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What Your Fall Aesthetic Says About You

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal State Chico chapter.

The leaves are turning orange, the breeze is picking up, and every inch of campus seems to be a little cozier. It’s official – fall is here!

Fall is all about change, and if there’s one thing that’s certain during this colorful season, it’s that aesthetics are everything. When it comes to your look, everyone is different. However, there is something about fall that creates such specific aesthetics, and the one you gravitate towards says a lot about who you are and how you view this magical time of year.

Pinterest Fall

If, during the autumn months, you stick to a very curated look that is more than Instagram-worthy, you’re definitely the most organized friend in the group. You may often be called the “Mom” or “Dad” friend as your strengths usually lie in planning and executing visions. You can confidently say that no one takes an Instagram photo as well as you, nor can anyone top the look and vibe of your socials. You greet everyone with a smile and no one has anything but kind words to say about you. You’re always put-together and you most likely love to read, listen to inspiring podcasts, take walks, and rewatch your comfort fall movies and shows the second that the leaves start to change color. During this harvest season, take the time for yourself to clear your mind of your busy schedule, grab a hot chai latte, and take an early morning walk amongst the orange trees.

Spooky Fall

If your fall aesthetic leans more toward the dark and witchy vibe, you are probably the more unique and quirky friend of the group. During the other three seasons of the year, you like to express yourself in ways that are different and offbeat. You might also be fascinated with history, whether it be history in general, or a more specific affinity with the American history of pagan practices and the Salem Witch Trials. You might even have a fixation on the Roanoke mystery (if you know, you know). You might be someone who is often told that you seem intimidating when people first meet you, but in reality are a huge softie. You’re more than likely to love making tea, collect things (candles, stamps, postcards, etc.), take pictures of the moon, and spend time in nature. This autumn, make sure to take plenty of time to cuddle with your cat (hopefully a black cat if you’re truly committed to the aesthetic) and watch Practical Magic on repeat.

Nostalgic Fall

If your spooky season aesthetic often consists of going back to your childhood traditions, you’re the free spirit of your friend group. You probably love to laugh and have a good time, can always find the positive in any situation, and could definitely be considered a class clown. You probably get in trouble a lot for talking too much or too loud during serious or quiet moments. You might be a habitual procrastinator, but somehow you always manage to get good grades. You hate feeling tied down or being told how to do something. You might be easily overwhelmed and upset, but also easily distracted, so bad times never last. You find happiness in the simple parts of life and are a great friend and shoulder for people to lean on. You probably enjoy spending as much time as possible with friends, laughing at anything and everything, playing games (board games, arcade games – any game really), and watching funny animal videos. This fall, be sure to visit your local pumpkin patch, go all out for your Halloween costume, carve pumpkins, and have a watch party of your preferred fall movie with all the themed snacks you could dream of.

These three categories are only a drop in the bucket of the aesthetic possibilities this season has to offer, which is what makes fall so special. Whichever aesthetic you felt most drawn to, I hope your fall is everything you want it to be and more. Plus, fall brings out the best in all of us, so it would be no surprise to me if you feel a connection to more than just one aesthetic, or even all three. That’s the thing about fall. It inspires you to be bold, to step out of you comfort zone, and practice change.

Nadia Dizard

Cal State Chico '24

Nadia is a writer, reader, film analyzer, radio host, and all-around media enthusiast. She is currently finishing her degree in Media Arts Production at California State University, Chico. For the last 3 years, she has been a documentary intern with the Advanced Laboratory for Visual Anthropology and has worked as an assistant at the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology on Chico State's campus. It is these experiences that have created for her, a deep passion for cultural and communal storytelling. She enjoys deep conversations about the media's use of stories to impact our social world and often explores this within her writing. In her free time, she loves early morning walks, hot tea, reading any book she can find, discovering new music, and spending time with her family and friends.