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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at San Francisco chapter.

As the flip-flops and bikinis get put away, cutout boots and pretty plaid come out to play! The time we all love is here, the falling of crisp autumn leaves, the smell of sweet pumpkin spice lattes, and the possibilities of a new school year is among us. So what better way to say goodbye to our summer fling with cutoff shorts and maxi dresses than with a new and more mature relationship of sexy leather leggings and edgy cargo jackets? The difficult transition from lazy summer days on the beach to long cold hours in the library doesn’t have to be a sacrifice to your style. This fall’s trends could make you never want to see the sun rise again.

A must have in every girls fall wardrobe, especially if you live in a city like San Francisco, where one second its winter and the next its 4th of July, is a functional cargo jacket. The word functional doesn’t always sound like the next runway trend but in this case, functionality is our friend. The basic cargo jacket, which ranges from $32 (Forever 21) to $100 (Urban Outfitters), can be a lifesaver when it rains on your sunny day or on a walk back to your dorm from a long night out. It’s cute, convenient, and an added bonus…you can wear it with almost anything. Layer the neutral color jacket over your favorite party dress or the summer dress you don’t want to let go of, just make sure to add some tights for warmth and to give it that fall style. 

What would fall fashion be without knit sweaters? This seasons charming and most comfortable trend is our beloved oversized sweaters. As a California girl, sweaters are kind of a year round staple in our wardrobe, the only things that differ a summer knit with a fall knit is the thickness and the rich colors that we emerge in as soon as September hits. The days of corals, pinks, and baby blues are months behind us, now is the time for deep burgundy and daring hunter green. Knit sweaters and oversized cardigans in the seasons dark and cozy colors will look great with your trusty high waisted shorts from the summer, add some knee-high socks, and combat boots to finish off the look

One of the most risky and edgy trends of the fall is leather…everything. One cannot step out of their class, work, or dorm these days without spotting a leather trend. For those who believe this trend is too risqué for them, I am here to tell you otherwise; this flirtatious fashion trend can be toned down or up to suite anyone’s style. One of the most popular styles to wear leather is as jeans or leggings; this look not only amplifies your outfit but it’s slimming as well. For the girl who’s looking to hit the town with her leather trousers, compliment it with a lace top to balance out and tone down the masculinity of the pants. If you’re heading to class on a cold Tuesday morning, pair your leather leggings with one of your coziest oxblood sweaters to give it a sexy-without-trying look. Another leather trend that has been a staple for many years is the classic leather jacket; the only difference this year is that its cropped and in sensual fall colors. The leather jacket can be paired with a summer dress and an infinity scarf for a lunch date in the city or styled with a your little black dress for drinks with the girls. The amazing and quite unknown thing about leather is that it really can be styled and worn with everything.

Another trend for the holiday months is plaid. Plaid, just like the leather trend is very versatile, it can be worn as a jacket, plaid pants, a scarf, or your boyfriend’s plaid button up. This trend is one of my personal favorites because it looks so casual but put together at the same time. If you are wear a short skirt or short shorts in the fall you can easily cover your bum in a cute and high fashion way by tying a plaid button-up around your waist and when you get cold you can wear that same plaid as a cover-up for the transitioning of day to night. Plaid also goes perfectly with our other fashion favorite: leather. Leather and plaid is a match made in fashion heaven; you can wear your leather leggings with a plain white tee and top it off with a plaid button up as a cardigan. Plaid can even transition into evening wear by wearing it over a sexy dress to tone it down or give it a more edgy feel. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the classic plaid trend, the more daring the better.Â