Fall is hands down one of my favorite seasons. Who doesn’t love a pumpkin spice latte, a big chunky sweater, or curling up by the fire? Life stays busy, but October has this way of making it all feel fun and just a little magical.
It’s the little things for me, the pumpkins on the porch, cozy evenings, football games, and way too many pictures (sorry, kids). Those ordinary-but-special moments are what make this season feel so rich and full. I wouldn’t trade any of it.
And then, of course, there’s the Halloween madness. Y’all, the back-and-forth on costumes in our house could be its own sport. This year alone we’ve rotated through K-pop, Demon Hunter, fairy wings, and even Taylor Swift. you name it. My oldest is pretty set on being a Marvel character, but I can already feel this might be his last year dressing up. It’s bittersweet, but honestly, the indecision might just be half the fun.
Fall in our house also means pumpkins and activities. We love heading to the Dallas Arboretum every year to see what pumpkin theme they’ve dreamed up, this year it’s ¡Mundo México!, and I cannot wait to see how they’ve brought it to life (and of course, make my kids take pictures in the pumpkins).
And listen, I can’t just go see pumpkins… I have to have pumpkins on my porch too. I’ve seen those fancy pumpkin delivery services, but I can’t justify the price. Honestly, I think I secretly love torturing myself by creating the “perfect pumpkin porch.” Every year, Kate and I head to Trader Joe’s on a Saturday morning and load up all the pumpkins. Every single year I swear “never again” because it’s so much work… and then I do it anyway. My kids light up when they see it, and truthfully, I love it too.
And of course, it’s not fall without the Texas State Fair. The Fair is a family tradition that I grew up with, and now I love taking my kids. From seeing the animals and 4H presentations, to trying every fried food possible, to wandering through the arts and crafts building… if you can’t tell, I love the Fair. And so do my kids. Fun fact: I’ll forever be proud of my State Fair of Texas blue ribbon.
It’s not just the big outings that make this season so special, it’s the little rituals too. Friday night football games. Starbucks runs with my kids for hot chocolate. Cozy dinners with friends. My personal happy place? Needlepointing by the fire with a football game playing in the background. Those ordinary moments just feel extra cozy in the fall.
With so many get-togethers, I’m always thinking about how to feel pulled together without overthinking it. For me, jewelry is that instant finishing touch. It makes me feel polished even when I’ve thrown something on in a hurry, and I love how it can completely elevate an outfit.
When in doubt, I fall back on my October uniform: leggings or slim pants with a cozy oversized sweater. Perfect for school drop-off, errands, or a quick coffee run. If I need to dress it up, I’ll swap the leggings for leather pants or jeans, add heels, and suddenly it’s date-night ready.
But here’s the real secret: jewelry. Layer a few beaded necklaces over a chunky sweater, or add a bracelet stack, and the whole look shifts from “just rolled out the door” to polished and intentional. It’s such a small styling choice, but it changes everything; whether I’m at a coffee with friends, cheering under the Friday night lights, or heading out for dinner. Jewelry makes the basics feel elevated, and that’s the real magic of fall style.
Fall is busy, yes, but it’s also filled with the sweetest, most special moments. From pumpkin patches to costume nights, football games to cozy fireside evenings, it’s a season worth savoring. And the right jewelry? It’s the little sparkle that carries you through it all.
--- Bess