In recent years it’s fair to say that the internet has gone autumn aesthetic mad. The likes of Instagram and TikTok have managed to romanticise the season, which I am here for! I have been a lover of autumn long before it was a social media trend. There’s something undeniably charming about the transition from summer to autumn. However, it’s not a time that everyone enjoys. The colder weather, the shorter days, the higher bills, it can all feel a bit doom and gloom. While it’s perfectly healthy to feel that way, I do think tapping into the autumn aesthetic can help whether you struggle in these months, or whether you’re like me and can’t get enough of the season!
It’s all about switching up your perspective a little. We’re not talking toxic positivity or giving yourself unrealistic expectations of how life should be. Rather it’s about finding joy in little things and romanticising your life just a little bit. The shorter days bring with them a cosy, warm feeling that can be embraced in many ways. This is the essence of the autumn aesthetic – a mood that celebrates the beauty of the season.
But what exactly is the autumn aesthetic, and how can you tap into it without spending a fortune? Well, let’s what it means and share some easy ways to embrace the season without breaking the bank!
What Is the Autumn Aesthetic?
The autumn aesthetic can be described as embracing a blend of warm, earthy tones, cosy textures, and the feeling of comfort and simplicity that the season naturally evokes. It’s all about looking at the beauty of the changing season with a sense of hygge – the Danish concept of cosiness. Imagine rich oranges, deep browns, burgundies, and mossy greens in your home and wardrobe. The aesthetic extends to everything from how you decorate your home to what you wear and even the food you eat. It’s not just a look, but a mood and a mindset that captures the essence of autumn.
If you’re starting to panic about getting wrapped up in all those aesthetic social media videos of autumnal wardrobes and beautiful home decorations, don’t. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to tap into the autumn aesthetic. There are plenty of ways to get creative with things you already have. The romanticisation of autumn on social media can be cute and cosy but it also brings about a lot of over-consumerism and people thinking they need a fresh wardrobe and brand-new decorations every year when they don’t.
Let’s dive into some simple, affordable ideas.
Bring Nature Indoors
One of the easiest ways to embody the autumn aesthetic is by incorporating natural elements into your home decor. Take a walk in the park or woodland and collect pinecones, acorns, branches, and colourful fallen leaves. Arrange them in a basket or glass vase for a rustic, seasonal centrepiece. Dried flowers and grasses can also be used to add an autumnal touch to your living space. Nature provides all the decoration you need – and best of all, it’s free!
Switch Up Your Soft Furnishings
An inexpensive way to change the feel of your home for autumn is by swapping out or layering your soft furnishings. You don’t need to buy new items – simply take what you already have and think about how you can re-purpose them. Throw blankets in warm, rich colours like mustard, rust, or deep red can instantly make your space feel cosier. You can also mix and match cushions with different textures such as wool, velvet, or chunky knits to evoke that comforting, snug vibe of the autumn aesthetic.
Buy plain items in warming colours and they’ll never go out of style. Throws and cushions can be relatively inexpensive if you look in the right places and with plenty of care, they’ll last years.
Get Creative with Candles and Lighting
Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood for autumn. To achieve the autumn aesthetic, think about creating warm, soft lighting in your home. Candles are a great way to do this – especially if you already have some tucked away in drawers. You don’t need to buy expensive scented candles; even plain tealights or pillar candles arranged on trays or in lanterns can create that soft, ambient glow that feels so warming and autumnal.
If you fancy incorporating seasonal scents into your home, supermarkets and similar stores offer some great-smelling candles at cheap prices. If you have fairy lights from last Christmas, consider draping them around windows or bookshelves for a cosy touch.
Autumn Wardrobe Refresh
You don’t need to go out and buy new clothes to achieve an autumn-inspired wardrobe. The autumn aesthetic in fashion is all about layering and bringing in those seasonal colours. Also, it’s worth pointing out that you should stick to what you like, not follow trends which change yearly. Look through your wardrobe for clothes in shades of burnt orange, browns, mustard yellows, and deep reds. Layering is key to staying warm and stylish, so pair a chunky knit sweater with a scarf or a simple turtleneck under a dress.
Adding texture, whether through scarves, hats, or gloves, can make all the difference in your look without requiring new purchases. Think about ways to mix and match items you already have to create new looks.
Indulge in Seasonal Flavours
The autumn aesthetic doesn’t stop with how your home looks or what you wear – it’s also about what you eat and drink. Without spending extra money, you can tap into the season by embracing autumnal flavours. Think pumpkin, cinnamon, apples, and spices. If you’ve got a jar of cinnamon or nutmeg in the back of your cupboard, try adding it to your tea or coffee for a seasonal twist. Roast some root vegetables like carrots and parsnips or bake a simple apple crumble. These small touches will help you feel immersed in the season.
One of the biggest autumn aesthetic things is seasonal coffees such as pumpkin spice latte, and while they’re great for an occasional treat, they’re very expensive and can be made at home for a fraction of the price. Make you’re own seasonal hot drink and home, curl up under a blanket with a good book and you’ve already got yourself a cosy autumn aesthetic activity without really spending any money!
Enjoy Autumnal Rituals
The autumn aesthetic is as much about how you spend your time as it is about what things look like. One of the best ways to embrace the season is to adopt simple autumnal rituals that bring you joy. Take a walk through your local park to enjoy the changing colours of the leaves, curl up with a good book and a blanket, or have a film night with your favourite autumn-themed movies. These small moments of peace and reflection are the core of the season and can help with your wellbeing if you struggle during the colder months.
Journalling can also be another great way to get all of your thoughts and feelings down and express gratitude for the little things.
Embrace Earthy Colours in Your Daily Life
If you want to immerse yourself in the autumn aesthetic fully, consider how you can introduce autumn’s rich colour palette into different aspects of your life. Whether it’s by switching out your summer nail polish for shades of burnt orange or moss green or opting for a deep burgundy lipstick, these small changes can help you feel more aligned with the season without requiring a new wardrobe or costly decor. They’re also a little more subtle than going full-on autumn in every area of your life.
Final Thoughts
The autumn aesthetic is all about embracing the warmth and comfort of the season in simple, thoughtful ways. By bringing natural elements indoors, layering your existing clothes, and adopting some cosy rituals, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn without needing to spend a lot of money. Whether you’re lighting candles, baking something spiced, or enjoying a brisk walk through colourful leaves, there’s no better time to celebrate the magic of the season.
Hopefully, this post has shown you that it’s more than possible to tap into the autumn aesthetic without overly romanticising your life or trying to keep up with everyone on social media.
Do you enjoy autumn? Will you be embracing the autumn aesthetic? Let me know in the comments!
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