As the air gets crisp and leaves fall, there tends to be a collective ‘fun is over’ attitude: summer is gone, no more flimsy mini-dresses and sandals, no more ice cream on the beach and cocktails at sunset. And yes, I’ll admit it, I’m usually the first one to complain. I love summer more than anyone – that’s (one of the reasons) why I left my hometown to live on a Tuscan beach. I love waking up to devastating sunlight. I love not having to wear tights. I love leaving home in the evening with no jacket – oh, you cannot imagine the thrill this presents for someone who grew up in a cold country! – but today I am here to speak in favour of summer’s much-scorned cousin, autumn. She of the golden leaves, of the sudden downpours, of the chilly winds. She the often-bemoaned by vegans for the (presumed) lack of chunky, cable-knit jumpers without even 4% of wool or angora. Yes, it’s true: I love autumn.
Hold on, sun worshippers, hear me out. I’ll let you in on a secret: after summer’s barbecues, beach parties and other social engagements, autumn is our chance to chill. If you’ve ever stayed home on a Saturday night in July, you know what I mean – that pressure to be at a rooftop bar, beer garden, sun lounger or anywhere except your sofa, with a good movie. Come October, you’ve got every excuse to curl up with Netflix and some (vegan) hot chocolate. It’s pretty much expected of you.
As vegans, we love nature…and nature rarely offers us as many stunning, painterly colours as she does in autumn. The yellows, oranges and reds of the autumn leaves, the rich pinks and purples of autumn sunsets – it’s enough inspiration to never leave home without your Canon.
And let’s now get to the important stuff: autumn fashion. From statement coats to the season’s most craving-inducing leather-free boots, autumn is the time to indulge your love for all things cosy-yet-stylish. You know the look: sleek boots, skinny jeans, oversized knit, messy hair…relaxed, yet refined. So dig out your favourite skinny jeans, throw on a chic knit topped off with a poncho and enjoy the most fashionista-friendly season of them all.
Plus…vegan Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Enough said.
Photos by Cecil Vedemil and Maria Shanina via Unsplash.
