Back to School, Back to Routine: Why Fall Is the Perfect Season for Men to Reset

Back to School, Back to Routine: Why Fall is the Season for Men to Reset

Summer is officially over in my household. Tomorrow the kids are back to school, and that bittersweet feeling has kicked in. On one hand, I’ll miss the chaos of having them around the house all day, the long family breakfasts, and those spontaneous trips. On the other hand, I can’t deny that I’m craving routine again — that sense of rhythm that September always seems to bring.

Maybe it’s because I had the whole of August off. We spent the month in the south of France, enjoying sunshine, lazy afternoons around the pool, and dinners that stretched long into the warm nights. It was wonderful, but as I sipped my first pumpkin spice latte last Sunday, I realised something: I’m ready for fall. Ready for cooler mornings, cozy evenings, and yes, even the school run.

September always feels like a fresh start — almost like a second New Year. And as men, I think it’s the perfect time to reset, upgrade, and prepare ourselves for the colder months ahead.

Switch Up Your Cologne

If summer is all about light, citrusy fragrances, fall calls for something warmer and more grounded. Think woods, spices, and a bit of sweetness. The kind of scent that makes you want to wrap up in a cardigan and head out for a walk among the falling leaves.

Personally, I always use the start of fall as an excuse to rotate my fragrance shelf. A spritz of something richer in the morning immediately puts me in the right mood for the season. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve put together my list of the 5 best fall colognes for men — tried and tested, and perfect for this time of year.

Take Care of Your Skin

The change of season can be brutal on your skin. Summer’s sun and chlorine give way to cooler winds and drier air, and if you don’t adapt, your face will let you know.

This is the moment to bring back a proper skincare routine. A good face wash to clear out the sweat and sunscreen residue of summer, followed by a hydrating moisturiser to lock in moisture. If you’re over 40 or 50 like me, this is not about vanity — it’s about keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.

I’ve already switched back to using thicker moisturisers in the evenings. Nothing fancy, just something effective that keeps the dryness at bay. Trust me, it makes a huge difference when those colder mornings start creeping in.

Update Your Wardrobe

I love this Cardigan from arket

There’s something about September that makes me want to pull out my favorite cardigan. Fall style is all about layering — overshirts, light jackets, and knitwear that keep you comfortable without going full winter mode just yet.

I like this time of year because it’s a chance to mix things up. That plain summer T-shirt suddenly looks sharper under a wool cardigan. Trainers get swapped for boots, and the color palette shifts from light blues and whites to earthy browns, navy, and olive.

Investing in one or two new pieces now will carry you through the season. A versatile cardigan, a pair of well-fitted chinos, maybe even a new scarf — small details that instantly make you feel like you’re dressed for fall.

Find Your Routine Again

When the kids head back to school, the house suddenly feels quieter. At first, I find it almost too quiet. But then I realise this is my moment to reclaim my own routine.

I work from home full-time as a blogger, so my days naturally flow between the school run in the morning and pick-up in the afternoon. Having that rhythm back helps me focus. Once the kids are dropped off, I make a proper coffee, take the dog for a walk, and then settle into writing, filming, or editing. By the time the school bell rings again, I’ve had a productive day and can switch back into “dad mode.”

After the free-flowing chaos of summer holidays, fall gives me the structure I secretly crave. It’s almost comforting, knowing the day has a start, a middle, and an end again.

Embrace the Cozy Side of Fall

Of course, fall isn’t just about routines and responsibilities. It’s also about enjoying the season itself. The first chill in the air, evenings spent under a blanket with a good film, or cooking hearty meals again.

I think we all need to lean into that. Light a candle, play some music (I’ve been using my Edifier speakers a lot more indoors now), and enjoy the slower pace that fall brings. There’s a real beauty in those small, cozy rituals.

Final Thoughts

Yes, it’s a little sad to wave goodbye to summer. The kids are back at school, the poolside afternoons are a memory, and the sun doesn’t linger as long in the evenings. But fall has its own charm. It’s the season of change, of routines, of new beginnings.

As men, it’s also the right time to pay a little more attention to ourselves — whether it’s upgrading your skincare, switching your cologne, or refreshing your wardrobe. Take it as a chance to reset, to prepare, and to embrace the cozy, stylish, and productive side of life again.

So here’s to fall. May it bring structure, warmth, and maybe one or two more pumpkin spice lattes along the way.

Jerome

As a 51-year-old lifestyle blogger and father of four, I’ve been writing about men’s style, grooming, and routines for over a decade — sharing what truly works for men like us.