It's Time to Switch It Up—These 5 Fall Aesthetics Have Inspired Me
I'm all about switching up your aesthetic. A lot of the time when people ask me to describe my style, I struggle to answer since I so often let my mood dictate what I am going to wear that day. If I'm feeling a little edgier, I may go for something all-black or leather. Sometimes, though, I feel like dressing super flirty with pretty detailing. Other times I want to look like a '90s supermodel running around New York. As you can see, I can be a little all over the map. But I think that's okay—your personal style is all about expressing yourself and using fashion to show how you want the world to see you that day, and for me, that's not the same thing every day. Other people can find a certain aesthetic and completely commit to it, and I say to those people, "I'm impressed."
This season, I've been seeing five specific fashionable aesthetics that I'm definitely trying myself. Keep scrolling to see which five you should also consider trying for fall.
1. Nineties Minimalism
The '90s minimalism look will always be a cool-girl favorite. Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber often opt for this look, and it's all about being able to capture that allure of the '90s effortlessly sexy and understated vibe. Leather jackets, straight-leg denim, trench coats, and small sunglasses are all great ways to tap into it.
2. Prep-School Chic
This vibe may be my favorite for fall. We all have nostalgia about going back to school around September each year, but this time, it's like I get to decide on my own super-chic uniform. The vibe is the original Gossip Girl, preppy Upper East side private school, literary professor chic. The pieces I'm loving for this look are penny loafers, miniskirts, sweater-vests, and cute accessories like cable-knit socks or headbands.
3. Balletcore
This ballerina-inspired vibe is so romantic and pretty, how can you not fall in love with it? I'm seeing fashion girls and editors alike purchasing ballet flats, embracing all things sheer and silk, and loving dainty detailing like bows, sparkles, wrap cardigans, and loungewear that looks like you're about to head to your Nutcracker audition. Besides, who doesn't want to look like a ballerina?
4. Costal Granddaughter
The viral "coastal granddaughter" aesthetic that was all over TikTok this summer is also a super-chic fall vibe. This aesthetic combines the energy of cottagecore, New England small beach town vibes mixed with a little bit of an old money edge. Think cream cable-knit sweaters, button-down shirts paired with striped half zip-up, and a color pallet of beige, gray, white, and navy.
5. Neutral & Cozy
Nothing says fall like a neutral look. Warm browns and beige, cool heather gray, cream and white, and, of course, black is all the color scheme that makes this aesthetic. There is something so simple, elegant, and expensive looking about this aesthetic. Brands that come to mind when I think of this vibe are Nili Lotan, Paige, and Vince. Think shearling, wool coats, cashmere, and leather. I would say I'm wearing mostly looks with this aesthetic this fall. I love it.
Next, check out theses shopping guides.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. As the previous assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.
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