October is just as good a shopping month [1] as any. We just finished watching the runways at Fashion Week [2], which would inspire any girl to pick up a few new items. Plus, the season's changing, so refreshing your outerwear [3] and investing in new closed-toe footwear [4] is key. But our editors have plucked you even more standout pieces. We've been eyeing these fancy dresses, fabulous bags, and statement boots [5] for awhile now. They might look like dream picks to you, but plenty of them come with affordable price tags, and for that reason, we're calling them essentials [6]. Read on to get your shopping fill.
Le Fou Wilfred Machilly Dress
"The Fall dress I’ll live in with boots and heels. This Le Fou Wilfred dress from Aritzia [8] ($298) isn’t just perfect for RIGHT NOW, but for transitioning easily from season to season with the right jacket — and I love the unexpected cool that the knit corset brings to what might otherwise seem like your average slip dress." — Hannah Weil McKinley, director, Fashion
Ajaie Alaie Flamenca Top
"Fall is the time I start looking for going-out tops to pair with my thick denim and boots, and I'm definitely lacking in the shirting department. As soon as I laid eyes on this beautiful green Ajaie Alaie Flamenca Top [9] ($146), I knew I had to make it mine." — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion
Miu Miu Shearling Shoulder Bag
"I'm looking to make my next big splurge in October, and this shearling Miu Miu bag [10] ($1,480) is one of my top contenders. I love everything from the fuzzy material to the logo on the front, and it's easily a statement item you can wear with anything, even jeans." — Marina Liao, assistant editor, Fashion
Cotton Candy LA Side-Snap Track Pants
"These Cotton Candy LA Side-Snap Track Pants [11] ($78) are perfect for days when I just want to take it easy and wear something comfortable. All I have to do is style them with a simple white tee, and I'm good to go." — Nikita Ramsinghani, assistant editor, Fashion
Dolce Vita Lynx Combat Heeled Boots
"The supermodels have swayed me! I'm hopping back on the combat boot bandwagon [12]. But instead of trying another flat version with buckles (like I used to have in middle school), I'm opting for these Dolce Vita Lynx Combat Heeled Boots [13] ($180), which will lend me a few inches." — SW
Covry Sunglasses
"Covry is known for making sunglasses like this Carina Sangria pair [14] ($115) that sits perfectly on your face. I wore these throughout New York Fashion Week [15], and now I can't imagine my closet without them." — ML
English Factory Sweater
"I'm looking for a transitional sweater to wear under my jumpsuits, and this one from English Factory [16] ($90) comes with sweet frills on the sleeves. It's just the right amount of detail in comparison to a plain top." — ML
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Hoop Earrings
"Since the gold hoop trend is alive and well, I wanted to buy a new pair for my collection. These classic Kenneth Jay Lane Gold-Tone Hoop Earrings [17] ($65) seem like the right fit." — NR
3.1 Phillip Lim Shearling Mule
"If you can't tell, this October I'm dedicated to stocking up on furry pieces, and I desperately need these shearling 3.1 Phillip Lim mules [18] ($495). They will keep my feet warm all the way into early Winter." — ML
House of Harlow Faux Fur Coat
"A leopard printed coat has been on my wish list forever, and I've finally found one I love from House of Harlow [19] ($278). It's not too thick, making it a great transitional piece for Fall." — ML
Acne Studios Sweater
"Acne’s sweaters are cut like a dream — and this one [20] ($390) comes in a dreamy petal pink hue too. Yes please!" — HWM
Staud Moreau Bucket Bag
"I've had my heart set on Staud's Moreau Bucket Bag [21] ($375) ever since I laid eyes on it this past Summer. It's the perfect minibag to use in the Fall [22]." — NR
Petite Studio Sage Set
"I've been a fan of Petite Studio ever since the retailer launched. Now, I can't resist browsing through the new arrivals every month. I always get into a sophisticated kick come Fall, and the Sage Top [23] ($109) and matching Sage pants [24] ($119), which come in the perfect camel shade, will help me channel back-to-school vibes." — SW
Ganni Sabine Pumps
"These sensible Ganni heels [25] ($235) are a pair I can get behind. Thanks to the sweet bows and print, you’ll never feel like you’re just wearing something because it’s comfortable; they just happen to be easy on the eyes and the feet." — HWM
Neely & Chloe No. 36 Horse Hair Bucket Bag
"How adorable — but also luxe-looking! — is this Neely & Chloe No. 36 Horse Hair Bucket Bag [26] ($298)? It's a limited edition style I imagine toting around on nights out. In fact, once I'm carrying this baby, you might not ever get me to change purses." — SW
Madewell Striped Cotton T-Shirt
"I re-buy striped shirts constantly, but particularly love the ‘70s Parisian vibe this Madewell one [27] ($40) is giving me." — HWM
J.Crew Collection Tie-Shoulder Sequin Dress
"I can imagine this J.Crew Collection Tie-Shoulder Sequin Dress [28] ($298) taking me from Fall nights layered over a turtleneck and tights to New Year's Eve come Jan. 1. Who can resist investing in a quality item like that?" — SW
Topshop Borg Cocoon Coat
"I've always wanted to buy a fuzzy coat for the Fall, and this Topshop Borg Cocoon Coat [29] ($150) comes in a lovely neutral shade that will match everything in my closet." — NR
Barbanera China Girl Boots
"I feel like you can never own too many black boots [30]. Plus, these Barbanera China Girl Boots [31] ($703) feature a cool red lightning bolt design that sets them apart from the rest." — NR