Deep reds, mocha browns, “old money” blue and even “grandpa core.” On any college campus, trends come and go. And that includes Bob Jones University, where Isabella Marchak, a junior apparel design major, provided her expertise on the latest styles seen on the sidewalks.
“Bright colors from summer will deepen as autumn progresses,” Marchak said. Pops of red, which were trending this summer, will continue as a popular accent.
With the colder season, the brighter, apple red transitioned into burgundy and plum. Apple red was especially seen among the girls on campus, particularly in August and September. Since October, girls and guys alike have been wearing the deeper tones of burgundy or plum.
The 2025 color of the year is mocha brown. This popular color is often paired with neutrals, like black or tan. This fall, it deepened into a rich, chocolate brown. Many students enjoy pairing it with neutral flannels, Uggs or Birkenstocks. It is a lovely color to celebrate the advent of fall.
Another popular color is light or navy blue, core “old money” colors. The old money aesthetic is still trending on campus and nationwide.
“Old money is a timeless, clean, luxury kind of feel,” Marchak said.
In the summer, many girls paired linen pants with a classic button up shirt. With the colder weather, dress pants are combined with a button up and perhaps a sweater or crewneck.
Lately, light blue or navy is paired with white or light-colored pants. Light pants are very popular this year. In the summer, many students wore light pants with a brighter colored top, like light blue or apple red. Transitioning into the fall, color choice deepened into navy and burgundy, both classic old money colors.
Old money is currently the most popular trend for girls and guys on campus. Options within this aesthetic include trousers and a blazer, trenchcoats or a sweater. A recent trend for guys is the “quarter zip movement” for a classier look.
“Fashion trends come and go, and they’ll come back around, but I feel like some trends will never go, like old money,” said Marchak.
An old money accessory staple is an elegant gold watch. Popular jewelry choices are often minimalist and classy, like gold hoops, chains or pearls, though chunky jewelry is still trendy.
Another common trend on campus is “grandpa core.” Grandpa core pairs an oversized, knit sweater with thick pants. Many girls wear this outfit for a cozy, woodsy vibe.
“Coquette aesthetic” reached its peak last spring, but it is still seen on campus. It is best recognized by bows, cute skirts and dresses.
For shoes, boots, particularly ankle-length rainboots and ballet flats, are popular footwear for class dress.
Marchak also noted a rise in popularity for skirts, particularly silk skirts. Skirts are sometimes paired with a sweater or a jacket, depending on the length of the skirt.
After class, the standard girls’ casual outfit is light, straight or wide-leg sweatpants, Uggs or Birkenstocks and a crewneck. Hoodies are typically less popular.
“Crewnecks are more flattering, more classy, more old money,” said Marchak. Crewnecks are also an acceptable layer for class dress and hoodies are not.
Other trending layers are cropped puffer jackets, leather jackets and especially barn jackets. Corduroy or suede are popular materials, especially in the fall.
Marchak loves apparel design and has wanted to be a fashion designer since she was 9 years old. She dreams of opening her own business designing wedding dresses. But ultimately, she wants to follow wherever the Lord leads her to use her gifts.
