Autumn Lifestyle Guide: Fall Activities to Celebrate the Season
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As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change, there's a certain magic in the air that can only mean one thing - autumn has arrived. It's the time of year that calls for cozy knits, chilly morning walks, and, of course, a fall bucket list filled with seasonal activities. If you're wondering how to make the most of fall, look no further. I’ve put together the ultimate fall bucket list for 2023 that includes a variety of things to do in fall to ensure you fully revel in the season.
This autumn lifestyle guide isn’t your average fall bucket list. I’ve curated it specifically for the “chic girl” — that is, the sophisticated gal who appreciates art and culture, dresses well and lives passionately. This fall bucket list isn’t just about sipping pumpkin spice lattes and carving pumpkins (although I enjoy doing both), it features autumnal activities that will enrich your life and make the most of what the season has to offer. Continue reading to discover the best fall activities for 2023.
1. Curate a Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Prepare your closet for the cooler weather by curating a fall capsule wardrobe. By creating a wardrobe with just a few versatile pieces, you’ll be able to easily put together stylish fall looks. Start by assessing your current wardrobe, and identify any pieces that you want to wear again this season. Whether it’s a soft cashmere sweater or a flattering pair of jeans, we all have a few items that we constantly reach for when getting dressed.
Once you have determined which items you already own and love, build your capsule around these items by exploring fall outfits on Pinterest. Save any outfit ideas that you would be excited to wear this fall season. Then fill in the gaps by creating a list of the key items you need to buy to create these looks. I always know what to purchase for the fall season based on my fall fashion board. Trench coats, crewneck sweaters, plaid blazers, and tall boots are some of the pieces that I constantly find on my fall fashion board. If you need some inspiration for your fall capsule wardrobe, check out these posts:
Don’t forget to add a few fall wardrobe essentials to your closet to get the most out of your capsule wardrobe. You’ll be surprised how many outfits you can create when you have the right basics. Below are some of my favorite fall pieces that are almost always part of my fall capsule wardrobe.
2. Enjoy Art & Culture
While we can admire a piece of art or attend a theatre performance year-round, there are certainly seasonal ways to enjoy art and culture in fall. Start by checking your local galleries, museums, theaters, etc. for upcoming exhibits or productions this season. It’s always a good idea to book tickets in advance.
Follow Paris Fashion Week from and admire the latest collections for spring and summer 2024. Delight your ears with ‘Autumn’, one of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concertos, or another piece of classical music inspired by autumn. Read a fall poem such as To Autumn by John Keats or The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. You can find several autumnal poems from The Poetry Foundation. Discover some of the best paintings of fall in art history with these 12 Beautiful Autumn Scenes.
For photography enthusiasts, autumn provides an ideal backdrop. Grab your camera and explore the outdoors to capture the beauty of the season. Try shooting during the "golden hour" just after sunrise or before sunset for the most enchanting light.
3. Create a Fall Reading List
Fall is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. To inspire your fall reading, create a reading list with autumnal books to enjoy this season. Try a scary thriller like And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie or The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. Add a horror classic to your list such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Bram Stoker's Dracula to celebrate Halloween. If you prefer modern literature, browse new releases to discover the latest best-sellers.
One of my favorite authors to read during fall is Edgar Allan Poe. Why not enjoy The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Pit and the Pendulum or another one of his tales of mystery and the macabre? You can learn more about Poe’s life and find some of his short stories and poetry here.
4. Eat Seasonally
Savor the flavors of fall by preparing a seasonal recipe like creamy roasted cauliflower soup, rustic French apple tart, or vegetarian stuffed acorn squash.
Stock your fridge with seasonal produce like apples, green beans, kale, sweet potatoes, beets, pears and squash. Cook with autumnal spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmaeg. For fresh fruits and veggies near you, browse produce guides to discover what’s in season for the month and shop at your local farmer’s market.
Leisurely enjoying on a warm drink is one of my favorite comforts during fall. Make your signature fall beverage whether it’s hot mulled wine, creamy hot chocolate or every girl’s favorite, pumpkin spice latte. I always stock my pantry with chai tea bags so I can enjoy a cup anytime during the fall months. Pair your favorite drink with freshly baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, apple pie, or pumpkin bread for the ultimate autumn treat.
Add apple picking to your fall bucket list and head to a nearby orchard. Pluck crisp apples straight from the trees, and enjoy the fresh, orchard air. Bake seasonal treats like apple pie or apple crisp.
5. Host a Fall Dinner Party
Get together with your family and friends for a festive autumnal dinner party. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just a casual weekday dinner, it’s the perfect occasion to spend time with your loved ones and celebrate the season. Organize a seasonal menu. Freshen up your table arrangement with fall decor. Put together a playlist with cozy jazz tunes. If the weather is favorable, you could dine al fresco and enjoy an evening outdoors. For more inspiration, check out my post on How to Host a French Dinner Party.
You might also add hosting a bonfire to your fall bucket list. Gather your loved ones for a night of warmth and nostalgia around a bonfire. Roast marshmallows, make s'mores, and enjoy moments under a starry autumn sky.
6. Spruce Up Your Space
As the seasons change, so should your home. Thankfully, it doesn’t require an expensive makeover, just a few small changes to your space. Start by swapping your summer linens for cozy quilts, flannel sheets, and a warm duvet cover.
Normally I avoid anything too holiday-themed when it comes to decorating my space. I prefer to focus on incorporating warm colors like burnt orange, moss green or yellow ochre and plush textures like velvet and flannel. Adding a beautiful autumn bouquet, candlesticks, and a throw blanket to my space instantly make it feel more fall appropriate.
Bring in the smell of fall with your favorite fall scent. Try candles with notes like vanilla, leather, cinnamon, woodsy, or amber. My go-to fall candle is Diptyque’s Feu De Bois, but I’ve recently discovered this great dupe under $20 that I plan to stock up on for the season. For my inspiration, check out these fall home refresh picks.
7. Spend Time in Nature
There is no better way to take in the beauty of the fall foliage than spending time outdoors. Why not grab your puffiest jacket and comfiest boots and go on a weekend hike? Embrace the great outdoors by lacing up your hiking boots and taking a nature walk or hike. The crisp, cool air and vibrant scenery make autumn the perfect time to explore the wilderness.
If hiking trails are a bit out of the way, simply enjoy a stroll through your local park. Take in the fresh fall air by doing your workout outdoors. Try a yoga session in your yard, go for a morning jog, or do a pilates session on your balcony. Take advantage of the cool weather before the winter cold arrives.
8. Change Up Your Beauty Routine
As the weather transitions from hot to cool, consider giving your beauty routine a makeover. Start by switching up your skincare. A rich moisturizer, lip mask, body lotion and hand cream are must-haves for keeping your skin hydrated during the cooler months. Face masks can also be a handy step to add to your routine.
Don’t forget to update your makeup for fall too. Replace powder makeup with cream formulas to ensure your face looks hydrated. Try out a fall beauty trend whether it’s a dark lip, sapphire shadow or graphic liner.
Your hair also deserves some extra TLC during the cooler months. Maintain your lush locks by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and incorporating a weekly hydrating hair mask into your routine.
9. Dress Up for Halloween
Celebrate the spookiest night of the year by dressing up for Halloween. Whether you prefer DIY creations or store-bought options, dressing up is one of the best ways to celebrate spooky season. Plan a costume party with friends or family to showcase your costumes. Check out these stylish costume ideas that you can recreate using items in your closet.
With this autumn bucket list, your calendar will be full of fall activities to celebrate the season. Whether you're out in the crisp air or cozying up at home, there are countless ways to make the most of this cherished time of year. Happy fall!
Which fall activities are on your bucket list this year? Let me know in the comments below.
