Fall is upon us again, and Harvard students are gearing up to face the cold Boston weather. For most New Englanders, this means basic sweaters, jeans, and boots. Harvard students, however, are notorious for repping their club merch. Whether it is a CS50 t-shirt or a DHA crewneck, students love to boast about their belonging to a group. Here is a guide to keeping up with fall trends and an incentive to toss club merch aside.
If you want to ditch the traditional puffer jacket this fall and embrace a more stylish option, long wool trench coats are a must-have for fall on the East Coast. Layering is critical during the cold months, and a long, cozy coat is an easy throw-on piece that will keep you warm without sacrificing style. With over one million views on TikTok, _livslooks discusses the “long coat theory,” in which a long coat will elevate any outfit to look fashionable and model-esque. Whether it’s beige, black, or an eye-catching color, a coat like this is an easy way to elevate an outfit. You can even wear it over your club hoodies!
Ballet flats are making an appearance in fall fashion this year, with students rocking pastel or vibrant primary-colored ballet flats. With jeans and knit sweaters, a bright and elegant shoe goes a long way in boosting an outfit. Influencer Kim J. Brannigan suggests wearing slim-fit jeans that hit above the ankle rather than long, baggy jeans to style ballet flats. As the weather gets colder, there is no need to fear; some influencers wear tiny white socks underneath their flats to keep their feet warm.
Whether navy blue, white, or cream, striped sweaters are trendy and warm and have been spotted being worn by stylish people worldwide. Who doesn’t need a warm, chic sweater as the weather gets cold? There are a variety of stripe widths and colors to choose from, all equally trendy and perfect for fall. Although these could seem preppy, the influx of varieties in sweaters has given striped hoodies a more contemporary look.
Fall is the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and the once-in-a-year chance to rock loafers. If ballet flats aren’t for you, try loafers. Whether you wear them with jeans, skirts, or a dress, loafers add sophistication to any outfit. Loafers are more comfortable than heels and boots and more stylish than sneakers, making them a worthwhile addition to any fall wardrobe. Influencer Emma Canot offers a variety of loafers that she believes will be the most popular in the fall of 2023, introducing the trend of chunky sole loafers to the picture. Chunky loafers are more modern and comfortable, and I promise they’re more stylish than your grandpa’s.
One trend that will be making a reappearance in fall 2023 is UGG Boots. Last year, ultra mini UGG boots flew off the shelves, making it impossible to secure a pair before they sold out. Get on it early this year by purchasing your UGGs in the fall. If you want a stylish touch or just a boost in height, try the ultra mini-platform boots.
Controversial last spring and likely still controversial in fall 2023: sheer skirts and shirts are coming back this season. Sheer shirts come in every style: crop tops, button-downs, and even turtlenecks. From mesh to lace, these shirts are an easy staple to incorporate into your wardrobe, no matter your style. This daunting piece is easily toned down; pair them with a tank or t-shirt to limit exposed skin.
Lauren Barakett ’27 (laurenbarakett@college.harvard.edu) will be wearing her Harvard Independent hoodie everywhere this fall.