As F. Scott Fitzgerald aptly said, “life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” After months of sandy toes, handheld fans, and cocktails by the water, the cool fall weather can come as a shock to many — including myself. The second a leaf hits the ground, I find myself reminiscing about that summer season, which always feels so far away. However, this year I made a promise to take everything for what it is; honor it suitably. If this advice sounds simple, it’s because it is. Yet, every year, I live in the future, longing for summer. Here’s what I’m doing this year to honor fall and all that it has to offer!
- What I’m watching and reading
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This season, I’m enjoying low-key, calming, and simple, but deep, books and shows. I love the idea that fall is a rebirth — a time to relax and re-discover yourself after the bustling summer season, and that’s definitely reflected in my media choices. My current favorite show is Gilmore Girls because of the abundance of autumn colors in a quaint New England setting and the quotidian routines of the characters. As for books, I always go back to Normal People by Sally Rooney, and for movies, I am rewatching the Harry Potter series — particularly the first two. Although incredibly different, these works evoke the feeling of fall in their own way and are incredibly successful in drawing the audience into their world.
- What I’m eating and drinking
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Fall is the season of pumpkins, sweet potatoes, Brussell sprouts, mushrooms, and pineapples. As such, I’m making an effort to incorporate these ingredients into my diet. There is something so primal in eating a vegetable or fruit that’s in season — how much simpler can it get? As for drinks, I think it’s time to trade in cold drinks for hot beverages. I have been enjoying a cappuccino a la Italiana or a London Fog Latte — simple, yet powerful.
- What I’m wearing
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I’m keeping my outfits simple this fall by showcasing my personal style through the accessories that I choose. An accessory that I have particularly loved this season are scarves, especially long and chunky ones, with fringe at the bottom. They elevate any outfit tremendously and are a key element when building a “capsule wardrobe,” especially when it’s rooted in neutrals that by themselves might appear too plain. Leather gloves, necklaces, and painted nails have also upgraded my outfits. As for shoes, my go-to has been a black bootie — something that felt too “grunge” to wear on sunny summer days but that now feels perfect.
Fall is about simplicity and self-discovery, as Jane Hirshfield writes in her quote: “The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens apples, the other turns them to cider.” I aspire to live in the present not only this fall but all year round. I want to take everything for what it is and pay homage to it in whatever way seems fit. And when December rolls around, I’ll trade in my earbuds for my earmuffs and embrace the new season with a warm heart.
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