how I prep for fall as a content creator in NYC.
Fall in New York City is its own kind of magic, unlike any other time of year. The crisp air changes everything, the city softens beautifully under warm, golden light, and suddenly, everyone is pulling out their best layers, wrapped in cozy scarves while dreaming about new beginnings and fresh opportunities. As a content creator, this season feels more than just cozy — it’s strategic and full of potential. Between the evolving fashion trends, the vibrant energy of the city, and countless seasonal events, fall becomes prime time for creativity and personal growth. So today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing in depth how I prep for fall as a content creator living in the heart of Harlem. Let’s get into it and embrace all the inspiration this season has to offer.
1. Reset My Content Calendar
First things first: planning.
Late August is when I open up my Notion board and start mapping out fall content across every platform — YouTube, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, blog, newsletter — all of it. I don’t micromanage every detail, but I do:
Brainstorm seasonal video themes (NYC fall activities, solo dates, cozy routines, etc.)
Pick two “anchor” YouTube videos per month
Schedule newsletter dates (I send mine every Tuesday — if you know, you know 💌)
Slot in livestreams like Chats Over Coffee
Plan in-person shoot days while the weather still cooperates!
I also use this time to carefully review what worked best during the summer — including which videos performed well, the types of content people requested more of, and what I personally enjoyed creating the most. This reflection helps me plan future projects with more insight and creativity.
2. Organize My Wardrobe for Filming
Listen… fall fashion in New York? It eats. And because my personal style is such a part of my content, I do a little seasonal wardrobe reset around this time.
I start with a try-on session at home. I’m pulling out:
Trench coats, cardigans, leather jackets
Boots (from block heel to stompy NYC walking boots)
Transitional pieces (because let’s be real, it’s hot till October)
Denim in all forms
Statement accessories for that ✨main character✨ energy
I’m not shopping a ton — I’m curating. What makes me feel like me on camera? What outfits can carry me from Harlem café runs to downtown filming days? Once I know, I’ll make a style rack just for filming looks so I’m not scrambling the morning of a shoot.
Pro tip: keep 1-2 full outfits steamed and ready. You’ll thank yourself.
3. Shoot a Bank of B-Roll Before the Weather Turns
If you’re in NYC, you know the weather can turn on you fast. One day it’s golden hour in the park and the next it’s raining sideways. So every fall, I make time to shoot a bunch of B-roll in September.
Think:
Central Park foliage
Brownstones with pumpkins on the stoop
Cozy coffee shop interiors
Books, boots, coats in motion
Uptown corners with crisp leaves blowing by
This gives me plenty of fall footage that I can use for several weeks — whether it’s for vlogs, newsletters, Instagram Reels, or even as beautiful background visuals during livestreams. If I plan ahead carefully, I can stay cozy and comfortably indoors come late October while still delivering that authentic and vibrant fall in NYC vibe to my audience.
4. Refresh My Branding & Templates
I like to give my content a little seasonal glow-up. It’s not a full rebrand, but I’ll tweak a few things to match the season:
Swap out YouTube thumbnail colors (think deeper tones, warm filters)
Update Notion dashboard covers with fall photography
Design new intro/outro slides for YouTube if needed
Change my iPhone wallpaper and Notes covers (yes, it’s that serious lol)
I might also design a fall-themed freebie — like an NYC Fall Date Map or a Harlem Fall Guide — to promote on my blog and socials. These seasonal touches make my content feel more immersive and curated, which my audience really appreciates.
5. Pitch Fall Campaigns & Collaborations
September is the time to pitch fall brand deals. PR teams are building Q4 campaigns, and if you’re not in their inbox, someone else is. I usually send out a handful of pitches to brands I genuinely love, especially those in:
Coffee / lifestyle / cozy fashion
NYC-based small businesses
Bookstores, local tourism, fall event planners
Even if nothing lands right away, planting those seeds early often leads to partnerships later in the season — or at the very least, you’re on their radar for winter.
6. Plan Fall Adventures Around My Content
Fall in NYC moves fast. Blink and you’ll miss the foliage peak or the best pop-ups. So I make a list of seasonal experiences I want to have anyway — and then match content to them:
Visit a farm upstate? Vlog it.
Go pumpkin picking on Long Island? Add a Reel and a blog guide.
See a spooky movie? Make it part of a “day in my life” cozy vlog.
That way, I’m not living for the content — I’m creating from real life. And honestly? That always hits better.
7. Check In With My Community
This might be the most important part. I always carve out time in early fall to ask you what you want more of. Whether it’s a Q&A vlog, a poll on Threads, or a check-in on livestream, this community keeps me inspired.
Fall is such a transitional season, and my content shifts too — but keeping it honest, cozy, and personal is what grounds everything I make.
Final Thoughts 🍂
So that’s how I prep for fall as a content creator in NYC: part planner, part stylist, part cozy witch with a latte in hand. It’s a mix of strategy and softness — just like the season itself.
Whether you’re a fellow creator or just here for the vibes, I hope this gave you a little peek behind the curtain and maybe even sparked some ideas for your own fall reset.
Until next time — stay warm, stay inspired, and maybe go grab that first pumpkin spice of the season (I won’t judge 😉).
✨ watch more fall NYC content here:
https://www.youtube.com/@alessamrodriguez
🗺️ explore my NYC Fall Date Map (free!):
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1X340pMLy8SrrsWkizTNJQzhIajBxdY0&usp=sharing
🛍️ shop my fall favorites:
https://shopmy.us/alessamrodriguez
📬 get my cozy newsletter every Tuesday:
https://alessamrodriguez.myflodesk.com/newsletter
DISCLOSURE: SOME OF THE LINKS IN THIS POST ARE AFFILIATE LINKS AND IF YOU CLICK THROUGH OR MAKE A PURCHASE I WILL EARN A COMMISSION. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT I ONLY SHARE ABOUT BRANDS/COMPANIES THAT I ADORE VERY MUCH.
Fall in New York City is its own kind of magic, unlike any other time of year. The crisp air changes everything, the city softens beautifully under warm, golden light, and suddenly, everyone is pulling out their best layers, wrapped in cozy scarves while dreaming about new beginnings and fresh opportunities. As a content creator, this season feels more than just cozy — it’s strategic and full of potential. Between the evolving fashion trends, the vibrant energy of the city, and countless seasonal events, fall becomes prime time for creativity and personal growth. So today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing in depth how I prep for fall as a content creator living in the heart of Harlem. Let’s get into it and embrace all the inspiration this season has to offer.