By: Allison Arnzen
September 30, 2020
TEMECULA, CA
Honoring the transition from summer to fall in food, fashion, and lifestyle.
As the seasons change from summer to fall, the temperature lowers and leaves change color, there are certain familiarities that seem to make their way into the environment surrounding us.
Autumn is the third season of the year, which spans from September to November. From the aromas in the air, to activities, to events, to food, and decor, these are a few areas impacted by this season. With the shift in season, individuals north of the equator are impacted in their daily lives and communities as things change around them.
As the United States celebrates this time, there are many familiar ways to participate in the seasons change to “fall”. Due to Covid-19, however, this may look a bit different than years past. Here are some ways to feel engaged in this season, while staying in line with California’s current recommended health guidelines for Covid-19.
In food, beverage, and aromatics – pumpkin spice has become a familiar fragrance which fills the air. Along with other ingredients, it is frequently added into baked goods, coffees, and other recipes, though the spices were originally intended to be used in baking pumpkin pie. This scent and flavor brings a sense of nostalgia, though it is simply a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Among the list of aromatic selections, often a blend of alternative spices, for example cinnamon, is associated with the fall season. While we relish pumpkin spice and cinnamon to eat, the season of fall seems to increase the usage of fragrance form with candles. In addition, other options to consider include apple, chai, vanilla, wood, nutty, leaves, and flannel scents.
After we have filled the fall room with light and scents, candles are also used as decorations during these transitional months. Reader’s Digest’s architect and interior designer, Nina Cooke John, explains various ways to style your living space during this time. She explains that implementing lights, using seasonal produce, adding textures, and welcoming the “colors of the season” are a few of John’s recommendations. She also recommends credited colors which involve an array of shades from red, to orange, yellow, tan, green, purple, in ranges of shades. While Covid-19 may increase the amount of time spent inside, arranging the home environment encourages a positive outlet to embrace these times. Whether you carve them, bake goods or pumpkin seeds, pumpkins are a classic staple of this time of year in the season and “Halloween” holiday.
Bringing in the energy of interior style may also act as inspiration to bring fall styles into one’s personal style. We can use fall colors, mixing patterns, and using various fabrics not only in your home, but in personal fashion as well. Whether sourcing from what you own or looking into thrifting or purchasing new pieces, pulling from the wardrobe allows for self expression and incorporation of the shift in season. As the weather begins to cool off, layering clothes is a way to show off your personal style in fall. Instyle’s Samantha Sutton embraces adapting not only the summer staples into fall. Sutton offers solutions to “combine fashion with comfort” with loungewear options as time spent at home increases due to the pandemic.
