Fall Preview! 28 Things to Look Forward To 🍂

It's about to get cozy AF.

Welcome to a special bonus issue of Morning Person: my second annual fall preview! After a whirlwind of a summer, I’m looking forward to softening into the cooler months and taking a cue from the season to slow down (more on that in next week’s issue!). I’m heading home to Reno this weekend, but as soon as I return, I’m ready to embrace the gorgeous, wet season we get in Portland with baking projects in my new home, novels read in coffee shops, and rainy day movies—all of which you’ll find celebrated here. Without further ado… enjoy this year’s fall preview!

P.S. This email is packed with recommendations. You may need to hit “Expand email” to read the full thing. Enjoy!

The publishing industry often saves their biggest releases for the fall, when they know we’re all craving time curled up with a book. I couldn’t be more excited for these releases.

1. 🍂 Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout: A quick follow-up to Oh William! with one of Strout’s best known characters, Lucy Barton. In it, William persuades her to leave New York for Maine… a good idea, or? (Out next week! Sept. 20)

2. On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton: Set in 1950s San Francisco, a mother has high ambitions for her three musical daughters—just named a Reese’s book club pick. (Out now! Published Sept. 6)

3. 🍂 Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng: Set in a near-future America, where families, especially those of Asian origin like the Chinese family at the heart of this novel, have to walk on eggshells, lest they be labeled as “dissidents” for breaking laws around “American Culture.” (Out Oct. 4)

4. 🍂 The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell: Historical fiction about Duchess Lucrezia de' Medici, by the author of Hamnet. (Out now! Published Sept. 6) By the way… I’m giving away two copies of this book over on Instagram! Just started it yesterday, and already loving it.

5. 🍂 And Yet by Kate Baer: I pre-ordered this collection of poetry by Kate Baer the moment I read her poem, “Halfway There.” (Out Nov. 8)

6. Bliss Montage by Ling Ma: A collection of eight fantastical short stories from the author of one of my favorite post-apocalyptic novels, Severance (no relation to the show). (Out now! Published Sept. 13)

7. 🍂 The Passenger (Out Oct. 25) and Stella Maris (Out Dec. 6) by Cormac McCarthy: McCarthy’s first novels since The Road, the books will be released a month apart and tell the stories of a brother and sister who live in the shadow of their father, who helped to develop the atomic bomb.

There are so many movies to look forward to this fall—I didn’t even touch December, which includes the ‘Knives Out’ sequel and ‘Women Talking’ adaptation. Here’s a small selection of the next few months’ highlights:

1. Doen Amelie Tee ($118): Loving Doen’s take this season on their fitted cardigan, though it’s a bit too pricey for me—I may be opting for this similar, simpler ribbed cardigan ($49) from GAP.

2. 🍂 STILL HERE New York Jacket ($320): I bought this unisex, reversible shearling-lined jacket a few months ago on sale in anticipation of fall. Can’t wait to wear it!

3. Birkenstocks in Taupe ($120): Planning on digging these and my Uggs out of my high school closet when I visit home this weekend because Birks are back, baby!

4. Avec Les Filles Coat ($229): It’s plaid coat season! Pair these with your Birks, and a monochrome ensemble underneath and you’re golden.

1. Le Labo Thé Noir 29 ($215): Scents are so nostalgic, so I’m a big believer in swapping out scents during transitional times to use them as intentional milemarkers. I love this one for fall.

2. T.H.O.M. Scalp Serum ($52): Named for short, Gucci-sponsored doc, This Hair of Mine, hairstylist Cyndia Harvey’s new line aims to reinvent haircare for Black women. This is the first product, with more to launch this fall!

3. Violette Petal Bouche Matte ($28): Though I prefer a blotted-on look for lipstick, I’d be down to try this new bold color inspired by roses.

Television generally plays releases closer to the vest than movies (meaning, some of the best fall shows may be yet to be announced), but there are a few promising comedies coming our way and a promising-looking mystery.

So many albums to look forward to in the coming months! We have Taylor Swift’s fifth album in two years (out Oct. 21) 🍂, Yeah Yeah Yeahs with their first release in nine years (out Sept. 30), Waxahatchee’s new project, The Plains releasing their first album (out Oct. 14), and the 1975 releasing an Antonoff-produced pop album (out Oct 14). I’m starting my fall playlist here!

🍂 Indicates releases I’m particularly excited about.

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Let me know what you’re looking forward to this fall in the comments! Do you have a fall bucket list? I want to know!