What To Wear for Nora Ephron Autumn

Everything you need to build a closet inspired by Nora Ephron's films and the Jewish rom-com queen herself.

In 2021, Hey Alma contributor Emily Burack brilliantly proposed a new seasonal tradition: Nora Ephron Autumn. “I want romance in bookstores,” she wrote. “I want chunky knits. I want long walks filled with good conversation. I want to lunch with my friends outside in the crisp, cool air. And nowhere are all these feelings encapsulated better than in the Nora Ephron Cinematic Universe. The NECU, if you will.”

It’s a sentiment shared by many of us in the Perpetually Yearning community. I thus took it upon myself to answer a critical question: If, for whatever reason, we cannot simply manifest living in our own Jewish-coded romcom, can we at least conjure the NECU through our wardrobe?

Below, you’ll find everything you need to start building a closet inspired by Nora Ephron’s films, and the late Jewish writer and filmmaker herself. (If you’re here solely to get your hands on Billy Crystal’s legendary “When Harry Met Sally” cable-knit sweater, I empathize and can also assure you that you’re in the right place).

So without further ado, take a look through the swoon-worthy vintage and menswear-inspired items below — they’ll have you channeling your inner Meg Ryan in no time. Stay warm, and a happy Nora Ephron Autumn to all who celebrate!

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Everything we recommend below is independently selected by Hey Alma’s editors. If you buy a product through our links, Hey Alma may earn an affiliate commission, which goes to support our nonprofit media organization.

Sweaters and Tops

Men's Bean's Heritage Soft Cotton Fisherman Sweater (L.L. Bean)

This is about as close as any of us will ever get to owning the legendary Harry Burns sweater.

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Aelfric Eden Oversized Sweater in Beige (Amazon)

An option that's easier on the wallet but still looks like it would say, "Waiter, there is too much pepper on my paprikash!" if it could speak.

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White Turtleneck (Amazon)

A Sally Albright staple that's perfect for layering.

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Cotton On V Neck Slouch Tank Top in Charcoal Argyle (ASOS)

Harry rocks this sweater vest when he's seated next to Sally on a flight. Now, you can wear it anytime, anywhere.

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Oversized Wool Blend Jumper (ProvenceOnlineUS on Etsy)

Another iconic Sally fit! Pair this with any black mini skirt and tights, then shamelessly order something hyper-specific at a cafe.

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Pants

High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean in Medium (Abercrombie)

The foundation of any Nora Ephron Autumn look is vintage-inspired denim. You'll also catch her protagonists in a dark wash.

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365 High Rise Pleated Trousers (Gap)

I also recommend investing in a solid pair of trousers.

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Dresses and Skirts

Bond Dress - Eversential (Aritzia)

This is a great dupe for the dress Kathleen Kelly wears over a black turtleneck in "You've Got Mail."

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Plaid Midi Skirt (Old Navy)

Put this on and bam! Immediately ready for your own meet-cute.

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1980's Vintage Black Velvet Dress (JaneDoesVintageWear on Etsy)

This dress screams, "Confess your feelings for me on New Years Eve via the most romantic monologue in the history of romantic comedies, never to be replicated in media or film again!"

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Outerwear

Percy Coat (Sézane)

Okay, this trench is a splurge. But it's gorgeous and I'm getting the urge to sprint to the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day just looking at it.

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Ryder Faux Suede Blazer (Splendid)

The more menswear-inspired the jacket, the better.

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Collarless Suiting Blazer (Abercrombie)

The perfect blazer to wear on a walk where you admire the foliage and engage in witty conversation with a date who doesn't deserve you.

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Pajamas and Loungewear

LyreBird Oversized Pajama Set (Anthropologie)

You do have to buy the top and bottom separately (I'm always kvetching about this). But on the plus side, you'll look exactly like Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail" while you bedrot!

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"Sleepless in Seattle" Sweatshirt (OnHolidayShoppe on Etsy)

If Ephron's 1993 film is your personal favorite, this sweatshirt might just be your bashert.

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The NYC Short Set (PJs by PJ)

Nora once said, "I thought [New York] was going to be the most magical, fraught-with-possibility place; a place where if you really wanted something you might be able to get it; a place where I’d be surrounded by people I was dying to know. And I turned out to be right.”

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New York Pajama Set (MOONVELSILK on Etsy)

Another adorable pajama option that embodies Nora's love of NYC.

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Fleece Bathrobe (Amazon)

Wear this when you're in the mood to stay home and cry about being difficult (er, challenging).

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Shoes

Air Force 1 '07 (Nike)

Pair these with the Harry sweater of your choosing.

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Sangeti Boot in Mahogany (Vince Comuto)

Strut across the streets of Manhattan in these beauties!

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Dr. Martens Men's 1461 Ys (Amazon)

A pair of Oxfords will complete every single NEA look.

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Accessories

Wool Felt Hat (Lyndahats on Etsy)

This is a serious hat. It requires full commitment to Nora Ephron Autumn, and is definitely what one might call a "statement piece" plucked straight out of "When Harry Met Sally." But if you do choose to wear it out, I will have nothing but the utmost respect for you.

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Nora Ephron Embroidered Hat (EvilwaterOriginals on Etsy)

A cute, lower-commitment hat. (I do actually own this in dark green and wear it religiously.)

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Soft Wool Striped Scarf in Classic Stripe (LoomNLineDesign on Etsy)

There's a portrait of Nora sitting wearing a striped scarf while seated at her gloriously chaotic desk (Google it). Take a page out of her book and give this one a try.

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New Clubmaster Optics (Rayban)

It's giving "Someone is staring at you in Personal Growth."

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Met Logo Canvas Tote (The Met Museum)

A great bag option that also indirectly references the Temple of Dendur scene in "When Harry Met Sally"? Dayenu!

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Nora Ephron Tote Bag (JustNineties on Etsy)

And another! Schlep whatever you purchased from The Shop Around the Corner (or any independent bookstore).

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Avital Dayanim

Avital Dayanim (she/her) is a writer and visual artist from Boston and Hey Alma's Audience Engagement Editor and Graphic Designer. She graduated from Wesleyan University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.

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