Campus trendsetters: What FSU students think will be big this fall
The summer of 2024 saw some historic pop-culture trends. Pop singer Charli XCX released the hit album “brat” which overtook fashion and culture. On “X” (formerly Twitter), even Kamala Harris’ official campaign referenced the influential album by altering their account header to mimic the style of the chartreuse cover and blurry lowercase font.
As the seasons change and students transition into fall, one of the most important questions on FSU student’s minds is what the next big trends will be—in music, fashion, aesthetics, and more.
Students have differing opinions on what the soundtrack of this fall will be. Junior pre-veterinarian biology major Mackenzie Gore predicts that “artists like Taylor Swift will be trending during fall.”
With the ongoing success of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour,” she has remained on the Billboard Artist 100 for 529 consecutive weeks, so it is no surprise that her popularity will extend through this fall.
Emma Sofianos, a senior in English and advertising, believes that this autumn may be “a granola girl, Lizzy McAlpine or Boygenius fall.”
The “granola girl” is a newly trending aesthetic on multiple social media platforms that idealizes being outdoorsy and hippie-esc. The “granola girl” loves hiking, thrifting and appreciating nature around her.
Emma ties this archetype into the artists Lizzy McAlpine and Boygenius. Lizzy McAlpine is an indie folk singer-songwriter who blew up in popularity Oct. 2023 when she performed at the All Things Go music festival in Washington, D.C. Boygenius is a similarly alternative indie group consisting of established musicians Phoebe Bridgers, Julian Baker and Lucy Dacus. Their popularity was made evident when they were nominated for five awards at the most recent Grammys, but have since broken up.
Alternatively, senior biology and geology major Cori Buckelew said, “I am calling it right now that Kendrick Lamar is gonna make a new album before he does his Super Bowl performance, and it’s gonna slap.”
Kendrick Lamar’s feud with fellow rapper Drake has become a pop-culture phenomenon. Lamar’s most popular diss track against Drake, “Not Like Us,” was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 15 consecutive weeks.
After this sharp resurgence in popularity, Kendrick Lamar’s official YouTube channel announced his Super Bowl LIX Halftime performance. This caused some fans to believe he may release more music before this performance.
In terms of fashion, casual trends such as Bermuda shorts and baggy jeans have ticked up in popularity due to celebrities such as Ayo Edebiri, Bella Hadid and Billie Eilish. Trending makeup styles similarly revolved around breathability and simplicity: neutral eye looks, layered blush, glossy lips and lack of sharp lines.
Shyann Parker, a senior in chemical science, thinks this casualness will shift with the season.
“Brown is going to be big this fall for wearing knee-high boots and leather jackets,” said Parker. “along with red tops, matching sets and soft glam.”
Knee-high boots and leather jackets tie into the recently emerging trend of the “office siren.” Vogue notes that this aesthetic has become a sharp contrast to coquettish, childlike simplicity.
“Now, it seems that The Girl has grown into a member of the workforce. Or, at least, a highly stylistic, idealized version of one.”
Cosmopolitan agrees with Parker’s prediction of matching sets being a staple for fall, especially incorporating “leopard print” or “color-block layering.”
However, junior biology major Mackenzie Gore disagrees that soft glam will be on trend this fall: “I feel like makeup wise lots of eyeliner and cat eyes.”
This prediction aligns with many of the trends occurring within high fashion. The likes of Chappell Roan and Charlie XCX have popularized unnatural, editorial eye makeup. In an interview with Allure, professional makeup artist Romy Soleimani said, “Everyone can take makeup exactly where they want to, and anyone can be an artist.”
Marissa Gagliano, a senior majoring in hospitality and tourism, brought a more realistic approach to Florida fall fashion.
“I think going into fall there could be lots of knit sweaters and tops but it being Florida… I think the fashion trends of the sporty style like track shorts/pants and athleisure will be what we see around campus” said Gagliano.
Living in a warmer climate makes it a lot more difficult for FSU students to comfortably embrace cozy fall fashion and college students tend to lean towards the casual and breathable as opposed to sweating through the persistent heat.
This season promises a diverse cultural landscape. Fashion predictions range from casual and sporty styles to bolder, more polished looks. Whether it's embracing soft, natural glam or stepping out of one’s comfort zone, FSU's fall trends will be defined by personal expression and adaptability, mirroring the vibrant, evolving campus culture.