15 “Basic” Pleasures We’re Delighted To Embrace This Fall

If loving pumpkin spice and Gilmore Girls is wrong, then I don’t want to be right! That about sums up my feelings when someone tries to denigrate fall-themed things by calling them “basic.” 

If you enjoy something, then who cares if it’s basic? People are often happiest when they’re celebrating life’s simple pleasures, and that’s what fall is all about. In the spirit of embracing all things basic and living the care-free fall of your dreams, here are 15 things you’re going to want to include on your All Things Fall bucket list:

Pumpkin Spice

The beginning of autumn means it’s officially time for pumpkin spice-flavored everything. Lattes, muffins, cookies, bread – you name it, there’s probably a pumpkin spice version, and now is the time to enjoy it! If the chilly weather makes you feel like baking, why not make a loaf of pumpkin bread? And the next time you’re at Starbucks or your local coffee shop, stand tall and proud while you order that pumpkin spice latte.

Wearing Plaid

Summer is fun and all, but I think we can all agree that fall clothes are much comfier, and that starts with plaid – or lumberjack chic, as I like to call it. I’m always running to grab a comfy flannel at the first hint of cold weather. Just because you’re wearing plaid doesn’t mean you have to look like a lumberjack, though – there are cute ways to style it too! 

Gilmore Girls

Personally, I’m down to watch Gilmore Girls at any time of year, but there’s no denying that fall is its true time to shine. The cozy, rustic familiarity of Stars Hollow. The eccentric characters. The quippy banter. The Inn. Luke’s. None of it ever gets old. Gilmore Girls is one of the most comforting and wholesome shows there is, and there’s no better time to watch it than during the fall season.

Going to a Football Game

Even if you don’t like sports, you can still have fun at a football game – trust me. There’s a lot to appreciate about them outside the actual game, like tailgating, yummy food, cold beer, cool weather, and camaraderie. If you actually like watching football, there’s that too! Whether it’s college, the NFL, or even a game at your local high school, attending a football game is a great way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air with your friends and family. 

Burgundy Nails

Goodbye bright, happy summer nails. Hello, moody fall tones. Burgundy or maroon nails pair well with earthier autumn tones and help create the perfect fall aesthetic. Plus, the contrast looks great against the white Starbucks cup filled with your PSL. 

Apple Picking

Sure, you can get apples at the store, but where’s the fun in that? Just like with football games, apple picking is not about the actual picking of the apples, it’s about everything that goes along with it. Dressing up in your favorite, cozy fall outfit. Getting outside with friends and family. Eating all the apple-flavored things. Plus, it’s the perfect backdrop for a casual fall photo shoot!

Pumpkin Carving

Fall means it’s finally the beginning of spooky season. And what better way to ring in Halloween than by carving some good old-fashioned jack-o-lanterns? Bonus points if you picked your pumpkin up at an actual pumpkin patch. Carving pumpkins is also a great excuse to host a little get-together with your friends and family and screen a nostalgic fall film! 

Cozy Sweaters

When the days get shorter and the nights get colder, it’s the perfect time to break out your favorite cozy sweater. Whether you’re staying in or going out, cozy sweaters can be styled up or styled down. And the best part is they keep you both stylish and comfortable, so you don’t have to pick one over the other. 

Attending a Harvest Festival

No matter where you live, there’s bound to be some kind of harvest or apple festival happening within driving distance. Harvest festivals provide a great opportunity to not only get outside and support your local community but also try some delicious fall-themed food in the process. What better way to enjoy an apple cider donut than while getting lost in a corn maze? 

Wearing the OTK Boots

Harvest festivals are also the perfect venue for rocking some trendy fall boots, which will keep your feet warm and fashionable at the same time! Ignore the countless fall memes where all the influencers are lined up in the same pair and grab them anyway. They're popular for a reason! Over-the-knee boots are a classic fall fashion item that go with just about any outfit – especially cozy sweaters or plaid.

Breaking Out the Crockpot

Fall isn’t just the beginning of spooky season, it’s also the beginning of soup season. And what better way to make soup than in a crockpot? Aside from being a fall staple, crockpots are also extremely convenient. Just dump a bunch of ingredients into a crockpot, turn it on, and a few hours later you have a delicious meal. There are thousands of delicious crockpot recipes from soups to stews to chilis, and beyond. 

Listening to Taylor Swift

Mariah Carey might be the queen of Christmas, but fall belongs to Taylor Swift. Not only is Taylor a huge fan of fall herself, but many of her albums have that perfect, whimsically autumnal vibe. Whether you prefer Folkmore, Evermore, or Red, there are so many options for your perfect fall soundtrack. And if you’re going to listen to “All Too Well,” why not make it the 10-minute version?

Going to a Bonfire

If there’s a motif for fall, it’s essentially cold weather, warm clothes, and wholesome outdoor activities. Bonfires combine all three of those things, along with a bonus perk: s’mores. If you don’t have a fire pit in your yard, start lobbying your friends who do to host a bonfire! It’s a fun way to get together with your friends and family and soak up all the things we love most about this season. Fair warning: Your clothes will probably soak up the smell of woodsmoke, but it’s worth it!

Taking a Hayride

When you picture an iconic fall-themed outing like a pumpkin patch or a harvest festival, hayrides are often a key part of setting the scene. Whether it’s pulled by a tractor or an old-school horse and buggy, hayrides are a fun way to enjoy the fall weather and meander around a classically bucolic setting. Bonus points if it’s a haunted hayride, so you can really get into the spirit of spooky season!

Friendsgiving

People always have strong feelings about whether Thanksgiving or Christmas is the superior holiday. Sure, eggnog and presents are nice, but I’ve always loved how the focus of Thanksgiving is more about spending time with family (and eating delicious food). By hosting a Friendsgiving, you’re giving yourself an excuse to celebrate Thanksgiving twice, with friends you might not get to see on the actual holiday. Plus, you can do it potluck style, so you get the chance to try foods you might not typically have at your family’s Thanksgiving table.

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully, this list gave you a few ideas of how you can embrace this special season and make the most of it. Don’t let the fear of being “basic” hold you back from living out the fall of your dreams. So grab your PSL, put on your coziest sweater, and jam out to T-Swift. Happy fall, y'all!

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