What Penn is Wearing: Fall 2026
It is officially October, ushering in cooler weather and, in my opinion, a far more exciting season for fashion. As September, the first full month of the academic year, has formally come to a close, I’ve observed five consistent fashion trends across campus that I expect to carry over into the new month: a statement tote bag, oversized jackets, retro sunglasses, embellished belts, and interesting pants.
Perhaps the most prominent of the six trends is the statement tote bag. Large enough to carry the essentials for a full day of classes but far more polished and striking than your typical school backpack, the statement tote bag has quickly become part of Penn students’ daily uniform. Practical, put-together, and ranging vastly in color, size, and silhouette, these bags have a universality that makes them especially suitable for Penn’s diverse student body.
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Oversized jackets are similarly taking campus by storm as Philly’s fall breeze infiltrates Locust Walk. Denim, leather, and suede versions have all been spotted across campus, often thrown over a simple outfit consisting of jeans and a knit sweater, but also easily elevated for a night out with friends. What makes the oversized jacket so popular is its ability to look both sleek yet effortless and relaxed at the same time.
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Like the oversized jacket, retro sunglasses pull any outfit together with minimal effort. And after a night of little sleep, which seems to be a common theme among Penn students, particularly in the midst of midterm season, the bigger the frames, the better. Both a fashion statement and an unassuming disguise for fatigue.
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Another notable accessory seen around campus is the embellished belt. Snake skin, pony hair, leopard, studded, and countless other variations make any outfit instantly more ornamented and individualized.
Lastly, as summer has slipped away at last, I’ve witnessed a substantial shift in focus from the top half of an outfit to the bottom half, or more precisely, the pants. The two most noteworthy examples I’ve seen are cuffed, vintage-inspired denim pants and capri pants. When paired with even a simple white t-shirt, these two styles of pants are exceptionally chic, elevated, and eye-catching!
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