From Nordstrom’s month-long Anniversary sale to Copenhagen Fashion Week, there were tons of sources of outfit inspo and beauty drops in August that readers couldn’t help but cart up. The late-summer purchases predominantly consisted of drawstring pants and red skirts as well as fruity perfumes and exclusive body care sets.
Ahead you’ll find Refinery29 readers’ top August purchases, including bestselling Lululemon bags, surprising Zara perfumes, the viral Comfrt hoodie, and much more. Plus, you can still cart up many of the Nordstrom finds at discounted prices while the retailer’s fall sale lasts!
So, whether you’re looking for a good deal, need a Refinery29 editor recommendation, or are just curious about what everyone else is buying, consider this your go-to curated guide of bestselling fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products worth buying.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
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Free People Something Good Pull-On Barrel Pants
Starting off strong, these Free People pants were the most-purchased product in August by a long shot. Drawstring pants are having a moment, especially across Copenhagen’s street style, thanks to the effortlessly cool silhouette. And these barrel pants with skinny stripes are the ultimate closet staple for fall outfits.
Free People Something Good Pull-On Barrel Pants, $, available at Free People
Zara Applejuice Eau de Toilette
Are you sleeping on Zara’s perfumes? Well, Refinery29’s Senior Beauty Writer Karina Hoshikawa was until she finally tested some scents for herself. And from her review, shoppers were most drawn to a tropical coconut eau de parfum to soak up the rest of summer and this crisp apple juice scent to celebrate early fall.
Zara Applejuice Eau de Toilette, $, available at Zara
Alex Mill Maya Linen Skirt
The streets and celebrities spoken, and red skirts are the closet staple you didn’t know you needed this fall. Whether you style it for the office or weekend plans, this Alex Mill linen skirt can easily be dressed up or down with a button-down top and heels or a graphic tee and sneakers.
Alex Mill Maya Linen Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Lifting + Firming Eye Cream
Refinery29’s Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita never used eye cream… until she tried this $16 option. It features plumping, skin-supporting ceramides and tons of ingredients that actually work. Kilikita has seen a noticeable change in the lines and texture under her eyes, and stands behind this luxe-yet-affordable, gentle-yet-effective formula.
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Lifting + Firming Eye Cream, $, available at Sephora
Blissy Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
This silk pillowcase has been a consistent bestseller with readers for months. Available in several colors and prints in standard, queen, and king sizes, this little luxury is an investment piece that you can essentially customize to fit the vibe of your bedroom.
Blissy Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $, available at Nordstrom
Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Bag 2L
Okay, Lululemon’s viral Big-Ass Bag was actually the top Lululemon pick last month. But since it sold out, this equally iconic Everywhere crossbody bag with metal hardware was a close second. It’s versatile and especially makes for a great travel bag to keep your hands free at the airport, on hikes, and more.
Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Bag 2L, $, available at Lululemon
Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress
Another consistent top-performer! Whether it’s featured in Nordstrom sale coverage or wedding guest dress roundups, this Petal & Pup style is loved by many. It’s incredibly chic and for under $100 (currently on sale), it’s a win-win. Pick from several rich fall colors and get to partying.
Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Multi-Use Serum Foundation
Is it a serum? Is it a foundation? It’s both! Drunk Elephant’s new makeup-skincare hybrid is customizable: wear it on its own or mix with your moisturizer for a tinted look. Refinery29 editors enjoy that a little pump goes a long way and that the lightweight, blendable formula is also long-lasting. Even better, it’s available in 25 shades.
Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Multi-Use Serum Foundation, $, available at Sephora
Comfrt Airplane Mode Travel Hoodie
Hoshikawa calls this viral travel hoodie her smartest and most-used purchase of the year. The eye mask built into the hood and extra zippered pockets on the arms make this the ideal sweatshirt for long flights (and sleeping through them). Hoshikawa even wears this style at home when she needs to take a power nap and wants complete darkness.
Comfrt Airplane Mode Travel Hoodie, $, available at Comfrt
Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Rice Eau de Parfum
Musky and milky, “kitten scents” are the new cozy fragrance trend taking over this fall. And after Hoshikawa shared her favorites, readers gravitated towards this Ellis Brooklyn scent, which is sweet… but not sugary. Instead, there are subtle notes of toasted rice, warm vanilla, creamy coconut milk, and sakura blossom.
Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Rice Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta
Edikted Camo Print Denim Bermuda Shorts
Camo print Bermuda shorts overwhelmingly took over Copenhagen fashion week street style in early August. This pair from Edikted was most popular with readers. And, you guessed it, they’re currently on sale! Cart them up if you’re embracing the transitional weather. Just pair them with knee-high boots.
edikted Camo Print Denim Bermuda Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom
Urban Outfitters Tiger Shape Tufted Bath Mat
Over the last couple of months, shoppers haven’t been able to get enough of this cartoon-style tiger rug. Whether you style it as a bath mat, hallway rug, or a statement at the end of your bed, it adds a quirky and unexpected style element to any space.
Urban Outfitters Tiger Shape Tufted Bath Mat, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Coach Pebbled Crossbody Bag
This Nordstrom-exclusive Coach bag has been on sale for a while, and readers keep carting it up, slowly dwindling the color options left in stock (rusty brown, olive green, and white are still available). The versatile and convertible style can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag, making it a great investment piece you’ll want to style again and again.
Coach Pebbled Crossbody Bag, $, available at Nordstrom
Quince Plus Size Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Maxi Skirt
You really can’t beat Quince’s prices, which is likely why many shoppers gravitated towards this style to try the red skirt trend. The lightweight maxi skirt is perfect for late-summer plans and early-fall activities, like apple picking.
Quince Plus Size Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Maxi Skirt, $, available at Quince
Bath & Body Works Banana Blend Perfume Mist
Ever since Hilary Duff put her stamp of approval on Bath & Body Works’ banana scents, readers have been notably carting up this unique fruity perfume. Banana blends with vanilla and amber for a creamy smoothie scent that shoppers can’t get enough of.
Bath & Body Works Banana Blend Perfume Mist, $, available at Bath & Body Works
HandmadeGaloreSH Evil Eye Bracelet/Anklet
Whether shoppers are getting into spooky season or are planning for the winter holidays, many bought evil eye jewelry from our spiritual gift guide in August. Starting at just $12.99, this Etsy find is available in gold or silver chains and bracelet or anklet lengths to best complement your giftee’s style.
HandmadeGaloreSH Evil Eye Bracelet/Anklet, $, available at Etsy
The Ordinary Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum
In early August, The Ordinary dropped this caffeine serum meant to energize tired-looking skin with the help of antioxidants. Kilikita agrees that with consistent use, her skin looks brighter and more radiant, requiring less concealer. So, in addition to a PSL, get your caffeine fix with The Ordinary’s new face serum too.
The Ordinary Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum, $, available at Ulta
Avec Les Filles Hooded Drawstring Waist Jacket
In need of a new fall jacket? Readers have been flocking to cart up this Avec Les Filles jacket the most. This transitional-weather jacket is particularly great for unexpected rain showers thanks to the water-resistant fabric and detachable hood.
Avec Les Filles Hooded Drawstring Waist Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
Donna Karan New York Cashmere Mist Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Stick
The one thing Refinery29’s Director of Affiliate Partnerships buys annually during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale? This luxe, viral Donna Karan deodorant. She carts up the three-pack before it sells out (which it evidently did again), but you can still grab a single tube, which is also on sale while supplies last.
Donna Karan New York Cashmere Mist Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Stick, $, available at Nordstrom
Skims Nipple Push-Up Bra
Though Skims’ viral pierced nipple bra sold out in August 2025, readers were still interested in Refinery29’s review this past August. Since the product is sold out, readers instead bought the OG Skims nipple bra, which is consistently available in several shades and sizes.
Skims Nipple Push-Up Bra, $, available at Skims
Nécessaire The Body Wash Duo Set
When the beauty team covered the best beauty deals during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, this Nécessaire body wash became a top performer. The two-pack has a value of $56, is exclusively sold at Nordstrom for $39, and is currently on sale for just $33, so we understand why readers cashed in on this deal.
Nécessaire The Body Wash Duo Set, $, available at Nordstrom
J.Crew Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin
Another drawstring pant on this list worth adding to cart. This J.Crew style is a bestseller both on the brand’s website and in Refinery29’s stories. Why? It’s available in five colorways across classic, petite, and tall sizes so more shoppers can enjoy them and get the perfect fit.
J.Crew Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin, $, available at J.Crew
Ulta Beauty Collection Manicure Buffing Block
The viral Japanese manicure requires lots of buffing to ensure strong, healthy nails. So, if you’re giving yourself an at-home mani, you’ll want to cart up a buffing block, like this popular Ulta choice, to effectively and correctly get through all the steps.
Ulta Beauty Collection Manicure Buffing Block, $, available at Ulta
Sézane Justine Basket Bag
Shoppers were clearly looking for late-summer vacation bags, because several carted up this Sézane design from our woven basket bag roundup. The raffia bag is available in many straw colors, designs, and sizes for whatever occasions and activities you could want it for.
Sézane Justine Basket Bag, $, available at Sézane
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Duo
Lastly, this body scrub duo was another exclusive Nordstrom beauty deal that readers jumped on. Hoshikawa considers herself a body scrub connoisseur, and praises First Aid Beauty’s potent 10% AHA formula for smoothing her skin. So if you’re looking to clear up keratosis pilaris bumps or just want baby-soft skin moving into the cooler months, this is your best buy.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Duo, $, available at Nordstrom
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