Even with a blustery autumn in full force, that doesn’t mean we need to put away our florals and bright hues for dumpy marshmallow coats. In fact, some of the best fashion trends for the 2013 fall season include pastels of all different colors as well as inspirations straight from the runway.
What truly defines this year, however, is the explosion of grunge, street, and postmodern-inspired apparel. From acid-washed jeans to knit caps and infinity scarves, from oversized sweaters to worn combat boots—it has truly been one chic revolution.
I am proud to say that here at Ridge, our fashion sense is almost always impeccable. As Katie Williams ‘16 summarizes, “For ladies, this fall is all about bold jewelry, peplum tops, grays and nude colors, combat boots, skater dresses, refined blazers, and silk collared shirts.”
So although the fatigue of high school life might test your willpower to not show up to school in your pajamas, stocking up your closet with a few of these essentials will not only help you look hopelessly chic, but also allow you to throw together an outfit within minutes.
So listen up guys, girls, prepsters, hipsters, and everyone in between because the Devils are about to get dapper!
If you’re going for the preppy look, your closet should have at least one form-fitting blazer. This gives the whole composition of the outfit clean and sharp lines, just by quickly throwing it over a casual knit shirt. This piece can give any ensemble either a professional or a playful nuance, simply depending on its color and design. A darker and uniformly cut blazer serves as more sophisticated outerwear, while colorful and rounder cuts give the outfit a general cardigan-like feel.
A blazer also looks great over a solid skater dress, another essential of fall. This bouncy A-line gives a girly and light-hearted tone to any outfit along with a clean scoop neckline that goes perfectly with a chunky piece of jewelry.
As Asli Pekcan ’15 quips, “The fall climate is not only relatively temperate, but also an optimal time to break out the boot and dress combo without it being too hot or cold. The climate is also generally dry with temperatures that don’t require too much layering. All in all, autumn is a fantastic time to look stylish without having to compensate for the weather.”
Going along with the A-line trend, the peplum has made a surprising comeback. Straight from Marilyn Monroe’s wardrobe into those of many girls nationwide, the peplum’s ruffled hem has been prominent staple of this season.
Electric hues are also incredibly trendy nowadays. Diaphanous and pastel-colored silk collared button-downs brighten every outfit when paired with a darker or neutral pair of jeans. It could also be inverted, where vibrant and patterned pants can spruce up an otherwise plain look. Belts of all shades and styles not only flatter the figure of every body, but add a cute pop of color to a monochromatic pair of pants.
If you’re anything like me, half of your wardrobe consists of plain V-necks, all of which are some shade of gray. Although this no-nonsense look can still appear fabulously avant-garde with the right accessories, it never hurts to invest in at least one cozy infinity scarf—just so the minimalist look could appear slightly more tasteful than it already is.
According to Sanjana Prasad ‘16, “Infinity scarves not only embellish any outfit, but also keeps everyone looking cute and warm for the fall season”.
So let’s talk shoes. While just last year, it seemed like a chunky pair of Uggs was the only type of shoe anyone ever wore, an explosion of combat and slouchy boots, moccasin flats, and boat shoes has hit the scene. Boots of all styles are perfect foot warmers as the temperature goes down and are easily paired with almost any outfit – giving dresses a rustic feel, adding a hipster flare to jeans, and so on. This new diversity of footwear is an exciting addition to the ever-changing world of fashion.
But of course, we ladies aren’t the only ones looking posh at school. Many guys have also developed some pretty noticeable styles over the school year thus far, generally opting for a preppy and collegiate look. With regards to the year-round Sperry’s, button downs, and jeans, the fall season highlights a few seasonal specialties—particularly plaid.
As articulated by Eric Wan ‘16: “Plaid is pretty much universal. From button downs to coats, this look is easy to layer and definitely a common look for this season.”
With these tips in mind, I do hope getting dressed for school becomes a lot less difficult, and perhaps even enjoyable. Dress warmly and stay savvy, my friends!