trench coat over your shoulders.

The best plus size dress for the girl who loves flared hemlines:

Lane Bryant Shimmer Shirred Dress

I'm a firm believer that petite styles aren't reserved for one body type so I couldn't wait to share this cute dress with you! It has that familiar fit & flare fit I mentioned earlier, plus there's a bit of shimmer if you need something that feels holiday-friendly.

Petite LC Lauren Conrad Swing Dress

Let's keep the party going with this all-over sequin dress from Lauren Conrad's collection at Kohl's. This simple swing dress can be paired with black tights and heels that feature a diamante moment.

PrettyLittleThing Bandeau Structured Velvet Dress

Want a petite dress that feels a little more structured? Check out this cute velvet dress! It's designed to cinch your waist while flaring out your hips to create something that doesn't feel like you're reliving that one dress you used to wear to the club.

For the girl who doesn't care about petite 'rules':

The Somerset Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses can be a hit or miss for petite girls, but this dress works exceptionally well. It'll stop right before your ankles instead of dragging the floor, giving you one of the best fall dresses you'll own. I'm biased because I think everyone should have at least one black maxi dress in their closet that's not ribbed or fitted. Though those options serve their purpose, especially on cozy days, I think flared or flowing dresses have an appeal that complements fall.

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."