Celebrate the Golden Days of September

With Labor Day Weekend behind us, many declare that summer is over. Suddenly, it’s all about pumpkin lattes and Halloween decorations. Yet, even as stores display clothing for a “crisp day in the country,” the truth is summer lingers—officially, the season doesn’t end until September 22. Don’t rush the transition; September offers the true spirit of summer.

In Nelson DeMille’s novel Plum Island, he sets the scene this way: “It was late summer. Not meaning late August, but meaning September, before the autumnal equinox. Labor Day weekend had gone, and Indian summer was coming, whatever that is.”

He goes on to say, “September is a truly golden month up and down the Atlantic coast, from the Outer Banks to Newfoundland. The days are mild, the nights
pleasant for sleeping; it is summer without the heat and humidity, autumn without the cold rains. The summer birds haven’t left yet, and the first migratory birds from up north are taking a break on their way south.

DeMille captures it: the best part of summer is still to come, and September embodies that lingering, golden season.

Schools may be back in session. Still, the essence of summer lingers, drawing people to squeeze in last-minute beach trips or hikes and take advantage of the comfortable temperatures before autumn fully sets in. September’s temperate evenings also feel special—perfect for outdoor dining or enjoying a backyard barbecue.

Late summer blooms can still be seen in gardens, and many fruits are ripe for picking, making this an ideal time for farmers’ markets and backyard barbecues.

Those lingering September days—whether it’s ice cream or time by the pool—are proof that summer isn’t over. This is the moment to celebrate what’s left of the season.

There’s a reason why so many festivals take place in September. In NYC, the San Gennaro festival becomes one of the most anticipated mid-month events, while beaches and pools often extend their hours until at least mid-September. This is my favorite time to walk the beach—the crowds are gone.

September teaches us to appreciate what’s left of summer. Let’s savor each day, making the most of this golden stretch before autumn truly arrives.

As another famous writer, Virginia Wolfe, said, “All the months are crude experiments, out of which the perfect September is made.”

Here are a couple of ideas for what to wear in September.