One of the most exciting prospects about Autumn for many of us is the season’s fashion including autumn nails. But this being the favourite season clothing-wise for many, it can also be quite tough for us who are sensitive to major changes in the atmosphere.
Especially those of us who suffer from seasonal affective disorder can really struggle as the days suddenly get darker and the weather is worse than depressing. Some days there’s no way we can even imagine leaving the house. And that’s fine!
We humans have forgotten that we’re completely connected to the world around us even if we spend the majority of our time chronically online. As the seasons change, so should we. Or at least the pace and the way we spend our days. And that shift in energy is something I hope this article can help you with.
Autumn Nails & Other Survival Tips for the Season 2026
When (these days) stifling hot summer days turn into autumn, all we want to do is to turn with it. One of the coolest things about autumn is the change in fashion that the change in weather allows: autumn nails, autumn hair, warm and cosy jumpers, etc.
But unfortunately autumn style doesn’t take away the fact that as nights get darker and coldness descends, we need to shift a lot more than just our wardrobes. These are my survival tips for the season, that make the changes a little easier to bare:
Tip 1: Dress to impress, and to fight the wind and rain
I’ve talked about how the way you dress can help boost your confidence. And in the autumn this tip can make a huge difference to how you feel any given day!
Especially in northern Europe or in the mountainous regions of Europe people say: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, there’s only bad clothing.” I’ve always found this extremely irritating, even arrogant. But once I invested in a proper rain coat I’ve had to change my mind about the statement..
Not completely, though! There certainly is shit weather! But wearing a rain coat that not just shields you from the rain and wind but also makes you look and feel like a princess certainly changed the way I think about rainy days.
Equipped with my RainSisters coat I now like getting out of the door even when it’s raining. I’m still not going to go for a walk by the sea with this weather, but trips to the grocery store are no longer an issue because of the weather.
Tip 2: Do your autumn nails and beauty routine
Wellbeing starts from the very basic everyday things regardless of season. And as darkness descends (quite literally) looking after ourselves becomes even more important. In addition to appropriate nutrition and regular exercise, sticking to a beauty routine is no less vital. Especially if it gives you a sense of having it all together (even when you don’t).
Things like putting some thought into what your ideal autumn nails would be as well as maybe changing your skin lotion to a thicker one to tackle the cold winds, nourish both the mind and the body.
Also, make sure you don’t complicate things unnecessarily. My dad taught me to “keep it simple, stupid” (jokingly, obvs), so I like to keep my skin routine minimal but effective:
- In the mornings: I brush my teeth and wash my face with cool water. Never forgetting to moisturise after!
- During the day: make-up wise I’ve always preferred the ‘less is more’ approach; I let my skin breathe by not covering it in foundation but only using concealer in spots where it’s necessary (like under-eye bits). I rarely use more than mascara, but on bad days I might throw in a glittery eye shadow as well.
- In the evening: First things first, removing the eye make-up. Then I clean my face with a cleaning gel that has no artificial ingredients and definitely no E-codes, only natural ingredients. Moisturise the face and brush the teeth, that’s it! I don’t do toners or anti-aging bullshittery because I have zero problem with the fact that as living things we also get old and die.
Tip 3: Explore how the nature changes from one season to the next
I certainly know how hard it can be some days to get out of bed, let alone leave the house in the autumn. But that’s not every day! Getting some fresh air is essential for our health and being in nature is therapy. So, on those days when you have the energy, and especially if the sun is out, go into the woods!
This will sound very hippie, but it is that only if you make it so. You can actually go into the woods and explore the seasons changing as a city-dweller and not stand out at all. Wear your RainSisters coat if you want to feel chic even in nature… But know that then you will certainly stand out.
- Make some sandwiches and pack some coffee in a thermos jug along for for a hike and an autumn picnic
- Rent a car and go see a place or sight nearby that you haven’t visited before
- Wander around in nature without aim, smell the air and feel the difference in season. It is palpable!
- Photograph autumn wonders, like bright yellow, orange and red leaves, the last flowers of the year, and sunsets
- Pick mushrooms (only if you know exactly what you’re picking!) and apples, autumn offers an abundance of free food
More on the topic: 15 Fun Things To Do By Yourself In The Autumn
Tip 4: Attend farmers markets and regional autumn festivals
To continue from the previous point, if nature isn’t your thing (what’s wrong with you?!), Autumn also gives us many other good reasons to leave the house.
This is a very European thing, although in the States going to the pumpkin patch is also a popular autumn activity. But in Europe things are done on a wider scale and focusing on community and local food production instead of Instagram content. Although, you can absolutely get your autumn nails sorted for these events too!
Depending on where you are located, the European continent offers a variety of autumn food festivities:
- In Poland, Slovakia and Czechia you can attend Goose & Duck feasts from September onwards
- Pretty much everywhere except in the Nordics, you can volunteer for wine harvesting and attend related events and festivals
- In the Nordic countries you should acquaint yourself with the phenomena known as the crayfish party or kräftskiva.
Even though August is considered a summer month in most parts of the world, for Nordic countries it’s already the start of autumn. Schools start in August and the weather starts to already shift. And an important part of this shift in seasons is the crayfish party!
It’s all about getting together with family and friends to cook local treats from local ingredients: chanterelle soup, skagen’s toast, barbecued meat and obviously the crayfish.
Tip 5: Give yourself some slack
Sure, autumn marks the time when we have to “get back to the grind”… It even sounds wrong. As we should all have realised by now, having a job is the biggest scam in history. Gifting your precious time and energy away for a sum of money that is barely enough for you to stay alive with is truly not The Thing. You’re not a charity, are you?
In case you still think that your job is your life purpose, I suggest you get real with yourself yesterday. You’re not making money for yourself, you’re making it for some cunty millionaire or billionaire across the seas. Are you seriously proud of that?!
Most of us have to work because staying alive costs money. But until things change to a more reasonable direction, we should keep in mind that work is just the necessary evil, nothing more. You have a life that you should be prioritising instead!
So, when you’re off work, take it easy! Fuck work, it can always wait. Instead,
- focus on doing your autumn nails,
- cooking your favourite foods,
- spending time with friends and family
- and doing all the creative things that you love.
Find you real purpose in life in things that you actually like to do for your sake, not for money’s sake ♥
Final thoughts
After the summer holidays you may feel like you need to get back to work with double the energy and drive. Because how dare you enjoy yourself while you’re off on paid holidays, right? WRONG!
As cold winds and darker evenings push all vestiges of summer days out of the way, it doesn’t mean you’d need to go back to the way things were. Not this time! This year you can choose differently: you can choose to prioritise your Life above work, as it always should’ve been.
Sure, make that money, but outside of working hours (because don’t you dare work extra especially if you’re not paid to do so!) focus on your autumn nails, autumn fashion, and creative projects that bring you genuine joy.
Times are changing fast now, and as jobs keep disappearing we must find ways to keep ourselves steady and grounded. Figuring out what your actual life values and priorities are will help you achieve that.
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