If fall were a person, I think it would look strangely similar to Taylor Swift circa 2012: tights, ankle boots, and a pumpkin-spiced latte in hand. With the majority of her albums being released in autumn and her unabashed love for the season, everything about Taylor Swift just exudes fall energy (even she knows it). And with the release of her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, coming later this fall, now is the perfect time to lean into autumn (Taylor’s Version).
What does a Taylor Swift autumn entail, you may ask? It’s cozying up at home with your cat and a warm cup of tea. It’s spending evenings in the kitchen baking, romanticizing the first chill breeze you feel in the air, and spoiling loved ones with baked goods and handmade gifts. If that sounds like your fall vibe, we’ve got all the ideas for you to make it happen. Here are 10 ways to channel Taylor Swift this fall.
@taylorswift Basic autumn lovers RISE
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1. Bake her famous chai sugar cookies
Fall baking is one of my favorite things about the season—and if you’ve been following Taylor Swift obsessively for years like me, you know that she feels the same. One of the recipes she’s most known for is chai sugar cookies, which deliver all the warming fall flavors. As the story goes, Taylor adapted a sugar cookie recipe from food blogger Joy the Baker—adding chai spices and an eggnog glaze for a seasonal twist—and after she posted about it online, the internet went wild. If you want to taste the hype for yourself, you can find Taylor Swift’s original handwritten recipe online to follow along with, or use this step-by-step version from Joy the Baker.
2. Go all out on game days
Since Taylor Swift started dating Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce back in 2023, she has really gotten into the sport. Now that the couple is engaged, she continues to show up to Chiefs’ games in some truly iconic game-day looks. Channel her vibe by attending a football game this season and coordinating your outfit with the team’s colors. Or, make football Sundays a big deal at home by making themed snacks or inviting friends over to watch the game with chili simmering on the stove. Even if you don’t care about football, channeling Taylor’s game day spirit is a fun way to celebrate the season.
3. Make sourdough bread from scratch
On the New Heights podcast (the one where she announced her new album), Taylor Swift admitted that baking sourdough bread has taken over her life. While getting the perfect bake can take a lot of trial and error, once you have it down, it’s a cozy hobby that you can get really creative with. Taylor has experimented with everything from cinnamon swirl loaves (literally so perfect for fall) to funfetti bread for Jason Kelce’s kids. Once you master the proofing and baking process, share your best loaves with the people you love.
4. Romanticize your fall wardrobe
Taylor’s fall wardrobe is full of classics: plaid skirts, chic coats, ankle boots, cozy cardigans, and oversized scarves. Take a cue from her autumnal style as you start building your own fall capsule wardrobe. Think pieces you can mix and match for everything from pumpkin patch visits to dinner and drinks with the girls. Taylor is known for choosing pieces that are more timeless than trendy, which makes her the perfect inspo if you’re over chasing trends.
5. Enjoy pumpkin-flavored everything
Taylor has become a symbol of the pumpkin spice lifestyle, and honestly, why fight it? Fall is the time to shamelessly enjoy seasonal drinks and treats. Order that PSL, bake a loaf of pumpkin bread, or go to Trader Joe’s and pick up a new pumpkin-flavored find. It’s less about the flavor itself and more about allowing yourself to embrace the things that bring you joy (even if they’re “basic”).
6. Spend a night in with your favorite albums
Many of Taylor’s albums—including Red, Folklore, Evermore, and Midnights—have big autumn energy. While playing “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” on repeat is a sure-fire way to get in the fall spirit, setting aside time to listen to a whole album straight through is an unmatched experience. On a free evening this fall, light a candle, pour some wine, and listen to your favorite Taylor Swift album from start to finish. Want to add a little reflection to the evening? Get out a journal and write down some of the lines that speak to you, or just jot down thoughts you have while listening.
7. Make sweet potato pancakes for breakfast
Taylor Swift has shared her love for the sweet potato pancakes at Nashville’s famous Pancake Pantry restaurant—and after trying them myself, I totally get the hype. The addition of sweet potato adds a rich, seasonal twist that is perfect for a cozy fall breakfast. If you can’t make it to Nashville, you can always try recreating them at home (with a recipe like this one) for a slow, cozy Saturday morning.
8. Take a chilly walk in your city
Taylor has been spotted many times over the years taking strolls through New York City with a coffee in hand, enjoying the fall weather. You can do the same by bundling up, putting on a fall playlist, and heading outside for a crisp walk. There’s something cinematic about that first breath of cold air after a long, hot summer, and a walk can help you really soak in the changing seasons.
9. Craft handmade gifts for the holidays
Taylor is known for her thoughtful gift-giving. There are countless stories from her fans, friends, and family of receiving handmade gifts, personalized notes, and baked goods. This season, get ahead of holiday gifting by taking some time to DIY gifts in advance. Whether you decide to crochet scarves, create trinket trays with clay, or embroider tea towels for your loved ones, now is the ideal time to get started so you’re not rushing to get it all done later in the season. Not only will DIYing gifts make holiday gifting extra special, but it also counts as a cozy, creative hobby to fill up your evenings this fall.
10. Host a listening party
With the release of The Life of a Showgirl just around the corner, now is the time to start planning a glam-but-cozy listening party on the night of the release. Lean into the Old Hollywood theme of the album by dressing up in your glitziest attire and crafting on-theme cocktails or mocktails, like a glittery sidecar or Aperol spritz. Then set up your sound system, dim the lights, and get ready to soak in all the showgirl vibes.
TL;DR
Whether you’re baking, strolling, or sparkling up your cocktails, embracing a Taylor Swift autumn is all about slowing down, savoring the season, and showing up for the people you love. And with The Life of a Showgirl as our fall soundtrack, there’s truly no better time than now to step into her autumn energy.
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
The post No One Does Fall Like Taylor Swift—Here’s How I’m Channeling Her This Season appeared first on The Everygirl.