It's Time for a '90s Autumn

Kierstyn Herrmann
Oct 8
3 min read

Whenever I watch Seinfeld, I frequently become distracted by the concept of being an adult in the '90s. Just imagine: You’re Elaine, the world is modern enough where you can phone in on the radio to guess a song and eat allegedly “fat-free” frozen yogurt, but not modern enough to the point where your entire job is answering emails and you feel the need to download Candy Crush. It’s the perfect sweet spot of 30-45-year-olds, who particularly live in New York City, that makes me seethe with envy. I want to experience bursting through a diner door to tell my friends the wild things that happened to me that day. Unfortunately, God didn’t have that plan in store for me.

It’s become apparent to me that our modern ways are slowly poisoning us, but what is the cure? Is it deleting all social media and going on a retreat in the wilderness? Probably, but that doesn’t sound very appealing. I view my phone as my dear and personal friend; she knows everything about me, and I’m not ready to retire her just yet. I love entertainment, information, and small spurts of blue light, but I want more balance in my life.

I want a ‘90s Autumn.

My goal this Autumn is to reprogram my lifestyle to emanate the desirable components of the ‘90s while still indulging in modernity. I believe Autumn is the perfect time to do something like this because we all seem to be craving some type of structure. We need something to prepare for the chillier months ahead. Here is what I am adding to my Autumn curriculum.

Reaching for Physical Media

We as a society need to read more books, but I understand that that is not everyone’s cup of tea. A digital subscription to The New Yorker is wonderful, but what if you upgraded to a physical copy, too? You can apply this to other media websites you subscribe to as well. I can’t help but wonder how great it would feel to sprawl out on my carpet and do a physical crossword puzzle. You, a cup of tea, a seat on the couch, and a date with Vogue Magazine? That sounds like Heaven to me.

Watching New Movies Instead of Rewatching Television

It is easy to get stuck in the loop of watching short-form media, TikToks and Reels galore. The simple solution to this is engaging in long-form media. I am a tried-and-true movie lover, and I typically watch movies the traditional way: in the theatre with buttered popcorn and a Diet Coke. When I’m home, though, my attention span seems to shrink. I’ve decided I can’t keep watching Seasons 1-3 of Sex and the City over and over (for now, at least). It’s very easy to fall into the comfort of putting on something you can half-watch and maybe pay attention to while responding to your unread texts. We’re leaving that behind this Autumn. Instead, I am choosing to watch movies that I have never seen before. Some being Little Women, How Harry Met Sally, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Carrying a Notepad and Pen

Yes, I could use my notes app per usual, but a notepad doesn’t allow me to play Hang Man or Tic Tac Toe with my friends while waiting at a restaurant. Physically writing things down helps me better categorize my thoughts, and it’s more fun!

Lunch Dates

The most crucial side effect of my wanting-to-be-an-adult-in-the-’90s disease. Why on earth did we stop having lunch dates during the week? Yes, coffee and cocktails, but sitting down with someone in the middle of the day is one of the best ways to catch up with someone. It doesn’t have to be fancy shmancy either! You can leave it at that or extend it into a hangout. Maybe go window shopping or walk around a park and admire the beautiful scenery. There’s just something so chic about saying “Let’s do lunch”.

Sending Letters to Friends

The carrier pigeons haven’t had work in a long time, let’s change that. When the days begin to darken and the weather becomes brisker, you’ll find that there is no comfier activity than writing a letter. Plus, it’s to one of the people you hold dearest in your heart. Receiving letters always makes a smile spread across my face.