As the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s clear that leaves on the trees aren’t the only thing changing this fall. At Naperville North High School, fashion preferences are shifting.

In areas like Chicago, where temperatures in October through November typically range between 36 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a good time to trade in your favorite pair of shorts for a pair of jeans or sweatpants.  

For NNHS junior Anna Child, comfort plays a huge role when it comes to choosing an outfit for school and braving the chilly temperatures.

“My go-to fall outfit for school typically consists of flannels and sweatpants, so I can be comfortable throughout the day,” Child said.

Norah Hess, another junior at NNHS, agrees that comfort is a key factor when it comes to choosing clothes for fall, but also believes that practicality for the often unpredictable Chicago weather is equally important. 

“I would have to say that some of my go-tos are Doc Marten boots, oversized sweaters or sweatshirts and a good pair of sneakers that can get a little dirty in the mud and rain,” Hess said. 

In fact, clothing stores that are popular among teenagers use these preferences in order to decide when to release their fall collections. According to Ariana Guzman, an employee at American Eagle Outfitters in Oakbrook Mall, many teenagers prepare for the cooler seasons beginning as early as July.

“We see a lot of teenagers come in starting in mid-summer. Sometimes, our fall collections run out even before August or September hits,” Guzman said. 

In the greater Chicagoland area, many of the clothing items worn by NNHS students have actually risen in popularity outside of the school. 

According to a special feature released by Chicago Magazine at the beginning of September, various styles seem to be newly emerging for the 2021 fall season. Oversize knits, mixed patterns and ribbed sweaters are all fall staples that make bold statements.. 

“I love seeing people come in to mix and match their styles. I have been seeing a lot of interest in sweaters and chunky knits among some of the younger crowds,” Guzman said. 

No matter what your “style” may be, it’s clear that at Naperville North and around Chicagoland, there’s a variety of fall fashion to choose from. Whether you prioritize comfort, keeping up with trends or incorporating eye-catching pieces into your daily look, there is a way for everyone to express who they are while still staying warm!

“I love seeing all of the diverse styles come out in the fall, especially when it comes to creating new and innovative looks that stay true to people’s personality,” Guzman said. 

Check out the photo slider of North students’ outfits here:

Gallery • 6 Photos