Few moments match up to the excitement of seasonal transitions, especially when it comes to fashion. And while it may be sad to leave the poolside days behind, the promise of fall fashion and cozy weather is enough to push our wardrobes into a new chapter.
For our editors, that means trying everything from ways to wear an anklet in the fall and sporting matching outfits with their partners to testing some of the season’s biggest trends, including biker boots and quiet luxury handbags.
As summer comes to a close, here are all the fashion recommendations our editors swear by this September.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Coachtopia Ergo Bag
“I’ve been loving everything that Coachtopia, Coach’s sister brand that launched earlier this year, has been releasing from the cutesy cherry print bags that I wish existed when I was in high school and college to the clothing from the Observed By Us collaboration. I eventually landed on this graphic, checkered bag that looks just as well on a beach vacation (pictured here) as on the streets of New York City. While my handbag’s exact colorway is sold out, this woven bag is equally statement-making.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Coachtopia Ergo Bag In Woven Checkerboard Repurposed Leather, $, available at Coach
The Wanderlust Paris Baseball Cap
“Until recently, I’ve never worn baseball caps. Although I appreciated the ways people styled them, it never occurred to me that I could enjoy wearing a sports-centric accessory. But, this Anthropologie hat convinced me otherwise. I love the simple design that can be worn with anything from a matching set to jeans and tenniswear. And that’s exactly how I plan on styling it — anything goes.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Anthropologie The Wanderlust Paris Baseball Cap, $, available at Anthropologie
Meadows Quince Cardigan
“When shopping for a cozy cover-up for my holiday to Cornwall (think: blustery, seaside walks and lots of Great British rain), I splurged on this thick cable knit cardigan from Meadows, and I am so glad I did. It doesn’t just feel amazing to wear — like the fashion equivalent of a big hug — but has such a cool shape, especially thanks to its ballooned, lantern sleeves. When buttoned up, though, it hits the perfect spot on my hipbone and doesn’t swamp my 5’2 frame. I’ll be wearing on repeat on into the fall and winter, and for many years to come.” — Esther Newman, UK Affiliate Writer & Content ProducerQuince Quince Cardigan, $, available at Quince
Tailored Tulle Veil
“In all honesty, I wasn’t planning to wear a veil to my wedding. But when I decided to shorten my train and wear a jumpsuit to dance, rather than bustle my beaded tulle gown, I knew I wanted something dramatic for my ceremony. Initially, I tried on a lot of capes, but I didn’t like how they covered the backless detail of my gown. Just six weeks before my wedding, I stumbled upon a custom veil maker Tailored Tulle. We went back and forth to find the perfect shade and texture, and I ended up with a cathedral-length veil. It arrived quickly and complemented my dress perfectly.” — Hannah Rimm, Senior Life EditorTailored Tulle Single Layer Tulle Veil, $, available at Tailored Tulle
Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce Small Woven Bag
“This top-handle bag from Dragon Diffusion is my ideal summer-to-fall transition accessory. The woven brown leather is classic but on-trend. I find this size to be super versatile, too, so I tend to style it down with denim and a tank top just as much as I dress it up with a slip dress or trousers. My favorite thing about Dragon Diffusion is that each of their bags is handmade so they all are slightly different and just feel extra special.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships ManagerDragon Diffusion Dragon DiffusionSanta Croce small woven-leather tote bag, $, available at MatchesFashion
Steve Madden Archie Leather Boot
“Thanks to brands like Miu Miu, moto boots are having a big moment in 2023. So, this fall, I’m hoping to channel my best bikercore energy with this style. I love the buckle details on the sides that add an edge to any outfit. ” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Steve Madden Archie Brown Leather, $, available at Steve Madden
Jenny Bird Francis Anklet
“I grew up by the beach, where anklets were part of my wardrobe year-round. That said, after moving to the East Coast 16 years ago, I’ve relegated the accessory to the back of my closet until this chunky style from Jenny Bird caught my eye at the beginning of summer. Since then, I’ve worn the elevated style everywhere from, yes, the beach to, more unexpectedly, work.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Jenny Bird Jenny Bird Francis Anklet, $, available at Shopbop
Núnoo Ellie Urban
“I will wax lyrical about this bag until the cows come home! I’ve actually had it for years now, but this summer it’s really come into its own. It’s seen me through every festival (Glastonbury and Sziget), concert (Harry Styles, Boygenius, HAIM) and on night outs, on vacation and at the office. It’s sneakily roomy — it fits my phone, wallet, lip balm, battery pack, two full-size water bottles or a paperback book and umbrella — and the zips have never failed me. Plus, you can opt between sports mode (hands-free, crossbody dancing) or detach the longer strap for it to comfortably fit under your arm.” – Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content ProducerNunoo Ellie urban black, $, available at Núnoo
Maya Brenner’s Letter Threader Earring
“For my wedding, I wore the same pearl earrings my mom wore to her wedding in my first holes. Because those earrings were so special, I wanted an earring with at least some meaning for my second hole. That’s when I came across Maya Brenner’s Letter Threader earring. My wife has my initial tattooed on her arm, so I loved this dainty way to put her initial on my body for our wedding. I chose the threader style to add a bit of variety since the rest of my earrings for my big day were studs. I also love that it fits seamlessly into my day-to-day stack, so I can always have my wife with me.” — Hannah Rimm, senior life editorMaya Brenner 14K Gold Letter Threader Earring, $, available at Maya Brenner
Still Here Good Tee
“If you’re looking to invest in a forever white T-shirt, I’d suggest this boxy crew neck from my favorite New York-based denim brand Still Here. It’s 100% cotton, so it’s great for layering as we head into fall. Another favorite is the brand’s Cool Jeans (I’m wearing the Dust wash). They are currently sold out but should be restocked on September 7.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships ManagerStill Here Good Tee, $, available at Still Here
Still Here Cool Jeans In Dust, $, available at Still Here
Big Bud Press Jumpsuit
“I wore white Dickies coveralls when my wife and I got legally married during peak COVID. My wife and I wanted to wear coordinating outfits so we took this idea and ran with it — straight to our favorite store, Big Bud Press. We got these insanely comfortable and high-quality white short-sleeve coveralls (which come in sizes XXS to 6XL), and then I brought them to local embroidery artist Alexa Klein to add a personal touch. She embroidered “Kate’s Wife” above the pocket of my jumpsuit and “Hannah’s Wife” above the pocket of my wife’s. The subtle pink embroidery was the perfect touch to make it both perfect for our wedding brunch and also very re-wearable (I’ve basically been living in it since we got home from our wedding weekend). — Hannah Rimm, Senior Life EditorBig Bud Press Short Sleeve Jumpsuit Vintage Tee, $, available at Big Bud Press
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