What Are We Wearing This Season?

As the temperature drops, the Dunlap High hallways are slowly turning into a runway of cozy colors and layered outfits. This season, comfort is definitely the priority, but that doesn’t mean people are giving up style. The vibe is warm, soft, and expressive, mixing personal comfort with just enough detail to look intentional.

One freshman (who chose to remain anonymous) described her fall style as simply “comfy.” She’s reaching for soft sweaters, oversized sweatshirts, and clothing that feels good to learn comfortably during long school days. Her look is relaxed, warm, and easy. It’s the type of outfit that makes you want to hug yourself.

Krupa Patel, a sophomore, has a style that leans into warmth and comfort, but with a more refined style. She loves pairing different types of jeans, especially baggy or distressed, with soft sweaters and layered jackets. Plaid jackets are one of her go-to pieces this time of year, and on more laid-back days, she is all about matching sweat sets. She also gravitates toward warm fall tones, like creamy beige, chocolate brown, and olive green.

“My fall aesthetic is cozy but cute, comfy but still put together,” she added.

Tanmay Shankar, a freshman, calls his look the “Snoopy aesthetic,” which honestly is a fitting description. His fall wardrobe is full of baggy jeans, cargo pants, crewnecks, and sweatpants — pieces that are easy to throw on but still look relaxed and fun. It’s casual, cozy, and confident in its simplicity.

Another student shared a completely different approach to style that’s unique and creative. They described their aesthetic as a mix of dark academia, Y2K, and grunge/punk influences, blended with elements of their cultural heritage. They have been exploring ways to incorporate traditional Han Chinese clothing into modern everyday outfits.

One outfit they love for fall is a black turtleneck paired with black cargo pants, accompanied by a double-sided, Tang Dynasty-inspired coat. They usually wear it on the black side and fold it over so that the red accents are visible at the collar. The look feels both futuristic and historical, mixing techwear vibes with traditional elegance. They also love playing with silhouettes, such as cropped blazers with maxi skirts, or wide pinstriped pants that flow like fabric you’d find in Hara juku Street fashion. They also experiment with layering as well: bomber jackets with tights layered under embellished skirts or shorts, often mixing textures like fishnet or patterned mesh. Their style shows how clothing can be more than comfortable. Your outfit can show your identity, heritage, and tell a story.

Platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are definitely shaping what we’re seeing in the hallways. Adidas Sambas and Gazelles are everywhere right now, usually paired with baggy denim or cute skirts. Striped shirts and classic button-ups are making a comeback with the rise of the preppy, Ralph Lauren-inspired look. And UGG Mini Boots and Tasmans seem to be the new default shoe of the season because of their versatility. Matching sweat sets, in both neutrals and bold fall tones, still dominate as well.

The overall vibe is cozy, neutral, and timeless. This fall isn’t about dressing to impress. It’s about dressing to feel good. Whether you’re layering plaid jackets, living in oversized hoodies, or building cute matching sets, the real trend this season is simply dressing in a way that feels true to who you are.