Hello, Shippensburg University students! Welcome, or welcome back, to the 2024-2025 academic year. The Slate looks forward to serving you as the year continues. 

As I am sure plenty of you already have, I feel as though it is necessary to express my excitement for the upcoming autumn season. Fall has always been my favorite time of the year, and I have never strayed from the feeling. I am not sure if I adore it because I was born in October, because Halloween is my favorite holiday, or because of the overall vibe of the season. However, fall has always been my No. 1. 

The enthusiasm of the “ber” months makes its awaited comeback each year when the air begins to crisp. September, October, November and December are largely considered to be a familiar favorite in regard to the calendar. As we begin the fall semester, it is a perfect time to introduce a few things to look forward to. My favorite thing is apparent: I love fall fashion. 

The opportunity to dress according to the weather in a comfortable way is soothing for the soul. It is not too hot or too cold; the temperature and ambiance are just right. 

Each year, fashion statements change; it changes by the month. It is one of the most tirelessly evolving ideologies in the world. 

There is an annual excitement for fall because of the way that it makes people feel inside. I once read a quote that said, “Autumn exists to remind us that things must end to begin again.” As summer ends and a new chapter of your life begins, fall is there to remind you of the comfort new seasons can provide you with. Though every season is wonderful in its own way, autumn is a relaxing, exhilarating and promising time of the year. 

It’s the end of August, and I’m sitting at my desk wearing an oversized sweatshirt, sweatpants and UGG boots. It may be 88 degrees outside, but I am awaiting the brisk air impatiently. I find the availability for comfort within this season encouraging, as there are many opportunities to look and feel your best at the same time. 

This year, in particular, autumn fashion is largely characterized by entertainment. For example, “Gilmore Girls” is a cozy, warm TV series that brings several people smiles and reassurance. Author Sarah J. Maas has created a unique world for fall lovers. Many Pinterest boards have been created in regard to the cherished forms of entertainment and autumn because of their similarities, and I have plenty of fun looking through the inspirations. 

Last year, autumn was known for its “clean girl” aesthetic that many people loved and still love today. Colors began to disintegrate, and neutrals were a very common sight to see. However, this fall, colors are being welcomed back in full throttle. A mixture of navy blues, forest greens, soft pinks and deep reds are coming together to coexist within the fashionable world in which we live. 

Items like oversized sweaters, leather jackets, trench coats, pointed heels, long boots, messy hair, red lips and flare jeans have started to become more popular as the season begins to progress. Additionally, faux pajama pants are a hot commodity because of their level of comfortability and ability to be styled. These pieces collectively look put together and create a look that distributes consolation from person to person. 

There are many activities that occur within the fall season. Some of these include pumpkin patches, festivals, movie nights, traveling, dinners, holidays and carving jack-o-lanterns. These fun activities leave nothing but the craving to dress up in autumn attire. Clothing is more fun when you get to play around with it and work with pieces you may not always get to wear during other seasons. 

I picture the way all of Shippensburg’s students will look walking around campus, whether they are returning students or new. The excitement to wake up in the morning, put together an outfit that screams autumn and head to class with your headphones, coffee and backpack is truly an extraordinary feeling. 

The compliments will be heavy this year, as the seasonal cheer is beginning. Remember to dress for yourself and feel good about all of the things you’ll have to look forward to during the semester and rest of the year. Don’t forget to give yourself grace and wear sweats throughout the week, as that will be absolutely necessary. Whatever aesthetic you find yourself gravitating toward, you will add to the autumnal joy we love so much. 

Overall, I am very excited for the upcoming semester. I believe that the colors we will see, music we will hear, food we will eat and people we will meet will make this year a fabulous one to remember. Let’s be excited together and enjoy fall before the New Year. We only get one a year. 

P.S. Don’t show up to class fashionably… late. 

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