Features

Pumpkin spice season

Graphic by Kelly Smith '19.

Welcoming fall and all its trends. 

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With the official first day of fall passing on Sept. 22, it’s time to indulge in all of the season’s best trends. Autumn has become a major marketing season, as consumers shamelessly give in to every new fad the market has to offer. While we might not  admit it, most of us are guilty of following at least one trend during these transitional months. Here are a few timeless fall staples to buy into this year.

Sweater Weather: Although summer has gotten a second wind this month, no one can resist a great sweater. Fall is the perfect time to rock a cable knit or pullover, without worrying about  hiding  it under a winter coat. Sweaters are the perfect solution for dressing comfortably while still looking cute.

Flannel Shirts: Another fashion necessity for fall are flannels. Much like sweaters, flannel shirts seem to never go out of style. They come in every color combination imaginable, making it nearly impossible to have too many. Whether you throw one on over a tee shirt or tie one around your waist, a flannel is the most versatile piece of the season.

Fall Décor: Stores tend to go wild on seasonal décor this time of year. Fall is unique in that it receives its own line of home goods and decorations in stores. While other seasons are usually centered around their major holidays (i.e. winter decorations are usually just Christmas decorations), autumn stands on its own, with décor distinct from Halloween or Thanksgiving. Head to Michaels or Target for fun accents to deck out your dorm in orange and red.

Autumn Activities: While every season comes with its own pastimes, fall has many activities to pack into the short season. You can expect your Instagram feed to be full of pumpkin patches, bonfires and haunted houses.

Scented Candles: While candles are sadly restricted on campus, that doesn’t  have to stop you from enjoying the scents of the season. Fall has some of the best scents of the year that really give you a sense of seasonal spirit. If you can’t actually light a candle, you can still head to Bath and Body Works to take in some of their most popular seasonal fragrances, such as “Leaves” or “Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin.”

Seasonal Drinks: Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSL) are probably the first thought for most people, but autumn has much more to offer in terms of beverages. There are plenty of warm drink options, even for those who are not pumpkin fans. Fresh apple cider, salted caramel lattes and anything with cinnamon are just as good as a PSL in the autumn months.

All Pumpkin Everything: Again, the famous PSL may come to mind, but many companies have really taken the pumpkin idea and run with it. Grocery stores have entire sections dedicated to the pumpkin spice flavor, and apparently, we have not grown tired of it yet. Among the highlights are Pumpkin Spice Cheerios, Pumpkin Spice Oreos and Pumpkin Spice donuts.

Although some fall trends are overhyped, there is something about this season that makes many of us excited. It’s now the time where we can throw on an oversized sweater, sip a warm spicy drink, and enjoy the cool weather and changing leaves.

About the author

Emily Graham

Emily Graham is the Managing Editor of The Hawk Newspaper. She is a communication studies and Spanish double major with an English minor. Read more of her work here.