October officially shifted us into the autumnal zone, and all signs of the season are here. We’ve instinctively started layering up again for orange-hued walks in the park, hitting the leaf-covered pavement in loafers, and grounding ourselves with earth-toned outfits that compliment the season. These signature autumn styles are unique this year, with romantic elements cropping up online and on the red carpet. Between Olivia Rodrigo’s Parisian-chic lace corset top to Gigi Hadid’s elegant pearl lingerie ensemble to Lily Collin’s pulled-together Alessandra Rich dress (donned while stepping out as a newlywed in Berlin) – love is undeniably in the air this autumn.
Pearl, lace, and frilly sartorial textures are paired with a neutral color palette and signify a pursuit of timeless love. This differs from fearless enthusiasm, achieved with bright-colored clothing or burning passion that consists of leather and dark red tones. Timeless love is traditional, promising, and signified with the pearl-encrusted trappings of classic romance. Its popularity this season indicates a level of conservatism that caters to our desire for structure and security. This autumn, in particular, is our first “out” since Covid began, so a collective inclination toward conservativeness and preservation is ostensible. Not only are we hunkering down for colder weather with hats and gloves, but we’re also leaning toward consistency versus risk-taking and spontaneity in our approach to life, complete with tightly laced corsets, frilled collars, and tidy bows. Things like work, travel, parties, and even fashion week are back – and we’d like to keep it that way.
Of course, corsets and pearls were having a notable moment before autumn. Ever since Netflix’s Bridgerton gave rise to the subgenre dubbed as “Royalcore,” classic garments have had a chokehold on fashion’s consciousness. Accessories, like the Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace and outfits, like the Wolf and Badger’s cupid dress, have skyrocketed in popularity alongside the romantic drama. Again, pushing us toward timeless spins on romance and outright nostalgia for this fall. We’re ready to go back, not to the Regency period of Bridgerton, but to the grit and grind of everyday life, so much so that we are romanticising the process of it.
