A Guide to Clean Girl Fall

By: Dakota D. Duran

Once the air hits 55 degrees and you turn on All Too Well (10-Minute Version) by Taylor Swift, you know it is time for pumpkins, Halloween movies, and the daily dose of your favorite fall drink (mine is an iced matcha tea latte with oat milk, two pumps of vanilla syrup, and vanilla cold foam).

Being from Southern California, I never fully enjoyed the fall season because, well, it never really existed. Now, going to college in San Francisco, I am truly enjoying everything that this leaf-changing season has to offer. The one thing, in particular, is the outfits.

If you know me, you know I take the “clean girl” aesthetic very seriously. Here is how I achieved this look during the fall season, and have fully created an aesthetic known as “clean girl fall.”

Clothes:

1. Aritzia Sweat Suits

Aritzia is the place if you want to achieve the “clean girl” aesthetic. As the store is home to simple but stylish clothing, you will essentially find everything you need either through their easily navigable website or through the store itself, which is even more of an enjoyable experience, if I do say so myself. Throughout fall, I find myself pulling out my matching Aritzia sweatsuits every morning when going to class. Of course, I want to look put together, but also want to be comfortable when sitting in a 2-hour lecture. Their brand, TNAction, has several styles and colors to choose from, whether you want the oversized look in neutrals or the perfect fit in bright colors. I find myself loving the Cargo Sweatpants with the Oversized Hoodie to match. Aritzia can be on the more pricey side, so luckily there are a lot of dupes to choose from on Amazon.

2. Oversized Knit Sweaters

During the colder days, you obviously want to be going out wearing something that feels like you’re wearing a blanket. To achieve this cozy feeling, I always pull out my oversized knit sweaters from my closet. I find these off-brand blankets at several stores, such as H and M, Brandy Melville, or, of course, Aritzia. When I want to go for the less expensive side, I also look at the thrift! You can always find really stylish, vintage pieces for a reasonable price at your local thrift shop, and because they’ve been worn, they’re also a little bit cozier than a store-bought sweater. I also dig through my grandma’s closet, as her clothes from the 70’s are the perfect fit for my fall wardrobe.

3. Ultra-Mini Platform Uggs

You know those days when you just want to wear your slippers to class? Yeah, me too (it’s every day). I am one who loves shoes but also values comfort and style. The ultra-mini platform Uggs meets every wardrobe need I have for the fall season. Easy to slip on and off, Uggs are perfect for those days when you get out of bed a little bit later than usual and need something to throw on. On top of that, they also keep your feet warm which perfectly adheres to the crisp air. For me, being a short girl, these are also perfect as they add about two inches to my 5’1 self.

4. Wide-Leg Jeans

Comfort is key during the fall season, and wide-leg jeans are a fall closet essential. When I was growing up, I absolutely hated wearing jeans. I always felt they were too tight or the material was too itchy. When wide-leg jeans started trending, my inner child was essentially being healed at the same time. I usually buy this style of jeans from Aritzia (are we surprised?), Zara, and even Princess Polly has a few good pairs for the short girlies. I also love finding vintage Levi’s at my local thrift store or flea markets.

5. Skims Long Sleeves

Ms. Kardashian knew what she was doing with this one. Skims is not only made of material that is chef’s kiss and fits every body type, but it also goes with absolutely everything. Whether I’m going to a meeting, class, or dinner with friends, I always wear a Skims long sleeve as it comes in almost every color and makes me forget I’m even wearing a shirt. Nobody likes feeling smothered by clothing during the colder seasons, so Skims is perfect for keeping you warm while also flattering your body. And of course, there are so many dupes to choose from on Amazon.

Accessories:

1. Gold Beaded Bracelets

One thing about me is I will never be a simple jewelry girl. I love stacking, layering, combining, you name it. One piece of jewelry in particular I find pairing with every clean girl fall outfit is gold beaded bracelets. It is somewhat of an ode to summer, but also a way to add some flair to my outfits. I usually find mine through Baublebar, or Amazon also has a lot of great options! We all love some good arm candy.

2. Hoops

For days when the clean girl slick-back bun adds to the clean girl fall outfit, I always make sure my ears are full of the best earrings from my jewelry box. I love choosing hoops as they make my outfits feel complete and also make my ears look less bare when my hair is pulled back. You can find hoops anywhere for super reasonable prices, and I know Amazon has great options.

3. Ear Muffs

Speaking from experience, no one wants to have cold ears once the temperature drops. It is important to make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather, but also make sure you look your best. I love pairing earmuffs with all of my outfits. I found my favorite pair through Uggs, but, of course, Amazon has a great selection. I feel like ear muffs are the perfect addition to clean girl fall, and they also make sure your ears stay warm.

Hairstyles:

1. Two Braids

Sometimes, the fall weather does not allow for a fresh blowout to thrive. During these times, I always put my hair in the simple hairstyle of two braids. It keeps your hair in place throughout the day, allowing you to continue to look put together, but also giving you a cute crimped look the next day. I love doing this hairstyle after I take a shower and don’t feel like blow-drying or styling my hair.

2. Slick-Back Bun

Now, is it a clean girl look without a slick-back bun? This is my go-to hairstyle for absolutely every occasion. Hair is dirty and greasy but it’s not hair wash day? Bun. Is it raining outside? Bun. It’s windy and you need your hair out of your face? Bun. Do you need to pull the hair back for a study session or meeting? You guessed it. A slick-back bun is perfect for looking presentable and I personally love it for the fall weather as it is chef’s kiss for every rainy or windy day.