Meg Ryan’s Cable Knit Sweater from When Harry Met Sally Is Still the Epitome of Effortless Fall Dressing

Welcome to The Blueprint, where we break down the celebrity looks we want to wear right now and build them back up, piece by piece. 

If I created a Venn diagram of “my favorite movies of all time” and “outfits that live in my head rent-free,” When Harry Met Sally would be planted firmly in the middle.

While many turn to the romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal for its will-they-won’t-they storyline and scenic New York City views, I often find myself fawning over Harry’s and Sally’s perfectly nostalgic late-’80s outfits. 

While Crystal’s white cable knit sweater has long been considered one of cinema’s most recognizable ’fits, I think Ryan’s outfit in the same scene is just as deserving of praise. Each element of her look — a red sweater, black skirt, and patterned tights — is just as fashionable today as in 1989. Plus, they’re all incredibly easy to mix and match with existing pieces in your wardrobe. 

Join me in snagging sweaters, skirts, and tights inspired by Ryan’s iconic outfit at Amazon, Gap, J.Crew, and more — and prepare to leave others thinking, “I’ll have what she’s having.”

Meg Ryan’s Outfit Blueprint

L.L Bean 1912 Heritage Wool Blend Mockneck Sweater

I basically live in chunky oversized sweaters once temperatures cool, so adding this mock neck version from L.L. Bean to my closet feels like a no-brainer. It comes in five fall-friendly colors, including a maroon shade that looks nearly identical to Ryan’s character’s sweater, and reviewers note that it’s a “nice weight without being too bulky.” 

While I plan on taking after the queen of rom-coms by pairing it with a black skirt and sheer tights this fall and winter (more on that below), this sweater would look just as great with jeans, trousers, or even leggings. 

Wdirara Split Hem Mini Skirt

I always have trouble finding mini skirts that are long enough for the office (and my 5’11 frame), but I’m currently eyeing this versatile black option that hits at the “perfect length,” according to Amazon shoppers. Reviewers note that its fitted design and thigh-skimming hem make for an “extremely flattering” fit, and one user said that it’s well-suited for “Christmas, [the] New Year, or any holiday.”

“This skirt adds a touch of festive elegance to your wardrobe,” the same shopper continued. “It’s not just for special occasions; you can easily wear it out for a stylish everyday look.”

Calzedonia Geometric Micro-Fishnet 50 Denier Tights

While wearing a sweater with a skirt isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, Ryan’s Sally Albright added a bit of intrigue to her outfit with textured patterned tights. This fishnet pair from Calzedonia has an intricate geometric pattern that’s sure to turn heads, and it also comes in a trendy red shade, should you ever tire of basic black.

What’s more, the popular brand has even been spotted on the likes of Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Julia Roberts.

Keep scrolling to shop more sweaters, black mini skirts, and patterned tights inspired by Meg Ryan’s character in When Harry Met Sally below. 

Banana Republic Factory Cable Turtle-Neck Sweater

J.Crew Cable-Knit Rollneck Sweater

Abercrombie & Fitch Scarlett Mini Skort

Gap Utility Mini Skirt

Guling Lace Tights

Anthropologie Lace Rosette Tulle Tights