The weather is brisk, leaves are beginning to change colors, and, of course, Starbucks has come out with their signature Pumpkin Spice Latte. This can only mean one thing: fall has finally arrived, everywhere except in the Southwest.
We all see magazine covers talking about new boots for fall, the right style jacket for any occasion, and how to perfect your scarf styling skills. But how in the world is it possible to sport new fall trends while the weather is still in the high 90 degrees?
Unfortunately, for those of us who are still suffering under the Arizona sun, these fall trends have to be altered in such a way that we embrace the changing of the season while still living in the Valley of the Sun.
One easy way to create a fall trend without loading up with layers is by using color. After scaling the Arizona State University campus, I began to notice certain color schemes that displayed the natural hues of fall – neutrals, reds, burnt oranges and, of course, a dark wash jean. These colors, if mindfully put together, can mimic the warm colors of autumn.
Another easy and clever way to create a fall look while still maintaining a breezy outfit is by mixing up a heavier item, such as a bulky sweater, with a slightly lighter piece, such as high-waisted shorts.

Many students have been spotted wearing a high-low skirt or even a dark colored maxi skirt usually with a short pair of lace up boots. The skirt itself is usually made from a light material, making it cool enough to be worn during the heat of the day, yet the boots add a rustic and crisp feeling to the outfit.

This idea can also be completely reversed. A simple pair of jean shorts can be combined with a long sleeve top, sweater or light scarf. Many students can be seen wearing long sleeve, chiffon button up tops, which are breezy enough to wear outside, but also hint towards the idea of cool fall weather.
Others have been seen sporting a chunky knit off-the-shoulder sweater also with a pair of shorts. Many students have managed to incorporate a warm piece and tap into color by wearing light, solid or printed scarves, over light dresses, or even a simple V-neck T-shirt.
Although Arizona may not have the crisp, leaves-crunching-under-your-boots kind of weather, it does not mean that fall fashion is thrown to the wayside. Whether it is the playfulness of warm fall colors, or piecing together heavy and light materials, those of us under the Southwest sun have created our own twist and flavor into what we consider “Fall Fashion”.

Natalie Crandall
Photo Credits: Natalie Crandall
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