How to Become the Fall It-Girl
design: Katie Huang
The leaves are changing, and Meg Ryan season is finally here.
by OLIVIA RODRIGUEZ ★ OCTOBER 31, 2023
It goes without saying that autumn (IMO) is the BEST season of the year. The minute that leaves start falling and Bath and Body works starts their annual fall sale is when I come alive. The crisp fall air and the perfect 60 degree weather always works its magic, creating the perfect vibes for change. So this year, channel your inner fall it-girl energy and soak up the season with these steps:
Find the Right Fall Treat
Mornings are notoriously rough, but the best way to start your day in a good mood is to treat yourself. Fall is the time to ditch the idea that little treats and rewards need to be earned. Life is hard; from going to class, keeping up with work, having a job or internship, staying involved in extracurriculars, etc. You shouldn’t have to come up with some justification to reward yourself. Treat yourself to fall classics like snickerdoodle cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, or a chai coffee cake. I promise, you totally deserve it!
Dress for the Aesthetic
I may be biased, but one of the reasons that fall is my favorite season is the fashion. I can’t resist a chunky sweater. To truly embody the classic fall it-girl style, it’s critical to take inspiration from the fictional paradigms of fall fashion: Elle Woods, Andy Sachs, Sally Albright, Lorelai Gilmore, and Rachel Green to name a few. These girls know how to rock a pair of tights and Mary Janes. Personally, I am a fall academia girl. I’m all about skirts, knit sweaters, oversized jackets, and plaid. But, fall offers a million different outfit aesthetics for you to choose from. From folky to witchy to Christian girl autumn, the key to being an it-girl is to wear what makes you comfortable. Try out some new styles, or stick with the tried and true. Being an it-girl means what you’re wearing makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Romanticize Academia
Fall weather is the perfect time to get into study mode. As the weather gets colder, exams are on the horizon. But one of the best ways to motivate yourself is by romanticizing your schoolwork. Whether that’s studying in a pretty location, taking a trip to the library, or starting a study group with some friends, finding ways to make doing work fun and aesthetic actually makes it easier. You’ll be more inspired to do your best work when you’re not actively dreading it. A little delusion never hurt anybody. Creating a fantasy of being a model student with cute note-taking materials and organized notes really will manifest into a more productive lifestyle!
Get Out of Your Reading Slump
Books and fall are just meant to go together. Reading is a great way to distract yourself from devices and take joy in the simple pleasures. If you’re in the middle of a reading slump (which I totally get), there are some easy ways to escape it. Rereading your favorite books or short stories, listening to audiobooks, or taking a look at some of BookTok’s latest recommendations are great ways to inspire even the most reluctant of readers. Some of my personal fall recommendations are The Secret History (Donna Tartt), Murder on the Orient Express (Agatha Christie), Dead Poets Society (Nancy H. Kleinbaum, and Frankenstein (Mary Shelley).
Go on a movie binge
This might be my favorite step. I ADORE fall movies and I think there are just so many to choose from to put you in the cozy mood. This is the perfect season for almost every type of genre, satisfying the horror fans and romcom lovers alike. Here’s my official list of the top 10 must-sees this fall guaranteed to get you in the pumpkin-scented candle spirit.
When Harry Met Sally
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Scream (1996)
Halloween (1978)
Twilight
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
The Devil Wears Prada
Dead Poets Society
Fantastic Mr.Fox
Corpse Bride
Above all, the embodiment of an it-girl comes from the confidence you have in yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out or pretend that you’re not experiencing the stress the season might bring–what’s really important is prioritizing you. So pull your earthy toned sweaters and leg warmers out from retirement, and embrace all the beauty that this season has to offer in whichever way makes you feel best. Remember, you’ll attract the kind of energy you put out into the fall air!