Fall Films to Inspire your Autumnal Aesthetic

Fall is not just a season to me; it feels overtly religious. I find my denomination on Pinterest, where girls repost the same five stills of Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride. Our church is the East Village Angelika, where Psycho and To Catch a Thief can be worshiped on the silver screen once again for Hitchcocktober. The serotonin that seeped out of my body through sweaty summer nights comes back with just one sip of apple cider. It’s finally fall movie time; pizza and Montepulciano become a meal staple as I rewatch the Twilight Saga for far past the 30th time (no exaggeration). Although I have a crush on her dad, Bella Swan does not provide any inspiration for my seasonal wardrobe – I’ll pass on the bowling tees and converse. I have to get my wardrobe aesthetic elsewhere, and trust me, there are plenty of films autumn-aesthetic worthy. Whether you are searching for 2000’s low-waisted denim or 70’s paisley prints, here are my top five films to inspire your next apple-picking outfit.

#5: Practical Magic (1998)

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman… need I say more? Besides booking your next hair appointment with the note “bangs like in Practical Magic,” this movie will remind you why 90’s style is still a staple. Tiny shades and strappy sunglasses are the perfect transitional pieces that will carry you through that awkward 60 degree weather. While the two sisters in this film don’t seem to have luck when it comes to love, Nicole Kidman’s olive green velvet dress would look idyllic with Prada slingback pumps (the budget-friendly Steve Madden Bradis work too) for a date night. While Kidman’s trouble-maker character gravitates more towards skimpy slips, Bullock’s character is often seen wearing long maxi skirts and thin cardigans. Nowadays, I would not be surprised if you found her character in your local Anthropologie.

#4: The Craft (1996)

Grab your girl-group; it’s time for some witchcraft! Don't worry, you don’t have to take it as far as the circle of girls in The Craft (by that, I mean murder). Stick instead to levitating the wine glasses or hexing a few hinge-hookups that ghosted after the second date. In between spells, you all can catch glimpses of the punk-rock outfit ensembles that steal the screen. The leather jackets worn by this witch-clique can only be rivaled by those in Love Jones. Underneath the black and brown outerwear, the witches top sheer dresses with chunky silver jewelry. If you are looking for badass accessories, check out the small Brooklyn designer Heavy Metals NYC. Being a witch is in this season, being a b*tch is not.

#3: Nancy Drew (2007)

This might be a children’s movie, but I don’t care! Since 2007, I have obsessed over Emma Roberts as Nancy Drew. Although I did try to read all 157 Nancy Drew books when I was in elementary school, I was stuck – and am still stuck – on this film because of the style. Not only do I want the 1937 Ford V8 Deluxe convertible coupe she drives, I want an all-access pass to her closet. From the matching headbands to the drop-waisted silhouettes, Nancy Drew easily became the best-dressed high schooler I saw on screen (sorry Serena and Blaire). When asked about her penny loafers in the movie, she responds “I just like old fashioned things.” Me too! After picking up loafers at Celine, a Gen Z Nancy Drew would pop over to Sandy Liang and ba&sh for feminine, well-altered looks that stand out in LA or the suburbs.

#2: When Harry Met Sally (1989)

After a stroll through central park and trip to the MET, I suggest curling up on the couch with your boyfriend to watch the perfect rom-com. I consider myself to be a rom-com connoisseur, even subjecting myself to the shitty Netflix holiday originals that start to bombard the streaming service at the end of October. So, I assert my opinion with experience to back me up; only a few rom-coms have even come close to When Harry Met Sally (ex. Sleepless in Seattle). It’s rare, classic quality can be attributed partially to the timeless sweaters and jeans we crave year after year. Nowadays, it is difficult to find sweaters of the same quality, but staying aligned with classics, I believe Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch are your best bets. Vogue Editors are on the same mission to twin with Sally; red knits are high on their list of fall trends they are shopping for.

#1: If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

Grab a box of tissues; you will need it for this tear-jerker. Based on the classic James Baldwin novel, this film will transport you to 1970s New York. Rich tones of yellows and greens flood the screen, where you will not only fall in love with the cast, but also fall in love with their closet. Since originally watching this film, I have not slept a peaceful night… I need a yellow jacket. Kiki Layne’s character Tish sports one so flawlessly, and I am on a mission to do the same. While you can find Ambercrombie Men’s catering towards this 70s aesthetic, it’s more difficult for women. When not scouring thrift stores, I suggest drooling over Rejina Pyo’s knitwear and Tibi’s oversized outerwear.