Autumn Exudes Main Character Energy—Here Are 6 Chic Movie Inspirations I'll Be Embracing

      Welcome to the Gen Z Mood, where I—Who What Wear UK's 27-year-old social media editor—share my monthly mood and the most thrilling finds from my scroll. I'm always on the hunt for fresh and budget-friendly ways to shop trends, and I’m bringing you along for the ride.

      The mood: Reference dressing

      Autumn has a distinct main character vibe; it demands our attention. The changing weather is hard to overlook, and shorter evenings disrupt our social plans. For me, September feels like a time to shed the habits I've developed over the past nine months and start fresh—especially when it comes to my closet. I’m not alone in this; last week, TikTok users began a viral trend, dubbing September as “The new January,” with many asserting it’s a more suitable time to set resolutions, and they may be onto something. This season calls for a sartorial reset, and that’s when its main character energy truly shines.

      Our fondness for autumn isn’t solely about the mood or nostalgic back-to-school vibes; it’s also tied to the films and TV shows we connect with during this time. Romantic scenes adorned with fall foliage and stylishly curated character wardrobes provide perfect inspiration. Movies have long served as a nostalgic reference for personal style, with memorable scenes from iconic films embedding themselves in our fashion consciousness. Consider Billy Crystal’s cable-knit sweater as he strolls through a picturesque Central Park in Nora Ephron’s When Harry Met Sally, or Gwyneth Paltrow’s mix of luxurious and outrageous fur coat in The Royal Tenenbaums.

      These cinematic moments can become the foundation of our autumn wardrobes, often without us realizing it. This month’s Gen Z mood draws inspiration from the many ‘autumn movie outfit’ carousels I’ve been liking and saving on TikTok. Upon checking my closet, after stashing my summer clothes under the bed, I discovered plenty of film and TV references hidden among my hangers. Plus, isn’t this the perfect time to enjoy your favorite autumn-themed films? It certainly feels like cozy season.

      Keep scrolling to discover the movie and television characters inspiring my autumn wardrobe this season.

      Penny Lane, Almost Famous

      (Image credit: Alamy, Getty)

      To be completely honest, don't we all keep a Letterboxed top four handy, just in case that fateful mini mic comes our way? If I ever find myself in the hot seat, Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous would definitely be on my list. Beyond the film's warm-toned charm (and fantastic soundtrack), it's the outfits—especially those of Penny Lane—that make it special.

      (Image credit: Alamy, Getty)

      This is where the film truly comes alive for me. Kate Hudson’s wardrobe is a delightful blend of 1960s bohemian style and youthful flair. While it may appear summery at first glance, the textures and layers throughout the film are very much autumnal. The chords, suede, boots, and, of course, that iconic Penny Lane coat made of brown velvet and lined with fur. It’s no surprise that cult outerwear brand Charlotte Simone named their best-selling jacket after Penny Lane herself. To me, these are the defining textures for autumn dressing and the inspiration behind this Penny-themed edit. Continue scrolling for my shopping picks to achieve the look—and even if you don’t shop, you should definitely give the film a watch!

      Shop Penny's Wardrobe:

      

      ALIGNE

      Corrie Denim Flock Mini Skirt

      Jigsaw

      Jigsaw Western Knee High Suede Boots, Chocolate

      MANGO

      Corduroy Flared Jeans - Women | Mango United Kingdom

      Sally Albright, When Harry Met Sally

      (Image credit: Alamy, Getty)

      It seems inappropriate to discuss autumn aesthetics without mentioning one of the internet’s favorite champions of all things romantic and autumnal. Nora Ephron’s remarkable run of 1990s films set the cultural bar for what defines a great autumn rom-com, and, understandably, her characters’ wardrobes have become iconic as a result. Every autumn, searches for “When Harry Met Sally Aesthetic,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and “Sleepless in Seattle” escalate on platforms like Pinterest, with users pinning scenes, outfits, and interiors to their moodboards.

      (Image credit: Alamy, Getty)

      It's hard to pick favorites, but when it comes to style and planning my autumn outfits, Meg Ryan’s character Sally Albright in When Harry Met Sally is the source of my greatest inspiration this time of year. Special mentions also go to Annie’s flawless ‘90s updos in Sleepless in Seattle and Kathleen Kelly’s commitment to roll necks in You’ve Got Mail. However, Sally’s bold red accents, Bermuda shorts, knee-high socks, and loafers feel particularly relevant to current trends. Keep scrolling for a modern twist on the classic ‘90s outfits she wears in the film.

      Shop Sally's Wardrobe: