Timeless Elegance: 31 Rare Photos of Young Meg Ryan Defining Fall Fashion

Each famous person has their distinct time: Mariah Carey is dubbed the “Queen of Christmas” (though somewhat contentiously); Nicole Kidman, as per color analysis theories, is a “True Spring,” and Megan Thee Stallion undeniably claims hot girl summer. While some might suggest that autumn belongs to Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham, I, for one, have indulged in sufficient idyllic autumn days revisiting Gilmore Girls to satisfy my lifetime needs. Hence, I’m proposing Meg Ryan—sovereign of snug vibes and stylishly choppy hair—and the lead in several timeless films perfectly matching brisk autumn weather, like You’ve Got Mail and When Harry Met Sally…—to be hailed the high priestess of autumn.

This November marks Ryan’s 62nd year, which feels completely fitting since who would associate someone featured in virtually every Nora Ephron production celebrating the dazzling sensory sprawls of fall in New York to have a birthday in the summer month of July? For me, embracing the brisk days of September and October eternally signifies marking the Jewish New Year, by intertwining strands of Claire Saffitz’s challah as I once again revel in Harry and Sally’s feigned indifference…anointing Ryan (a) as my definitive seasonal fashion muse and (b) perhaps intricately tied into my envisioning of my Jewish heritage.

Much like today’s Ryan, I reside in California, where the majority of places closely resemble high summer through early October—meaning blistering hot, teeming with famous figures, and lacking a hint of changing foliage—hence, I commemorate the seasonal shift by immersing in a deep exploration of the timeless passion for classic preppy items, refined silhouettes, and stunning accessories that perpetually positioned Ryan at the forefront of fashion, both onscreen and beyond. Come along in celebrating 31 classic snapshots of a younger Meg Ryan, below.