As a northeastener, fall is nothing new. It’s those few short weeks of perfection when the air is crisp and ideal for a morning run, crunching leaves accompany your walk to classes, and your bottom drawer bursting with sweaters is dusted off and reacquainted to the light of day. However, to many on Duke’s campus, the changing of the leaves is a foreign concept. So for all of you girls coming from places where the weather stays balmy year round, and where sweaters are merely for use in heavily air conditioned restaurants, here’s introducing fall!
Your shopping list:
1) Sweaters, Sweaters, Sweaters!
Have I mentioned them enough? Long sweaters, cropped sweaters, oversized sweaters, turtle neck sweaters, open sweaters, sweater dresses, get yourself some sweaters! The cooling of temperatures does not mean that you need to substitute your favorite sundresses for sweat pants and sweatshirts. Sweaters are the ultimate comfy-cute hybrid that will keep you both cozy and fashionable as we inch towards winter.
2) Infinity scarves.
Scarves are another great two-in-one that can tie your outfit together while keeping you nice and bundled up. Infinity scarves have a great clean-cut look that make them easy to throw on top of any last minute clothing choices and turn them into an outfit.
3) Leather Boots.
Boots are definitely my favorite autumn trend–I like to have both a black and brown pair at all times. Just so you know, it is physically impossible to pair boots with leggings or skinny jeans and not look like you’ve got your act together.
4) Knee-high socks.
Throw these on under knee high or combat boots for an added peek of color (and warmth)! High socks are also a good way to expose a little less skin to the crisp air when paired with a sweater dress or skirt.
5) All things burgundy.
To mention a few, my wardrobe is currently home to a scarf, sweater dress, pair of skinny jeans, pair of high socks, and tube of lipstick in this deep and daring hue. I’d say it is a fall essential.
6) A statement jacket.
More than a windbreaker, and not quite a coat, a jacket is the ideal piece for the neither here-nor-there season which fall is. A green cargo or brown leather jacket will work as a neutral with anything in your closet.
For jackets and sweaters I love Francesca’s (there’s one in the South Point mall) and Jo’s Boutique, right off of East Campus! Scarves and socks are an easy find at any Claire’s or Icing store, and for high end looking boots at a good price my go to is DSW.
Your todo list:
1) Get outside!
Go for a run, go to the Duke gardens, find a place to do your work, find a place to do…nothing! As they say, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” (that is about fall, right?) Not too cold, not too hot, the colors are vibrant and unmatchable, and somehow the air always carries the smell of a bonfire! Take it in, enjoy it while it lasts!
2) Turn it down a shade.
Take your bright pink tips down a notch and paint your nails with a deeper hue. Try burgundy (of course)! I recommend OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, navy, or emerald.
3) Explore your pumpkin palette.
Pumpkin Oreos, pumpkin Hershey Kisses, Pumpkin M&Ms, Pumpkin instant oatmeal, Pumpkin Mini Wheats, at the very least, get yourself to Red Mango while they still have pumpkin froyo (yes these all exist and yes I have sampled them all.) Not a pumpkin fan? Well… I guess you’ll just have to wait for winter.
4) Pumpkins…not just a flavor.
Now that you’re living in a region where they exist outside of your PSL, go out and carve one! Pumpkins are available now at Whole Foods and Harris Teeter for your very own display of knife created artistic ability!
5) Go to a hay ride and corn maze.
Yes these really exist! As cheesy as these activities always sound, nothing says autumn like finding pieces of hay in your pants for 3 weeks straight. It’s fun I swear!
Now you are ready to fall in love with beautiful time of the year in style and with plenty to do! Go out, take it in, jump in some leaves, because this perfect limbo of seasons will be gone before you know it!