Here Is The Guide To Dressing Like A Character, Created By Nora Ephron This Autumn

Queue Dreams by The Cranberries, autumn is nearly here, and that means it’s time to pay tribute to the late Queen of Romcoms, Nora Ephron. Though the films Ephron has written aren’t always set in autumn, the overall aesthetic of the films inspires our romanticised vision of the autumn season: from fashion, career and lifestyle. Most famously, Nora Ephron’s films star Meg Ryan, who has since been dubbed the “Queen of Fall”, with the trending hashtag #MegRyanFall, which she has accepted with open arms, even posting on her social media accounts with this hashtag. So, when the Queens of Romcoms and Fall work together, it creates some unforgettable fashion moments that capture the spirit of autumn perfectly.

It's very rare that a film is remembered for its writer, but with Ephron’s films’ distinct tone, you know when you are watching something crafted by her. Her writing has it all: quick wit, emotional vulnerability, and a distinctively human feel. After all, most characters created by Ephron are slightly autobiographical (particularly Meryl Streep’s Rachel Samstat in Heartburn) or an extension of Ephron herself.

Here are some clothing pieces that are perfect for running around a bustling city, surrounded by burgundy leaves whilst being serenaded by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald’s jazz standards.

Jumper

The most tactile of materials is wool, so it is no wonder that a signature rom-com wardrobe staple is a chunky-knit jumper. There is something about the organic nature of wool that adds personality to every jumper, and it is this naturalistic element that makes romance seem essential and fundamentally primitive in scenes featuring jumpers.

Out of all the characters created by Ephron, Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) is the best for jumper inspiration. His cream cable-knit fisherman-chic jumper is hands down the best outfit the costume department, led by Gloria Gresham, produced for When Harry Met Sally. This jumper is a great inspiration for both men and women, and takes the awards for the ultimate autumnal garment. In the worlds Ephron creates, the chunkier the jumper, the better, and bonus points for a cable knit.

Equally as charming in the same scene is Sally’s (Meg Ryan) red knitted turtleneck jumper. This could be described as fitting the “frazzled English Woman” aesthetic, regardless of Sally being from Chicago and living in New York, her style matches the internet’s depiction of this aesthetic—frumpy and dishevelled chic. Her flowing hair and practical, cosy dressing fit into what the internet deems as “dishevelled”. The earliest uses of the term “dishevelled” were historically all used negatively to describe women, a notion that Nora Ephron creatively subverts by creating a character who matches this label, emotionally and visually, whilst elevating it into something beautiful and relatable. Today, many of us draw inspiration from these “dishevelled” characters, recognising the beauty in relaxed style. Sally's character, therefore, inspires a refreshing perspective on how we approach everyday fashion, and that is all down to the power of how Ephron crafts a character---perfect because of flaws.

Turtleneck

“I just bring a black turtleneck sweater everywhere – it’s the greatest purchase of my life. Period.” —Nora Ephron

A staple for both Nora Ephron and her on-screen characters is the turtleneck. Simplistic in design, a black turtleneck is perfect for warmth and a chic look this autumn.  Minimalist but never boring, the turtleneck adds understated elegance.

Tailored Womenswear

The perfect chilly day, book shopping outfit for when “Someone is staring at you in personal growth,” is Sally’s brown blazer layered over a red jumper. Reminiscent of the shades of autumnal leaves themselves, this palette is the ultimate autumn look. Sally Albright loves an angular-shaped outfit, and this is all down to the perfect tailoring of her look. Her straight-leg trousers and blazers are reminiscent of traditionally masculine silhouettes

Annie Reed from Sleepless in Seattle is a remarkable Ephron character known for her stylish, tailored workwear.  As an ambitious journalist, her oversized and angular blazer is great for inspiring office workers this autumn to embrace chic fashion on their daily commutes.

Hats

"Once I read a story about a butterfly on the subway, and today, I saw one! It got on at 42nd and off at 59th, where, I assume, it was going to Bloomingdale's to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake, as almost all hats are."—Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail.

Though You’ve Got Mail’s Kathleen thinks all hats are a mistake, Sally, in When Harry Met Sally, would clearly disagree. When going on a walk with Harry through Washington Square Park, Sally styles a unique bowler hat. Partnered with a floral shirt, grey blazer and coordinating leather gloves and bags, the whole outfit is an autumnal dream and one of the most iconic outfits of the film. Though it is debatable whether anyone would wear this outfit in 2025, as it is significantly ‘80s chic, it is still the ultimate practical breezy day outfit.

Midi Skirt

One of the ‘90s go-to fashion items was the midi skirt. Reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, the humble midi skirt is distinctly protagonist Kathleen Kelly. Even if you haven’t seen the film, you’ve likely encountered the iconic image of Meg Ryan walking along in cosy workwear, carrying a canvas tote in one hand and a pumpkin under her other arm—the perfect embodiment of autumn. The midi-length skirt paired with tights and loafers is sublimely academic, the dream outfit for a brisk, cold morning city commute to work at a quaint bookshop, all while navigating an enemies-to-lovers romance with Joe Fox (Tom Hanks).

Autumn is soon around the corner, and it can’t come quick enough. So, it’s the perfect time to start rewatching Nora Ephron’s classics, plan what we are going to wear for the new season, and embrace all that autumn has to offer.