Put away your summer t-shirts and bikinis because it’s time to arrive on campus dressed to impress. You can easily recreate the looks seen by top designers on this season’s runway, but it’s way more fun to create your own original looks. This fall we want you to be the trendsetters. Here are the top on-campus fashion trends straight from the closets of collegiettes™ across the county. See what’s in on your campus and be inspired by the hottest looks at other schools. Aren’t you dying to see what totally different styles girls are rocking in other parts of the country? I know I am!
Northeast:
Bowdoin College: Brunswick, Maine
Hunter Boots & Outerwear
Outerwear is important, especially when fall weather can become chilly in Brunswick. Students at Bowdoin have always been fans of Hunter boots which is why Bowdoin junior Daisy Alioto says this season she expects to see pieces from Hunter’s new outerwear line. “The weather can get pretty gross at Bowdoin when it rains and you have to walk to class. Hunter boots are a classic, traditionally preppy piece that keep your feet dry and if you buy the kind that is lined they keep your feet warm too. It’s Maine so a lot of our fashion choices are dictated by the weather,” Daisy says.
Boston University: Boston, Massachusetts
Mod-Inspired ‘60s Wear
Channel your inner-mod by wearing mini dresses and tall boots. “We love our boots in Beantown!” says BU sophomore Kelsey Mulvey. Make this look work for a cold fall day by pairing it with opaque tights. You can also wear a long-sleeved shirt under the dress or opt for a dress with sleeves. This look is put-together yet casual and can effortlessly transition from day to night.
Brandeis University: Waltham, Massachusetts
Color Craze
The girls of Brandeis are looking to stand out by wearing fun items like brightly colored jeans, wedge booties and sky high pumps. Wear red skinny jeans with statement shoes and a batwing top. Carry a bag in a complementary color to continue the color-blocked look. But beware; this look is not for shy fashionistas. Brandeis senior Asya Bashina says, “I’m excited to wear bold and colorful pieces this fall because it would be a nice change from the usual fall/winter color scheme. Usually people wear cooler and darker colors in the fall, so it will be a good way to brighten up the aesthetic. I’ve always loved 60s-inspired color-blocking, so this will be a good reason to break out my ‘brights’ and modernize my fall colors!”
Mount Holyoke College: South Hadley, Massachusetts
Comfort in Flannel & Boots
Combine your favorite flannel with fashionable accessories and voila—an outfit that you can look and feel great in. This fall, the student body at Mount Holyoke College is looking forward to wearing flannel button-down shirts, over-sized boyfriend sweaters, hats, oxfords and lace-up boots. Sounds like the perfect combination of laidback and fashion-forward. Mount Holyoke senior Madeline Harrington says, “A lot of girls on my campus are interested in being green and/or animal-friendly, so it’s always cool to see the non/faux-leather options girls find for boots and handbags.” We agree!
NYU: New York, New York
Bold Statement Pieces Mixed with Classic
Variety is key for a school like NYU. Since it’s located in one of the fashion capitals of the world, students are always on their fashion A-game. This season it’s all about mixing the bold with the classic. Contrast pretty lightweight maxi dresses and sheer blouses with black accessories and vampy nails. Whatever’s on trend at other campuses is taken to the next level at NYU. Instead of carrying a leopard print handbag, students would wear leopard print jeggings. NYU freshman Hannah Orenstein says, “NYU students aren’t afraid to be bold and daring with their fashion choices because we go to school in the heart of Manhattan. Wherever you look, you’re bound to see someone whose outfit is crazier than yours, which definitely encourages risk-taking!”
Fordham University: Bronx, New York
Combat Boots
Combat boots are a huge trend all over NYC. Add a little grunge to your wardrobe by wearing these fantastic shoes with just about anything. They can toughen up a girly outfit and take a floral dress from flower girl to fashion-forward. Pair them with jeans, shorts or dresses. Claire Cumberland, a junior at Fordham University, says, “Combat boots are cute and practical when paired with floral dresses or skinny jeans, and can be a great transition piece from summer to fall.”
SUNY Oswego: Oswego, New York
Maxi Dresses with Jean Jackets
Keep this cute summer trend going by wearing these floor length beauties on campus. A jean jacket makes the look more wearable for fall. Add in a pair of boots and tights and you will be all set for day or night. SUNY Oswego senior Emily Longeretta says this look is “really cute and comfy and looks awesome with a blazer for work or a jean jacket for class.”
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Midwest:
Lawrence University: Appleton, Wisconsin
Cable Knit Sweater Dresses
Students at Lawrence University are excited to wear cable knit sweater dresses this fall. Choose one in your favorite neutral tone and layer it with different items each time you wear it to create multiple fun outfits. The ultra-soft fabric is perfect for a crisp fall day. LU senior Ariella Morik says, “Dresses in general are my favorite fashion piece because they’re easy to wear and fuss-free. I’ll be adding some character to my sweater dress by belting it at my waist and wearing a crisp white button down underneath. Chic, classic, and easy.”
Miami University (OH): Oxford, Ohio
Crop Tops
Comfy and cute—these are the perfect foundation to any outfit. Students can wear them with jeans for day or bandage skirts for night. They are available at a ton of stores so I suggest you buy one in every color of the rainbow. Layer them over a tank top or wear them as is to show off a little more skin. Alaine Perconti says, “Crop tops are lightweight, offer a lot of versatility and let you show some skin in a tasteful way.”
University of Michigan: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Flare Jeans & Fun Shoes
For Wolverines, it’s all about putting their best foot forward (literally) by wearing the season’s hottest shoes. Students are excited to spice up their usual jeans and a tee look with look-at-me shoes and trendy jeans. Be original by wearing a pair of Sperrys with a fancier dress. Or wear laced-up high-heeled oxfords with flare jeans and a casual top to take your weekday staple to the next level. Michigan sophomore Patricia Checinski thinks Sperry’s will be all the rage on campus. “They’re really comfortable and they look cute with a lot of different outfits,” she says.
Northwestern University: Evanston, Illinois
Trench Coats
Once again we see the popularity of classic outerwear. This is a fun trend because there are many different types of trench coats to choose from. You can showcase your personal style by selecting one that fits your fashion persona (and your budget). Neutrals are great for everyday, but if you’re looking for a more daring coat, choose one in a bold color or fun print.
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Southeast:
James Madison University: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Watches
The trend of choice for JMU students is bold watches. These statement-making timepieces are the perfect addition to any outfit. Alexa Johnson, a sophomore at JMU says, “I am super excited to wear watches this fall! Cute, chunky watches go with almost any outfit because they can be casual (used for their purpose – time checking of course!) or dressy (as an accessory!).”
Emory University: Atlanta, Georgia
Festival Fashion
This fall, girls at Emory are embracing festival fashion— maxi dresses, fringed crop tops, high-waisted denim shorts and lace-up boots. Alice Chen, a senior at Emory, says, “The style is so easy to wear and looks great on everyone; it’s casual enough to wear every day (without looking like you just rolled out of bed!), but dressy enough to transition into night.”
Georgia Southern University: Statesboro, Georgia
Lace Accents
Students at Georgia Southern University tune in to the lace trend this fall by wearing tops with lace accents. This is the perfect way to add a feminine flair to any outfit. Wear a vintage lace top with a modern pair of pants for a lovely contrast of something old and something new. Lasharria Taylor, a sophomore at Georgia Southern University, says, “Tops with lace in them, whether subtle or more prominent, always tend to look cute and can be dressed up with heels for a night out or worn with flats for the daytime.”
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West Coast:
UC Berkeley: Berkeley, California
High-Waisted Skinny Pants, Floral Print Dresses & Combat Boots
The girls of UC Berkeley have many trends on their minds. It’s the combination of pretty and hip that makes their campus so fashionable. Try each trend on its own or wear all three together as a complete outfit for a spot-on girly/grunge look.
International:
University of Leeds: United Kingdom
Suede & Leather Skirts
Here’s a little fashion inspiration from outside the country. Feel free to wear a skirt with both suede and leather in one. It’s a cool modern way to wear the trend. These skirts are the staple to adorable fall outfits. Leeds student Hannah Shariatmadari says, “I can’t wait to wear suede or leather (real or fake!) skirts teamed with patterned tights, thick socks and cute ankle boots.”
These fall fashion trends are sure to be spotted on campuses across the country. As you can see, some of the trends overlap from school to school so take what you’re wearing and share with your best buds no matter what region they call home. Who needs runway shows when you can play fashion designer and transform your university into a runway? Tell us your school’s favorite fall trend below.