As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisper, a unique cultural phenomenon resurfaces each fall: "Christian Girl Autumn." This meme, which began as a light-hearted joke on social media, has evolved into an annual celebration and branding opportunity for influencer Caitlin Covington. Known for her picturesque fall photoshoots in Vermont, Covington has captured not only the essence of the season but also the attention of 1.3 million Instagram followers, leading to lucrative brand partnerships.
The meme, coined in 2019 by Isabella Markel—who goes by Blizzy on social media—compares the end of the popular "Hot Girl Summer" to the start of autumn and its corresponding trends. Covington, featured prominently in the original meme alongside fellow influencer Emily Gemma, quickly embraced her transformation into a seasonal icon. Decked out in cozy sweaters, oversized scarves, and Ugg boots, she epitomizes the ideal of what some call "basic"—a term often used to describe a certain popular, mainstream lifestyle.
This year's autumnal journey began similarly to years past, with Covington announcing her annual trip to Vermont—a hub for leaf-peepers and autumn enthusiasts. The excitement is palpable; social media buzzed with notifications about her trip, generating thousands of likes and comments before she even set foot in New England. As she prepared her itinerary, Covington meticulously planned each day's activities, from apple-picking to photo sessions that would showcase not only her outfits but also the spectacular fall foliage. "Six months before the trip, we plan out everything," she noted in one post, demonstrating how seriously she takes her influencer role.
While Covington’s rise to fame is undeniably tied to her seasonal photoshoots, she has proven to be much more than just a pretty face in a beautiful setting. Amidst the lighthearted messages that swirl around her online persona, a deeper narrative of allyship and connection has developed between her and the LGBTQ+ community. Despite her initial portrayal as a conservative figure—partly due to her adherence to Christian values—Covington has publicly demonstrated support for the LGBTQ+ community. This allyship was notably highlighted when she donated $500 to Blizzy’s GoFundMe to assist with her transition costs. Covington's actions have reframed the often simplistic understanding of her brand and have enabled her to cultivate a diverse following.
Each autumn, excitement leads to speculation about how Covington will reinvent the "Christian Girl Autumn" aesthetic. She plays into the thematic joy of the season by incorporating her family into her content, including her children who are frequently featured in her posts. This year, her fans eagerly shared in the joy of seeing her baby daughter’s debut in the seasonal photos, signaling that the warm, welcoming essence of fall has permeated every aspect of her life.
Yet, the obsession over Covington's seasonal dominance isn't without its complications. Some communities have begun to push back against the influx of influencers, including Covington, flocking to intimate settings like Vermont. For the 2023 season, for instance, the residents of Pomfret, Vermont, closed roads to outsiders trying to visit idyllic spots made famous by social media influencers. Town officials cited safety and quality of life concerns, an irony given Covington's invitation for many to experience her picturesque life.
In tandem with the aesthetic allure of her posts, Covington has adeptly turned her fame into a profitable business model. Her collaborations with brands such as Saks Off 5th and Nordstrom have led to earnings that some pins at between $10,000 to $15,000 per sponsored post. Additionally, her LTK profile provides fans with direct purchasing options for her outfits, enabling her to earn commissions on sales. Her savvy marketing extends to exclusive product lines that allow her to curate what seems to be a never-ending autumn wardrobe.
The practice of portrait-taking during this vibrant season has gained traction beyond just Covington. Many fans and wannabe influencers flock to her posts for inspiration, crafting their own interpretations of "Christian Girl Autumn." The hashtag #ChristianGirlAutumn boasts over 124 million views across platforms like TikTok, where fans create fancams celebrating Covington’s fall looks or replicate her signature style.
However, one cannot overlook the deeper implications of this yearly narrative. The meme has grown, reflecting a cultural shift toward embracing femininity as an expression of empowerment rather than as a limitation. Covington’s seasonal posts champion the idea that it’s not just acceptable—but indeed admirable—to showcase joy in supposedly “basic” pleasures like seasonal lattes, cozy sweaters, and falling leaves.
As the fall months progress and the leaves peel away their chlorophyll, Covington continues to redefine what it means to be a part of this seasonal phenomenon. Through her annual pilgrimage to Vermont, she encapsulates the spirit of Christian Girl Autumn while simultaneously promoting a message of acceptance and allyship, illustrating that the significance of this trend runs much deeper than just a catchy meme.
In embracing the warmth of community and connecting across various identities, Caitlin Covington not only celebrates the joy of fall but also the meaningful relationships that can form from seemingly lighthearted trends. As the air turns crisp and pumpkin spice recalls a sense of familiarity, Covington's narrative remains a reminder that seasonal beauty can inspire deeper connections and reinforce the importance of celebrating diversity even among stereotypes.
