As the air grows cooler and the leaves start to change, students bring fall fashion into full swing. Fall is arguably one of the most exciting seasons in terms of fashion on college campuses. The ever-changing trends make it hard to place what’s in or out for the season, so The Daily Illini asked 10 random students what they think will be trending on campus this year. These were their responses.
Cardigans
Cardigans were the first item predicted to make their way onto campus this fall.
“I feel like no one wore (cardigans), and now they’re coming back, like the tiny ones and the little knit sweaters,” said Sadie Young, freshman in the Division of Exploratory Studies.
Vogue has also named cardigans as a staple in fall attire for 2025, “Thanks to their inherent versatility and everyday ease.”
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Cardigans are a safe choice because they can function as standalone pieces or a finishing touch. This was a popular answer among female participants who consider the cardigan to be a basic item that’s easy to dress up or down.
“I love cardigans,” said Sarah Weiser, freshman in LAS. “I feel like they are so cute and easy.”
Ponchos
Ponchos are slowly becoming more mainstream as we move into the colder seasons. Named “This fall 2025’s newest trend” by Coveteur, ponchos are “sort of” the new fashion trend. Sydney Koslica, freshman in LAS, agreed with Coveteur’s consensus.
“I was rocking ponchos in my childhood,” Koslica said. “I love ponchos.”
Maybe it’s not the early 2000s ponchos that are coming back, but there is evidence of modern takes on ponchos returning into the limelight this season. Brands like J. Crew, ASOS and Quince have immersed themselves in giving ponchos a comeback this fall season.
Baggy Pants
In 2020, America’s Gen Z waved an official goodbye to skinny jeans and any slim-fit pants. While there may be signs of a comeback for the close-fitting trousers, the baggy trend for pants is not going anywhere on college campuses.
“I think baggy jeans or anything other than skinny jeans are gonna be in,” said Sophia Santiago, sophomore in AHS.
The oversized silhouette has been in fashion for a while, as younger generations tend to rely on elevated casual clothing as the general norm. It’s no surprise that this trend will carry itself into fall as we make the transition from shorts to pants.
“I think they’re already kind of back, but baggy pants in general,” said Canaan Sweitzer, freshman in LAS.
Scarves
There’s nothing better than an accessory that has a real purpose, and scarves possess that amazing quality. Vogue named the scarf a must-have accessory for this fall, identifying versatility as the greatest strength of the scarf.
“Me personally, I love scarves,” said Rylie Knight, sophomore in LAS. “Like a long scarf, kind of like a knit or a wool, maybe.”
Whether it’s a chunky knit scarf or a fine cashmere, a scarf can easily elevate any outfit, especially as we start to ease into winter and bring out the puffer jackets.
Crewnecks
Sweaters and sweatshirts are always on the radar as the seasons start to change. This year, students are predicting crewneck sweatshirts will make a comeback. Although they never left, they have taken a backseat to hoodies these past few years in both men’s and women’s fashion.
“I feel like we’ve seen a lot of hoodies recently, but I think crewnecks are definitely coming back,” said Noah Don, sophomore in Engineering.
A simple crewneck can easily be spruced up depending on the occasion and is frequently seen around campus. Whether they have the University logo or are plain, they fit right in and are a staple item in this year’s campus wardrobe.
Flannels
Any long-sleeve article of clothing will be “in” for fall, but flannels specifically are on deck this year for casual wear. As flannels have gained more popularity in recent years, luxury brands like Bottega Veneta and The Row have toyed with the idea of flannels as a must-have basic, so it is no surprise that students have listed flannels as a popular choice on campus.
“One trend I’ve definitely seen rising are flannel shirts,” said Ike Morales, a sophomore in FAA.
Flannels also have the element of versatility on their side, being comparable to cardigans in the way they can function on their own or as a finishing touch.
“Flannels are always on campus, just like flannel shirts and sweaters,” said Devin Burns, sophomore in AHS.
Brown Leather
Since Pantone named a shade of brown its color of the year for 2025, students are envisioning the earth tone shade to make a comeback in the form of leather — one of fall’s most beloved textiles.
“I can definitely see the tall brown leather boots and brown belts coming back this year,” said Amariah Mingle, freshman in AHS. “I actually want to buy these for myself.”
The warm neutral is the perfect color for fall and an easy way to elevate leather embellishments in an outfit. Black leather will always be classic, but it might be fun to embrace the brown this season.
Overall, the vibe for campus this fall is the classic elevated basics look that our generation has already attached itself to. Oversized and relaxed silhouettes paired with fun accents and accessories will be in fashion this season, leaving lots of room for creativity as students put their personal spin on capsule clothing.
