It’s Autumn So Here’s Some Rory Gilmore Inspiration

On the first day of Autumn, I host a “season opener” at my apartment. We dig out the cheesy pumpkin-themed decor from the back of our wardrobes, bake massive amounts of pumpkin bread, and light our first birch and amber-scented candles. The main event of the evening, however, is watching the first few episodes of Gilmore Girls. No one can quite determine why, but Gilmore Girls has become an internationally recognized integral component of Autumn. It is the most comforting of all the comfort shows and something about its very nature, beyond the subject matter, suggests fall. Perhaps it is the warm, grainy filter used on each episode or the opening shot of the rolling hills of Connecticut covered in golden, red, and orange deciduous trees. Or maybe it is simply the opening credits, in which we see a montage of the idyllic mother-daughter duo set to the melodic voice of Carole King that epitomizes the essence of feel-good television. 

You can choose your favourite Rory boy phase (#JusticeforTristan), or attempt to emulate her study patterns and dedication to academia, but for the moments in which Rory is not confined to the bounds of her Chilton uniform - her wardrobe shines. No matter the season, she balances comfort and style incredibly well, following in the footsteps of Lorelei. Here are 8 of the best Rory looks to get you inspired for the upcoming Autumnal season:

Our Poster-Child for Dark Academia (Season 4, Episode 7)

A classic check skirt and a leather satchel. It’s monochrome without being boring and whoever coined the idea of Dark Academia as a fashion aesthetic must have taken inspiration from this outfit, specifically.

The Unnecessarily Oversized Chunky Knit (Season 1, Episode 1)

I adore oversized sweaters for the autumn season and they are incredibly easy to come across at local thrift stores. The more they resemble something your grandfather would wear, the better. Whether you take after Rory and style it with slightly flared jeans or dress it up with tights and knee-high boots, you simply can’t go wrong.

Pleather, but Plaid + Leather (Season 5, Episode 4)

This outfit is so subtly colourful and well done I always go back to it. The cropped burnt-orange leather jacket (and matching boots!) should be a staple in all of our autumn wardrobes.

Girl Next Door (Season 1, Episode 1)

Combat boots with creamy socks just peeking out of the top, sheer tights, a denim skirt, and a pop of colour in her cranberry red top. If there was a singular summer to autumn transitional outfit, this is it.

The Fall Uniform (Season 4, Episode 9)

A chunky-knit roll neck, medium-wash straight-leg jeans, and sneakers. This is the everyday, versatile autumn look that is timeless and is to be repeated time and time again. It can take you from reading in the corner of a cosy coffee shop, to popping in and out of stores running errands, directly to a walk in the park to appreciate the changing trees.

Fishnets, but I… like it? (Season 6, Episode 11)

Generally speaking, I associate fishnets with costumes and costumes alone. They are not an accessory to be worn in everyday life, or furthermore to be worn during the day. And yet, Rory has done it again. The subtle pop of sheer fishnets that you can only distinguish in the light adds just the right amount of edge to save her outfit from being, well, boring.

Monochrome Brown and Chilton Chic (Season 1, Episode 7)

I know we are all haunted by our primary-school uniform days, but hear me out on this one. Rory’s private school uniform is noteworthy. We can leave behind the knee socks and saddle shoes, but a classic blazer, a plaid skirt, and a button-down (I even like the necktie, to be fair) is an indisputable autumn classic. Lorelei, on the other hand, has perfected a layered monochrome look with three shades of warm brown.

The Trifecta of Patterned Tights (Season 4)

Striped, check, and argyle printed tights have been making a comeback, and I agree. Rory’s patterned sweaters balance out her patterned tights incredibly well, so the weight of the outfit is equal from top to bottom. It’s funky and unique, but it works!