Fall can be considered a constant reminder that summer is now fading, and the gloomy season of winter will once again make its return; however, fall is also the season of aesthetically pleasing fall outfits, pumpkin spice candles, and romanticizing the school season, as if you are living in the life of Rory Gilmore.
Autumn can be difficult to look forward to as it approaches, since the majority of the time, the weather doesn’t behave as expected. The season can either be too cold or too hot, too short or too long, and overall, it can sometimes be a mess. However, romanticizing the fall lifestyle is easy and can occasionally make that bipolar fall weather feel a little more “fall.”
School
As a junior in high school, it’s difficult to look forward to school. However, there are ways I manage. The majority of the time, imagining myself living the life of Rory Gilmore during her time at Chilton Preparatory School gives me this perfect opportunity to not only perform well in my classes but also romanticize them to the max. Playing calming jazz music in my over-the-ear headphones distracts me from the constant outside noise, giving me the true fall feelings. Always carrying a fall-scented hand lotion in my school backpack brings out the scents of pumpkin spice while in class.
Bedroom
Bed rotting: an unfortunate habit many fall into. Especially during the autumn season, it’s easy to miss out on perfect weather by simply lying in bed. To grow out of these habits, try starting by cracking open a window and lighting a fall-scented candle; doing this will ultimately lead to a cozier—or more fall—vibe while not needing to be outside. Stores like Target or even Walmart have affordable and adorable Halloween and fall decorations to bring the spooky Halloween spirit to the place where most time is spent for many: one’s own room.
Music
During autumn, there is one aspect I always look forward to: the music. Starbucks study sessions with light jazz music playing in the background, paired with an iced pumpkin chai in hand, make for the ultimate fall mood. However, these Starbucks study sessions don’t last all day. To achieve the studious fall vibe while outside of a coffee shop, try exposing yourself to new genres of music, such as jazz, or even any other autumn-related songs. Listening to music, even in moments where life may be filled with dread for new seasons rather than with autumn spirit, can make a simple moment feel more special.
Friends
Spending time with friends during the autumn season can be difficult because it’s a fresh start to the school year. To help romanticize simple hangouts with friends to feel more “autumn-filled,” try stopping by a local bakery and grabbing some cider and pumpkin donuts. The majority of the time I’m with friends, it feels as if TikTok doomscrolling takes over the majority of the hangout; however, when incorporating small fall-themed ideas, it makes these hangouts more special.
Don’t let the seasonal depression take over, because although weather changes can be difficult to adapt to, there are multiple ways to romanticize these moments to feel more like true autumn.
