We're committed to shopping for items that speak to our personal style [1], perhaps now more than ever thanks to our time in lockdown, where we've reevaluated the way we relate to our wardrobes [2]. We're no longer willing to invest in trend pieces [3] just because we spot them on the runways. If we're going for a look that's trickled down from luxury fashion houses, it's because we actually like it (and probably because we've also found it on sale!).
That's how Dana feels about her slouchy, deconstructed denim [4], and how I feel about my breezy nap dresses that I'm still shopping for fall [5], despite the dropping temperature outside. The truth is, I'm dressing for the here and now — with the "here" being my home, since it's where I plan on spending most of my time this October.
My fellow colleagues Hannah, Nikita, Yerin, Melissa, and Natasha are just like me and Dana, naming the items that have become essentials in their closets this season — even if they're not "on trend." We think you'll find a piece or two that speaks to your current mood, no matter who you are and how you define your style. Keep reading to get inspired by the way we're shopping, and feel free to hop on any of our bandwagons.
Dana Avidan Cohn, Executive Style Director
"My fall style consists of oversize knits and slouchy denim on repeat. I love this Unisex houndstooth cardigan from ASOS's new "Responsible Edit" collection [7] because it makes a statement and it's easy to throw on over a T-shirt [8] and jeans [9]. If I want to dress it up, I'll be pairing it with sleek lace-up boots [10] and sunglasses [11]."
Shop Dana's Fall Must Haves
"I was looking for a choker-length necklace to layer with, and the chain detail on this Kay Jo Jade Choker [12] ($55) is perfect."
Shop Dana's Fall Must Haves
"This sculptural bag from the new brand Usisi Sister is perfect for every day. The shape of the Eddie Two-Tone Leather Top Handle Bag [13] ($825) is so modern and I love the hardware detail."
Shop Dana's Fall Must Haves
"I have been looking everywhere for a plaid coat in neutral tones. I plan to wear this Isabel Marant Etoile Beige Wool Gabriel Blanket Coat [14] ($455) with bone-colored denim and flat boots."
Hannah Weil McKinley, Fashion Director
"I'm resetting for fall, thinking mindfully about a shift to cooler weather, a renewed focus for the future, and how, in fashion — and otherwise — to help spread positivity. For my wardrobe, while I'm paring down, I'm thoughtfully adding comfortable finds, especially now that I'm seven-and-a-half months pregnant. I'm also thinking about purchases that have a longer life, or even a second life that I've procured from vintage or secondhand stores. I'm not shrugging off sweatpants, but rather embracing how versatile they are styled with the right tees, sweaters, and accessories to perk them up."
Shop Hannah's Fall Must Haves
"I rotate between a small selection of timeless gold jewelry and the pieces always look better layered together. This Stella & Haas The Mari Necklace [15] ($30) is the ideal chain to complement the necklaces I already have and love — the kind of find I likely won't take off."
Shop Hannah's Fall Must Haves
"With an emphasis on sustainability and classic pieces I'll wear and rewear, I'm investing in forever finds. This Celine Box Calfskin Medium Classic Box Flap Black [16] ($1,750) has been on my wish list for the better part of a decade, and I find I'm throwing it on every single time I leave the house. I know I will for years to come."
Shop Hannah's Fall Must Haves
"Living in sneakers isn't going to change anytime soon, so I'm building my collection accordingly. These New Balance 997 Sport Sneakers [17] ($107, originally $153) have just the right pops of color on a chunky, retro silhouette I love."
Shop Hannah's Fall Must Haves
"Every fall, I upgrade my sweater collection with at least a couple of quality knits that are cozy and offer something a little special. This Ganni Intarsia Knit Cardigan [18] ($425) checks all the boxes. I love the mix of the heavy knit and the ladylike collar — and how fresh it looks worn with sportier pieces, like my sweats and T-shirt."
Sarah Wasilak, Editor, Fashion
"For me, this fall is still very much about being a homebody, style-wise and otherwise. I love the idea that we can transition some of our summer staples into the cooler weather, like the house dress [19]. Just to further fuel my obsession with the relaxed-yet-romantic silhouette, Hill House, originator of the nap-dress shop, dropped a new collection. I'll throw sweaters and jackets over this airy number for a walk around the block in any sort of flat, functional boot I can get my hands on. Just because I'm inside doesn't mean my style [20] won't thrive."
Shop Sarah's Fall Must Haves
"Hill House's The Ellie Nap Dress [21] ($125) is my pick from the curated shop of feminine, feel-good clothing and accessories. I know firsthand that this dress isn't only comfortable, but with the frilly sleeves, it feels special, too. When you zoom in close, you can make out the blue polka dots, and blue is my color!"
Shop Sarah's Fall Must Haves
"I recently discovered LA-based brand Spirit Jersey, which boasts a line of cozy sweats with surfer vibes that also work as streetwear. When I saw this If in Doubt Don't Go Out Sweatshirt [22] ($118), I thought, 'Yep! I am so on the same page.'"
Shop Sarah's Fall Must Haves
"Maiden Name is an NYC-based concept store that infuses fashion and art. The Juliette Top [23] ($375) reminds me of an intricate quilt. It's actually a one-of-a-kind piece that melds a '70s kimono silk from Japan with a silhouette inspired by styles from the 19th century."
Shop Sarah's Fall Must Haves
"Like I said, I'll take any flat boot I can get. Grenson's Black Nanette Leather and Suede Ankle Boots [24] ($400) are so well made, and they look pretty luxe too, as proven by the brand's fanbase of influencers and supermodels who are getting in on the hiking-boot trend [25]."
Nikita Charuza, Editor, Fashion
"My fall style usually consists of something that's comfortable and stylish. I love how cozy this Aerie sweatsuit is and I'm beyond obsessed with my Mother tie-dye socks — they've become a fall essential. I also recently tried out Bleusalt's cozy sweatsuits, and I'm not kidding when I say they feel buttery soft. As always, I like to liven things up with a gold chain-link necklace."
Shop Nikita's Fall Must Haves
"I've been living in my Aerie Weekend Oversized Hoodie [26] ($38, originally $50) and it's as cozy as it looks."
Shop Nikita's Fall Must Haves
"I love that these Aerie Weekend Joggers [27] ($30, originally $40) are baggy on the top and more tapered at the bottom to give a more sporty look."
Shop Nikita's Fall Must Haves
"All I want to do is stock up on tie-dye socks, and these Bombas Merino Tie Dye Calf Socks [28] ($68, originally $72) are so cute."
Shop Nikita's Fall Must Haves
"When I say this Bleusalt The Unisex Skater Hoodie [29] ($145) is buttery soft, I mean it."
Shop Nikita's Fall Must Haves
"Plus, the Bleausalt The Kaia Pant [30] ($130) is actually made in collaboration with model Kaia Gerber!"
Shop Nikita's Fall Must Haves
"I've been obsessed with Shami's jewelry for a few years now, and I love the lightning-bolt detail on this Shami Bolt Nameplate Necklace [31] ($160)."
Shelcy Joseph, Assistant Editor, Shop
"On days when I do decide to dress up, you can find me rocking a statement dress with puff sleeves and structured details, or leather pants with an embellished sweater top. Otherwise, I'm usually lounging in slouchy cardigans and more relaxed pants. But one thing that's consistent is my use of gold jewelry. I wear a chunky necklace with almost everything."
Shop Shelcy's Fall Must Haves
Burnt orange is one of my favorite colors to wear year-round. It's eye-catching in a subtle yet powerful way. So I was super excited to discover this Jonathan Simkhai Lena Puff Sleeve Midi Dress [32] ($495).
Shop Shelcy's Fall Must Haves
Pair this BaubleBar Small Michel Curb Chain Necklace [33] ($44) with a square or scoop neckline for a flattering finish.
Shop Shelcy's Fall Must Haves
These & Other Stories Strappy Leather Heeled Sandals [34] ($49, originally $99) are extremely versatile, whether you style them with jeans and a blouse, or a fitting knit dress.
Yerin Kim, Associate Editor, Trending and Viral Features
"After pivoting my style while working from home this past spring and summer, I realized my key takeaways are purchasing and wearing items that are obviously comfortable, but also make me happy, whether it's a fun print or bright color I wouldn't normally try. I'm bringing this same energy to my fall style — just with extra layering and cozier fabrics!"
Shop Yerin's Fall Must Haves
"Like many others, I've been super into the campy jewelry trend [35], adding nostalgic beaded necklaces, bracelets, and even rings to my collection. Next up: mask chains [36]! I love how practical mask chains are, and I'm ready to invest in a chic, sturdy one, seeing as we'll be wearing masks for a while. I'm obsessed with this Emily Levine x éliou Flower Power Rainbow Chain [37] ($70) that doubles as both a mask chain and necklace (you can loop it around twice). I can't wait for it to add a playful touch to my everyday looks."
Shop Yerin's Fall Must Haves
"I'm fully aware these Zara High-Waisted Knit Pants [38] ($50) toe the line between loungewear and streetwear, and that's exactly what I need this fall. These fancy sweatpants are great for wearing around the house, but also structured enough to dress up as a real outfit with a flattering bodysuit or fitted tee."
Shop Yerin's Fall Must Haves
"Cozy cardigans have become my go-to transitioning from summer to fall, so I've been on the hunt for a warmer, wool option to layer over a light turtleneck or tee. This Rosie (Rosebud) Grandpa Cardigan in Melange Grey Lambswool [39] ($450) from Hong Kong knitwear brand YanYan just brings me joy (all of their unique knits do actually). I love the vintage-y feel of a floral print, and the colorful embroidered knots make this cardi all the more fun."
Natasha Marsh, POPSUGAR Contributor
"The combination of the first presidential debate [40], growing cases of police brutality, and society's overall lack of interest in saving lives from COVID-19 makes me feel utterly sick of America. For that reason, I'm choosing to shop Black and international brands only this October. I've been really excited to discover new brands and create pops of color in my fall wardrobe. Mainly, I've been buying coats and tailored trousers because I miss dressing up for work."
Shop Natasha's Fall Must Haves
"Wearing pajamas outside is definitely a thing. I love this Sleeper "Sizeless" Pajama Set with Pants in Mint [41] ($285) because they don't look like traditional pajamas — they look so silky and are perfect for socially distanced hangouts."
Shop Natasha's Fall Must Haves
"Black-owned jewelry brand [42] Ben Oni is one to watch. I first saw the jewelry on Issa Rae in an editorial and became obsessed. You can never have too many hoops! My pick: the Zenobia Chunky Tube Hoop Earrings [43] ($36)."
Shop Natasha's Fall Must Haves
"The By Far Rachel Green Metallic Leather Purse [44] ($425) is my ideal handbag. It sits brilliantly under my armpit and is the perfect size for fitting the essentials: phone, wallet, car keys, sunglasses, and chapstick."
Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Senior Art Director, Makeup.com
"When it comes to my fall style, it's all about the layering! I try to make even the brightest summer pieces live a little longer by layering them under my fall wardrobe staples — like this Pink Zara blazer that I had on repeat all last year. This gives my wardrobe longevity and forces me to think outside of the box when it comes to color theory and playing with unexpected palettes for the fall/winter season."
Shop Melissa's Fall Must Haves
"The trick with layering is to pick pieces that have fun colors and patterns that can be seen beneath a blazer or coat. This gorgeous Fenty Printed Short Sleeve T-Shirt [45] ($200) is lightweight, and the psychedelic pattern is soft enough to pair well with other patterns in my closet."
Shop Melissa's Fall Must Haves
"Last season, it was all about the dad sneaker, and this season, we welcome the dad blazer with open arms. This Collusion Blazer in Pink [46] ($64) has an oversize fit that is forgiving to my 'quarantine 15' weight gain, and the bright pink color sends the winter blues packing! If you're still on the fence about an oversize blazer, try cuffing the sleeve to three-quarter length to polish off your look."
Shop Melissa's Fall Must Haves
"I am very into the gold chunky necklace trend as of late! I paired this Zara Pack of Chain Link Necklaces [47] ($20) with a few tiny gold necklaces I already own, and it completely elevated my turtleneck game."
Shop Melissa's Fall Must Haves
"Calling all petite frames! I'm 5'3", and these Madewell Curvy Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in Berkeley Black [48] ($60, originally $128) are on heavy rotation this season. The frayed ends call attention to my fall kicks, and the high waist and stretch feel make me actually want to wear denim again!"