With Gen Z and late Millennials finally rising to the age of many of their favorite 2000s coming of age TV shows, a lot of the fashion trends are mirroring those seen in the fall episodes. Shows like Gilmore Girls, The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girls, The OC, and more are having young adults adopting the boot cut jeans and layered shirts once more. 

"I am loving that the aesthetics of 2009 are coming back and just the simpleness of it all," VIM Magazine editor-in-chief and journalism and social relations and policy senior Grace Oluwole said. "We’re in a very nostalgic time and I feel like there’s no better season to feel nostalgic than the fall."

The TV show Gossip Girl is playing a particular large role in inspiring the fashion trends for this fall. The preppy/old money aesthetic that the show features is being seen across not only campus but social media. Certain items like mini skirts, dress coats, long plaid scarfs, kitten heels as well as materials like silk and lace are becoming the staples of this season. 

It doesn’t just stop there, generations of fall wardrobes are making a reappearance this year. Fashion often runs in cycles with some items remaining popular for a decade and then reemerging later in time. Some of this year's more popular items have had their time in the spotlight before.

"A lot of late 90s is heavily influencing the fall fashion trends but specifically the moodier stuff," elementary education freshman Scout Phillips said. "I also see a lot of influence of the 70s with the amount of chunky jewelry going on."

One of the biggest accessories that originates from 1970s fashion is chunky jewelry, and it has dominated this year. Everything from earrings to necklaces have doubled the size compared to the fall 2024 clean girl aesthetic trends. This is a major jump because for the past few years small dainty jewelry was extremely popular.

As the weather starts to transition into colder shorter days, comfort becomes the key to staying up to date with the newer trends. Staple pieces from previous falls include everything from sweaters and sweat sets to mini skirts and boots. All of these are making major comebacks the farther we get into this year, with boots being at the forefront of the season. 

"Who doesn’t love a fun pair of knee-high boots and kitten heels," Oluwole said. "I think they are such a great way to elevate your style, and a quick way to turn any casual outfit into something so cute."

With knee high boots gaining popularity once more, the platform mini UGGs are being challenged at which is the perfect fall shoe. The UGGs have been at the top of the autumn season for years being known for their comfort and stylish design. 

Some of the newest accessories that are dominating fashion this fall is the Longchamp tote bags, chunky square glasses, and the Van Cleef pattern. Everywhere on campus you can find someone sporting one of these coveted items which has made them become staples of this year.

The popularity of these items is stemming from social media, but particularly influencers and outfit inspiration. Nowadays media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest have become hot spots of where trends are being born. Doing a quick search of "fall 2025 outfit ideas" will lead one down a rabbit hole of information and photos incorporating past autumns staples with the newest trends. 

The colors that have dominated fall fashions each year include darker shades of red, orange, and purple, although this year chocolate brown and baby pink are challenging this tradition. These colors are being seen everywhere but amongst MSU students they are primary within sweaters and monochrome sweat sets.

"I see students are wearing some soft pastel tones, especially pink tones, brown and pink can go so well together," apparel and textile design assistant professor Saetbyul Park said. "I’m seeing some solid colors with minimal patterns, but the brown is bringing in a lot of leopard print."

Recently there has been a surge in clothing items, accessories, and even nail designs featuring leopard print and polka dots. These are being seen in micro mini shorts and going out tops and have become the it pattern for fall. Both gained their popularity during the summer months and have remained on top of the trends ever since. 

"I can see the polka dots leaving a lasting influence for future falls," Phillips said. "It’s been going on since the summer but now I see it everywhere even during all rounds of sorority recruitment everyone was wearing polka dots, including myself."

The rise and fall of trends each season beg the question of if this will be something considered timeless or fall into the micro trend category. Regardless, autumn seems to be a season that makes one want to return to the comfort of years past.