The Sights, Sounds and Scents That Make Black Folks Think About Fall

Now that the weather’s getting cooler and the days are getting shorter, the fall season naturally feels like the time for a lifestyle shift. It’s easy to get swept up in the autumn hustle as the academic year begins and trends like the “Lock In” challenge encourage a head start on New Year’s goals. But fall, especially for Black folks, is also a time to slow down, unwind, and get cozy by the fire as the holiday season closes out the year. Here are fashion pieces, songs and scents that get us in the cozy Black fall mood.

Fall Fashion Staples

The need for layering makes fall one of the easiest seasons to show off your style before it’s time to truly bundle up. Like the changing colors of the leaves, fall colors like burgundy, mustard yellow, plum, beige and brown ooze comfort.

For a versatile outfit that doubles as loungewear, monochrome sweatsuits are work at home and for errands. Bonus points if it’s a Juicy Couture tracksuit. Turtlenecks give a refined look while also keeping your neck warm, as do statement scarves. Cardigans do wonders while sitting in a freezing office. Uggs and Timberland boots, admittedly, don’t perform well in the snow. But before temperatures drop below freezing, the shoes can keep your feet warm and your outfits cute.

Crochet and Chunky-Knit Blankets

You can’t truly be cozy without a blanket. There’s nothing like a thick, crochet or chunky-knit throw to trap in warmth throughout the day. Weighted blankets and electric heated blankets provide more immediate heat.

Smooth Jazz and R&B Tracks

Smooth jazz and R&B songs are the perfect soundtrack to every cozy Black fall.

As you rub your feet together and settle in at home, slow, simple, familiar songs like “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean, “You Don’t Know My Name” by Alicia Keys and “Snooze” by SZA make it easier to relax, especially after a long day. And you can’t go wrong with any song by jazz singer Samara Joy.

For those looking for some older tunes, “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green “Autumn in New York” sung by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong and Whitney Houston’s “My Love Is Your Love” keep the cozy vibes going.

Vicks VapoRub

Minty and refreshing, the smell of Vicks VapoRub is a salve in sickness and in health. In addition to helping you breathe better and soothe muscle aches, the eucalyptus oil helps you stay relaxed.

Vicks has been cracking down recently, saying that contrary to what Black families may believe, the ointment shouldn’t be used in or around the nose, mouth or eyes. Luckily, the smell of VapoRub is so strong, it can reach your nose just by opening the tiny jar.

Bath & Body Works Mahogany Teakwood

While the body care and home fragrance brand has plenty of autumn-specific scents to choose from, like Cinnamon Spiced Vanilla and Spiced Apple Toddy, Mahogany Teakwood is a fall favorite that’s also popular year-round. Think upscale housewarming. The musky, woodsy scent with top notes of lavender and bergamot is sold as a candle, cologne, soap and body spray, as well as Mahogany Teakwood Intense.