12 minute read
A&E
By Sarah Beck Staff writer
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Now that the weather has finally flipped its switch to match the current season, we find fall fashion upon us.
This season is a personal favorite of mine because of the fashions that come along with it.
It is the perfect time to play around with your individual style because everyone else is, too.
So, this fall season, be expressive with your fashion choices, mix prints, play with textures and explore the art of layering— it is the key to a perfect fall outfit!
When in doubt, go with a monochromatic look; it is a classic trend that is especially in this fall. In particular, all-black outfits are rocking the streets everywhere right now.
We are currently in that awkward transitional time period where it is chilly enough for a light jacket but not quite cold enough to layer items on top of each other.
That’s why the mini skirt is the perfect trend for the current transition period. This piece of apparel isn’t for everyone, especially those who like to dress more conservatively. But, when styled correctly, it can be a real statement.
The mini skirt is coming back due to the massive insurgence of the Y2K trend that was especially popular on the spring 2022 runways.
Additionally, the Y2K trend is another reason why we are seeing a lot of denim mini and even micro skirts as well as full denim outfits, AKA the “Canadian Tuxedo.”
The best tip I can give you for styling a mini skirt is to balance tight garments with oversized ones. It will even out the proportions of the look and make it look more complete.
Additionally, try to go with a tote bag on a day when you wear a mini skirt; backpacks tend to hike up the back of our miniskirts.
A new slant on the classic “sweater weather” phrase is taking that fall sweater staple and making it a sweater vest.
Think of it as swapping out pumpkin spice for maple in your fall-flavored latte.
Vests in general are a major trend this fall season, particularly the puffer, sweater and suit vest.
In fact, this piece of apparel is the perfect addition to the fall layering formula. It is not only fashionable but also quite practical as it increases your core temperature keeping you nice and warm in the fall chill.
One of the leading textures for this Fall 2022 season is leather, which is a fabric that will almost never go out of style.
All-leather outfits have become wildly popular.
If that is not your speed, a simple oversized leather jacket or blazer is all the rage this season. It will keep you both warm and stylish.
Consider switching up from the basic black leather too— brown and even a bright pop of color such as orange or green can be an iconic moment.
Let’s talk shoes, an aspect of an outfit that cannot be overlooked.
As Christian Louboutin once said, “A shoe has so much more to offer than just a walk.”
Of course, the staple fall shoe is a cute pair of boots, but we are seeing a variation in the traditional bean or ankle bootie.
A major trend this season is cowgirl boots, in a variety of heights and colors.
Additionally, any type of platform shoe, especially platform boots, are reliable staple.
The brand Steve Madden has been gaining a lot of popularity this fall season for its many variations of the platform boot.
A general rule of thumb for boots this season is large and over the knee; think flair jeans in the opposite direction.
Lastly, a good chunky flat Mary Jane or loafer is another absolute must this fall, playing into the trending dark and light academia aesthetic.
Bonus points if you add a pair of white socks or thigh-high tights to your shoe selection.
Accessories are truly what tie in your entire outfit, and this season we are seeing some unexpected choices.
For a while, Bluetooth earbuds were all the rage. However, we have started to see the popularity of over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones steadily increase, so much that they have become a bit of a wardrobe staple.
Another trending accessory for this fall season is legwarmers, especially in white. They tie perfectly into the trendy ballet-core aesthetic.
The great thing about all of these trends is that they can be applied to all different kinds of aesthetics and genders.
Fashion is fluid— no trend or piece of apparel is for any specific individual. Take the chance to try out a style that you wouldn’t typically go for.
Fashion is meant to be a form of expression; if your outfit brings you confidence and joy, it is the perfect outfit for you!
If none of these trends are your style, that is totally okay; trends are socially constructed, anyway. Fall fashion is whatever you want it to be.
The fashion industry is even noticing this change.
Trends cycle so quickly that almost nothing is specifically on “trend,” although we do see some styles and pieces more than others.
A very powerful figure in fashion right now is Wisdom Kaye, an influencer who made his break on TikTok.
“Nothing is trendy because everything is trendy all at once. Everyone is wearing everything now,” Kaye said in one of his recent videos. “Because we don’t have to worry so much about what is trending right now in this particular time, we as people can actually consume less.”
This makes it easy to hop onto trends by sourcing through local thrift or vintage stores because trends cycle from previous years.
Fall is truly the ideal time to add new pieces to your wardrobe from the thrift store because you can find vintage pieces that were made with thicker, more quality fabrics that will help you stay warm this fall.
Additionally, supporting local thrift and vintage stores helps to stimulate the local economy while also aiding in the decrease of one of the landfill’s largest contributors, textiles.
And you can find some cool and unique pieces that simply aren’t in stores anymore.
So, what are you doing? Stop reading and go put together some amazing fall outfits!
Photos from left to right: a sweater vest styled with jeans; white legwarmers styled with a mini skirt; platform boots with a chunky heel; full denim outfit, also known as a “Canadian Tuxedo.” All photos contributed.
Hurst Hot Take: ‘Heartbreak High’ (2022)
By Emma Coppolo A&E editor
Reboots are always a tricky situation.
Whether it be following the original cast or introducing new characters, there is always potential for disaster.
One reboot that absolutely passed the test is Netflix’s “Heartbreak High”.
Set in an Australian high school, this show takes you through the trials and tribulations of the teens’ lives.
Amerie and Harper, who are best friends, make a map on a wall at their school tracing relationships and such throughout the school. After the map is discovered, the people who are featured on it prominently are placed into a new course.
The people in the course have little connection other than their anger in being there.
Along the way, though, they learn more and more about each other and themselves.
One major appeal of the show is its beautiful representation.
It has received much acclaim online for the portrayal of an autistic character by an autistic actress.
Quinni, played by Chloe Hayden, provides a perspective that is rarely presented on television.
Another character, Sasha, continuously attempts to make things easier for Quinni.
In the process, she takes away some of her autonomy and sees her differently because of her autism.
Hayden’s emotions when addressing this issue in-character are raw, and her performance is inspiring.
Additionally, Quinni’s best friend is a nonbinary student named Darren.
Some of the scenes with Darren’s parents show such a positive example of acceptance.
My favorite part of the series is the little moments where the characters are truly happy.
For both these moments and the Australian accents, “Hearbreak High” is worth the watch.
Nostalgia Nook: Stories we remember
By Eva Phillips Staff writer
As I was scrolling mindlessly through social media the other day, an image caught my attention.
It was a picture of a book cover: “The Mark of Athena” by Rick Riordan.
For a moment, I recalled how much I had enjoyed the book when I read it in middle school.
When I paused to read the caption, though, I was overcome with shock.
The caption revealed that ten years had passed since the book was released, and my immediate reaction was, “that’s not possible.”
And yet it was true.
A whole decade had passed since my vivid memory of preordering the book and begging my mom to take me to Barnes and Noble to pick it up as soon as it was released.
It was a nostalgic moment, and it made me consider the other series I used to love.
First up is the “Magic Treehouse” series, about a pair of siblings who discovered a time-traveling treehouse that could take them to any time and place.
Inevitably, they ended up at moments of historical disaster: the sinking of the Titanic, the Civil War, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and more.
I discovered these books when my older sister started reading them, and I would always comb the library’s shelves for new installments that I had not read.
Looking back, I credit these books for sparking my love of history.
Another classic series is the “Little House on the Prairie” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
These books carry a personal connection for me, since we kept the series on the bookcase in my bedroom so that my mom could read from them to me every night.
It took us a while to get through the whole series, but I can still remember hearing about the trials and excitement of life on the frontier.
As I got older, my favorite book series became part of my friendships.
While I do not remember anything about the plot of the “Mysterious Benedict Society” series, I remember that my childhood best friend recommended the books to me and lent me her copy.
My fourth-grade classroom had a “Harry Potter”-themed chess set that was the most coveted game for indoor recess.
In warm weather, we made up our own version of Quidditch to play outside— minus the flying brooms.
In middle school, at the height of the popularity of “The Hunger Games,” we fiercely debated whether Team Peeta or Team Gale was better.
Out of all these book series, Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series is the most nostalgic.
Nearly every year from the time I was in third grade up through eighth grade brought an addition to the series and its spinoff, “The Heroes of Olympus.”
My friends and I would discuss which ‘cabin’ we would be part of, with each cabin corresponding to an Olympian god, and the books sparked our interest in Greek and Roman mythology.
The series gave us plenty to talk and joke about.
Even though I have lost touch with most of my elementary school classmates, the memories of good times still make me smile.
As sad as it is to say, it is harder now to find the time to pick up a book and read just for fun.
Usually, I can only find the time to do so during the summer or over Christmas break.
Maybe one of these days I can dig out my worn copies of “Percy Jackson” or “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” letting the stresses of everyday college life slip away, even if it’s just for a few hours.
It might just be exactly what we all need in the midst of a stressful semester— to feel like a kid again.
Contributed photo
The final book in the “House of Olympus” series, The Mark of Athena.
Representation in media thrives high
By Mackenzie Zent Opinion editor
Every year, there is progress being made with media becoming more inclusive of LGBTQ characters and storylines.
Since the world is a diverse place, it is important to showcase this reality in TV and movies.
“Heartstopper” is a series on Netflix that came out in April of this year.
It is such a feel-good show and an easy watch as there are only ten episodes in the first season.
Based on a comic book series, the show follows 14-year-old Charlie Spring, who has been bullied for being one of the only openly gay students at his school.
Things start to heat up when he becomes friends with Nick Nelson, who he likes as more than a friend.
All of Charlie’s friends tell him that Nick is straight, and there is no way he has a chance with him.
Without giving too much away, Nick also has a storyline developing showing his growing feelings for Charlie.
The show has many scenes that pull on the viewers heartstrings and hit home to those who resonate with Nick and Charlie.
Heartstopper accurately depicts the excitement, fear, happiness and heartbreak that come with accepting yourself and falling for someone when you are queer.
Another show that may be popular for fall is “The Haunting of Bly Manor.”
The Netflix original came out in 2020, with the intent of the first season being its only season.
The story takes place in London in 1987. Dani is an American girl who moved to England to be an au pair for two young kids at their home, Bly Manor.
Dani is haunted by the death of her ex-fiancé and sees him in mirrors and in front of her while she is going about her day-to-day life.
This is not the only frightening thing happening as Bly Manor holds secrets of its own.
While the show progresses, it becomes very clear that the place is haunted, and not everyone will make it out alive.
When Dani moves in, she meets the gardener, Jamie, who she has an immediate attraction to.
Running from the ghosts of her past, Dani follows her heart for the first time and falls in love with Jamie.
The love story between them is shown in such a beautiful and natural way.
Unlike a lot of queer shows, it is not a big deal that Dani and Jamie are together and there is never an official coming out scene.
While coming out scenes are important to be shown too, it is nice to see a lesbian relationship as not a huge plot point.
Just like any straight couple would not have to state that they are straight, Jamie and Dani never say that they are gay, but their love story is just as real.
This is really important for a lot of people because when someone feels different than everyone else, they can find it hard to picture themselves having a “normal” life.
Dani and Jamie’s love story is the perfect example of gay relationships being normal and natural.
With the amount of inclusion increasing in media, there is a character or storyline out there for everyone.
This representation is so meaningful and shows people that no matter who they are, they are not alone.
Dani (left) and Jamie (right) from Netflix’s “Haunting of Bly Manor”.
Contributed photo
