Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the comfortable fall outfits – sweatpants, sweatshirts, slippers- you know the look. Apparently, loungewear is not what we’re doing this fall on the Hill, as stylish outfits have debuted left and right. So, if you need a little inspiration to jumpstart your cute fall fits, here are the top fall outfit trends I’ve been seeing on campus:

Knitwear

If you’re like most, the word “knitwear” makes you think of the bulky winter sweaters that turn into a sauna as soon as you walk into Jewell Hall. But not anymore! This year, crochet tops aren’t just for summer. Try layering your crochet top under a jacket or cardigan, pair a chunky or cropped sweater vest with a lightweight turtleneck or sheer long-sleeve shirt underneath. However you decide to style it, knitwear is definitely in for this fall.

Earth Tones

While most people think of fall colors as orange, burgundy or even purple, this year it’s all about earth tones – muted browns, tans, mauves, olive tones, grays, etc. Try pairing pieces in your closet within a similar color family, like tan or khaki pants with a brown top or even a monochromatic fit. You can try mixing and matching earth tones with the sandwich method: match your top and shoe colors, then add a statement piece in the middle and an optional third color for accessories.

Corduroy

The corduroy renaissance has finally arrived! From pants to skirts, overalls to shirts, corduroy is back. Layer a corduroy skirt with a light-colored sweater, try a pair of looser or flare corduroy pants with platform shoes or layer a corduroy shirt/jacket over a brighter tank top.

(Faux) Leather

I know, I know. We’re college students, so leather clothing might be WAY out of our radar when shopping for a new fall wardrobe, or we may just not be comfortable with buying leather products in general. So it’s a good thing faux leather has been showing up everywhere over the past few months. Faux leather pants go with tons of different top options, such as sweaters, cardigans or–for the bold among us–a faux leather top.

Platforms

Last, but definitely not least: platform shoes are the go-to footwear this fall as a great (and much more comfortable) alternative to boots and other heeled shoes. From Converse to Doc Martens and even Uggs, you can find platform styles in nearly every type and every brand this fall. Try matching some platform Converse with your corduroy pants, match platform boots with a leather or suede skirt or if you’re rocking the sweatpants look, slip on a pair of platform Uggs or slippers to boost the effortless athleisure fit.

Whether you choose to find inspiration from the current trends or craft a look that’s totally different, the most important thing is that you wear what makes you feel your best this fall!

By some miracle, this coming Sunday will be the third time Patrick Mahomes has played with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. It is hard to believe that there has only been one Spring in my time at Jewell that we did not witness our team go all the way. However, Jalen Hurts and Travis Kelce’s bulkier brother, Jason, should prove to be a worthy opponent in the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chiefs have a powerful offense that is spearheaded by Mahomes. Mahomes is one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the league and is able to make plays with both his arm and feet. Despite a recent ankle injury, Mahomes was seen walking without assistance in press conference interviews, so he should be good to go for the game.

Mahomes is backed by a team of skilled players including JuJu Smith-Schuster and Travis Kelce. Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon strengthen the team as a strong running back duo. The Chiefs’ defense has been strong this season. They were able to shut down opposing teams with their stout front four including Chris Jones and Frank Clark.

Meanwhile, the Eagles have their own dynamic quarterback in Hurts. Hurts has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting players and is able to make big plays with his feet. The Eagle’s offensive line has been solid this season, led by Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce, who will have a tough time going against Chris Jones and the Chiefs’ Defensive front.

Hurts will also have a talented group of receivers to throw to, including A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Compared to the Chiefs, the Eagles’ defense has been inconsistent this season. This inconsistency is due mainly to the injuries of Fletcher Cox, Jalen Mills, and Rodney McLeod. 

The game is sure to be a close one, and it could come down to which team can capitalize on the other’s weaknesses. Mahomes and Hurts are both able to make big plays. The outcome of the game could depend on which quarterback can make the fewest mistakes. The Chiefs’ defense can be deadly with their potential to create a wide margin. However, their lethality depends on their ability to shut down the Eagles’ offense early. The Eagles, on the other hand, can be just as dangerous if Hurts makes the most of his running skills. 

Regardless of who wins, the 2023 Super Bowl is sure to be an exciting game and one that will be talked about for years to come, with major implications on the legacy of Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs’ players on the line. Find a place to live stream the Super Bowl at 5:30 on Sunday, Feb. 12 so that you do not miss the big game.