What Every Cool College Girl Will Be Wearing This Fall (According to TikTok and Our Editors)

Gone are the days when oversized sweatshirts and running shoes were the unofficial student uniform. Today’s cool college girl walks to class like she’s starring in a Sofia Coppola film—softly mysterious, romantically undone, and always dressed in timeless neutrals with a touch of intrigue. Whether she’s annotating in the library or just posing with an oat milk latte, she understands that fall isn’t just a season, it’s an aesthetic, and she’s dressing the part.

Here’s everything she’s wearing this semester, according to TikTok, our editors, and the girl in your lecture who somehow makes every outfit look like a mood board:

1. Ballet Flats Are the Main Character Again

She’s back, and she’s bringing ribbons, Mary Janes, mesh socks, and a Parisian pout. Whether you’re rushing to class or dramatically strutting across campus after seeing your ex at the dining hall, ballet flats (extra points for satin or patent leather) are the must-have shoe of the season. Pair with a pleated mini or wide-leg trousers for coquette-core with a 4.0 GPA.

Shop: Dolce Vita Reyes Ballet Flats Dk Brown Suede, $130

Shop: Chinese Laundry Sonia Mary Jane, $60

Shop: Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina, $159

Shop: Dolce Vita Reyes Ballet Flats Ivory Leather, $120

2. The Elevated Hoodie

“Just rolled out of bed” has never looked so curated. Think cropped cuts, varsity lettering, fleece linings, and designer-adjacent neutrals. It’s cozy, yes, but it's also cute enough to be spotted in while grabbing a chai before class. Bonus points if it matches your Stanley tumbler.

Shop: Altar'd State Graceful Floral Hoodie, $78

Shop: Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Fleece Hoodie, $198

Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Espresso Martini Graphic Vintage Sunday Crew, $70

Shop: Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie, $118

Shop: Favorite Daughter Go Sports Sweatshirt, $88

3. Big Bows and Hair Ribbons

The coquette takeover is real, and bows are your new best friend (again.) Clip one to your half-up ‘do, tie one to your tote, or thread it through your laces if you’re feeling extra. If you don’t look like you just kissed a summer fling goodbye at a train station, try again.

Shop: Urban Outfitters Ariana Bow Crew Sock, $15

Shop: Anthropologie Clubhouse Bow Hair Claw Clip, $12

Shop: Emi Jay Bow Barrette in Sheer Noir, $18

Shop: ASOS DESIGN Textured Black Bow Shoulder Top in Gingham Print, $30

Shop: Miss Selfridge Ribbed Bardot with Bow Detail in Cream, $40

4. Oversized Blazers and Slouchy Silhouettes

It’s the year of “he’s 6'2" and you stole his entire wardrobe.” Boxy blazers, roomy trousers, and slouchy knits are practically mandatory, but they’re balanced out with a pouty lip gloss, ballet flats, and dainty jewelry. Masculine silhouettes meet feminine flair. It’s called duality, babe.

Shop: Lululemon LuluLinen Oversized Blazer, $159

Shop: Favorite Daughter The City Blazer, $398

Shop: H&M Loose-Fit Blazer, $51

Shop: Quince Stretch Crepe Pleated Wide Leg Pants, $70

Shop: Urban Outfitters Out From Under Clarity Cozy Knit Off-The-Shoulder Top, $49

Shop: Princess Polly Snowie Off Shoulder Knit Sweater Grey, $69

5. Red Is the It-Girl Color

I know we just said that neutrals are reigning supreme this semester, but there's one exception. This fall? It’s red’s time to shine. It’s bold, sexy, romantic, and just mysterious enough to make people wonder who you're texting. Use it for nails, cardigans, ballet flats, or go full femme fatale in a head-to-toe monochrome moment. Hot tip: studies say men are biologically more attracted to women in red. Just saying.

Shop: Girotti Square Toe Flat Shoes Red, $295

Shop: Princess Polly Old Burlington Knit Cardigan Red, $59

Shop: Year Of Ours Ribbed Veronica Legging, $125

Shop: Still Here Cool Wide Leg Jeans, $285

Shop: Found Letterman Varsity Jacket, $230

Shop: Princess Polly Take A Peek Glasses Red, $25

6. “I Woke Up Like This” Button-Downs

Whether it’s crisp white, pale blue, or aggressively oversized, the classic button-down is back with a vengeance. Half-tucked into vintage denim or worn open over a silky slip dress, it’s the quiet luxury piece that says “I’m majoring in something vague but definitely impressive.”

Shop: Aritzia Wilfred Relaxed Linen Shirt, $98

Shop: J.Crew Factory Petite Relaxed Button-Up Shirt, $50

Shop: American Eagle AE77 Premium Oversized Poplin Boyfriend Shirt, $88

Shop: WAO Relaxed Oxford Shirt, $65

7. Vintage-Inspired Denim

The wide-leg jeans. The long-line skirt. The drawstring and frayed hem. Bonus points if it looks like it cost $400 but actually came from a thrift store run between lectures. Pair it with ballet flats or chunky loafers and you’ve nailed the aesthetic.

Shop: Citizens of Humanity Brynn Trouser Jeans, $298

Shop: Princess Polly Henesey High Rise Straight Leg Jeans Mid Blue Wash, $75

Shop: MOTHER The Lemon Twist Jeans, $248

Shop: Levi's Icon Skirt, $70

Shop: GAP Denim Maxi Skirt, $31

8. Statement Totes

Forget backpacks; this year, it’s all about the cheeky canvas tote. Whether it reads “Mentally at Brandy Melville,” “Please Return to the Library,” or simply screams hot girl with an English lit minor, this accessory carries both your laptop and your personality.

Shop: Urban Outfitters Youse Don’t Even Go Here College Slogan Tote Bag, $15

Shop: BDG Logo Washed Denim Tote Bag, $29

Shop: Brandy Melville American Flag Tote Bag, $38

Shop: Freda Salvador Limited Edition Illustrated Tote, $20

Shop: Etsy Are the Shades of Pemberley to Be Thus Polluted? Tote Bag, $20

9. The Coquette Cardi

Soft, shrunken, and slightly scandalous. Worn buttoned up (or not at all), in blush pinks or baby blues, the coquette cardigan is like the grown-up version of your favorite childhood sweater.

Shop: Petal & Pup Ellen Cardigan Pale Blue, $79

Shop: Petal & Pup Aidy Crop Button Front Cardigan White, $99

Shop: We The Free Penny Pointelle Cardi, $58

Shop: Petal & Pup Lyra Large Collar Cardigan White, $79

10. Accessories That Whisper

Gold hoops. Minimalist watches. Dainty pendant necklaces. Everything says “I care, but not too much.” You’re not trying hard, you just happen to look like Bella Hadid on a bookstore run; post-pilates, pre–accidentally becoming your TA’s Roman Empire.

Shop: Mejuri Round Topaz Hoops, $78

Shop: Oak & Luna Small Scalloped Hoop Gold Vermeil, $115

Shop: Chan Luu Marguerite Pearl Necklace Gold, $125

Shop: Michael Kors Outlet Mini Monroe Gold-Tone Watch and Jewelry Gift Set, $195

College fashion has evolved from what’s clean on my floor to what would Matilda Djerf wear to office hours. Whether you’re headed to an 8 a.m. you’ll eventually drop or meeting your crush at the library, one thing’s for sure: showing up in style is the unofficial syllabus.