Fall is social media’s favorite time to romanticize life. But this year, instead of just scrolling TikTok for inspiration, you are actually going to become your campus’s it girl.
Fashion
One of the pinnacles of the fall aesthetic is its fashion, and it appears that this autumn we are revisiting the 2000s. And by that, I mean Ugg boots, low-rise jeans, layered long sleeves, and tall boots. You will be seeing Henleys over camis and boots with little bows on the back. People have nostalgia for how autumn used to feel, so they are trying to recapture that aesthetic. If you are interested in dressing that way this fall, I recommend shopping at Hollister and Gap, or just scouring thrift stores in the city. However, the early 2000s aesthetic is not the only thing trendy this fall. Many pieces, such as cropped trench coats and ballet flats, have seen a surge in popularity, as well as colors and patterns such as polka dots, burgundy red, and dark denim. Keeping these trends in mind, here are some foolproof outfit combinations to try.
Tall boots, mini skirt, cropped trench coat
Every fashion girl will be utilizing this combo this fall, and you can make it unique by adding your own personal touches, such as scarves, purses, and cool socks.
Flare jeans, off-the-shoulder sweater
The more low-rise, the better. This is a simple, everyday combo that you can either dress up with flats and jewelry or dress down with Converse and your school bag.
Henley, baggy jeans, Uggs
To everyone asking, do not worry, you can still wear your baggy jeans. Paired with a layered Henley and some Ugg boots, you have created the perfect outfit for your pumpkin spice latte run.
Leather jacket, dress, tall boots
If you are looking for something a little nicer but still appropriate for class, grab your favorite dress and pair that with a leather jacket and some boots. This is also a perfect outfit as the seasons transition.
Media
One of the best ways to get in the fall mood is to consume fall media. There are a plethora of movies, shows, and books that encapsulate the autumnal vibe.
Movies: Many people associate fall with scary movies, and for good reason. Scream, Halloween, IT, Saw, and The Conjuring are sure to prepare you for Halloween. However, if horror movies are not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other great options: Hocus Pocus, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, andCoco are some wholesome watches that feel like autumn all the way through. But if you’re in the mood for something that hits you more in the feels, I would recommend watching The Dead Poets’ Society, October Sky, Practical Magic, Little Women, or Knives Out. But what about romcoms? There are plenty of romances out there, full of fall it girls, such as When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, and Autumn In New York. Another safe bet is to choose a Tim Burton film. If you go through his filmography, you’re sure to find plenty of options, but my personal recommendations are The Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, and Frankenweenie.
Shows: It is a classic fall tradition to rewatch Gilmore Girls, but I understand if you’re looking for something different. For all of the fans of the paranormal, I recommend Buffy the Vampire Slayer or The Originals. Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers as she fights vampires, demons, and other villains as they try to take over her town. The Originals, a spin-off of the popular show The Vampire Diaries, follows Klaus Mikaelson as he returns to New Orleans. However, if a mystery is more up your alley, check out Only Murders in the Building, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Twin Peaks. If you want a show that’s more digestible, the first two are the best way to go. Twin Peaks is a more mind-bending watch, but all three share the same autumnal gloom aesthetic. The final recommendation is for everyone who wants to commit to the 2000s fall aesthetic. Pretty Little Liars encapsulates the it girl autumn, from the aesthetics and fashion, to the characters who are model it girls themselves, plus a side of a good mystery.
Books: Reading is not everyone’s favorite pastime, but it is the perfect way to get in the mood for fall. You can not beat the feeling of cozying up with an autumnal book while the rain falls in the back. Campus novels are the perfect books to read in the fall to romanticize school starting. The Secret History by Donna Tartt, If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio, Babel by R.F. Kuang, and The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo are all books full of mystery and questionable characters galavanting around a college campus. For all the students who want to channel the dark academia aesthetic this semester, carry around a copy of one of these novels. Classics are the best type of novel to get in the fall mood. From Dracula by Bram Stoker to The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and Frankenstein by Mary Shelly to Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, there are classics for those ready for Halloween and those who just want to sip on a warm mug of tea. For all the fans of horror movies, I have some book recommendations for you as well. The Exorcist by William Peter Blattley is a traditional horror novel for those into classic horror media. The Housemaid Freida McFadden is a more recent novel full of suspense and terror as you follow the main character through a sequence of terrifying events. For those who prefer shorter reads, The Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio is a horror novel that takes place during one night. Other personal recommendations for books to get you in the fall mood include the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Normal People by Sally Rooney, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.
Activites
Being a fall it girl is not complete without participating in fall activities. Romanticizing fall is a great way to power through the seasonal blues and the stress of exam season.
Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard: Pumpkins and apples are staples of fall food, scents, and aesthetics. Visiting a patch or an orchard is the perfect way to get in the fall mood and bring back some produce for yourself. Put on that cute outfit and go with your friends to transition your Instagram into autumn.
Cafe Runs: Cafes are the perfect place to catch up on reading or school work, the more niche the cafe, the better. Order that pumpkin spice latte or chai tea and cafe hop until you drop.
Fall Movie Marathon: Previously, in the article, I mentioned several fall and Halloween films. Pick some of your favorite movies and invite your friends to a movie marathon. Elevate your movie-watching experience by bringing along your favorite fall-themed snacks and drinks.
Thrifting: The perfect way to transition into your fall wardrobe is to thrift for some new pieces. Fall fashion is very versatile, and autumn is objectively the best time to go thrift some new clothes.
Decorate: One of my favorite ways to get ready for fall is to redecorate my living space. Whether it be with a few small pumpkins or a full-out light and blow-up figure show, you can decorate for this new season with your favorite pieces.