You’ve all heard of Brat Summer . . . but summer is over—get ready for the return of Christian Girl Autumn.😈😈
We are excited about the upcoming season. Leaves are dropping, there’s a cool breeze, and Halloween is on the horizon. So in order to celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations in order to live your best Christian Girl Autumn.
If you don’t know what CGA is, it is an internet phenomenon inspired by the influencer Caitlin Covington. She became an integral part of internet culture around 2019 with her instagram videos showing her love for fall.
CGA is a mindset, not a faith; anyone can celebrate their love of fall. So here are some recommendations for how to live your best Christian Girl Autumn.
Nothing’s better than a crisp fall afternoon, getting cozy on the couch with a warm apple cider, and choosing the perfect fall flick to match the warm autumn atmosphere. But what exactly are the “perfect” fall flicks? Read on . . .
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
From the original score composed by George Fenton to the rich setting of late 90s New York City, what’s not to love? The story follows a children’s bookstore owner, Katherine Kelly (Meg Ryan), who is struggling to keep her business afloat after her rival, Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) has established his gigantic chain bookstore a block away. Despite their continuous rivalry, little do they know that they’ve actually been in anonymous contact via eMail. With the Starbucks, pumpkin picking, fall festivals, book shopping, and “Dreams” by The Cranberries You’ve Got Mail embodies everything CGA has to offer!
Juno (2007)
Juno follows teenager Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page) who becomes pregnant and decides to put the baby up for adoption to a failed rockstar and his wife. The rest of the movie follows Juno as she goes through the trials and tribulations of not only her pregnancy but also with the relationships she has with the people around her. Juno is a quaint indie film with the perfect fall atmosphere. The soundtrack is also phenomenal with songs by Kimya Dawson, Sonic Youth, and even a cover of “Anyone Else but You” by Page and co-star Michael Cera. So to live out your indie coming-of-age fall fantasy, tune in to Juno!
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
From renowned director Wes Anderson, the stop-motion Fantastic Mr. Fox is about Mr. Fox who breaks his promise to his wife and raids his neighbor’s farm for food. Throughout the story, we see Mr. Fox give in to his animal instincts which can potentially ruin his relationships; he also faces the external problem of being trapped underground. The rich oranges and yellows used in the movie, the fantastic animation, and the recurring theme of family are some of many reasons as to why Fantastic Mr. Fox is a worthy movie to watch this Christian Girl Autumn. Starring George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, and other stars as the voice cast, this fall flick is a must see.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
In a traditional all-boys preparatory school, the new English teacher, John Keating, shakes up the scene with his inspirational speeches and unorthodox teaching methods. With the phrase “Carpe Diem” engraved in their hearts, Keating’s students are inspired to break out of their shells, follow their dreams, and seize the day! With a dark academia atmosphere and emotional performances by Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and others, the movie has all of the fall vibes. But just as a warning, make sure you have a tissue box near because this movie is a tear-jerker!
Now I’m no music connoisseur, but I know what constitutes a good fall album. You're driving home on a crisp fall day with a pumpkin-flavored coffee in hand; what could possibly make this moment better? Mellifluous music flowing through your frontal cortex.
Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
My top albums for this specific CGA moment start with a classic: Tusk by Fleetwood Mac. Maybe a little old of an album for Gen Z, but it’s the epitome of a fall day, and if Stevie Nicks’s voice doesn't automatically put you in a good fall mood, I don’t know what will.
Unreal Unearth by Hozier
Secondly, released by my favorite Irishman, we have the album Unreal Unearth by gentle giant Hozier. His music is generally more on the soft side, perfect for unwinding and living your best fall fantasy.
Patched by Beabadoobee
Lastly, we have the album Patched by indie music artist Beabadoobee. Once you figure out how to say her name, you realize how many consistent bangers she records. The album Patched is a masterpiece of heartbreak disguised in light fluffy pop music, similar to the depression we all conceal as the sun creeps closer to setting at 4 p.m. every night.
So now we know what media and music we need to be tuned into to live our best Christian Girl Autumn, but what about clothes? Well, there is actually a very distinct look that CGA entails.
Flannel
Arguably the staple of the Christian Girl Autumn look, you need a flannel. Flannel embodies autumn, so it’s no surprise that a warm-toned fluffy cotton flannel is the foundation of a CGA outfit.
Scarf, Boots, and Hat
Next is an infinity scarf and knee-high boots. These pieces are what really distinguishes the look we’re going for. There are an endless number of photos of the CGA queen herself rocking these. Lastly, to pull the outfit together, you need a wide brimmed felt hat. The iconicness of the hat can’t be overstated!
As a 17-year-old girl, I know a thing or two about fall food flavors. I’ve been a Starbucks regular for years, and I know that when their fall flavors are announced Christian Girl Autumn looms near.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Start with the classic: the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Although the popular drink is painstakingly sweet, how can you experience CGA without this signature fall beverage in hand? From pumpkin patches to Friday Night Lights, this is the classic fall beverage to accompany you on your CGA journey.
Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte
In addition to the PSL, we have the Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte. A personal favorite, this drink is a little less sugary than its pumpkin latte challenger. The iced chai drink is the perfect middle ground for fall beverage fans who don’t want to fear cavities.
Pumpkin Bread and Pumpkin Roll
Lastly, in this mashup, we have pumpkin bread and pumpkin roll. You might be thinking: “isn’t that too much pumpkin?” No, next question! These sweets are the perfect snack for autumn and a perfect pair with their pumpkin drink counterparts. In fact, these foods are sure to give you inspiration for your exemplary CGA.
So sit back, snuggle up, sip, and savor that coziest of seasons . . . Christian Girl Autumn!