As the seasons transition from summer to fall, the air becomes crisper, the days grow shorter, and the leaves change from vivid green to rich shades of orange, red, and gold. Pumpkin spice lattes replace piña coladas, and time once spent at the beach is now spent picking pumpkins and going on hayrides. Culturally, fall is often associated with coziness, nostalgia, and preparing for the upcoming holidays. This season is a time to be reflective, practice gratitude, and reconnect with oneself. Changes to the weather and mindsets also mean inevitable changes to your daily wardrobe. While vibrant and airy clothing is fit for hot summer days, fall has us embracing layers, plush materials, and earth tones that complement nature’s beauty during this time of year.
The autumnal aesthetic is simple and accessible, allowing items to be styled in many distinctive ways. Common, comfortable, and stylish materials worn during this season include suede, flannel, leather, corduroy, and cashmere. Trench coats and cozy crewneck sweaters become outfit staples, whether one is getting coffee with friends, going for a walk in the park among the falling leaves, or anything in between. This season is all about mixing materials and styling them with accessories such as scarves, statement hats, leather gloves, and trendy handbags. Footwear ranging from knee-high boots to ballet flats is a practical and stylish essential that can be dressed up for formal looks or toned down for casual outings.
Color palettes dominating fall fashion are typically warmer and darker than those in spring and summer. Autumn-inspired tones such as golden yellow and rich browns, oranges, and burgundies match the natural scenery and evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Cool colors such as blue and teal aren’t generally considered fall colors, but can make warm colors pop when paired, creating a visually appealing look for both fashion and decor. When it comes to patterns, polished plaids and houndstooths make their much-anticipated returns as soon as the temperature drops, staying until temperatures rise again in the spring. Designers and fashion houses, such as Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, and Chopova Lowena, have made the iconic check pattern a signature element in their collections, revamping it for modern audiences.
Social media has introduced the masses to autumnal trends inspired by pop culture. One specific trend, known as Meg Ryan Fall, emerged on TikTok in 2021 and laid the groundwork for nostalgic autumn looks people return to every year. The aesthetic is inspired by the homey and chic style of the characters played by actress Meg Ryan in her late 1980s and 1990s rom-coms, such as When Harry Met Sally… (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and You’ve Got Mail (1998). To create this look, thick cable-knit sweaters, neutral blazers, and tailored jeans or trousers are essentials. Accessorize with a leather belt, black tights, and simple gold jewelry for a retro, yet timeless feel that evokes the elegance of the iconic characters Ryan embodies throughout her film career.
In the world of fashion and beyond, fall has evolved from just a season into a cultural phenomenon, where people express themselves and their creativity through the art of layering, material mixing, and drawing cinematic inspiration. The season grants us the opportunity to slow down, savor the moment, and start anew, much like nature does. Now, as we transition from fall to winter and from Halloween and Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s, take some time to browse through your closet and discover all the ways you can make the most of the upcoming seasons.