Written by Amy Scalia

Crisp leaves and soft clothes. Cooler temps and comfort foods. Fireside chats and cozying up. So much of what we love about Fall is back and can still be enjoyed, even if it looks a little different. This year, though, everyone’s favorite season won’t just be about Fall clothes, foliage and festivities. It’ll also be about savoring simple comforts and deepening connections with those who matter most.

Lindy Deal, UpWest's Curator of Comfort, says Fall will warmly welcome back the seasonal staples of sweaters, denim, layering knits, textures and jackets. But this year, we’re wanting more. “Right now, there’s this real need to feel comforted on so many levels,” she explains. “We’re look-ing to other important areas where we find comfort, like our homes that are serving more functions right now, the food we’re taking more time to make and enjoy, friends we now cherish so much more, and outdoor activities that give us our much-needed break, adventure and movement.”

Seasonal Staples

Fall often comes with a range of temperatures, so it’s best to dress in layers. Ribbed tanks, cardigans, flannel, and graphic tees can all be layered. “The trick to layering is to vary it up with different textures,” Deal says. “Like a waffled tee or cardigan, ribbed sweater, quilted jacket, or even a cozy legwarmer.”

Bringing comfort in the form of sustainability, many of these pieces are made with recycled plastic or sustainable materials like Tencel™ Lyocell, a wood pulp fiber derived from responsibly man-aged forests. In fact, there’s a new denim line at UpWest through a partnership with a family-owned company called DL1961. With styles for women and men, this sustainable denim collection features slim, mid and high-rise styles.

“So many of our Fall finds — from sweaters, tees and tanks, to even our accessories and denim — are sustainably made,” Deal says. "Actually about 40% of what you now see at UpWest are sustainability centered. We just love finding these gems and developing these partnerships to make progress toward more sustainable sourcing.”

Comfort Food

If the pandemic, wildfires or air quality (seriously, 2020?) is trimming your travel plans, journey through California one bite at a time — from Sonoma's rolling vineyards to the deserts of Palm Springs, via the foodie hotspots of San Francisco and Los Angeles — with the California: Living + Eating book.

And as big events are traded for intimate gatherings at home, the Platters and Boards book offers 40 recipes and pairings to easily whip up beautiful, casual spreads for any occasion. You can also cook up a new beauty regimen as you learn how to glow from within with The Beauty Chef Book. It offers some great ideas and recipes, combining the joy of cooking with the science of nutrition for glowing skin.

Fall Entertaining

Nothing beats the crisp air of Fall with friends around a fire. With the Flikr Mini Fireplace, you can cozy up by a fire wherever you go with this personal fireplace. Just fill it with rubbing alcohol, light a match, find a safe place, and enjoy the clean burn. Cozy up under a handmade linen throw that has the rich softness you need for Fall’s chilly nights.

Naturally keep the bugs away as you enjoy the outdoors with Bug Off made from 100% pure es-sential oils. Stir up some fun with the Stir. Shake. Sip. Repeat. book that offers 50 artisanal cock-tail recipe ideas to make from home. Don’t forget to pop in a stainless steel straw when you serve them up.

Homebound Comforts

Months of quarantine now has us cozying up to the idea of working, exercising and entertaining more at home. A Meditation Pouf, Yoga Pillar Candle, and Ten to Zen coffee table book are practical for your practice and also easy on the eye. Add energy and motivation to your workspace by diffusing the Energy Oil blend.

Don some statement accessories and an interesting neckline, placket or collar for those Zoom calls, but go ahead and keep the bottom half comfy with a Wide Leg Lounge Pant and Snuggle Socks or Sherpa Slippers. Make your living room instantly ready for Fall with a chunky Handknit Chenille Throw or The. Softest. Throw., a Super Soft Knit Pillow, and the spicy scent of the Chai Clara Candle.

While most candles at UpWest are poured in containers that can be reused as a planter, jar, or even hand-blown vessel for your favorite beverage, the Clara and Oliver Growing Candles are special. In the Spring, after you’ve enjoyed the candle, you can fill the empty container with soil and plant the label to grow your own wildflowers. Now, if that isn’t a beautiful way to think of this unique season we’re entering: planting seeds for a blossoming, more colorful tomorrow.