All the autumn-lovers in Ohio have woken up to their own personal Christmas mornings these past few chilly weeks. Everywhere you look there is Pumpkin Spice and falling leaves reminding us that Autumn is here. There’s so many things to love about this wonderful season, and often, that’s the biggest problem: there’s so much to do and love yet so little season! This week, The Ravine is going to provide the ultimate Autumn-Lovers guide to conquering the season and squeezing the most out of this fall.
Step One: The Closet Transformation
In order to fully embrace all that Autumn has to offer, the first thing you must do is look at your wardrobe. Stow away those summery tank tops and shorts and shun the bright colors and spring dresses. Autumn is defined by its deep, calm colors and oversized comfy styles. If you’re lost, think chunky knit sweaters, plaid skirts, oversized cardigans, neutral turtlenecks, and anything in shades of brown, cream, or burnt orange. Or better yet, get onto pinterest and create a mood board! This will help with the later steps too, and, it’s fun!
If you don’t have these staple fall items, no need to worry! Thrift stories are the gold mines for fall pieces, especially for thick sweaters and a good pair of blue jeans. Pair a comfy thrifted swear with some mini Ugg boots (or Amazon dupes), add in some curls and a dark red bow and BAM, you are one step closer to living your Rory Gilmore fall dreams!
Step Two: The Playlist
My personal favorite part of fall is the music shift. While all music has a time and a place, music meant for fall is known for its smooth and relaxing feel and all around chill, study set vibes. If this music isn’t your vibe, there’s no shame in that! But if you are looking for some fall music, think Noah Kahan, Mac Demarco, Lizzy McAlpine, Laufey, Gracie Abrams, and of course, Taylor Swift’s folklore and evermore on repeat. Maybe even mix in some older classics like Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and Phoebe Bridgers for the perfect soundtrack.
*Bonus points if you name your playlist something cute and add in a fall picture for the cover*
Step Three: Entertainment
Nothing screams fall quite like a comfy blanket and a good story. Fall is the pinnacle of the reading season, and it’s all centered on comfort reads and nostalgic vibes. Some of my favorite fall reads include Twilight(all the books) by Stephanie Meyer, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, any fun fall romance, or you can switch it up with some spooky horror novels by Stephen King or Freida McFadden.
Reading surely isn’t for everyone though, and if this is you, you’re in luck! Fall TV has your back. Watch Gilmore Girls, the Twilight Saga(can never get enough Twilight in the fall), some fun/scary halloween classics or some fan-favorite fall rom-coms.
Step Four: Romanticize the Season
Arguably the most important part of living out the fall aesthetic is learning to romanticize the small things of the season. Take some time to spend out in nature, do crafts, make plans to visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard with your friends, bake some pumpkin treats, decorate your room with fairy lights, candles, and a few dried flowers in mason jars, and most Pinterest-girl activity of all — make a fun fall drink. Whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte, chai tea, or hot apple cider, the most important ingredient is excitement and fun(and cinnamon!).
Step Five: The Mindset Shift
Once you’ve completed these steps, or whenever you feel ready, it’s to tackle the best part about autumn, getting to slow down, reflect, and cozy up with yourself. Fall is the perfect time to try something new: journal some goals, keep a gratitude journal, light a fall candle, turn on your previously curated playlist, and let the cool breeze and falling leaves carry you into the season.
The beauty of Autumn is found when we can appreciate the wonder of change. The trees let their leaves fall and we can channel this change too. Fall is a beautiful reminder that growth is slow and that in the business of our everyday lives one of the most important things on our agenda should be to slow down and take it all in.
So grab your chunky sweater, your favorite coffee, and shuffle your playlist. The Autumn season has officially fallen.
