Meg Ryan, Inventor of Fall, Just Wore the Most Simple Autumn Outfit Ever

Here’s how it happens: The second it’s September, as in September 1, 12 AM, people (myself included!) switch into fall mode. Even before then, though, you start to see store aisles packed with pumpkins, Halloween decorations, and autumnal plants that might make you think, “Can I please enjoy the last bits of summer?” That said, after weeks of humidity that makes you break a sweat the second you step outside, I welcome the chillier days — and even chillier nights — with open arms. I welcome all that fall offers, including, well, Meg Ryan fall (aka, binging all of actress’ movies that are quintessential autumn).

But I just saw something even better than Meg Ryan on the big screen — Meg Ryan IRL, wearing the most fall-perfect outfit that you must copy, especially considering she’s the queen of fall outfits. And this one’s pretty easy-peasy, actually, so get ready to wear it nonstop. 

Ryan stepped out on a chilly New York City day wearing two simple pieces that you must add to your rotation. While her on-screen character is all about layering — trousers, blazers, oversized sweaters, and sometimes, all of that in one — this IRL outfit is decidedly more simple. It included a simple black midi dress with long sleeves that obviously make it more appropriate for the colder months, a cinched-in waistline that gave the A-Line skirt some extra volume, plus a button-down front that excluded shirt dress vibes without actually being a full-on shirt dress.

Reformation Elly Long-Sleeve Dress

Dr. Martens '1461 W' Oxford

I have a deep-seated love for a good black dress. The staple is timeless, making it among the smartest investments you can make, plus it can be styled in so many ways, aka, the highly versatile piece can be dressed up or down depending on the vibes you’re going for. Ryan took a low-key, cool approach with her styling, slipping into a pair of chunky Dr. Martens that infused the simple midi with just the right amount of edge. After all, nothing exudes cool-girl energy more than lug-sole Dr. Martens. To top it off, Ryan wore white socks, round sunnies, and what appeared to be an oversized black leather bag. 

Black dresses tend to read more elegant, and while I’ve typically worn mine with white sneakers or sleek heels, I am now totally into the idea of grounding the midi with grungier footwear, like Dr. Martens, to channel real-life Meg Ryan fall. Who’s with me?

Shop black dresses, plus chunky shoes, inspired by Ryan’s easygoing fall uniform below.

Get the Look:

Topshop Long-Sleeve V-Neck Maxi Dress
Shop now: $94; nordstrom.com

Karen Kane Artisan Midi Dress
Shop now: $128; nordstrom.com

Nordstrom Long-Sleeve Belted Shirt Dress
Shop now: $89; nordstrom.com

Maggy London Double Pleat A-Line Midi Dress
Shop now: $138; nordstrom.com

Floret Studios Textured Knit Long-Sleeve Midi Dress
Shop now: $110; nordstrom.com

Reiss Maddison Long-Sleeve Rib Sweater Dress
Shop now: $320; nordstrom.com

Dr. Martens '8065' Mary Jane
Shop now: $140; nordstrom.com

Dr. Martens Audrick Tassel Platform Loafer
Shop now: $111 (Originally $170); nordstrom.com

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