Saturday, 21 February 2026
There’s a very particular moment that happens without fail every year that I absolutely love: that very first morning where you step outside and feel a distinct chill in the air, and realise that you’re going to need a cardigan.
Yes, summer was lovely. And while it was a heavy season personally I managed to have as lazy a January as life allowed and thank God for air conditioning and floaty maxi dresses, but let’s be honest: the “softer” seasons of autumn and spring are the best. The promise of what’s to come, the hint of hearty slow cooked meals and bottles of red wine or a gentle thawing and the sun on your bones after months of grey, there’s nothing quite like it.
For me, moving into autumn (and spring: hello birthday season 😉) feels like tapping into my favourite version of myself, so let’s talk about everything I love about autumn…
The “New” Old Wardrobe
Forget the “New Arrivals” section on The Iconic. There’s an almost childish excitement in rediscovering the seasonal wardrobe, in pulling out your favourite chunky knit sweater that’s been hibernating for months. Getting out that soft-as-butter cashmere scarf or a pair of leather boots feels like catching up with friends you haven’t seen in ages. Layers are basically just a respectable way to wear a blanket in public, and I am so here for it.
The Palette Swap
My colour season in fashion terms is deep autumn, so this is my time to shine. It’s like the world stops shouting in the bright sunshine and neon tones of summer and starts whispering in the warm cosy tones of autumn, where the deep forest greens, burnt oranges, and rich plums offer up a cosy embrace. It’s a mood shift that says, “Let’s get warm and comfy.”
The Kitchen Comeback
The oven is officially back in business! No more “it’s too hot to cook” salads. We’re about to enter into that wonderful season of things that bubble on the stove and make the whole house smell like a hug. I’m ready for the slowly simmered soups and stews, the crusty bread, and that first bottle of Shiraz. If summer is a quick snack, autumn is a long, lingering Sunday lunch.
The Mental Reset
Mentally, autumn feels like a gentle slowing down, lighting a candle, and finishing that book that’s been sitting on the nightstand longer than you’d like to admit. It’s less about doing so much and more about enjoying the small, quiet things.
Summer definitely has its moments, but autumn? You had my perimenopausal self at the words crisp breeze.
The Sojourner Diaries 
Leave a comment