Northwestern's Very Own Fall Camouflage
I love trees.
Although I’ve never been much of a tree-climber (probably a result of my helicopter mother), the changing colors of the leaves entrance me. In the dull Northwestern winter, the trees around campus make my walks to class infinitely better. The other day, I squealed with excitement when I found a Northwestern trees Instagram account (@treesofnorthwestern) – this outburst did not phase my friends.
As the sunlight, temperature and soil changes, leaves’ food processes change as well, according to College of Environmental Science and Forestry. This breakdown exposes the yellow, oranges and reds, produced by carotenoids and xanthophyll pigments since chlorophyll, which produces green pigment, no longer dominates, says Farmers Almanac.
The feelings induced by the enchanting colors and impression of fall trees serve as inspiration for chic Fall attire.
“Charlie Brown”
Meet “Charlie Brown,” a tree in the sorority quad. The name for this tree derives from its color similarity to Charlie’s t-shirt and Woodstock, the small yellow Bird. Woodstock’s quintessential positions lying on top of Snoopy’s dog house embodies the desire for anyone passing by to lay under the tree and absorb its beauty.
“Charlie Brown”
Top: Tularosa -- I’m Yours Top
Jacket: Zara Faux Fur Short Coat
Pants: AGOLDE Roxanne Super High-Rise Skinny jean
Sneakers: Steve Madden Memory Sneakers
“Charlie Brown”
Sweater: Zara “SNOOPY® PEANUTS JACQUARD SWEATER”
Boots: Coach 1941 - Lucy Lace Up Boot
Pants: Blanc NYC Varick Corduroy Pant
Scarf: Aritzia Classic Wool Scarf
“Charlie Brown”
Dress: Zara Knit Dress with Buttons
Vest: John and Jenn By Line-- Beatty Vest
Glasses: Urban Outfitter Dyllon Metal Round Sunglasses
Boots: Tony Bianco Helene Boot
“Sun-kissed Watermelon”
Introducing “Sun-kissed Watermelon,” a tree outside of Willard. Its pink-green ombre and rounded edge reminds me of a sun-kissed watermelon since the top layer appears pink-ish, not bright red.
“Sun-kissed Watermelon”
Top: Zara Floral Print Blouse with Ruffles
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Olivia High Rise Corduroy
Boots: Topshop MAXWELL Suede Ankle
“Sun-kissed Watermelon”
“Sun-kissed Watermelon”
Dress: Zara Long Flowy Shirt
Jacket: Topshop Oversized Longline Bomber Jacket
Shoes: Women’s Air Max 98 Sneaker
Bag: Urban Outfitters Matt & Nat Kate Mini Crossbody Bag
“Ms. Burnt”
Here’s “Ms. Burnt,” a tree in between Annie May Swift and Sheridan. Flaunting a burnt orange color with its dainty leaves and thin branches, this tree encompasses both boldness and fragility.
“Ms. Burnt”
Jacket: Topshop Faux Fur Collar PU Biker Jacket
Glasses: Orange Sunglasses
Pants: Amanda Uprichard Kirkwood Pant
Top: Zara Cropped Top Burnt Orange
“Ms. Burnt”
Top: Zara Oversized Snake Print Shirt
Overalls: Rolla’s Eastcoast Flare Overall
Hat: Aritzia Jay Peak Beanie
Shoes: Topshop LILI Black Loafers
“Ms. Burnt”
Jacket: Zara Corduroy Blazer Brandy
Bag: Zara Tortoiseshell Minaudiere
Turtle Neck: LNA -- Ash Crop Turtleneck
Skirt: Aritzia Wilfred Terre Skirt
“Lumière”
Next up is “Lumière,” a tree in the sorority quad. Its reddened top but glowing orange body resembles a flame. What candle radiates so much positive energy other than Lumière from Beauty and the Beast?
“Lumière”
Jacket: Aritzia the Teddy Cropped Jacket
Top: Topshop “Feelings Come” t-shirt
Skirt: Zara Terracotta Elastic Waist Skirt
Bag: Red Fanny Pack
“Lumière”
Pants: Majorelle Jillian Pant
Shoes: Zara Zippered Heeled Ankle boot
Shirt: Topshop Lettuce Textured T-Shirt
Jacket: House of Harlow 1960 X Revolve Silvio Top
“Lumière”
Jacket: Zara Red Faux Leather Jacket
Dress: Lovers + Friends Be Fierce Dress
Shoes: Puma Vikky Platform Sneakers
Scarf: Urban Outfitters Multi-colored Bandana
“Johnny Appleseed”
Now introducing “Johnny Appleseed,” a tree in the grass area in between University and Sheridan. The name for this tree derives from the story of Johnny Appleseed since its mix of green, yellowish green and some light red spark visions of a ripening apple.
“Johnny Appleseed”
Pants: Pam&Gela Uniform Side Stripe Step Hem
Shoes: Puma Suede Varsity Sneaker
Shirt: Zara Satin Blouse
“Johnny Appleseed”
Dress: Lovers + Friends Keeney Dress
Jacket: Aritzia Faux Fur Dorothy Coat
Shoes: Zara High-Heeled Leather Boots
“Johnny Appleseed”
Pants: Levi’s 501 Skinny
Shirt: Topshop Velvet Crop T-shirt
Bag: Zara Multicolor Beaded Crossbody Bag with Clasp
Jacket: Zara Jacket with Topstitching
“Maroon 5”
This is one of my favorites: “Maroon 5,” a tree right outside of Deering Library. The maroon pigment displayed on every leaf of this tree contrasts the green behind it; this fullness of color immediately brings to mind Adam Levine and his songs, which are the perfect fall vibes.
“Maroon 5”
“Maroon 5”
Jacket: Topshop Belted Biker Jacket
Dress: By the Way Vella Velvet Mini Dress
Bag: Zara Rock Bucket Bag
Shoes: Sam Edelman Jennifer Boot
“Maroon 5”
Tops: Sanctuary Doheny Blouse
Backpack: Zara Red Backpack with metal Applique
Shoes: Puma Suede Platform Trace Sneakers
With the upcoming winter, we may have to bid farewell to our colorful tree friends, but don’t worry, a new set of colors will be back in the spring!