OK, we get it — everyone loves fall. We all have our favorite ways to enjoy autumn and all the amazing things it has to offer.The changing leaves, the warm designer beverages, the glorious, glorious oversized sweaters; it's all pretty great. But what about those of us who live someplace where fall really just feels like a slightly tuned down summer? As a Florida girl myself, most of the autumn months in my world involve temperatures in the 70s and 80s, little foliage, and only slightly less sweating. My version of fall doesn't look like it does in the movies, and I can tell you from experience that a warm fall drink from Starbucks doesn't seem nearly as satisfying when it's a humid 77 degrees outside.
I mean, yes, we have beaches, the Gulf of Mexico, and the ability to wear shorts year-round, but where are the changing leaves? And, you know, maybe I want to wear a turtleneck just once, guys. What about a cute coat? A scarf? Anything that covers more than 50 percent of my body? As someone who loves fashion and seasons, living in the (tropical) south can sometimes be a bit of a bummer during the fall months. Do I have to shovel snow ever? No. Am I ever worried about forgetting my gloves or scarf? Absolutely not. But I like the coziness of fall (and oversized sweaters, for that matter), so I still try to make the most of the season. Here are 11 ways to enjoy fall, even if you live somewhere with no fall at all.
1. Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is quite literally an explosion of fall. You walk in, and no matter what the weather is like outside, a few things are inevitable. First of all, it will be freezing. (Is it just me, or is the temperature in TJs always set to a brisk 55 degrees?) Second of all, there is pumpkin-themed food EVERYWHERE (also, actual pumpkins). It's like you've walked inside of Halloweentown, except even better. So pack up your scarf, get your pumpkin-inspired grocery list, and prepare to shop in your local fall wonderland.
2. Learn To Love Mornings
No matter where you live, mornings will start to cool down (even if just a little bit) by October and November. Learn to enjoy mornings. Get the most out of the slightly cooler temperatures by heading to your local coffee shop a little earlier than you usually would. Sit outside and enjoy a hot drink while the sun comes up. Not only will it briefly feel more like real fall, you'll also feel very, very productive. It's a win, win.
3. Buy Candles
This one is obvious. Make your home smell like fall. Go to Target, get some pumpkin/fall/cinnamon-scented candles, and put three to five in every single room. Keep in mind, this can be dangerous. Review fire safety protocol. Pro tip: Find a candle with a wooden wick if you can; it crackles as it burns, and yes, it is glorious.
4. Go Shopping Anyway
Fall staples are important for everyone's wardrobe, no matter where you live. No, you may not need to be shopping for a winter coat and 12 different styles of beanies, but there is still fall shopping to be had. Light sweaters, versatile scarfs and, of course, great denim are things you can work into your wardrobe no matter what the temperature is like outside.
5. Bake
Get yourself on Pinterest and find a perfect fall recipe that involves the following things: pumpkin, cinnamon, gingerbread, holiday cheer, candy corn, ginger snaps, caramel icing, apples, tiny cut-outs of ghosts, and pumpkins, etc.
6. Play Holiday Music Often
For me, fall is simply the prelude to the holiday season. While it may not make sense to play Michael Buble's entire Christmas album on repeat in mid-October, it tricks you into thinking that it really, truly is fall and soon, it will be time for the holidays. Again, ignore the fact that it makes little sense and people will most likely judge you.
7. Watch A Great Fall Movie
Gather your fall-themed baked goods, your warmest blanket, a mug of warm cider, and pop in a movie that's set in autumn. So. Cozy.
8. Take A Roadtrip
Not having any gorgeous foliage around is a good excuse to go on a road trip and see some. Depending on where you live, you may be able to take a mini weekend vacation at some point to see some beautiful leaves. An excuse to travel? Don't mind if I do.
9. Get Some Sun
While everyone else is forced to remain a ghostly version of themselves, you have the opportunity to get some sun. While everyone else emerges from the colder months looking like they've been hiding in a basement fighting a bout of pneumonia, you will be glowing. Just think about it.
10. Send Snapchats Of Pools/Beaches To Your Friends Who Live In Cold Places
Sure, they get cute little snow flurries, changing foliage, and adorable wool coats, but do they have sunlight for the next three to four months? No, no they don't. So place yourself and a tropical drink in front of a beach or pool scene (palm trees are a plus), and snap away. Ideas for captions might be "oh, just another chilly fall season at the pool" and/or "75 in October, no big deal." The sassier, the better.
11. Look On The Bright Side Of Things
Try to remember that no place is perfect, and those who live in fall/winter wonderlands are probably just as jealous of your beautiful, sunny weather and palm trees as you are of their fall foliage Instagram shots. The grass is always greener, right? So remember the positives of living in your own warm, sunny state, and try to look on the bright side of things. Try.
Images: Edward Conde/Flickr; Getty Image; Giphy (10)
