Putting together a fall wardrobe in Morningside

With the last days of summer finally fading, students are tucking away their sand-filled totes, acid-colored lacquers, and boat shoes to make room for a perfectly tailored fall wardrobe. Morningside Heights may be far from the stylish shopping haven of lower Manhattan, but in a season ruled by minimalism, refined elegance, and neutral hues, shopping in MoHi could not be more practical.

For too many seasons, women have been forced to confront fashion with ultimate extremes. Barely-there hems and liquid leggings were paired with oversized blazers and Gaga-inspired headpieces. However, this season, women’s fashion has turned from dramatic extremity to comfort, neutrality, and ladylike refinement. The must-have pieces are easily found near campus.

American Apparel (Broadway between 109th and 110th streets) remains the greatest resource for shopping in MoHi. The store’s 3-D flower mesh jumper ($84), available in black and white, paired with jeans and ballet flats, channels high-fashion designer Isabel Marant’s Parisian-chic collection.

For a professional look, girls can pull together the plaid chiffon oversized button-up ($58) with pleated slacks or a full skirt and nude pumps. The look is perfect for fall interns and can easily transform into a date-ready ensemble by trading the pleated pants or full skirt for dark-hued jeans. Simple, ladylike accessories are all the rage this season, and American Apparel’s skinny feathered edge leather belt ($34) in brown and bass adds the perfect accent to a cinched waist. Looks are completed with Bardot-inspired hairstyles that are easily achieved with a cotton spandex jersey headband ($4).

Following the season’s menswear trends has never been easier, and American Apparel proves to be the one-stop shop for men pursuing their preppy Ivy League roots. Take the store’s chambray long-sleeve, button-up shirt ($58) in charcoal and pair it with the piqué raglan pullover in mossy green ($32) for the perfect gentleman look. Nothing says sexy like a fitted V-neck sweater, and the lightweight, knit V-neck sweater ($58) is a great option for fall’s cooler days. As an alternative to uniform denim, pair the versatile poly-viscose welt pocket pant ($69), available in seven colors, with loafers for classes or a date night, and with oxford lace-ups when interning.

A stop at Ricky’s (Broadway between 112th and 113th streets) revamps summer’s sun-damaged skin and brightly hued nails. Students of all skin types will find Murad moisturizers ($33-$68) to be hydrating and healing. Whether muted with the smoky taupe Mink Muffs polish or bold with the red wine Ups polish, nails done up with Essie polishes ($7.99) add the perfect touch to feminine style.

With the perfect fall finds nestled in MoHi stores at college-budget prices, students can save a MetroCard swipe and a journey downtown to nail the season’s coveted looks.