autumn soft return
what i’m looking forward to this autumn, ins/outs, moodboard, and a reading list
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Autumn is here.
Transition from summer to autumn is usually gradual: crisper mornings, the moon lingering in the sky, leaves slowly turning yellow and orange, sometimes even crimson. And yet, I feel autumn is the most talked-about season. She makes her entrance in everyone’s mind (in the northern hemisphere) weeks in advance, storming in like Serena van der Woodsen arriving at Grand Central in Gossip Girl: leather jacket on, PSL in hand, heads turning. Cue the Evermore & Folklore playlist. Autumn is the season we anticipate weeks (sometimes months) before its official start. Are we ready to cosy up? To return to our usual rhythm after summer’s sweet chaos? Probably. I hope you aren’t tired of hearing about the season, because I’m here to sprinkle a little more cinnamon into your day.
Each season offers something to look forward to, and while I love them all, I do have a preference for autumn. My first two summers in Edinburgh were rather dreary: cold, grey, and gloomy. There was no gradual change from summer to autumn, no in-between season (that I’ll now call Sautumn, thanks to Michelle from Sundaze Book Café), and I missed it dearly. This year was different. We had a proper summer, with temperatures reaching 20°C and occasionally hitting 25°C. I’ve seen more blue skies in three months than in the three years I’ve lived here. So when, on 1 September, everyone started talking about autumn, it didn’t feel right. For once, I wasn’t ready to let summer go. But autumn has a way of seducing you with its sweet promises: slower time, softness, cosiness, togetherness, and the nostalgia of ordinary moments that often hold more meaning than grand events.
why i love autumn
Autumn is the most cinematic season of the year. Full of duality, nostalgia for what’s fading, and excitement for what’s ahead. My birthday is right in the middle, in October. I could stop here, but there are so many things I love about this season.
In a city like Edinburgh, with its grey architecture, autumn thrives. I love how the foliage shifts to gold, amber, and rust, contrasting with the buildings. Trees put on their best ensembles to lure us in, inviting us to explore their secrets and delight in the soothing crunch of leaves beneath our feet. It brings back memories of carefree days, puddle-jumping, and cosying up inside as the sun sets.
The lighting is impeccable. The bright blue of a crisp morning sky where the moon still lingers. Golden hour’s fleeting glow. Candles and lamps scattered throughout rooms as we invite the light to stay with us just a little longer. Nights deepening to a darker blue as the air turns cooler and a little drier.
The smell of woodsmoke, damp earth, and roasted chestnuts. But also candles, incense, perfumes, and essential oils. Autumn might be the most fragrant season of all.
Cosiness is found in every corner, inviting us to embrace a slower rhythm after summer’s intensity. Blankets waiting to be picked up, soft knits wrapping us like a hug, chunky socks keeping us warm, unread books flirting with us at every opportunity, mugs begging to comfort our hands and souls.
Then there’s autumn fashion. During other seasons, it sometimes feels like I put on clothes simply because I need to. There isn’t much thinking going on in my head; I grab things as I go. They work together, fine, I’m out the door. In autumn, my wardrobe comes alive. I play with textures, layers, prints, even colours and accessories. It almost feels like I know how to dress again. Every autumn, I feel like myself, back to life.
As I do every season, I’m pausing to mark the shift. To list what I’m looking forward to, to reset, reflect, and gather a few things to carry with me into the soft months ahead.
THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO
Hikes and long walks through parks, mountains, or forests to watch the leaves turn.
Bringing the outside in with a few conkers and colourful leaves scattered around my home
Pumpkin and apple everything: homemade granola with pumpkin spice and seeds, apple pie baked oats, apple compote with chunks and no added sugar, pumpkin bread, creamy butternut squash soup, apple cider for chilly evenings, spaghetti squash, pumpkin gnocchi with browned butter and sage, pumpkin katsu curry, savoury apple and cheddar galette, and much more.
Swapping wardrobes. Being reunited with my jacket and coat collection. Because yes, when you live in a cold country, you end up with a collection rather than just one or two jackets. I mean, a jacket can make an outfit.
Rearranging rooms. Every season, I love to switch furniture around, especially in the living room. It keeps me from acquiring new things, spices things up, and makes it feel fresh and new.
Golden hour that feels warmer and more fleeting.
Capturing the city’s seasonal changes on a fresh roll of film.
Trying new recipes. Stepping up my soup game, making jam, and baking beyond my comfort zone.
Listening to rain tap against the windows while journaling or reading.
Lingering in cafés with a book and a warm drink, or cosying up in a pub with friends.
Catching the pink sunsets. On top of Calton Hill, by the pond, or simply on my way home from work.
Three friends are visiting me this autumn: one in September, one in October, and one in November. Feeling the love ♡
My birthday!
✿ ins:
☐ Letting the season set the rhythm: slower, softer, more intentional.
☐ Sweet and savoury porridges.
☐ Daily walks, rain or shine. Longer hikes in nature.
☐ Layering. Not just the classic jumper-over-tee, but experimenting.
☐ Inviting friends over for tea, soup, and long conversations.
☐ Commonplacing. Nourishing my soul with words and taking note.
☐ Picking up an indoor hobby.
☐ Adding a dash of cinnamon to everything.
☐ Putting on a CD instead of a random playlist.
☐ Lighting candles as the sky darkens earlier each day.
☐ Wearing the hand-knitted scarves my mom made me.
❀ outs:
☐ Doomscrolling. Quiet evenings with books and articles instead of tiny screens.
☐ Rushed mornings, late nights that don’t serve me.
☐ Skipping outdoor time just because it’s chilly. Just add another layer.
☐ Letting darker days feel heavy instead of comforting.
☐ Clutter and excess. Autumn can be a time for gentle clearing out.
☐ Forcing productivity when the body asks for rest.
☐ Filling silence with noise. Instead, I want to enjoy quieter rituals, like listening to the wind in the trees.
MOODBOARD
This autumn, I’m leaning into a more relaxed style inspired by the outdoors. I spent much of my time outside this summer, and I want to carry that into autumn. Going on hikes, walking through forests, and reading by the water with some extra layers for warmth.
I’m gravitating towards unisex silhouettes, clean cuts, mixed proportions. Think quilted vests or fleeces layered over soft knits, cargo trousers or A-line skirts with trail sneakers. Soft practicality that holds up when Edinburgh’s weather surprises you.
In terms of colour, everyone seems to be obsessing over dark brown, that chocolatey, coffee-rich shade. Well, me too. It’s grounding. But I’m also drawn to nature-inspired tones: my favourite green in its many variations (forest, olive, chartreuse), as well as blues like powder blue, midnight navy and indigo, and I’m dreaming of a petrol blue wool jumper. Accent colours will mostly come from socks, scarves and beanies in burnt orange, olive, brown, and occasionally a splash of red.
I’m pinning outfits featuring wide trousers catching the wind, chunky knits wrapping me up like a blanket, or socks peeking from sneakers. I like images of quiet paths, damp leaves, muted sunlight filtering through trees, stacks of books, a half-empty coffee mug, soft shadows, and layers that look lived-in. My Pinterest feed is full of these little moments. They feel like reminders to slow down, to notice, and to dress for comfort as well as style.
I could talk about fashion inspiration endlessly, and there are a few things on my wishlist, but I’ll save that for a future piece.
What’s inspiring you this season?
AUTUMN READING LIST
I was going through my stacks scattered around the flat, pulling books to the side one by one, and ended up with a rather mighty and ambitious reading list. To be fair, I tend to read more in autumn. While summer was about slim, light-hearted novels offering sunny escapes, the autumn stack is heavier. Not necessarily in page count, but in mood and subject, with some titles leaning towards the dark side, perfectly matching the season’s spirit.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
A devastating story of memory, haunting, and the legacies of slavery.
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
Dark, sensual retellings of classic fairy tales with gothic twists.
dd's Umbrella by Hwang Jungeun (tr. Emily Yae Won)
A queer novel exploring a rare depiction of the nonbinary experience in contemporary Korean society.
The Door by Magda Szabó (tr. Len Rix)
A complex and intense, twenty-year relationship between two very different women, full of dependency, toxicity, and vulnerability.
All Down Darkness Wide by Seán Hewitt
A lyrical memoir about queer love, heartache and mental health.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Because an autumn reading list wouldn’t be one without a Leigh Bardugo book.
Greek Lessons by Han Kang (tr. Deborah Smith & Emily Yae Won)
A tender love letter to human intimacy and connection, between a man losing his vision and a woman who has lost her voice.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura (tr. Philip Gabriel)
A dreamy and heart-warming novel about seven teenagers finding connection in a hidden castle.
L'Odeur des clémentines grillées by Lee Do-Woo (tr. Lee So-yeong & Crystel Pinçonnat)
A tender, atmospheric novel capturing fleeting moments, exploring friendship and forgiveness.
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
A coming-of-age novel about faith, sexuality, and self-discovery in a strict religious community.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind (tr. John E. Woods)
A disturbing, intoxicating story of a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect perfume.
Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
Iconic essays capturing the mood, disillusionment, and contradictions of 1960s America.
Stoner by John Williams
A moving novel about academic life, love, loss, and the human struggle to find meaning and authenticity in a disillusioning world.
Of course, I’ll be mood reading and swapping titles as the weeks go on. But I love having a little pile to pull from, books that sit on my nightstand, near the sofa, or in my bag.
Autumn doesn’t ask for much: a walk among fallen leaves, a candle lit at dusk, a good book in your bag. The season invites us to linger in the glow of golden hour, to welcome the quiet of darker evenings, and to gather comfort in small, meaningful ways.
How will you create space for beauty in autumn? What small rituals, books, films, or favourite foods will you turn to as the days grow shorter? What are you looking forward to this season?
Until next time,
Amandine
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The timing of this post could not have been more fitting!
I was reading it today on my balcony, while sipping coffee and all I can say is; what a MOOD! <3
I'm gonna draw some inspiration from you and curate my own list of "ins & outs", I think that could be fun :)
Also, I saw that you have "Greek Lessons" by Han Kang on your reading list and I'm really looking forward to your thoughts/reflections on it. So far it has been my favourite book of 2025!
Loved the ins and outs! Just add another layer is my autumn/winter mantra 👼