‘Meg Ryan Fall’ Is Here, and You Don’t Need Much To Pull Off This Functional, Cozy Look
Sorry, spooky season. And sweater weather. And any other catchy moniker you've used to describe the months of September-November. This year, we're having ourselves a "Meg Ryan Fall," as if we needed another reason to re-watch When Harry Met Sally. The latest TikTok trend is here to replace your Coastal Grandma-esque linen pants and straw hats with cozy staples inspired by the rom-com queen herself. And luckily, many of you probably have those staples hanging in your own closets.
Think: The chunky, oversized sweaters à la You've Got Mail, or a white, breeze button-downs like Annie Reed's in Sleepless In Seattle. If it looks like it came out of a Nora Ephron movie, then its probably fits into the #MegRyanFall aesthetic.
@brietmarie I absolutely love Harry Met Sally ???? #megryanfall #harrymetsally #falloutfits #augustoutfits ♬ Love Is Here to Stay - Remastered - Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald
Besides Ryan's looks being straight-up adorable, they're pretty timeless and functional, comfortable to wear for any occasion. Okay, maybe not Sally Albright's New Year's Eve gown—we'll save that for Halloween parties only. But her other looks, like the boxy-blazer-and-jeans combo she rocks at the bookstore, or the gray cable-knit sweater she wears in that iconic diner scene? I'll have what she's having, er, wear what she's wearing, thank you.
"Meg Ryan Fall" is all about simplicity and function, easy enough to recreate with the basics you have in your dresser. If you've got a straight-leg pair of jeans, a chunky cardigan that looks like it belonged to your grandpa, and a simple turtleneck, you're halfway there. Bonus points if they're earth-toned, extra bonus points if they're a fall print, like houndstooth or plaid. And if you don't have any of these staples lying around—or if you just want to double-down on your rom-com-inspired wardrobe—we've got you covered. Cue the Louis Armstrong, and scroll to shop our favorite pieces for "Meg Ryan Fall," meet-cute not included.
Do a pair of high-waisted straight leg jeans really ever go out of style? We think not. They literally go with everything, whether you’re channeling your inner Meg Ryan or not. If you are, however, we recommend going with a faded wash, like the vintage sunbleached blue or the washed black to give it that, Nora Ephron feel.
Available sizes: 23-33 in three inseams
Colors: 6 washes
From Kathleen Kelly’s navy get-up in You’ve Got Mail, to Kate McKay’s preppy sweater in Kate & Leopold, the cardigan is another staple for achieving this fashionable, functional aesthetic. This one by BP ticks off all the boxes for being cozy, slightly oversized, and perfectly layer-able. I’s ribbed, recycled poly blend is soft and simple to throw on over a T-shirt, tank top, or even another sweater when temps really dip.
Available sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 5 different colors.
Speaking of layering, this stunning shacket from Alex Crane is the transitional piece we’re 99.99 percent sure came from Sally Albright’s closet in When Harry Met Sally. Made with 100 percent American wool, it’s a snuggly option to keep the chill out on those weird fall days when it’s not cool enough for a full-blown coat, but definitely not warm enough to go commando, either.
Available sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: Grey, brown, and green plaid
You don’t have to break the bank to achieve your own Meg Ryan-inspired look. Many quality basics, including sweaters, button-up shirts, and skirts, can be purchased from Amazon. (And delivered to your door two days later, to boot.) Our pick? These flow-y trousers which have more than 9,000 5-star ratings for their fit. Dress them up with a blouse and some heels, or lean in to the casual menswear look with some loafers and an angular blazer.
Available sizes: XS-XXL in regular and short lengths
Colors: 32 different colors
Is there a turtleneck in every Meg Ryan movie? Has anyone checked? We’d bet big money there is. And if they were to be made today, we’d also bet big money this sculpting turtleneck from Good American would make it into the costumes. It’s technically a mock neck, swapping the fold-over style for a crew that hits mid-throat. But it’s the buttery soft, sculpting fabric you’ll fall in love with. Pop it on with some jeans, a skirt, or even the aforementioned trousers to really capture the trend’s essence.
Available sizes: XXS/XS-4XL/5XL
Colors: Black, brown, beige, and green
It’s not just you—there is something about a plaid skirt that just screams, “Fall!” This one from Reformation is no different in its autumnal vibey-ness, but it stands out for its sustainability, as it uses less water and emits less carbon dioxide than other designs. Just don’t forget the tights.
Available sizes: 0-12
Colors: Four different plaids
Who said loafers had to be leather? Rothy’s slip-on shoes are made from a soft, stretchy knit thread that’s spun out of recycled plastic bottles, making it better for you and the planet. Best part is, they’re washable. So if you spill your pumpkin spiced latte on them or they get muddy apple picking, pop ’em in the wash and they’ll be as good as new.
Available sizes: 5-13, in half sizes
Colors: 16 different colors
We’re suckers for a pull-on pant, especially if they’re made in a velvety soft corduroy. This pair from Madewell will make you rethink hard pants for good, stitched with the silhouette of a trouser, minus the buttons or zipper waist. The tapered leg looks stylish with a low-top sneaker, ankle boot, loafer, mule—even slippers if you’re rocking them around the house. (Which you will, they’re that comfy.)
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: Chocolate raisin (brown), frosted sage (mint) and fig (dusty rose)
No “Meg Ryan Fall” shopping guide would be complete without a classic coat. This one from J.Crew fits the bill with its relaxed, menswear-inspired silhouette, button closure, and warm wool fabric. The camel and black are timeless, but the bright, seacoast blue will stand out in a sea of earth tones this season.
Available sizes: 00-24 in regular, petite, and tall
Colors: Camel, ivory, blue, and black
When the snow starts to fall, and air gets even nippier, you’ll be glad you have this thick cable-knit sweater close by. For one, it’s beautiful, thoughtfully woven with a slightly longer body that looks great with pants and skirts alike. It’s warm, too, and eco-friendly, crafted with recycled wool and nylon. Plus, United By Blue will clean up a pound of trash from Earth’s waterways with your purchase, so buying it is a no-brainer.
Available sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Shortbread (beige) or beet (red)
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