At long last, Meg Ryan fall is finally here again. For the uninitiated, allow me to explain: Ryan’s many characters in ’80s and ’90s rom-coms (think: When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail) had lush, autumnal wardrobes like none other. From the chunky knits and oversized blazers to the various textures, layers, and neutral tones, her characters were the masters of cozy style.
Now that the weather has finally dropped below 50 degrees here in NYC, it couldn’t be a better time to look back at her most iconic looks for outfit inspiration. Here, 7 ways I am channeling Ryan this fall.
The Cozy Look
Does it get any more cozier than this? Ryan’s character in You’ve Got Mail struck the perfect masculine/feminine balance with a black wool coat, tweed skirt, chunky brogues, and a bright neck scarf for a pop of color. It’s very ’90s. Just don’t forget accessorize with a pumpkin from your local farmers’ market.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Plaid Wool Blend Reefer Coat
Now 20% Off
A.L.C. Cara Houndstooth Pencil Skirt
WOLFORD Matte Opaque Tights
Coach Lyla Lug Sole Derby
Laurel Canyon Silk Bandana.
The Chunky Sweater Look
If there’s two things to take away from Sally Albright in When Harry Met Sally, it’s that 1) a chunky, cable-knit sweater is a fall n0-brainer and 2) a bold color will always add pizzazz and liven up an ordinary outfit.
Polo Ralph Lauren Aran-Knit Wool-Alpaca Turtleneck
Marcella Vesey Pencil Skirt
Commando Lattice Net Tights
Everlane The Day Glove
Now 25% Off
Texture, Neutrals, and Layering
Another Sally Albright classic. Ryan’s character played with textures, neutral tones, and layering, and somehow made it all mesh perfectly together here. And besides, is it really an autumnal look if you’re not incorporating one or all of these style aspects?
Janessa Leone Ross Packable Wool Fedora
Everlane The Oversized Blazer in Wool
Now 25% Off
Moschino Heart-Embroidered Intarsia-Knit Jumper
Madewell The Harlow Superwide-Leg Trouser
Margaux The Andie Loafer
Banana Republic Factory Vegan Leather Slouchy Tote
Now 40% Off
Nordstrom Cashmere Lined Leather Touchscreen Gloves
Now 40% Off
Gorjana Crew Hoops
The Lush Suede Look
With suede having a major moment this season, I am most excited to channel this You’ve Got Mail outfit. I love the way she styled a suede shift dress over a black turtleneck sweater—another prime example of playing with texture and layers. It’s also proof that brown and black do pair well together.
Hyacinth House Chocolate Faux Suede Billie Mini Dress
SPANX ‘Luxe’ Leg Shaping Tights
Emme Parsons Stretch Boot in Espresso Nappa
The Brunch Look Aesthetic
A camel cardigan paired with a simple white t-shirt will never disappoint. In You’ve Got Mail, Ryan styled hers with a gray skirt, which added a surprising touch to the pared-back look. But if that’s too much to tango with, a pair of mom jeans, or even, barrel legs jeans would make your look *chef’s kiss*.
Almina Concept Classic Crew Wool Cardigan
Michael Stars Lexy Tee
Now 48% Off
Cos Double-Faced Wool Midi Skirt
Madewell The ’90s Creased High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
The Statement-Maker
Sure, Proof of Life isn’t exactly what you’d call a classic Meg Ryan rom-com, but you can’t deny how perfectly autumnal this outfit is. She’s quite literally wearing two of the hottest colors of 2024 in one look: burgundy and chartreuse. Here’s your chance to take brat girl summer into fall.
Ronny Kobo Linde Faux Leather Jacket
Veronica Beard Kavya Striped Rib-Knit Blouse
Now 50% Off
La Ligne Bias-Cut Silk Midi Skirt
Tory Burch Tall Banana Boot
The Essential Camel Coat
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: a camel coat is the little black dress of outerwear. You can dress it up or dress it down (as Ryan did here in Hanging Up), and it still looks fantastic. Here, are some similar options to shop.
Vince Classic Wool-Blend Straight Coat
Max Mara Manuela Icon Coat
Sam Edelman Single Breasted Wool Blend Reefer Coat
Now 36% Off
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.
