As someone who has rewatched Gilmore Girls on repeat since middle school, I have always loved autumn and everything that comes with it. There is something beautiful about being in the Northeast this time of year, when the leaves begin to fall, and everything around you turns shades of orange, brown, and yellow.
Growing up, some of my favorite memories happened during the fall. I remember playing soccer with the leaves crunching under my cleats and my Grammie raking huge piles of leaves just for us to jump into and make a mess. Fall also meant sleeping in on Sundays, having football on the TV all day, and sitting down for dinner as a family at night. Most Sundays, my dad would have sauce and meatballs cooking all day, filling our house with a smell that instantly reminds me of home.
Being away at school, I miss days like those. Over the years, though, I’ve found little ways to embrace the season on campus and recreate the same feeling of fall I grew up loving. From what I wear to what I eat, these 10 fall habits help me make the most of the season.
Bring On The Brown
Nothing screams fall quite like the color brown. Chocolate brown sweaters, pants, shoes, coats, and matching sweat sets are just some of the endless ways to incorporate the color into your everyday wardrobe. Brown also pairs perfectly with other fall shades like cream, burgundy, and dark green.
One of my favorite ways to add brown to my outfits is through smaller accessories, like a pair of socks, a headband, or a belt. Even swapping your everyday lip products for a brown lip liner or gloss can bring more fall vibes to your look. You don’t need to dress in brown from head to toe; even the smallest touch can make a simple outfit feel more seasonal.
Recommendations
Aerie — Aerie Layover Mockneck Sweatshirt
Urban Outfitters — Kayla Oval Buckle Leather Belt
Maple is a must
If there is one color that was made for fall, it’s Coach’s maple. The deep brown shade is the perfect addition to any autumn outfit. The Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag is one of my favorites because it comes in different sizes depending on what you need. The Brooklyn 28 is perfect for carrying your everyday essentials, while the larger Brooklyn 34 has enough room for your laptop, making it a great option for class. If you prefer something smaller, the Coach Emily Shoulder Bag in maple gives you the same fall look without the bulk of a larger bag.
Charm it up
Bag charms are such an easy way to add some personality to a purse or everyday school bag. Whether you add a cute keychain, your initial, or a charm that represents something you love, there are endless ways to make your bag feel more like you. You can even add fall-colored charms to the maple Coach bag to stay with the autumn theme. I personally love the little Jellycat charms to have a little friend with you in class. The best part is that you can switch them out throughout the season, giving the same bag a completely different look without having to buy a new one.
Recommendations
Bauble Bar — Bubble Initial Bag Charm
Break Out The UGGs
Keeping up with the brown trend, UGGs are the perfect fall shoe. Not only does their classic chestnut color match almost any fall outfit, but they are practical for keeping your feet warm as the temperatures start to drop. The Classic Ultra Mini is always a reliable choice, but there are plenty of ways to have more fun with your pair. Try the Ultra Mini Bailey Bow for a playful look, or the Classic Ultra Mini Platform style, which works perfectly under baggy jeans. Just make sure to grab the UGG Care Kit to help prevent water and everyday wear from ruining them throughout the season.
Invest in vests
Fall weather can be unpredictable, which makes a vest the perfect extra layer for days when it’s too warm for a full jacket but too chilly to go without one. I love the cozy look of a sherpa vest, especially the options from Free People, which can be thrown over a hoodie, sweater, or long-sleeve top. If you want something more classic, you can find plenty of simple vests on Amazon that will keep you just as warm. A bonus of vests are the extra pockets, which are always useful for carrying your phone, keys, or other essentials around campus.
Try some tortoise
Tortoiseshell is one of my favorite patterns to bring back every fall. Whether it’s a claw clip or a pair of glasses, the mix of brown and amber tones effortlessly adds fall color to any outfit. The best part is that tortoiseshell matches literally everything, so you don’t have to think twice about whether it works with what you’re wearing. A tortoiseshell clip can quickly pull your hair back for class, while a pair of glasses adds the same seasonal touch while still being practical.
Recommendations
Meet the mockneck
Mockneck sweatshirts have been a rising trend since last year, and they are the perfect piece to bring back for fall. Parke may be the brand everyone knows for the style, but you don’t have to spend that much to get the same cozy look. Gap and Old Navy have more affordable options that are just as easy to throw on for class. Pair one with leggings, jeans, or sweatpants for an effortless but a little more elevated outfit that will also keep you warm as the weather starts to cool down.
fall at your fingertips
One of the easiest ways to embrace fall is right at your fingertips. I love switching out my bright summer nails for deeper browns, reds, and purples as soon as September hits. Some of my favorites are OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark and Every Month is Oktoberfest, along with DND’s Garnet Red and Fudgsicle. Whether you get your nails done or paint them yourself, choosing a darker shade is such a small change that can instantly make you feel ready for fall.
Embrace pumpkin and apple everything
There is no shame in fully embracing pumpkin and apple flavors once fall rolls around. Go get that pumpkin coffee before class, pick up some apple cider donuts, and take advantage of all the seasonal flavors while you can. I also love making trips to Trader Joe’s and stocking up on “All the Fall Things,” such as pumpkin ice cream, waffles, and muffins. Whether it’s pumpkin-flavored snacks, apple treats, or a fall-scented candle, these little things can make an ordinary day at school feel a little more like fall at home.
do all things fall
Sometimes the best way to embrace fall is to actually get out and enjoy it. Make plans with your friends to go pumpkin or apple picking, take a hayride, or spend a night watching spooky movies. You can also throw on a sweatshirt and head to a football game for the perfect fall afternoon. Even something as simple as going for a walk when the leaves start to change can help you appreciate the season before it passes by. College can get busy quickly, so make time for the fall activities you grew up loving, even if that means embracing your inner kid for a day.
Fall may look a little different now than it did when I was jumping in leaves at my Grammie’s house, or smelling my dad’s sauce cooking on a Sunday afternoon, but that doesn’t mean the season has to feel any less special. Finding little ways to embrace fall at school has helped me bring some of that feeling of home with me. So, put on your UGGs, grab a pumpkin coffee, and make the most of autumn while it lasts.