Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.

The fall season is in full effect and some look at it as the end for a new beginning and others including myself, agree that it is simply the best season of them all. The fashion, scenery, pastries and let’s not forget about those warm aromas. If you couldn’t tell, Autumn is my favorite season. I love all things that involve being not only cute, but also cozy. There’s nothing like being fashionable and comfortable and fall is the season for exactly that. A nice transition from the summer heat to the semi-chilly weather calls for layering, neutral colors, and yes, the sweet aroma of pumpkin spice. Now that we can agree on how amazing fall is, let’s get into the essentials we all need in our closet for this season.

1. Sweatpants

Jeans are always great but there’s nothing like a good pair of sweatpants or joggers. Sweatpants not only allow you to have your off-days but who says you can’t dress up on those days? Some of my fav celebs such as Zendaya, Tracee Ellis Ross and Rihanna almost always perfect the chic-sweatpant look. Pairing sweatpants with a fitted or oversized top always looks cute with heels or booties. If you’re anything like me, sneakers work just as well. I’m currently enjoying my wide leg sweat pants from ASOS. Remember, comfort is always key. Sweatpants and joggers will never let you down, they let you rest and when needed will make you feel ready for your close up!

Related Article: Top 5 Fall Fashion Staple Items

2. Hoodies

What can get better than a pair of sweatpants? Hoodies! I adore these and fall is the peak for hoodie season. Hoodies are a must-have for the fall, similar to sweatpants, you can dress them up or down. Hoodies are so much fun to dress up! You can mix them with blazers, trench coats or even underneath a flannel. I think hoodies have to be my favorite part of fall. You can always throw one on and go about your day. Some of my favorite solid color hoodies come from Hanes. Currently, I’m obsessed with a solid brown hoodie I bought from Hanes.

For all my collegiettes who have curly hair, hopefully, I can put you on to the best hoodie ever. When using your hood from your hoodie, sometimes the cotton material against our curly hair can cause friction, which leads to frizz. No worries, I recently discovered a satin hood hoodie. So, to avoid messing with your gorgeous kinks, curls, and coils, maybe invest in a built-in satin hood. If you’re not sure or where to get one, I got you covered. Lotus The Label has various different colors of these satin hoodies, and will leave you cozy, cute and frizzless.

3. Scarves

At some point during fall, the wind starts to pick up and a few more layers are definitely needed. As I reached my twenties, everything I didn’t want to hear as a child is now on a loop in my head. They say moms always know best, and at this point, it is just about a scientific fact. My mom has always told me to protect my neck during those times the weather is a little more chilly than usual. (A little secret collegiettes, adding a scarf to your already chic outfit will provide you the warmth you need.)

I promise you will not be as cold, and coming from someone who gets cold in anything below 70, a scarf is a must-have for the fall. Scarves come in all colors, a solid neon or printed scarf could be a nice touch to elevate your look. My personal favorite is my dark gray scarf from Anthropologie. Scarves go with just about anything, maybe a nice cardigan, utility jacket or even leather jacket (which, by the way, always screams badass). Remember, any scarf will do the trick, but why not have fun with them!

Related article: 5 Fall Thrifting Tips

4. Boots

It’s nothing like stepping on a leaf and hearing it crunch with your favorite pair of boots. Boots are perfect for going out (socially distanced of course), as well for a casual day stroll. If you’re into hiking, apple picking, walking through pumpkin patches on a beautiful fall day, a nice boot will fulfill your needed footwear for the occasion. The options are endless, whether it be combat, bootie, chelsea — you name it. Nothing screams fall like a nice boot. A thigh-high boot with a nice sweater dress is always fun and nothing screams grunge like a nice pair of Doc Martens. 

5. Basic T-Shirt

Since this is the season of layers, sticking to the basics is a great way to start. A solid color t-shirt is equivalent to a blank canvas, the more you work on it, you’re guaranteed a masterpiece at the end. Sometimes we’re in our head too much when trying to create our perfect look, when in reality it’s simply not rocket science. A plain white tee with your favorite pair of jeans usually never does wrong. By adding some of the must-haves I recently shared, like your favorite pair of boots and scarf will indeed have you sweater weather ready.

I hope you enjoy this fall season as much as I do, I truly am in my element of ultimate coziness. 

Any one of these items will not disappoint you for this fall season. I wish you all the best with your upcoming midterms, you got this!

Jalyn Green

George Mason University '22

Jalyn Green is a senior at George Mason University currently studying Communication with a minor in Film. She is a Philly native who enjoys spending time with friends, family, and dogs. She is also very passionate about music and fashion and hopes to become a creative director in the future.
George Mason Contributor (GMU)

George Mason University '50

Want to get involved, or have a story idea we should write about? Email us! hc.georgemason@hercampus.com