It’s finally that time of year to embrace breezy-weather outings, spooky-season decorations, apple cider donuts, and, of course, fall fashion. As we move forward from our summer favorites during this transitional weather period, Refinery29 editors are starting to take their fall must-haves out for a spin.
For September and onward, we’re opting for versatile staples like fitted T-shirts, silk midi skirts, and mules that can serve as the building blocks of day-to-night outfits. We’re also slipping into tried-and-true shoes like ballet flats and booties, updated with pops of color and fun textures. Plus, we’re starting to layer up in lightweight cardigans, hoodies, puffer jackets, and vests (a major fall 2024 jacket trend), that are appropriate for the changing weather.
Read on to learn more about our favorite picks and get inspired to style your fall outfits. And since our cold-weather fashion essentials span reader-favorite brands like Quince, Damson Madder, and Gap, we’re positive you’ll be able to find pieces you’ll want to add to your wardrobe immediately, too.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Asos Design Button Front Crew Neck Cardigan with Frill
“Cardigans are sexy again and they’re the perfect summer-to-fall layer. This red cardigan is equal parts coquette and grandma-core, thanks to the slinky fit and frilly knit. Aside from this pairing with my Cos mini skirt, I have also styled it with baggy jeans and yoga pants, and on top of tank tops and bodysuits. I love its versatility and that I can easily pack it into a tote bag or purse for cooler nights. Oh, and cardigans were a major trend on Copenhagen Fashion Week runways, too.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor
Shop Asos
ASOS DESIGN Button Front Crew Neck Cardigan, $, available at ASOSPhoto Courtesy of Ebony-Renee Baker.
Moon River Shirred Cotton Midi Dress
“I got this milkmaid dress at TJ Maxx for a steal, and I couldn’t be happier about it. In the summer, I’ve worn the olive-green frock with sandals and statement jewelry, and in the early fall, I plan on wearing it with a denim jacket and trendy sneakers or ballet flats.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Shop Bloomingdale’s
Moon River Shirred Cotton Midi Dress, $, available at Bloomingdale’sPhoto Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Vagabond Jolin Shoes
“These silver-toned flats from Vagabond are a fun addition to my fall wardrobe. I’ve been loving pairing them with a simple top and barrel-leg pants; there’s something about a wider-cut trouser with a more narrow, dainty shoe that just works! I’m also a big fan of the darker, almost gunmetal, silver color that makes them a bit more muted and timeless to style. I plan on wearing them on repeat while it’s still warm enough for a bit of foot to be exposed.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Shop Vagabond
Vagabond Jolin Shoes, $, available at VagabondPhoto Courtesy of Kristine Romano.
Saint Art Talia Charmeuse Midi Skirt
“Despite the black colorway, this midi skirt has become my must-pack on every trip this summer, thanks for the way it barely wrinkles in the suitcase and can be styled with everything from a T-shirt and sneakers for a day sightseeing to a silky cami and heels for a night out or dinner. That said, I already know I will be relying on it all fall as well, pairing it with black blazers, oversized sweaters, and knee-high boots for that monochrome look that I tend to come back to when the weather starts to cool down.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Shop Saint Art
Saint Art Talia Charmeuse Midi Skirt, $, available at Saint ArtPhoto Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
Quince 100% European Linen Smocked Mini Dress
“I’ve long been a big fan of Quince’s affordable, high-quality linen clothing, and this breezy mini is one of the most frequently sold-out pieces in its collection (the terracotta colorway I have is out of stock, but the navy option is still available). This linen dress has been the perfect chic and carefree number to slip on whenever I have trouble coming up with an outfit. The fabric is soft and breathable and looks good even with a few wrinkles, and I love how form-fitting the smocked bodice is. Bonus: This dress is perfect for petite girlies since it is quite short (I am 5 foot tall).” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Shop Quince
Quince 100% European Linen Smocked Mini Dress, $, available at QuincePhoto Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Damson Madder Jennifer Check Puffer
“Part of Damson Madder’s fall collection, this puffer immediately caught my eye. I love a check pattern, but even more so, I love a multi-purpose item. The sleeves on this style zip off, so I have a two-in-one: a vest for fall and a a warm coat for winter. It’s funny, clothing items that “convert” were something I deemed deeply uncool in my early youth. Now, I think they’re great. A sign of nearing 30, perhaps, but doing so in style.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Shop Damson Madder
Damson Madder Jennifer Check Puffer, $, available at Damson MadderPhoto Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Jack Erwin Paz Satin Mules
“Normally, I hate the idea of my foot being out in the elements, but for this satin mule, I will do anything. Thanks to their sleek shape and satin fabric, these mules add just a little bit of oomph to any look. These are perfect to pair with a more casual outfit as well as for more dressed up occasions when I don’t want to wear heels.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Shop Jack Erwin
Jack Erwin Paz Satin Mule, $, available at Jack ErwinPhoto Courtesy of Becca Sax.
Square-Toe Water-Repellent Heeled Boots
“These square-toe booties are one of my favorite boots for the fall and winter, especially since the knitted fabric is cozy and water-repellent. The sock-like boots are so chic that I have them in Bordeaux Red and in the black-and-red colorway pictured here. If you want to experimenting with red clothing and accessories, a big trend this fall, these are super wearable.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Shop Vivaia
Vivaia Square-Toe Water-Repellent Heeled Boots, $, available at VivaiaPhoto Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Lake Pajamas Relax Pants Set
“I am a big proponent of ‘inside clothes,’ and love nothing more than adding a new set to my loungewear drawer come fall season. This matching sweatsuit from Lake Pajamas is one of the softest I have ever touched thanks to its modal blend. In addition to being impossibly cozy and silky, I love that it’s lightweight, which will come in use once the heaters start dialing up.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Shop Lake Pajamas
LAKE Pajamas Relax Pants Set, $, available at LAKE PajamasPhoto Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
Peppermayo Stealth Mode Vest & Mini Skirt
“Yes, I know everyone has been wearing vests and waistcoats this year, but I can’t help but be drawn to this beige mini-skirt set. It looks very cute together, but the matching possibilities are endless: the beige button-up vest is polished on its own or when layered over a T-shirt, and will look great with tailored trousers or jeans. On the other hand, I can’t wait to pair the pleated mini skirt with my favorite fall sweaters. The best part? The skirt comes with a versatile brown belt, which I’ve already been wearing with all my pants and culottes. We love a multitasking outfit for fall.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Shop Peppermayo
Peppermayo Stealth Mode Vest, $, available at Peppermayo
Peppermayo Stealth Mode Mini Skirt, $, available at PeppermayoPhoto Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Gap x Madhappy Mad Full-Zip Cropped Hoodie
“I was so excited when I got a sneak peek of the Gap x Madhappy collaboration because of the pieces’ nostalgic feel. And I was even more excited when I received this cropped sweat jacket (and matching sweatpants). The denim-blue color is perfectly faded; the oversized-yet-cropped shape is effortlessly relaxed; and the unexpected details like a double zipper, stitched hood, and “MAD” logo make my Y2k-loving heart happy. This sweatshirt is so cozy that I’ve already worn it out on breezy summer nights, but I’m looking forward to wearing it for casual fall festivities like apple picking or Halloween movie-watching.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Shop Gap
Gap x Madhappy Mad Full-Zip Cropped Hoodie, $, available at GapPhoto Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
DL1961 Short-Sleeve Instasculpt Tee
“While I love the look of tight-fitting baby tees, I hate that most of the options on the market are too cropped no matter how high-waisted the pants or skirts are that I wear them with. This tee style, from one of my favorite denim brands DL1961, is not only the perfect length (aka stomach-covering while not being too long) but additionally has the ideal opaqueness thanks to the wool-blend fabric that also makes it a perfect fall staple. I love this T-shirt so much that I get sad when I have to throw it in the hamper to be washed.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Shop Neiman Marcus
DL1961 Short-Sleeve Instasculpt Tee, $, available at Neiman MarcusPhoto Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
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