What are Barnard students wearing?
As Barnard students have transitioned into fall fashion, several trends emerged.
Photography by Safa Al-Naser/The Barnard Bulletin
November 15, 2024
Known for being some of the most fashionable undergrads on Columbia’s campus, Barnard students are embracing fall fashion as the weather gets colder. This year, there are many popular trends across campus, including bright-colored sweaters and shoes, along with new school bags. This leads me to the first trend…
The Student’s Treasured ‘Uni bags’
There have been two clear favorite school bags on campus. The first is the well-loved Goyard World Saint Louis GM Bag, which comes in a variety of colors and has become a classic book bag on Barnard’s campus in recent years. “My Goyard is very sturdy, and the structure on the bottom helps keep the shape, and it holds a lot of stuff, and my shoulders don’t break!” says Annika Sahrawat (BC ‘28).
Another popular bag is the Longchamp Tote bag: a classic tote that has been a popular ‘uni bag’ for many years. It offers great quality with a sleek look, all at a more affordable price tag compared to other trending bags. “I like this bag because it is very easy to clean, and it is stylish,” says Aubrey Rogers (BC ‘28). The Longchamp is also sold in many different colors, and individual detailing allows each bag to fit each student’s individual style. Apart from being stylish, both the Longchamp and the Goyard are classic staples for students due to their tried and true quality!
The Current Fall Cardigan and Sweater Favorites
With the colder temperatures fall brings, different sweater trends emerge on campus. This year, cardigans and off-the-shoulder sweaters have been making a recurring appearance. A variety of off-the-shoulder styles have become quite popular, particularly the fold-over sweater. The fold-over sweater can be both baggy, like a chunky sweater, or more fitted and flattering.
Another fall staple is cardigans, specifically worn with the top button closed, and the others undone. According to Vogue’s article, “10 Fall 2024 Color Trends,” one of the colors of the season is “siren red.” Vogue named this color the “siren red” to highlight how it brings “a dose of confidence to your fall wardrobe rotation.” Students agree that the color red adds confidence to an outfit. “My sister was the main person who inspired me to start participating in the cardigan trend because she lives in colder weather, and she would wear red. It inspired me to wear red, and it makes me more confident. I know when I reach in my closet for this cardigan, I’m adding a confidence boost to my day.” says Harper Fogelson (BC ‘28).
This brings me to the next trend…
The Return of the Ballet Flat and the Chosen Fall Boot
Continuing with the red color trend, many students are wearing ballet flats, particularly red ones! Flats have made a comeback this year and are now casually worn. “I love my ballet flats because they are so cutsie, and they have a little bow on top, which really adds to it,” says Emelie Lewis (BC ‘28). A popular ballet flat for Barnard students is the Steve Madden Women’s Cherish Block Ballet Flats. Although they were first trending in red this year, there are many various colors and brands on campus.
Continuing with shoe trends, boots are a staple item for the fall and winter, and this year’s ‘it’ boot is the Moto Boot! Vogue describes the Moto Boot as “recognizable for its buckle detailing or silver harness,” which is an iconic feature of the “the moto or biker-inspired style.” The shoe that started trending on social media earlier this year is the Miu Miu Leather Harness Buckle Biker Boots, specifically in brown leather! While they can be found with and without buckles and in different colors, the brown Moto Boot remains the most popular.
Even with all the different styles on campus, it is so interesting to see many Barnard students incorporate these popular items in their day-to-day outfits. These trends have been dearly loved and appreciated, making them some of the most commonly worn items thus far in the fall season!