My New England Fall Essentials
It’s tiiiiiiiime 🎶🍂☕️
There’s something about autumn in New England that feels like home. Maybe it’s growing up watching my dad revel in the crisp air and the changing foliage, or maybe it’s the way the season makes everything–from coffee runs to long walks–feel a little more intentional, plucked right out of a cozy movie.
My Seasonal Rituals
TV staples: Nothing says Fall like Gilmore Girls (especially the early seasons when Rory and Lorelai are peak BFFs) and the Friends Thanksgiving episodes. They’re the perfect backdrop for chilly evenings.
Classic drinks: I’ll indulge in a Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Latte once or twice, but my true daily ritual is a hot oat milk latte from Tatte. It’s the one thing that makes giving up iced lattes in the cold a little easier. If they have their maple or winter spice lattes, even better!
Fall reads: Fall is the best time to read anything set in a castle–it’s just the ideal cool fall vibe. Currently I’m on book four of the Queen of Shadows series. Sitting down with a fresh cup of coffee and a book alongside a seasonal candle (Home Goods find, of course) and cozy blanket is a Fall MUST.
A Perfect Fall Day in Boston
Start in the Seaport with a latte in hand.
Walk through Downtown Crossing and into the Boston Common and Public Garden—golden leaves everywhere.
Stroll down Commonwealth Ave. with its stunning orange and yellow treetops.
Pop into Newbury Street shops, from designer finds at Nordstrom Rack to timeless pieces at Ralph Lauren in the Prudential. A Blue Bottle stop is non-negotiable.
Warm up at Eataly, just wandering through seasonal Italian goods brings comfort.
Fall Style Must-Haves
Layering is everything in New England. My uniform is simple:
A crisp white tee (I’ve been living in our 1987 Cambridge Tee)
A 1987 {LUXURY LINE} cashmere knit sweater, the Nantucket zip in “sancere” is my go-to
A pair of great straight-leg jeans—right now I’m rotating between Mother Denim, A.Golde, Levis (501s ONLY) and Re/Done
New Balance, Converse, or HOKAs for long walks. (HOKA—if you’re listening—please give us more neutral, sea-salt toned options!)
Evening Rituals
When the sun sets, there’s nothing better than:
Cooking a pot of my favorite red lentil soup (ginger, coconut milk, cumin—warm and cozy).
Roasting squash and root vegetables drizzled with olive oil or maple syrup.
Taking my dog Latte for a walk in that perfect “crisp fall air” where your coat feels extra cozy. (Right now I rotate between Alo, Moncler, and North Face—but 1987 coats are on the horizon 😉).
Why I Love Fall
It’s a season of balance—between warmth and crispness, work and coziness, long walks and quiet evenings. It’s when New England feels at its most magical, and when I feel most connected to the place that inspired 1987.
Xoxo, Jen