Even though we’re headquartered in sunny Santa Barbara, we have East Coast ties with our awesome retail team in Maine. And we’ll be honest: East Coasters know how to do fall (probably something to do with the gorgeous fall colors and crisper temps). They also know how fleeting it is!

In honor of the first day of fall, we looked to the experts for their best fall tips and stylings… including a few (lovingly) ex-East Coasters in the Toad office.

Kelly  - Operations, ex-East Coaster
Fall Style Pick: The Nomader Reversible Jacket, of course!

Kelly's Tips:

1. Apple picking is a classic. But just going to a cider mill also ticks the box if the picking feels like more work than you’re up for!
2. Making leaf piles to jump in – caution, as an adult they need to be bigger than you remember!
3. I love crunching through the leaves on a hike… even if it is a little harder to find the trail. 😅

Sam - ToadAgain, Maine

Fall Style Picks: I have two! The Re-Form Flannel Boxy Shirt – I’ve always wanted a Re-Form Flannel because the colors are amazing, but they were always too long on me. The updated Boxy fit is perfect (and I love the Carob Multi Color). And the Scouter Cord Long Sleeve Shirt – my collection is now 3 deep with the addition of the Ivy color!

Sam's Tips:

1. Now's our time to hit all the tourist hot spots without the crowds! Acadia National Park is prime in September and October and the trails are a little less crowded. 

2. People think summer is over after Labor Day, but local farms are overflowing with amazing produce in September. It's the confluence of great summer produce and the start of fall veggies!

3. Goodbye humidity! The mugginess of summer is gone and we get to enjoy warm days with cool nights (great sleeping weather as we say in Maine). This season is the shortest, but also the sweetest in my opinion. Savor it! 

Steve - Marketing, former Massachusetts resident

Fall Style Picks: First, the Kennicott Shirt Jacket. I love me a shirtjac! I have a few different versions of this… dating back to Horny Toad days and I wear them all still. I’m excited for the twill texture this season. It adds a cool dynamic to an already amazing style. Second, flannels are a fall staple. It’s all about finding one that has the right weight, is wicked soft, and in a plaid that you can wear at the cabin or out on a date… enter Airsmyth!

Steve's Tips: 

1. Get outside. Fall is the perfect combo of weather, sunlight and starlight. Enjoy all of it! It’s a perfect time to go on those longer hikes when the weather isn’t too hot, but you still have enough daylight. Plus, it gets dark earlier now to enjoy stargazing, firepits and outdoor movies.

2. Go all in… but not too early. While I do love myself a PSL, don’t jump in too early. Labor Day is NOT the official start of fall. Wait until you start to feel those crisp mornings when you want to throw on a layer. Once you’ve gone for it… go all out. Enjoy all the fall things because it only lasts for a couple of weeks before it’s time to move onto the holidays.

Ally - Toad&Co Freeport, Maine

Fall Style Picks: I love the Boundless Jersey Crew in Salt. I own all the spring colors and most of the Maine team knows it’s one of my fave shirts of all time (Bonus: 20% of sales from this tee goes back to non-profit Camping to Connect)! And the Juniper Utility Pant in Cinnamon is my go-to pant this fall season! The color not only screams fall, but just goes with so many different options.

Ally's Tips:

1. Every fall I long for apple crisp, apple pie… or just about anything with apples! Finally, apple picking season is here and as a local Mainer, I have already gone. My husband and I recently made an apple spice pound cake with streusel topping that came out brilliantly.

2. Maine has some amazing state fairs! Not only do they get you outside, you also can enjoy local produce, animals, rides, food, friends, and the crisp fall weather.