The cooler weather has finally arrived, and it is undeniably fall in North Texas, which is scientifically defined as when the temperatures dip into the 50s at night. The welcome break from the overwhelming heat, fall is a time for the cozier things in life.
Of course, you’ve got your pumpkin, well, everything has pumpkin right now, while squash just sits on the sideline, hoping someone will pick it for a latte or something.
But more than pumpkin, fall is a time where hues become richer, the nip in the air necessitates an extra layer and things just seem a little slower.
With that in mind, we’ve put together what we call “fall cozies.”
Perhaps the most exciting part about fall is that layering is back. If clothing in the summer is about survival, fall fashion is all about showing off different combinations. The key to it all is a good sweater.
For the guys, we like the Beauty & Youth Striped Crew Sweatshirt ($150) by Reigning Champ at Steven Alan. It’s nothing flashy, but the subtle stripes still bring a nice Brittany sweater vibe. It’s casual enough for a game of touch football or checking out the farmers market, but it’s stylish enough to wear out for drinks afterward.
For the gals, we like the BB Dakota Women’s Candace Shawl Sweater ($134) from St. Bernard Sports. The flowing, open front makes it the perfect option for hanging out during the day while providing enough coverage for a night out. It’s a versatile piece that works for the occasion you need it to.
Now that you’re equipped to handle the brisk autumnal air, it’s time to step on some crunchy leaves and enjoy the weather with an outside activity. While there are plenty of things to do this fall, we have to think that the obvious choice is Autumn at the Arboretum. A pumpkin village featuring 50,000 pumpkins, squash and speckled gourds is about as fall as it gets, and a walk through the pumpkin patch is like something out of a Ralph Lauren Polo catalogue.
All that walking can work up a thirst though. Drinking outdoors in the spring and summer are about soaking in the sun, but in the fall, it’s all about appreciating Texas’ mild weather.
Although the Truck Yard on Greenville is attracting a lot of buzz, we’re partial to The Foundry in Oak Cliff. The expansive outdoor seating features plenty of long tables, but when the sun goes down, the fire pits make for the perfect time to sidle up to your person of choice. You could even hold hands, if you’re feeling frisky.
We’ve never been to Paris in the fall, but we imagine it’s probably pretty romantic, all things considered. Fortunately, the tiny little bistro Rise nº1 is your perfect, cozy substitute. The soufflé is king here, but with an international cheese chart, plenty of wine and no rush, you can settle down for a mellow afternoon of rich French food and conversation.
If you’re up for something a little less French, the Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth affords you a view of the skyline that just happens to have a movie theater in front of it. Bring a blanket and grab a bucket of popcorn, then park yourself on the hood of your car and take in a double feature.
So there you are, our fall cozies for 2013. If, at the end of it all, you’re still left needing more fall, then we suggest you create some pumpkin soup, slowly drizzle it over a pile of leaves and then jump in it. The leaves will stick to you and you can become a superhero named “The Fall Guy/Gal.” It’s foolproof.
A soufflé at Rise nº1 will make you think you're in Paris in the fall.
