Yesterday, I received what was perhaps the greatest compliment of my life. As my facialist applied the pumpkin enzyme chemical peel (per my seasonally inclined request), she asked, “Has anyone ever told you that you give strong Rory Gilmore vibes?” Was it my copy of Atonement that gave me away? Or perhaps the journal and millions of pencils spilling out of my bag? Nope, it was my obvious, enduring, and perpetual love of fall. Even during a facial (when I typically love the silence), I went on about my plans for the new season: cinnamon-spiked pancakes, warm lattes instead of iced, and a miles-long reading list. Of course, there’s a certain freedom and excited energy that comes with summer, but I think fall is the best time of year to romanticize your life.
But just as self-care is more than bubble baths and face masks, romanticizing your life goes beyond the dreamy Instagram visuals. While flowy dresses and Penguin classics can certainly evoke good vibes, creating romance in your everyday life requires orienting your rituals toward joy, happiness, and pleasure in all things—both big and small. If you’re looking to spark a little more wonder and magic in your autumnal routines, read on. These are my favorite ways to romanticize your life for fall.
20 Ways to Romanticize Your Life This Fall
1. Schedule alone time in your calendar. While I love getting cozy with my partner and am excited to plan all the fall things with friends, this is the time to embrace your own company. Villain era, main character energy—whatever you call it, create space to get to know yourself a little better this season.
2. Schedule coffee dates. Per the last tip: with a partner, a friend, or yourself. Make a list of coffee shops in your city you’ve been wanting to try. Or become a regular at the café down the street. Bring a book, a journal, knitting—whatever pairs perfectly with a foamy latte.
3. Find your healthy fall beverage. As you’re moving to hot coffee instead of cold, add flavors of the season that pack a major nutritious punch (for example, pumpkin is good for the immune system, and cinnamon is high in antioxidants). DIY a PSL, add cinnamon to your steamed milk, or even try a rooibos tea latte with some apples.
4. Start a journal. If you haven’t explored the practice yet, fall’s the best time to make it a habit. Spark inspiration with these 90 journal prompts.
5. Create a playlist for your house. While summertime sees me rocking out to all the season’s bops, fall is about creating a cozy, quiet atmosphere. I love playing Gregory Alan Isakov, José Gonzalez, or Fleet Foxes to set the perfect tone. Music can completely transform your mood.
6. Have an autumn picnic. PSA: picnics aren’t just for summer. Head to the store, grab some charcuterie components (i.e., cured meats, cheese, and crackers), make a simple grain salad, and don’t forget the bread. Post up in a park or a local garden for a romantic afternoon.
7. Actually read your cookbooks. If you’re like me and have a dedicated shelf for cookbooks, grab your stack and a set of sticky notes and make a fall-baking bucket list. Cinnamon rolls, apple-spice muffins, and anything pumpkin are all fair game.
8. Change your morning routine. In the summer, my morning routine involved an iced coffee, an outdoor walk, and making a smoothie. Instead of getting up early and moving, I’m leaning into what I’m craving this season. So you can find me journaling or reading in bed after waking up, sipping on hot tea, and making pumpkin oats for breakfast, as I crave something heartier and warming come fall. Your body needs different things in every season—listen to it.
9. Sprinkle pumpkin spice into everything. From pumpkin-flavored pasta sauces (gnocchi is my favorite for this) to muffins and scones, between the months of September and November, pumpkin spice has a place in everything you eat. An organic pumpkin spice seasoning (rather than a sweetener) also contains antioxidants for an added health benefit.
10. Make a fall Pinterest board. There’s no better way to visually capture the aesthetic of autumn than on Pinterest. Spend a few hours gathering quotes, outfit inspo, ideas for your home, and anything that puts you in the fall mood.
11. Wear pretty pajamas. Sleeping is all about feeling your most comfortable, but it can also be an opportunity to tap into your feminine energy and feel sexy just for you. Invest in something silky, lacy, or with a fleece lining to keep you warm.
12. Invite friends over for a potluck. Keep it simple, but romantic. Light a few tea lights, buy a simple floral bouquet, and make sure your home is all cozied up for your guests. Assign everyone a course, and revel in the joy of gathering together to eat cozy, comforting food.
13. Use your “special occasion” items. That nice dress you’ve never had a reason to wear? Layer it over a turtleneck and pair it with booties. The silverware you inherited from your grandmother? Honor the gesture by using it to serve your favorite meal. There’s never a perfect time to use your nice things—enjoy that time now.
14. Because community care is self-care, start a book club. Invite your friends, co-workers, or neighbors to partake to not only help you get in the habit of reading but to also strengthen your relationships. Social connection is crucial for your health year-round, but especially when we’re spending more time indoors (FYI, having deep, purposeful relationships leads to a 50 percent increased chance of longevity and generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being).
15. Keep a calendar specifically for things to look forward to. Do you treat yourself to a monthly massage? Have tickets for a Kacey Musgraves concert? Counting down the days until your sherpa jacket arrives? Write down all of the upcoming events that fill your cup (no matter how ordinary they seem) to consistently incorporate novelty into your schedule.
16. Do cozy girl cardio. Rather binge-watch Gilmore Girls than work out? Habit-stack your favorite mother-daughter-duo obsession with a cardio session. Embrace hygge—you know, lighting candles, fuzzy socks, pumpkin spice lattes—while you walk at a comfortable pace on your walking pad. Flannel PJs are encouraged.
17. Become a manifestation girly. Want a better love life, a healthier body, or to land your dream job and make more money? You can manifest it. Whether it’s by way of the 3-6-9 method or the 30-Day Dr. Joe Dispenza Challenge, focus this time of year on taking charge of your actions, emotions, beliefs, and habits to achieve your best life.
18. Plan a Hallmark fall movie marathon with your besties. ICYMI, they have new original movies starting in September—aptly dubbed Fall into Love—complete with small-town goodness and a side of romance (and all the fall feels, of course). Better yet, take it outdoors and stream the feel-good premieres on a projector. Oh, and don’t forget your array of movie snacks (AKA all the Trader Joe’s fall items).
19. Get in the kitchen and bake a fall dessert. From the classic apple pie to can’t-go-wrong-with pumpkin bread, the aromas alone will get you in the fall mood. I mean, you can’t not feel warm and fuzzy being surrounded by the smell and taste of autumn fruits and spices. If it still feels like summer where you are, cue these no-bake fall recipes (pumpkin tiramisu? sold).
20. DIY a fall-themed craft night. Settle in for an evening of tapping into your creative side (bonus points that it’ll boost your mental health). Maybe you make a wreath to hang above the fireplace, a Halloween doormat to welcome your trick-or-treaters, or a Pottery Barn Terracotta Jack O’ Lantern dupe to round out your fall porch decor (and brag to your guests). Whatever you create, you can enjoy it year after year.
Isabelle Eyman
Isabelle Eyman is a Chicago-based writer and editor. She is currently the Managing Editor at Camille Styles, sharing inspiration and uncovering the beauty all around us through food, design, and wellness editorial.
