While the temperature drops outside and the holidays approach, science teacher Lizzy Ho needs to decide which aspect of her seasonal wardrobe to bring into her day. Like Ho, many students and staff find ways to customize their clothing to transform the season into something more than a change in weather.
Growing up in Washington and living in different places throughout her life, Ho realized that location influenced her love for autumn.
“I grew up in Washington state, so we have very distinct four seasons versus California. It’s kind of hot and sunny, or cold and rainy,” Ho said. “Growing up with four seasons, fall was always my favorite, with the cool, crisp morning and orange leaves.”
Despite California’s lack of clear, different seasons, senior Anvee Sharma finds that changes in nature is not the only aspect of one’s daily routine that creates a sense of seasonal wintertime.
“I really like to embrace the things that are attributed with winter, like wearing boots, for example, or making hot chocolate or drinking coffee and stuff like that,” Sharma said.
Along with daily activities, Sharma finds herself immersed with popular shows, such as ‘Gilmore Girls,’ that influence her aesthetic choices during the fall. The autumnal aspect of ‘Gilmore Girls’ stands out to her the most.
“It’s such a comfort show. The entire show is pretty much themed around fall and their tiny town. It’s a super cozy series to watch,” Sharma said.
Beyond television’s influence, sophomore Connor Martinez noticed that social media platforms and influencers shape trending clothing styles.
“I wouldn’t really be wearing baggy jeans if it wasn’t popular on TikTok,” Martinez said. “But I feel like I do try to make it a point to dress how I want and not follow the trends too much.”
As the weather cools, Martinez prefers layering his outfits instead of having a separate section of warmer clothes.
“I put on some jeans, and then I’ll usually choose a shoe that complements the accent of the colors. For the top, I’ll either wear a couple layers, maybe a button up and pair it with a hoodie, or some jackets,” Martinez said.
In addition to dressing warmer, Ho strives to match her clothing to upcoming holidays, even if it is through small daily accessories.
“For October, I would wear fun Halloween earrings or sweaters. At Christmas time, I like to wear holiday sweaters in December,” Ho said.
Small changes in clothing create excitement as the holiday season grows closer for many. Ho shared how noticing others around her celebrate the holiday spirit through their clothes uplifts her mood.
“When I see someone out in public wearing a Christmas sweater, I always compliment them, and it makes me smile,” Ho said.
Martinez mentioned that seasonal outfits become a way individuals can celebrate before the day actually arrives.
“Christmas is only one day, but I feel that people wearing Christmas sweaters kind of leads up to (the holiday), and it kind of extends the season,” Martinez said.
Ho agrees that while she enjoys wearing seasonal outfits, not everyone is comfortable wearing something outside of their daily rotation. She mentioned a tradition the science department has yearly in December.
“All of us science teachers try to wear Christmas sweaters. I think when other people see more people do it, then they’re more willing to participate,” Ho said.
Similar to Ho, who said she makes an intentional effort to bring holiday spirit around campus and to those around her, Sharma advised students to do the same, whether that be through clothing or lifestyle choices.
“Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Start watching shows that give off the holiday vibes. Start drinking more hot chocolate. Surround yourself with people who love the holiday season,” Sharma said.