While walking across campus this September, one thing is clear: Monmouth University students have officially mastered the art of low-effort, high-style fall dressing. As the crisp autumn air rolls in off the Jersey Shore, this season’s campus aesthetic balances structure with comfort.
Early morning chills across campus mean layering is essential, but instead of standard hoodies, students are strolling around in trendy sweatshirt sets. While walking to class alone this past week, I’ve noticed countless people in comfy, casual monochromatic sets. Beyond Staple leather jackets and vintage layers, no fall wardrobe trend has taken a stronger hold at Monmouth University than the matching sweat set epidemic.
What used to be considered low-effort loungewear has almost completely transformed into today’s new staple for everyday student life. When asked, first-year student Samantha Connolly, a history education student, stated, “I prefer wearing sweatshirts around campus because it gives me a reason to feel put together and comfortable. I can’t wait for the chill to stay throughout the day so I can wear them more often!”
This new wave of sweatshirts is seen as an expressive, practical, and comfortable option to throw on for class! Far from basic loungewear, these monochrome fleece sets in deep browns, purples, and blues have become a go-to campus uniform.
Have an 8 a.m.? Perfect opportunity to throw on a matching set and get going. Going to a student-run event? No better option than a matching purple set: stay put together, comfortable, and organized. Sweat sets have been a major staple among Monmouth’s student body, and leather jackets in various colors are a rising trend as we move from summer to fall in 2026.
Trends have a way of coming back, and we’ve been seeing a lot of that lately. 1970s and 1990s styles like baggy pants and big leather and denim jackets are back in style, but with a modern twist. A combination that has become very popular recently, especially during the fall time, is a pair of blue jeans, a staple that has never gone out of style, a knitted sweater, and a leather jacket. This specific combination brings a very cozy, comfortable fall vibe, while also being very stylish and cute. This outfit and many like it are so versatile, and perhaps that’s why they have become so popular recently; whether you’re staying in, making hot cocoa and watching movies or TV shows synonymous with fall like Gilmore Girls or Halloweentown, walking to class, or going out, it works.
In a 2025 Article published by the Feather Skin blog, the author states, “Leather jackets have always had a unique mix of function and flair.” Over decades, the leather jacket has evolved from a symbol of rebellion into a permanent everyday style staple. On campus this autumn, that classic formula is getting a fresh, warm update from black leather to deeper shades of brown. While traditional black leather can feel dressy, brown leather offers a softer, more put-together, less formal look that feels right at home on campus. It bridges a gap between low-effort morning routines and put-together afternoon looks that blend with earthy tones.
When walking between lectures, the piece’s versatility shows up everywhere. Students throw oversized leather jackets over simple knit sweaters to elevate a basic outfit! From a personal perspective, I own multiple styles of leather jackets, and they take my simple jeans-and-sweater outfit to the next level while keeping me warm during the morning chill as I walk to my early morning classes.
As for sweat sets, I have recently purchased a few, and I can definitely say they are worth the hype. If this fall season has shown us anything, it’s that comfort and personal expression don’t have to compete. From fleece sets for early morning classes to brown leather jackets against the backdrop of the great hall, Monmouth students have turned transitional autumn into an effortless art form!
Fashion on campus does not have to be a runway rule; it’s about making everyday student life look and feel amazing. As the autumn breeze picks up around campus, I’m excited to see which trends keep rising.
