As the temperature starts to fall, we find ourselves in that elusive season crammed right in between summer and winter: autumn. It’s easy to forget about this relatively short season but it is chock-full with some of the best the year has to offer. With fall comes fall-themed treats, the soundtrack of crunching leaves and, of course, the return of fall fashion.

Just like pumpkin spice lattes are synonymous with fall, there are certain items that are essential to the season.

Scarves

Scarves are the ultimate meeting of fashion and function. Not only do they ward off the brisk fall breeze, they also look great doing it in any number of prints and colours. And they have many functions (I hide behind mine during scary movies).

Boots

I am firmly of the mind that one can never own too many pairs of boots. This is especially true when living in Saskatchewan, which requires dealing with downpours of rain and snow. With so many different varieties to choose from — riding, combat, cowboy — it’s near impossible not to find one (or ten) you like. They are also the perfect footwear for leaf-crunching.

Jackets

Jackets are another definite necessity in the prairies and to deal with the ever-changing climate in the university. Nothing is better than bundling up in a warm jacket and with a line-up of new styles for fall it’s easy to try something other than a North Face windbreaker.

Tights and Leggings

The best way to bring some of your summer wardrobe favourites into fall? Tights and leggings. There’s only one rule: don’t wear them as pants.

Flannel

Nothing says fall like that perfectly broken-in flannel shirt — best in plaid of course. Not only are they incredibly warm and comfortable, they’re also easy to “borrow” from a dad’s or boyfriend’s closet.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk trends. The arrival of fall always brings with it the appearance of countless new trends, some crazy, some fantastic, but always interesting. Here are five of the best.

Bright Pants

Jeans are great but it’s nice to switch it up every once in a while. An easy way to do so is a pair of coloured pants. As subdued or as technicolour as you want, it’s an easy way to add colour into an outfit.

Colour

Speaking of colour, just as the colour of the leaves are changing, so is the fashion palette. This fall features darker, richer colours like plum, dark teal, marigold and navy to name a few.

Prints

In addition to the ever-popular plaid, other favourites such as florals, polka dots, and graphic prints are all rebooted for fall in darker colours and heavier fabrics.

Navajo

Bright and bold prints with textural intrigue bring this southwestern-desert theme to the front of the trend list this season. Incorporated into jackets, dresses, accessories and most everything else, the Navajo textiles are the perfect antidote to dreary, overcast days.

Oversized sweaters

Sweaters are the perfect option for those long days spent studying in the library or for the days when going to class seems near impossible. The relaxed and easy fit of oversized sweaters makes it feel like you never left the comfort and warmth of your couch while leaving the sweats and PJs behind. And, it’s another easy to “borrow” piece.

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Graphic: Brianna Whitmore/The Sheaf