In recent years, social media has played a pivotal role in shaping fashion trends, lifestyle aesthetics and even seasonal habits. Chief among these trends is “Christian Girl Autumn,” a seasonal meme that resurfaces every fall to lightly mock a certain type of, usually white, women who love a good chunky sweater and some pumpkin spice.
In the realm of social media and fashion influencers, Caitlin Covington has undoubtedly made her mark as the epitome of “Christian Girl Autumn.” A North Carolina native and stay-at-home mother, Covington had no idea what was in store when she posted a photo of her and her friend, Emily Gemma, on their shared blog in 2016.
Three years later, in 2019, Covington’s picturesque fall-loving persona inadvertently became the definition of “Christian Girl Autumn.” Twitter user Isabella Markle posted a three-year-old picture of influencer Caitlin Covington and her friend Emma Gemma sporting very similar fall-appropriate outfits, accessories, and hair. She dubbed the photo “Christian Girl Autumn,” and it quickly went viral.
Since then, “Christian Girl Autumn” has been made famous for its chunky sweaters, big hair, warm colors, and worship of the Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Senior Molly Deming of Red Bank enjoys watching the “Christian Girl Autumn” girls return season after season.
“It’s a phenomenon that comes in October when white women come out of hibernation and embrace everything fall,“ Deming said.
Since the meme’s creation, Covington has fully embraced her status as the queen of fall. With 1.3 million Instagram followers, her annual autumn content is eagerly awaited by fans. Comments on her Instagram posts affectionately label her as an “autumnal queen” and the “president of fall.” Though, Covington is more than just a fall enthusiast; she’s a savvy entrepreneur.
During her yearly trip to Vermont, she can earn tens of thousands of dollars for just two sponsored Instagram posts, according to the New York Times. On top of just meticulously planning out outfits and styling her hair, Covington tracks foliage reports weeks before leaving to make sure the leaves are at peak color.
Junior Alisa Kharod is always excited for Covington’s seasonal posts and loves her sense of style and how much detail she puts into her trips.
“I think it’s so iconic that she researches and uses science for these photoshoots and looks cute doing it,” Kharod said.
Though the internet has mocked fans of the “Christian Girl Autumn” style for being “basic,” Covington has made it clear that she doesn’t care. She has modeled her fall fashions on her blog “Southern Curls and Pearls” since 2011 and continues to this day.
“I’m literally as basic as people think I am. Like, pumpkin spice, fall leaves, cardigan sweaters, blanket scarves,” Covington said in an interview with the New York Times. Covington will continue her reign as the “Mother of Autumn” this year with another trip to Vermont, featuring brand-new outfits and picture ideas. Covington’s love for fall and her ability to embrace being “basic” and authentic has defined her as both the face of “Christian Girl Autumn” and a businesswoman in her own right.
Junior Christie DeNicola of Tinton Falls is an avid defender of all things basic and “cookie cutter”.
“I mean, it’s basic for a reason. At the end of the day, it’s more important to be comfortable and cute than to care what other people think,” DeNicola said.
