"I was fortunate enough to come of age in the years following Meg Ryan’s most popular films. I dreamily soaked up Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, and You’ve Got Mail and still frequently return to these movies when I need a good comfort watch. What I didn’t fully appreciate when watching as a teenager, however, was just how good the vibes of Meg Ryan movies are, especially heading into fall. So when I came across the concept of a Meg Ryan fall on TikTok (thank you, @momentscookbook, for the inspiration), I knew this was exactly the ambience I wanted to capture this autumn.
If a Nancy Meyers summer is all about white linen, long walks on the beach, and crisp glasses of white wine, then think of a Meg Ryan fall as a cozier, moodier alternative. A lot of the same concepts apply—chic outfits, good food, and designing a home you love are all key to enjoying the full Meg Ryan effect. However, the vibes are cozier, more romantic, and very homey. Think chunky knits, curling up with a good book, and bundling up for long walks on brisk fall days. Essentially, it’s all about taking everyday moments and elevating them in a cozy, romantic way.
If that sounds like your ideal autumn, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 ways to embrace the iconic Meg Ryan fall vibes yourself.
1. Lean into knits
One thing I love about the fashion moments in many of Meg Ryan’s movies is how casually she dresses while still looking really pulled together. Specifically, she knows how to rock a great cozy knit. Sweaters are a key part of any fall wardrobe, but the secret to styling them like a main character lies in layering. Toss your favorite cable-knit over a classic button-down, pair a cashmere sweater with a chic blazer, or dress up a plain white tee with an oversized cardigan. Invest in a few cozy yet practical sweaters at the start of the season, and you’ll have tons of outfits you can mix and match throughout the fall.
2. Find cozy third spaces
Summer typically involves spending plenty of time outside, but a Meg Ryan fall entails doing the opposite. As the temperatures start to drop and rainy days roll in, it’s understandable if you’re feeling the need to stay indoors. The key to not going stir-crazy this fall is to find cozy third spaces (AKA somewhere that isn’t your home or work) that you can escape to. Personally, I think there’s nothing more romantic than spending a rainy day strolling through a museum, but you could also sign up for cooking classes, head to the library, or hole up in a homey coffee shop for the afternoon.
3. Set a cozy mood at home
The trick to making your home feel like a movie is to fill it with things you love—and nix the clutter that’s stressing you out. Sure, romantic comedy heroines tend to have homes that look lived-in, but you won’t find the type of messes that make you feel overwhelmed. If your space is feeling a little too cluttered these days, an end-of-summer refresh can really help you get the most out of a Meg Ryan fall. Cut the clutter, do a deep clean, and then you can focus on the fun part: setting the mood. Turn off the overhead lights, light your favorite fall candle or a fire, and wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket while you read a good book or watch your favorite rom-com.
4. Create a nostalgic playlist
The ’90s were truly the golden age of rom-coms, and this fall, I plan to channel a bit of that magic myself by listening to nostalgic rom-com music as my fall soundtrack. Go through your preferred music streaming platform and create a custom playlist of your movie favorites, or pull up one of the many “Meg Ryan fall” playlists curated by other users. If you’re DIYing your own, artists like The Cranberries, Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Connick, Jr. are must-plays to help you channel rom-com energy IRL.
5. Simplify your morning routine
I love optimizing my mornings, but I think we can all admit that morning routines are starting to get a bit out of hand. This autumn, I say we cut ourselves some slack and stop waking up in the dark just to squeeze in a workout, meditation, journaling session, and extensive skincare routine, all before eating breakfast. Instead, start prioritizing fun over productivity in your morning routine. After all, the getting-ready scenes are a huge part of the charm of any rom-com, whether Meg Ryan starred in it or not. So blast that Meg Ryan fall playlist, reach for that lip color you normally save for special occasions, spend a few extra minutes playing around with different accessories, or carve out time to read while sipping on your favorite fall beverage of choice.
6. Let your hair down
I love a chic slicked-back bun on lazy hair days, but that’s not exactly Meg Ryan’s thing. Especially in When Harry Met Sally, she lets her curls run wild, and I’m here for it this fall. There’s something about free-flowing, slightly messy hair that is so romantic. As someone with naturally wavy and frizzy hair, I love the idea of letting my natural texture shine this fall. To tame the frizz without crushing my natural curls, I like to run a heated brush through my hair quickly to add a bit of shine without making my hair too straight.
7. Savor some fall comfort food
It’s natural to spend more time at home during the chillier seasons, so why not treat yourself to a delicious fall meal that will also make your home smell amazing? Lean into the cozy vibes by whipping up a new recipe using in-season produce or baking something comforting and indulgent. And for the record, fall recipes don’t have to be loaded with pumpkin or cinnamon if that isn’t your vibe. If your idea of comfort food looks more like the infamous pastrami sandwich from When Harry Met Sally, more power to you.
8. Take a long bath
There’s a scene in City of Angels that centers on Meg’s character taking a nice soak in the tub, and I still think about her bath setup to this day. She has the lights dimmed, a dozen candles burning, and a cold beer in hand. While I personally would trade the beer for a hot cup of tea this fall, this scene reminds me that when I have time to hop in the tub, I should really make it count. If, like many of the characters Meg plays, you find yourself balancing a complicated and sometimes hectic life, a long soak might be just what you need to relax and reset.
9. Go for flats
Because many of Meg Ryan’s best films take place in New York, we often see her hitting the pavement in some chic yet sensible flats. As much as we all love the look of a good high heel, you have to admit that 99 percent of the time, flats are the more realistic choice. A Chelsea boot is a classic fall pick, and Mary Jane flats are having a major moment right now, but for the start of the season, I prefer a luxe loafer. Whatever fall shoes you prefer, find a pair you know you can walk miles in, and your feet will thank you by season’s end.
10. Start a book club
You already know that Meg’s character Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail would appreciate a good book club. She did run a bookstore, after all, and loves a good discourse. Make the most of all that work you did getting your home nice and inviting and host some friends for a fall book club. Pick a great book (a new fall release is always a good idea), have your guests bring their favorite fall snack or drink, and get ready to gab about the parts of the book you couldn’t peel yourself away from. Especially if you struggle to meet your reading goals, starting a book club can be a great motivator.
Jacqueline DeMarco, Contributing Writer
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer based in Southern California who graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in Literary Journalism. She has written on a wide range of topics including finance, travel, and wellness for publications such as Coveteur, Girlboss, and Apartment Therapy. When not whipping up articles, she works with consumer brands like Gorjana, Voluspa, Underclub, The Well, and St. John to help tell their brand stories.