The Fall is filled with back to school wear and unique new outfits. I found the 3 most popular trends to be Old Money, Cottagecore, and Downtown.
Old Money
The picture shown is an old money type of wear, I see things very similar to this outfit as I go to class each day.
Listed into the aesthetics category of ‘old money’, is American prep, or also known as, preppy. The preppy style started back in the 1890’s into the early 1900’s. However, this style did not gain more popularity until the 1940’s.
The photo shows a white sweater with the American flag on it. The choice of pant-wear is lighter red shorts with dark red stripes. The footwear consists of pearl white shoes. When looking up the definition of what “preppy” exactly means, readings state, “Preppy fashion is a style that’s inspired by traditional East Coast American fashion, especially Ivy League and nautical looks.”
Key elements to this aesthetic are: color palette, patterns, signature items, origin, and evolution. Clothing items that can be found in “preppy” category are: Barbour, jumpers, Polo shirts, preppy patterns, striped shirts, blazers, blue shirts, dresses, necklaces, rugby shirts, and sweaters.
Preppy colors are black, white, and any bright colors. Patterns will consist of stripes, polka dots, gingham, and mod patterns.
Cottage-Core
Cottage-core is a classy look amongst the campus for girls. Shown is a light pink dress with pink roses throughout. The shoes are a black sandaled type of heels.
Cottage-core started back in the 2010’s and is based on rural European life. This did not become well known until 2017-2019. Cottage-core is as stated from online sources, “An internet-based aesthetic that romanticizes rural life, and is characterized by a focus on simplicity, sustainability, and a connection to nature.”
Key elements of this fashion are: lifestyle, interior design, fashion, crafts, gardening, and tablescaping. Clothing choices that fall into this aesthetic are: maxi dresses, boots, floral, cottage-core dresses, chunky cardigans, floral Midi Dress, cozy sweaters, midi skirts, Midi dresses, overalls, cottage-core accessories, straw hat, jean blouse and more.
Downtown
The image shows a green hoodie that has “SANDIEGO” printed on it in all capital letters, it makes a bold statement all on its own. The outfit also consists of blue jeans and black converse. Downtown fashion is as states, “An aesthetic that revolves around the romanticization of living in the downtown of a city, specifically in New Work.”
Any city falls into the aesthetic of a “downtown” type of look. The key elements to look like you are from downtown are; “downtown fashion in New York (any city), downtown girl aesthetic, and also street style.” This aesthetic started back in the 1970’s through the 1980’s. It was well known in East Village along with SoHo (South of Houston Street).
Although this began in the 70’s and 80’s, it did not officially gain its now well known popularity until the 1990’s. Downtown can be any casual clothing, it is broad and not overly specific. It is all about self expression, and what may influence you.
Core-elations with Fits
When it comes to elegance, Old Money and Cottage-core styles can be inspired from both Pinterest and Shein. Not only will you find a lot of inspiration for ideas, but you can also find cheaper clothes for these styles from Shein.
There are also websites that direct you in the right path such as, Cider, Banana Republic, and Commense. Downtown fashion can be found on Pinterest and Shein as well.
You will find that many things fit into this specific aesthetic. Minga London is a great website for downtown inspiration. Overall, search up what type of clothing and accessory that you desire, and you will be amazed at all you can find!
