Fall Fashion for Students

In an era saturated with fast fashion and micro-trends, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recognize what exactly is “in” and what is “out.” What I can attest to are closet “staples,” and a few of the statement fall 2022 trends. Clothing trends fade just as fast as they become popular, which is important to keep in mind when deciding which trends to engage in.

For starters, everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, is cute when chunky. Chunky hoops, chunky costume jewelry, chunky shoes–you name it–it’s probably in style. Chunky accessories are a quick, easy way to transform any laid back outfit into something with more substance. Their versatility is responsible for this trend’s long lifespan. Gold chunky hoops happen to be a staple in my personal collection; not only do they make an outfit, but they help make me appear more presentable when I am “hibernating” in sweatpants and hoodies. If there was only one trend I could recommend, it would hands-down be chunky accessories. 

Blazers, blazers, blazers. Again with the versatility, blazers make another great staple in your fall wardrobe. Influencers have been really testing the limits of just how flexible blazers can be—and the results do not disappoint. Blazers can help make one look sophisticated and be styled in a way befitting people of all ages. In teenagers and young adults particularly, I adore a good unbuttoned blazer paired with a dress. It offers warmth, elegance, and additional dimension while still maintaining a youthful look. In adults, blazers have been a classic for a long time, exuding a professional and upscale vibe. Whether you choose to wear blazers with a monochromatic color scheme (my favorite way to wear them) or as a pop of color, blazers are a great way to transform any outfit, and I believe they will never go out of style. 

Last (but not least), if you are looking to expand your wardrobe this year, I highly recommend stocking up on neutrals. This is less of an “item” to get, but more of a way to get the most out of what you are paying for. The reason for this, obviously, is that neutrals go with everything. The more things that a piece goes with, the more you’ll be able to wear it. Now, I am definitely not recommending buying clothes that are all black by any means –I know for myself that would be horribly boring– but colors like black, white, taupe, army green, and brown can be paired with one another in so many ways that the variation of clothing combinations you can wear increases tremendously from what you would be able to wear with all statement colors. Neutrals also tend to complement skin tones wonderfully, while other shades can wash you out. And yes, I too love a pop of color, but when it comes to sustainability and fashion on a budget– building a collection that can be worn in so many different ways is something I, for one, value.

Straying from closet staples to more trendy items, I have been seeing leather jackets, crochet sweaters, and boots make their way back into style. Leather jackets have definitely been around for a while, but I have been seeing a resurgence in their popularity–and for good reason. Just like a good old blazer, leather jackets are always stylish and definitely add to an outfit. I’m not going to lie, crochet sweaters had to grow on me. Maybe it is just because I am not a huge fan of sweaters already (they tend to make me look like a marshmallow), but I could not see the practicality of them. It wasn’t until I saw sleeve crochet sweaters that I started to consider them for myself. They definitely aren’t going to be for everyone, but I will say they are unique to what is normally seen in the fall season. “Sleeve sweaters” allows you to wear cute crop tops, while keeping your arms relatively warm. On warmer autumn days, this is definitely a fun clothing choice. Boots are always in style, but this year’s new trend of “horseback riding” leather boots is just chefs-kiss. Preferably, I like seeing these boots worn with mini skirts and some form of fun top or sweater (plus a jacket if you really want to shake up your outfit). They’re just so chic– I can’t get enough. 

Overall, this season of fashion places heavy emphasis on timelessness and simplicity e– and I am here for it! The current trends really allow you to branch out while also wearing things that you’ll look back on in 20 years and wonder, what the heck was I thinking?! Truly, fashion is personal, and your tastes may be different than others, and that’s okay! Wear what makes you feel like your best self.