LIFE

I'm a June baby, and my favorite season is summer. I have always felt like summer belongs to me. I belong in summer...and the cold has long felt like some great personal enemy. Dramatic, I know.

While I heart my fair share of pumpkin spice, I find fall fashion itchy (turtleneck sweaters = no thanks), and I detest annoying chilly-weather side effects like chapped lips and cold hands.

I'll admit: There are few things equally as stunning as October skies. But I can't remember a fall I didn't struggle with settling back into school and work routines. 

It's understandable to dwell on summer nostalgia. But before you completely discount a big part of the year, try to find ways to enjoy the seasonal transition. From one summer girl to another, here's a guide to help you embrace autumn in all its glory.

Spend time outside

@lavendercashewmilklatte

If you're more of a "salt air, and the rust on your door" kind of girl than a "the air was cold, but something about it felt like home somehow" kind of girl, I get it. But hear me out: Getting fresh fall air can majorly boost your mood. Go on a walk to look at fall foliage, visit a pumpkin patch or have an apple orchard photo shoot with friends (with a side of apple picking, ofc). Swap out "august" for "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)" (or check out our ultimate dark academia playlist here) to get yourself in the autumn headspace, then challenge yourself to bask in fall chill. 

Get a book club going

@nataliezacek

If you want to take up a cozy fall activity but aren't quite ready to fully launch into autumn yet, might we suggest a beach-reads book club? To be fair, there really is no bad time of year to dive into a light rom-com (peep some recs here). Your social life may be in transition, too, now that everyone's busy with school, HW and sports practice. A book club with your besties will help you keep in touch. 

Make a change

@nataliezacek

Maybe what we love about summer is that it is filled with fresh starts and freedom. So making a change this season that makes you feel renewed and refreshed could bring some much-needed excitement into your life rn. This could be as simple as deep-cleaning your room or picking up a new hobby. Or maybe it's baking your own cinnamon-inspired fall treat—or anything productive-slash-fun to focus your energy on. If you're feeling bold, you could get an unexpected haircut. After all, it *is* a 1989 (Taylor's Version) fall, which calls for a cute chop!  

With that, happy fall, lovelies!

Follow @girlslifemag on Insta for all things fall!

Check these out to soak up the last moments of an ah-mazing summer:
🍂 8 deep thoughts I had while watching Barbie
🍂 We ranked every surprise song combo on the Eras Tour
🍂 What your dream The Summer I Turned Pretty boy says about you

Top image: @nataliezacek
Slider image: @nataliezacek

by Kayla Conroy | 10/13/2023