Romanticising autumn

There is certainly a feeling of comfort and nostalgia as the weather becomes colder and autumn sets in. As a society, we tend to romanticise this period almost as a coping mechanism to combat the upset that summer is over, and soon we will be enduring the cooler months ahead. Yet it’s not all bad. Summer can feel spontaneous and erratic, whereas autumn allows us to reminisce and sink into old favourites and traditions which can be comforting and settling.

The warmth of burnt orange, mustard, and burgundy is evident in nature as well as in people’s wardrobes

A lot of my peers find comfort in binging Harry Potter this time of year. Something about the familiarity of the back-to-school cycle, festivities, and comfort of childhood cements this film series’ autumnal resonance. Specifically, the first film of the series takes you through buying Harry a new school uniform and equipment which taps into the universal excitement of new beginnings. The start of September signals a new academic year. Pupils can romanticise this period to change old habits, remain positive and motivated, and try to get the most out of their student lives. With shorter evenings and the weather becoming cooler, this annual behaviour of rewatching timeless favourites is something I associate heavily with autumn greeting us.

The heart of this romanticisation, in my view, is people choosing to wear and style colours reflecting the colours of nature in this season. Unlike other parts of the year, the warmth of burnt orange, mustard, and burgundy is evident in nature as well as in people’s wardrobes. When these colours present themselves, the departure of summer is unequivocal. Psychologically, these tones promote introspection. Their comfortability and familiarity allows prospects for change and progression which again, ties to the symbolism of the new academic year, moving towards a more predictable and stable schedule.

Moreover, the fashion of this season is equally romanticised through ‘autumn lookbooks’ on social media and Pinterest boards that often generate more traction and excitement during autumn. Youtuber Zoe Sugg (Zoella) has always produced autumnal content that is fashion-based and is still reminiscent of her younger self years later. Her aesthetic is generally of a cosy and homely nature, where her love for autumn prevails through her videos. Through this, viewers tap into their own associations and memories.  She has a distinctive autumnal wardrobe that she reinvents annually – the likes of a dark plum lipstick, mustard, and orange knitwear. As these videos have been so consistent, Zoella embeds a nostalgic autumn in her audience.

We also romanticise these autumn flavours and drinks by putting them on a pedestal against other options

The flavours of autumn also feed into this romanticisation, with people often opting for warm spices and earthy comfort meals. The British Larder identified apple, tangerine, butternut squash, and pumpkin as being in their prime in autumn and therefore becoming staples autumn meals. Alongside the spices cinnamon and nutmeg, these rich, warm flavours coincide perfectly with the cooler weather. Bakeries produce toffee apple muffins and cafe pumpkin spiced lattes as designated seasonal options which allows for lots of hype and excitement for when the time comes for them to be added to the menu. The commercial anticipation of autumn’s menu, from the likes of leading chains like Costa and Starbucks, create a real profit incentive for these corporations to maximise. By innovating new drinks and improving on last year’s autumn collection, these brands stay competitive and popular. Without doing so, customers would rather shop elsewhere in seek of that quintessential autumn flavour and delight. We also romanticise these autumn flavours and drinks by putting them on a pedestal against other options. Why settle for a cup of tea when you can have a chai latte with cinnamon?

Transcending through movies, fashion, and food, autumn remains a romanticised period of prosperity, reliability, and nostalgia.