Style Column: 5 must-haves this fall for a perfect fit check

Illustration by Katherine Deng

Yes indeed, autumn is upon us, and as the New England weather cools from an ordinarily intense summer heat, our closets will indubitably come alive with warmer layers for the colder months. To investigate the many gatekept fall trends, I surveyed a diverse selection of student faculty opinions, and this season’s style direction is clear- it will be a flawless blend of practicality and creativity. Thus, here are five fall essentials to embellish your immaculate style.

Roomy bottoms. From baggy pants to maxi skirts, bottoms with enough room to swim around will be a recurring motif this season. Advocated by Lindsay Hur ‘24 and Maya Douge ‘24, bottoms with a relaxed fit will not only accentuate a more appealing silhouette but also give skinny jeans a well-deserved break from the fashion scene. To go even crazier, consider flare jeans, play with different washes, textures (say yes to pleated trousers), and experiment with your grandpa’s belts.

Unique sweaters and knitwear. Autumn attire is all about layering- and a unique knitwear statement piece will really make an impression. From a cute cardigan to a V-neck sweater, these autumn-ready gear provide both thermal production and an opportunity to layer over a white tee or beneath a jacket. Luke Power ‘24 personally prefers a cashmere sweater or cable knit, with versatile layers to dress them up and down. Beloved Leanne Winkler in the Academic office says yes to statement sweaters. The perfect knitwear will make you look cozy on an autumn day while they also shout “hug me” to your friends.

Spots of Fall colors. Sneak in hints of brown, burgundy, gray, and olive green into your new fit. As the fall foliage slowly engulfs the Middlesex campus, it is pivotal to match the vibe of the picturesque setting. Consider brown trousers or a gray cardigan. Amrita Tromge ‘26 personally loves little pops of red on leather boots or manicures with dark shades of red, as the color is also a recurring trend on the fall-winter 2023 runways. A little color wouldn’t hurt an outfit, right Dr. Wetzel? Just kidding, don’t come at me.

Adidas sneakers. You’ve seen them everywhere on Tik Tok and Instagram- the versatile., clean, and frankly, very chic sneakers. Recommended by Esme Coes ’24 and adored by our Tom Kane too, Adidas sneakers are still going strong in 2023, and they will really become a staple in your closet. Pairing well with jeans, skirts, and even formal trousers, the three-striped sneakers bring a sporty look to an outfit, and their versatility is why they are so beloved. Aside from the classic Sambas, other Adidas lines are also making a growing appearance, like the Gazelles, Campus 00s, Superstars, and many more.

Accessorize to the moon. It’s all about layering. Whether it is a Carhartt beanie or Mr. Hitzrot’s very own bucket hat, we all need something to cover our heads from the expected cold temperatures this fall. A unique scarf would also be a sublime accessory. Be a little playful. Claire Stone ‘26 says bows, as an accessory, are much in demand, being a versatile headwear that also ornaments flawlessly on dresses.

Sixing Wang