Fall-ing 🍁🍂🍁🍂

Seasonal changes can be an internally conflicting time. Our bodies are adjusting to new surroundings; there’s no way that what’s inside our bodies isn’t going through something too. The transition from summer to Fall is tough. As beautiful as the leaves are, as crisp as the air can be, the early darkness that begins to set in causes much sadness. The freedom of the summer is over in terms of bodily exposure, schedules, and extended sunlight. It’s a well known difficult adjustment. We are creatures of nature meant to be outdoors. The new indoor time for both adults and kids can be a major bummer. The drop in temperatures and fresh air, 6 pm feeling like 11 pm, it all feels like lockdown.

This is why it’s so crucial to embrace the sweetest of Fall fashion. As we transition internally and externally, it’s important to treat ourselves with loving care, however that means to us. For me, it can be a quiet cup of tea after yoga in the morning, simmering a hearty soup on the stove, carving out time to enjoy a book on the couch, or wearing seasonally appropriate clothing that’s warm and soothing. When we clothe our bodies in yummy fabrics and soothing color palettes, it helps to warm and relax us. Self care is both an inside and outside job. All parts of us must be handled with loving care, especially during times of change. I love this classic Fall look; richly hued skinny jeans tucked into worn boots, a warmly toned turtleneck sweater that’s not too heavy, a caramel colored fitted leather jacket, and gray wool hat. I love this sweater from Love Shack Fancy because it covers without being clunky or heavy. It warms me without burying me, especially because of the shorter sleeve length. A turtleneck doesn’t have to strangle. This one is yummy yet light. I can breathe in it, which allows for added layering, another essential cold weather styling trick. This old leather jacket looks great over pretty much anything, from a T-shirt to a button down to a boho chic dress. I’m such a hat girl, and I’ve been loving this J Crew one for several years. Worn Frye cowboy-esque boots are a staple.

This year I have learned to really pay attention to both my inner and outer worlds. The reality of the internal and external landscapes, how I’m feeling inside based on what’s actually happening outside, how I can be gentle and caring for myself when I’m feeling adrift or lonely. How change can inspire me to love myself. It’s a good mental and emotional exercise; how can what you put on your body lovingly affect what’s inside? Wear what softens you. Every choice contributes to acts of self love.