The fall holidays are upon us, and now is an ideal time to experiment with autumn-inspired fashion. Recently while scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon a few looks straight from one of my all-time favorite movies, When Harry Met Sally. At first, I thought I had simply found my TikTok niche, but apparently, “Meg Ryan Fall” is officially here. TikTokers are breaking out their layers, neutrals, and J. Crew knits and turning her iconic style into an autumnal aesthetic. However, as a diehard Meg fan, I’m confused. Where has everyone been all this time?!
I’ve been fangirling over Meg Ryan for the past 20 years of my life, and I can’t help but notice how late Gen Z is to the party. Her classic film You’ve Got Mail is my favorite comfort movie; I can recite every line of dialogue from memory, and I’ve watched the film so many times I’ve lost count entirely. I remember the first time my mom showed me the DVD (yes, I know) and how I was immediately mesmerized by Ryan’s character, Kathleen Kelly, and her classic style. The mock turtlenecks, pencil skirts, and neutral knits have been the objects of my affection for my entire existence — so, why is Meg Ryan fashion just now becoming a trend?
Don’t come at me, okay? I’m merely pointing out that I haven’t been able to keep my mouth shut about Meg for over a decade, and I’m glad everyone is finally jumping on the bandwagon. Right now on TikTok, it’s clear that creators are celebrating Meg’s iconic fashion sense; the hashtag #MegRyanFall has over 2.6 million views. Even Pinterest is inundated with “Meg Ryan Fall” pins showing her oversized sweaters, blazers, cardigans, button-downs, and round frame glasses. Some TikTokers are even reimagining Ryan’s most iconic outfits from her movies, like @stylincafe who recreated looks from When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail (they even include dialogue from the romcoms, which warms my nostalgic heart).
Meg herself recently posted this photo on Instagram and used the hashtag #MegRyanFall, and don’t even get me started on how happy it makes me. In the photo, she is wearing a midi skirt with a leaf print design and striped mock neck top while holding a pumpkin — which reminds me of this classic moment from You’ve Got Mail. Perhaps even Meg was late to realizing how iconic she is — if that’s even possible.
There’s something about Meg Ryan films that gets me in the “sad girl fall” feels every time, and I know I’m not alone. Honestly, I believe #MegRyanFall is here because she represents stability, nostalgia, and all of the comfy vibes we need after enduring a pandemic for nearly two years. #MegRyanFall on TikTok also reminds me that the iconic actress is truly the blueprint for fall fashion with her small bookstore owner vibes and effortless autumnal style.
Even if my generation is late to the Meg Ryan party, I say we enjoy the style trend before winter fully arrives. Why not watch all of her films on repeat while setting up twinkle lights in your apartment? Finally, I’d like to petition for “Tom Hanks and Billy Crystal Autumn” next season — mainly because I need my man to rock a chunky cable knit sweater, 24/7. Who’s with me?