The air feels lighter, temperature is cooler, and leaves transition to new colors. Fall means pumpkin spice, "Gilmore Girls", a spicy chai and crackling fires. The scent of burning leaves twirls in parking lots and tiptoes through each window. Night falls sooner, and it's easier to catch the sunrise and a parking spot at the beach. Soup is celebrated, as well as vegetable desserts: pumpkin pie, carrot cake, and sweet potato pie. Costumes are on everyone’s minds. But more importantly- fall means sweaters, jeans and Uggs. What will you wear? Keep reading to find out.
Gilmore Girls
My favorite inspiration for fall fashion is Rory Gilmore. Fall in Stars Hollow is enchanting, filled with Luke’s coffee, hay bales, and a decorated gazebo. I obsess over the fur trimmed coats, basic crewnecks, mini skirts and cable-knit sweaters both girls wear. While the show first aired over 20 years ago, the impact of their curated outfits still saturate each girl’s Pinterest board. Brandy Melville lovers have recently been on the hunt for the Brianna Cotton Cable Knit Sweater in cream mimicking an iconic Rory Gilmore look.
Basics, Chunky Sweaters and Wide Leg Jeans
Each perfect fall outfit features either classic neutrals, a chunky sweater, or a wide leg jean. Crucial in constructing your dream fall wardrobe is including one or all of these and mixing them up. Timeless basics from SKIMS, Brandy Melville or Abercrombie & Fitch can be worn with anything and dressed up or down. A minimalist wardrobe is in, and so is being environmentally conscious–so stocking up on plain tanks, bodysuits and tops is vital if you want to radiate “clean girl” fall. A classic chunky sweater is a cozy compliment magnet that everyone should be hunting for. Whether it’s cable knit, cowl neck or crew neck, any sweater thick and oversized enough can constitute the perfect fall staple. As we know, skinny jeans are out, and only millennials are holding on to them. Flares, wide leg, boyfriend and straight leg are all jean styles to set you apart from any teacher. The best pair of red tag Levi’s can be found even by scavenging at thrift stores. Some popular jean shops for the unlucky thrifter are PacSun, American Eagle and Free People. And of course throw on some Mini, Tazman or Ultra Mini Uggs to complete the look.
Images: SKIMS- Soft Smoothing Seamless (left), Pinkoi- Mohair minimalist jumper (right), Pacsun- Levi's Light Indigo '94 Baggy Wide Leg Jeans (above)
Bows, Lace and Leather
Playing with textures and outside materials has been at play in the fashion industry since the beginning. Today the girls are all about bows, bows and bows. Popular celebrities like Gracie Abrams, Lana Del Rey, and Sabrina Carpenter are significantly noted for their own bow wearing, and likely accounted for the popularity of the accessory. Ribbon from Walmart, Hobby Lobby and Michael's is around $4 for one spool which can make several bows. Tie an inexpensive bow in your hair, on a belt loop or onto your shoes for the perfect accent in a fall outfit. Lace has also been on the rise, and it’s perfect to add into fall layering. You could use a floral lace corset top for the base of a going out outfit, or a lace sleeve under a warmer vest/tee. Urban Outfitters offers a wide variety of lace pieces to pick from, including lace bows! Classic is back in. Fall calls for a big leather jacket to encapsulate the whole outfit. Layers with leather on top are always in. And finding the perfect leather mini skirt? A dream!
Images: Urban Outfitters- Out From Under Leah Seamless Lace Top (left) Princess Polly- Goldsmith PU Bomber Jacket Black Curve (right)
Finishing Touches
I already mentioned the bow trend but jewelry, shoes, etc. all need to be intentional accessories to refine the outfit! Red gems or heart shaped jewelry scream fall to me. Some black sheer tights under a skirt and some leg warmers on top? The perfect formula for some compliments. Some shoe options include Doc Martens, high top Converse, and as I mentioned- Uggs. My fall Pinterest board also seems to feature tons of black and tabby cats with books or leaves. Maybe I’m just a cat lover, or maybe cats are the perfect fall (and year-round) pet to fit your aesthetic! You can visit Adopt an Angel at Petco every weekend to find a kitty who wants to love you. Finally, I’ll leave you with a song quote from my favorite movie soundtrack, Annie: “You’re never fully dressed without a smile."
Sources
Parker, A. (2023, October 6). 13 Fall Trends Vogue Editors Are Already Shopping. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/fall-shopping-list-editor-picks-2023
Sia. (2014, October 22). You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKjJ6DQF7xY
Smith, J. (2023, September 12). The Fall Fashion Trends You’re About to See Everywhere. Glamour. https://www.glamour.com/story/fall-fashion-trends-2023