Labor Day has come and gone, and believe it or not, fall break is ahead in the not-so-distant future. No one is ready to give up their summer clothes just yet on the chance that we may get one more 90-degree day, but sadly the time has come. Fall fashion is always comprised of basics, so the trick to making your style unique is to buy the right jacket and accessorize. Also, as many of you will find out, fall in Ithaca can be brutal, so make sure that whatever you are buying is not only fashion forward but will keep you warm and toasty as well.
Comfy Coats
It’s time to retire that denim jacket and start to look for something more autumn chic. Jacket shopping can be about as torturous as choosing between The O.C. and Lost, so we’ve come up with a few pointers to ensure that you will select the best style for you. For smaller frames, pick a jacket with a straight cut that will accent your shape without making you look too thin or billowy. Luckily for you, you can get away with wearing those cute, puffy, short jackets that all of us want but can’t have for fear of looking like sasquatch. If you have more of a busty build, opt for a peacoat that hits mid-thigh and doesn’t cinch in the middle.
Toasty Tees
There’s nothing worse than trekking up the slope to class and realizing a tad too late that your thin, long-sleeve shirt isn’t cutting it. Fortunately, thermals that were once reserved for your little brother’s camping trip have come into their own. Stores such as American Eagle and Abercrombie offer cute and comfortable alternatives to the grey grandpa ones found in the Wal-Mart underwear section. Their extra long sleeves make them ideal for covering up your cold fingers during your morning walk across the arctic tundra known as Ithaca. Wear a cute oversized belt and chunky jewelry to take this look from hunting to Hollywood.
Autumn Trinkets
To spice up that plain long-sleeved shirt (as mentioned above), buy some unique pieces of jewelry that make a statement and set your outfit apart from all the others. Vintage jewelry is a must-have right now and can be worn with practically anything. Opt for those that include natural stones (turquoise, amber, tigers eye). Big jewelry is definitely in, but to avoid looking like a gypsy, steer clear of gaudy baubles. Wooden bangles embellished in gold are ideal for any fall ensemble and we also highly recommend chunky stone necklaces of the non-Wilma Flintstone kind.
The Harvest Hobo
Throw that L.L. Bean backpack away and instead sling this season’s hot oversized hobo over your shoulder. It will make you look like you just stepped out of SoHo, no matter what you’re wearing. Stick with brown leather to avoid looking cheap, especially because these bags cost a pretty penny and be sure to check that it is big enough for your books.
Cowboy/Riding Boots
To keep your feet frostbite free, slip on some cute cowboy or riding boots for a wild west inspired look. Avoid buying ones made of snake/alligator skin, because you will look like a Vegas showgirl. Choose boots with a small heel and subtle design for a classier look. Avoid over-the-knee black riding boots – you aren’t racing horses through the Ag Quad. Also, stick to earthy colors such as brown. We recommend showing off your purchases by pairing them with skinny jeans.
Archived article by Maria Panagopulos and Joanna DiCostanzo
Sun Contributors