We all know that fall brings gloomy weather, shorter days, and leaves turning amber. But for some of us, the real excitement isn’t the weather; it’s the fashion! The return of knits, flannels, bootcut jeans, and UGG boots feels like a seasonal ritual. For some of us, getting dressed in the fall feels more like stepping into a nostalgic movie. Movies and shows don’t just set the tone for the season; they begin to shape the way we dress.

   In recent years, the popular early 2000s show, Gilmore Girls, has made a major comeback, earning its title as the unofficial show of fall. Not only have we fallen in love with the plot, choosing between Dean or Jess as the ideal boyfriend, but we have also found outfit inspiration from the two main characters of the show, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Copying the girls’ dark wash jeans and an oversized sweater combo makes for the perfect fall outfit. According to Teen Vogue, there has been an influx of Rory’s signature look, dark-wash bootcut jeans paired with a classic knit sweater, in recent years (teenvogue.com).

   While Rory gives off a very cozy, schoolgirl, academic aesthetic, Lorelai encapsulates the early 2000s fashion with her ruffles, iconic graphic tees, and unnecessary rhinestones. Lorelai’s closet becomes a goal for many teenage girls who aspire to acquire the perfect Y2K wardrobe. The most popular of Lorelai’s outfits include her Juicy Couture tracksuit with “juicy” written on the rear and any outfit that includes a baby tee-shirt and boot cut jeans (vogue.com).

   While the show itself offers a variety of cute outfit combinations for fall, popular social media apps like TikTok and Pinterest have been the main source for curating the perfect fall outfit. The common factors in these outfits have been layering, neutral tones, and oversized sweaters. When it comes to the perfect fall outfit, start with a dark wash pair of jeans. If you want more of an edgy, early 2000s look, pair your jeans with a graphic baby tee and some platform boots. If you’re leaning towards a more comfortable and academic look, try a cable-knit sweater and some Converse.

   Although dressing like our favorite characters in shows or movies can begin to feel like Halloween every day, it serves as a low-stakes way to live out an idealized version of our lives. The clothes we wear have the power to change the way we view our lives. School adds another layer of stress in our already busy lives, and fashion is the perfect way to channel that stress into creativity.

   This fall, your outfit doesn’t have to just be about staying warm, it can also be about escaping your comofort zone. Next time you’re stumped on what to wear, look to your favorite movie or TV show for some inspiration.