Fall is in the air: the temperature is dropping, the weather is moody and leaves are layering the streets of New York. Cozy nights, buried in a pile of sweaters and pumpkin spice everything, are near and approaching. It also marks the start of a new school year. Fall makes a dramatic entrance, and so does fall fashion. As the leaves start to turn, so should your wardrobe. This is your chance to own your style, express your individuality and turn the halls of school into a runway. Make sure to take advantage of the fact that Fieldston doesn’t require a uniform.
“RICHER” AND “MOODIER”
This season is all about deep, earthy tones, or as Harper’s Bazaar describes them: “richer” and “moodier” than those of summer.
Brown dominates the palette this fall, followed by burgundy, navy and green. Chocolate brown, arguably the most neutral and versatile color in the closet, will bring immediate depth to a silhouette. Thus, brown makes the perfect neutral base for an outfit: it’s timeless, flattering and perfectly appropriate for a day of learning.
Color, however, is just the beginning.
ALL ABOUT LAYERS
When it comes to tops, especially when thinking about layers during fall, the options are endless – which can feel intimidating. From jackets to teeny tanks, this fall season is prime time to play around with variations and use your creativity to mix and match the layers to make a statement.
Polos, collared shirts and structured blazers are the run-of-the-mill staples in the wardrobes of modern scholars. Funnel necks are having a moment, seen on trench coats and jackets.
To put it all together, a graphic tee and a blazer – simple and minimalistic, yet chic and quirky is just one example of the endless possibilities that layering has to offer.
CULOTTES WHAT
Moving from the top down, it’s time to talk about pants. There are some “newbies” on the block, like culottes, but also essentials, like jeans – and surprisingly – athletic wear are returning to the scene.
Meet culottes. They may feel new and bold, but are actually making a comeback from the 1930s. Designer Elsa Schiaparelli originally introduced them at a time when pants for women were just coming into style, and were not yet universally accepted. They were referred to as “jupe culottes”, meaning “divided skirts” that resemble a pair of long shorts or trousers. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez have been spotted wearing them, gaining lots of love and attention as we embark upon the colder months. Both formal and fashion-forward, this trouser creates the perfect balance between cutting-edge and comfort.
Now, regarding the essentials: Jeans and evolved athletic wear are coming in hot.
Jeans are comfortable, multipurposeful and “trend-transcending” year-round. This fall, make your jeans a fashion statement. Pick darker wash denim to complement the dark shades, and pair it with a layered top of your choice – voila, you’re a fashionable nerd!
And yes – this fall, athletic wear is being redefined. It is not only for an Eagles’ comfy day in its nest, but also a way to proclaim your sense of fashion. Sweatpants, track pants and other forms of athleisure can look slightly disheveled – a go-to for a lazy day. However, if styled properly – paired with a funnel neck jacket or even sweatshirts – athletic wear has the potential for peak elegance to stand out from the crowd. Whoever said that comfort can’t coexist with style?
Relaxed bottoms are definitely in.
FALL MEANS CLOSED-TOED FOOTWEAR
Your final touches should include shoes and accessories.
School means movement: running up stairs, darting between classes and navigating the chaos of fall sports. While heeled boots may grace magazine spreads, sneakers and other forms of minimalistic footwear are just as trendy – and far more practical.
Classic Adidas are back, specifically Sambas. Miu Miu’s take on Adidas has been the talk of the neighborhood. Sporty and elevated, these sneakers are perfect for long days of school. Loafers are another pair that have hit the ground running. Not only are they academic and timeless, but they’re perfectly in tune with the shift from summer to fall.
And let’s not forget about ballet flats! Casual yet potentially dressy (when properly styled), ballet flats are comfortable and go with anything.
ADD SOME SPICE
Accessories are the cherry on top. Jewelry and other accessories can instantly elevate an outfit to sync it with fall..
To reiterate, this fall is all about layers, meaning layering jewelry in addition to subtle accessories, such as bags, to significantly spice up an outfit while staying on par with fall fashion.
Mixing metals is the new fall trend. Diamonds on Wabash, a family-owned jeweler based in Chicago, Illinois, believes that “each metal has its own personality and energy.” This bold addition can add immense depth and intricacy to an outfit. It’s subtle, yet definitive.
Handbags are the bag of the season. Suede, leather and animal print are the newest textures. Make sure it’s big enough to fit your school supplies, and you’re ready to walk through those doors at the ripe hour of 8:30 a.m.
ONE KEY INGREDIENT
Fall means society is moving from the beach to books. From hot to cool. Beyond that, the season’s gifts bring opportunity for style, new fashion trends and brave looks. With the right colors, layering techniques and accessories, your back-to-school look can be just as smart as you are. Follow this extraordinarily simple guide, and not only will you be ready to walk through the gates of Fieldston, but also be an inspiration for Vogue magazine.
Still, there’s just one thing no outfit can succeed without: confidence, a function of your newly acquired knowledge, your efforts, your passions, your resilience – and everything else that Fieldston is working so hard to instill in us. Let fashion be a mere amplification of your essence (and, of course, your nerdiness).
