Rory Gilmore: Your Ultimate Fall Fashion Inspo
Image Courtesy: WhoWhatWear
I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve re-watched Gilmore Girls once almost every single year—during the lockdown, it was two-and-a-half—since I was thirteen. This means that – A) I’ve most likely watched the show at least six times over by now, and B) I would consider myself an amateur expert on the ins -and -outs of the world of Stars Hollow, CT.
It’s no secret that fashion trends from the early 2000s are making their rounds, especially considering the cooler months ahead. As one of the pinnacles of the aughts, running from 2000 to 2007, the seven seasons of Gilmore Girls are rife with outfit inspiration. Rory Gilmore is one of the titular characters for a reason, her iconic fall outfits included. Keep reading for a list of quintessential R.G. fall wardrobe staples.
1. Turtlenecks
It’s not a Gilmore Girls fall episode without Rory wearing a turtleneck in many shades. Whether she’s wearing a red one to her interview with The New York Times, a black one to read under a tree in Stars Hollow, or a blue one to Friday night dinners, her turtlenecks are perhaps one of the most versatile items of clothing. Living in Florida does limit the number of layers we’re allotted each month, but luckily, turtlenecks and mock necks offer options: pair it with a pair of shorts and Doc Martens; a trusty denim skirt and black tights; or even just a pair of sweats will do. They immediately elevate an outfit to a certain level of classiness, regardless of what you wear it with.
Image Courtesy: Bustle
2. Oversized Sweaters
The word “oversized” might immediately turn some people off, but hear me out. It’s worth acknowledging that Rory is relatively slim, so she might be able to get away with wearing whatever she wants, but I believe there’s an oversized sweater out there for everyone. For the more comfortable route, combine your bulky knits with a pair of straight-leg denim to keep the silhouette billowier (but just make sure the sweater’s shape doesn’t overtake the fit of the jeans). Looking for a more flattering figure? To not get lost in your clothes, you might instead opt for mini-skirts and tights, or even a pair of cute slacks to balance between perfunctory and polished.
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3. Rory’s Chilton School Uniform
Okay, okay, so this one isn’t exactly a fall outfit. But, I’m a firm believer that *some* school uniforms can be cute if personalized, which is exactly what we all can do since we don’t actually attend Chilton Prep and aren’t relegated to the strict dress code. The Chilton uniform consists of various shades of blacks and blues and is complete with a plaid skirt, black tights, a sweater vest, and a collared, long-sleeve shirt. In some iterations, Rory wears a blazer, too, but that might be out of your comfort zone or have you looking a little too schoolgirl-esque. Rory usually pairs her uniform with a headband à la Blair Waldorf, along with a trusty pair of Mary Janes or black and white Saddle Oxfords. (If you’re vegan or avoiding leather for ethical reasons, the brands T.U.K. and Doc Martens have awesome faux leather selections!)
To avoid looking too much like you’ve dressed up in a costume, alterations can easily be made to the classic Chilton look. In place of a structured collared shirt, a long-sleeve tee could be thrown under the sweater vest, or even a silk collared blouse that gives you more room to breathe. The skirt can be shorter than Rory’s required knee-length if you so choose. As for the tights, there are also always the Halloween bins in Goodwill, where funky tights with spiderwebs or ribbons and bows can be found for dirt-cheap.
If you’ve never seen Gilmore Girls, you’re seriously missing out, not only on outfit inspo (or in some cases, tragic ‘00s fashion mishaps), but also on a show with insane comedic timing and writing, lovable characters, and cozy, New England small-town vibes. As someone who strongly identifies with Paris Geller and is an unwavering supporter of Team Jess forever, I strongly encourage you to check out Gilmore Girls this fall, whether that be for the first time or the tenth. You can never go wrong with a cup of coffee and a trademark snarky remark from Lorelai.
Strike Out,
Author: Gillian Bennett
Editors: Breanna Tang & Lexi Fernandez
Graphics: Alison MacCloud
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