As a southern Californian, the grueling heat of summer discourages me from wearing anything other than t-shirts and shorts. In the fall, my true fashion sense comes out of hibernation — oversized coats, chunky scarves, and fuzzy hats. Here are the pieces I think students will be sporting on campus this autumn, based on what I’ve observed in catalogs and upcoming collections.
Peacoats
The peacoat is an ideal light fall jacket. Consider wearing one during October and November before it’s necessary to take the puffer jackets out of storage. Since peacoats often have a high collar, you won’t even need a scarf to keep warm, and you can pair your peacoat with a straight leg jean and a Mary Jane flat or a pointed kitten heel. Madewell’s lineup of coats on Nassau Street could be just the place to find peacoat to add to your wardrobe.
Faux fur
Faux fur is making a comeback. Gap’s recent line in collaboration with Sandy Liang, an NYC-based womenswear brand, included a spotted faux fur coat that complements the recent surge of fur coats on the runway. Whether waist-length or to the floor, a faux fur coat’s chic-ness is timeless. Check out Urban Outfitters for a faux fur coat in town.
Hunter boots
Princeton’s fluctuating fall weather makes dressing for the season difficult, especially on rainy days. Whether you’re copying Kate Moss in 2005 at the Glastonbury Festival or avoiding puddles, the Hunter boot is a different take from the popular moto boot. While Hunter boots are often sleek and in solid colors, moto boots are an edgier boot and often feature buckles along the side. Hunter boots are versatile and practical for rainy fall days at Princeton and can be styled with a chunky sock peeking out.
Colored and patterned tights
Although a classic sheer black tight remains timeless, a colored tight can spice up any fall outfit. As earthier tones color the natural landscape, grab a pair of muted colored tights, such as a muted mustard or dusty rose pair. To complement a solid skirt while staying warm, dotted and striped tights are another visually interesting option. Madewell sells a host of possibilities.
Straight leg jeans
The baggy jean movement and the brief skinny jean comeback are now competing with a new trend: the straight leg jean. The style was temporarily forgotten during the days of baggy jeans, but I predict that the darker washes of straight leg denim will reappear this fall. Ralph Lauren and Madewell both have a wide range of straight leg styles and washes to choose from.
Roll neck sweaters
J.Crew’s The Next Rollneck Generation collection is a key example of the roll neck sweater movement. Roll neck sweaters feature a tall collar that is designed to be rolled over itself. Pair a roll neck sweater with a button-up collar or a chunky scarf to elevate the look.
Knit balaclavas
Since moving to the East Coast, I was shocked by how cold my ears became in the fall and winter — to the point of numbness. Balaclavas and beanies have become my method to combat the chill. Balaclavas are a versatile option that add flair to your outfit, keep your ears warm, and avoid the “hat hair” that beanies can cause. While I often opt for Free People’s line for their quality and range of colors, Urban Outfitters also has a selection.
Barn jackets
While the leather jacket has emerged as a popular choice in recent years, I predict that barn jackets will see a rise this season. Barn jackets have a boxy silhouette with large pockets and snap closures. While the barn jacket can be a lighter option, there are also sherpa or fleece-lined barn jackets for colder days. J.Crew has a wide variety of barn jackets in their fall collection, often paired with jeans or a skirt with loafers.
Tabi mittens
After Maison Margiela’s iconic tabi flat, a flat that is unique for its split-toe style, tabi mittens are on the rise. As crocheters on Tiktok have already created their own tabi mittens, I predict that brands will soon follow suit. Tabi mittens feature standard glove holes for the pointer finger and thumb and a single glove hole for the remaining three fingers. They’re an alternative to fingerless gloves and regular mittens that will imbue an outfit with a unique touch. Since they haven’t hit Nassau Street’s clothing scene yet, consider scouring Depop or Etsy. The crochet pattern is also available for purchase for the adventurous Princeton student crocheters.
A pop of red
To enhance a basic outfit with a pinch of color, red is a vibrant option that mirrors the hues of the fall foliage. A red scarf, a pair of red socks, or red nail polish, the introduction of a bright color can bring an outfit to life. If you’re feeling particularly full of Princeton spirit, mixing in a splash of orange is also an option.
Monica Zepeda is a contributing writer for The Prospect and a member of the Class of 2028. She can be reached at mz9063@princeton.edu
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