As a fashion lover who attends LSU here in the Deep South, it almost feels impossible to dress the way my little heart desires — especially when “fall” rolls around.
When I think of curating my fall wardrobe, I immediately think of style icons like the queen of the Upper East Side in the early 2000s drama “Gossip Girl,” Blair Waldorf.
Waldorf’s ensembles consisted of layers and accessories like her signature headbands and scarves. Due to geographical reasons, here in the South — where the heat and humidity are inescapable — a layered wardrobe isn’t really ideal.
So, let’s talk about how to achieve fall looks as a resident of Baton Rouge.
You can start by transitioning your summer pieces to your fall favorites.
Two fashion pioneers who frequent my mood boards are Carrie Bradshaw and Zoë Kravitz. Jennifer Aniston also pulls off a relaxed, quiet-luxury aesthetic.
Our fall often feels like a New York summer. In the summer episodes of “Sex and The City,” Bradshaw navigates the busy streets of NYC in slip dresses, maxi skirts, loose blouses, camisoles — and of course, her signature high heels.
I personally do a lot of walking around campus, so I trade Bradshaw’s strappy Jimmy Choos for comfy Old Navy flip-flops, reserving my Choos for the weekend.
A flip-flop adds comfort to an outfit but gives off a cool and effortless look. Let’s face it, flip-flops don’t need to be put away until the weather calls for a cold front brisk enough to give one frostbite, which rarely happens here.
If you’re not a flip-flop fan, Birkenstocks — specifically Bostons — are a great option. Obviously, loafers and sneakers are also go-tos.
There’s something so easy and breezy about a flip-flop. It reminds me of the relaxed lifestyle of surfers on the West Coast and easy summer days strolling down Magazine Street in NOLA. In an interview with “Glamour” magazine, actress Jennifer Aniston revealed why she’s never attended the Met Gala, known as fashion’s biggest night to many. While Aniston loves dressing up, she explained, “I’m a ‘jeans and flip-flops and tank top’ kind of girl.”
I relate to Aniston’s choice of attire. Being comfortable and chic can exist simultaneously. That aesthetic also applies to Zoë Kravitz, who has mastered the effortless-chic-girl-about-town look down to a T. I often lean into this vibe.
Kravitz’s street style consists of tank tops, vintage baby tees, slip dresses and skirts.
And yes, I too love a maxi slip skirt. It’s one of the most worn pieces in my capsule wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe, by the way, is a collection of interchangeable pieces that can be worn season after season.
Curating a capsule wardrobe is beneficial because it allows you to build a collection of classic pieces you can easily style. It’s also beneficial for sustainability–we’re environmentally conscious around these parts.
Think quality over quantity.
Over the last three years, I’ve built my capsule wardrobe, which consists of a color scheme of neutrals such as black, blush, white, army green and navy blue. My campus uniform was easily generated from this scheme.
A typical week of outfits for me centers around ensembles featuring maxi skirts, jeans, button-downs and tennis skirts.
The sporty-chic route is preppy, comfy and put together.
My cycle of accessories completes every look. I choose from a rotation of canvas totes, sunglasses, baseball caps, gold rings, bangles, hoops and my signature prescription specs, of course.
While the weather is a big indicator of what we can wear comfortably, here are some of my favorite aesthetic items and go-tos, according to my fashion forecast for surviving fall in the south.
Ballet flats. I recently added a pair of leopard ballet flats to my repertoire that perfectly complement my favorite relaxed fit jeans. Ballet flats are the perfect upgrade to any basic outfit.
Boots. I find myself mainly wearing boots while on the East Coast. However, the wet and rainy weather conditions we had a few weeks ago presented the best opportunity to sport an ensemble that featured my platform Steve Madden boots. I’m also a huge fan of Frye and moto boots this season.
Boho chic aesthetic. I’m here for these vibes because there are so many variations to explore. You can sport a maxi skirt and flip-flops or wear denim cutoffs and fringe suede boots; both are fitting. A little fashion history: boho and Western styles that are seen everywhere are derived from Indigenous traditional garb.
Tights. How I love a mini skirt and tights. I promise, if we experienced cooler weather in the Boot, tights would always be in rotation for me.
To see more of my favorite fall must-haves, check out my Pinterest board linked here: Fall Fashion Mood Board.
Trends come and go, but your personal style is forever. Don’t let the weather stop you from wearing what you love and feel good in this fall.
Ava Francis is a 22-year-old journalism major from New Orleans.
