Retinol may be the gold standard of anti-aging skincare, but my ultra-sensitive, breakout-prone skin sadly never got the memo. After dealing with acne throughout my 20s and going through a couple of harsh rounds of Accutane, even seemingly gentle formulas left me red, flaky, and irritated. Still, I wanted the smoother texture, brighter tone, and fine-line-fighting benefits the ingredient is known for—which sent me on a mission to consult the top dermatologists for the best retinol alternatives money could buy (and, more importantly, ones that wouldn’t make my skin freak out).

And I’m far from alone. For all of retinol’s well-earned praise, the powerhouse ingredient can be notoriously difficult to tolerate, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin like mine. Its popularity isn’t without good reason, though. As we age, some of the “main visible changes” include shifts in pigmentation—think dark spots—and loss of collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and loss of firmness, explains board-certified dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD.

Despite what you may have heard, there’s no “magic age” to start using retinol. Dr. Landriscina typically recommends reaching for it when the first signs of aging, like dark spots or fine lines, begin to appear. So, if retinol has wreaked havoc on your skin in the past, these 10 dermatologist-backed alternatives—from bakuchiol to vitamin C and azelaic acid—offer a gentler way to target many of the same skin concerns, without the irritation.

The Best Retinol Alternatives

• Best Retinol Alternative Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
• Best Retinol Alternative Moisturizer: Clearstem Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer
• Best Retinol Alternative Eye Cream: Naturium Multi-Peptide Eye Cream
• Best Retinol Alternative Serum: Parëva Beauty C35.5 Firming Glow Serum
• Best Retinol Alternative with Bakuchiol: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum

Best Retinol Alternative Overall

Best Retinol Alternative Moisturizer

Best Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

Best Retinol Alternative Serum

Best Retinol Alternative with Bakuchiol

Best Retinol Alternative for Dark Spots

Best Retinol Alternative for Firming

Best Retinol Alternative for Acne

Best Drugstore Retinol Alternative

Best Plant-Based Retinol Alternative

Do Retinol Alternatives Work as Well as Retinol?

“There are many alternatives to retinol that can work just as well, with consistent use,” explains Dr. Palep. Your choice depends largely on what you’re hoping to target: She recommends vitamin C for brightening and evening skin tone, bakuchiol for smoothing texture and minimizing fine lines, peptides for firmer, plumper-looking skin, and niacinamide for boosting collagen and fading dark spots. Just keep in mind that some alternatives may take a little longer to deliver visible results—particularly bakuchiol, she notes.

According to Dr. Landriscina, “retinol alternative” is a marketing term that rose to prominence in recent years, likely because “many people find retinoids irritating.” But while alternatives can target many of the same concerns, “no alternative will have the same breadth or depth of clinical data to support it that retinoids do,” he adds. In fact, when his patients struggle with retinoid irritation, Dr. Landriscina typically tries adjusting how they’re using it before recommending they ditch it altogether.

Who Should Use a Retinol Alternative Instead of Retinol?

Dr. Palep says certain people may be better candidates for retinol alternatives from the start, including those with very dry skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis, since retinol may be especially drying or irritating. She also recommends avoiding retinol during pregnancy and breastfeeding. “Not all retinol alternatives are pregnancy-safe,” she cautions, so be sure to discuss your skincare routine with your doctor before adding or continuing products during pregnancy.

Dr. Landriscina recommends first trying a few tricks to minimize irritation, like starting with just a few applications per week, applying moisturizer, or using the “sandwich method,” which refers to layering retinol between moisturizer. If you’re still experiencing redness, flaking, or irritation after taking those steps, a gentler alternative may be the better fit for your skin.

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

Zara’s latest arrivals are making a convincing case for the quieter side of fall dressing, where strong outerwear and polished everyday staples do most of the work. Rather than leaning on overt trends, the new collection is built around pieces with staying power: belted leather jackets, elongated trench coats, streamlined zip-up cardigans, cropped trenches, and slouchy shoulder bags rendered in a restrained palette of chocolate brown, black, soft gray, and cream—with the sudden, coveted punch of cobalt blue. The effect feels considered rather than basic—familiar wardrobe foundations sharpened through proportion, texture, and subtle utilitarian details.

The appeal is also in how easily these pieces can slip into an existing wardrobe. A cropped trench gives straight-leg denim and a knit an instant point of view, while a belted leather jacket can temper the femininity of a satin midi skirt or dress—we love a juxtaposed look! Try an oversized trench over tonal separates for an understated weekday uniform, or use a relaxed shoulder bag to soften more tailored looks. The key is resisting the urge to over-style them: these are pieces designed to make what you already own feel more current, proving that sometimes the smartest seasonal update is simply a better version of an everyday essential.

Ahead, editor-approved fall finds that will turn heads and conjure questions.

Certain colors quietly infiltrate fashion before reaching critical mass, and this season, purple has reached that inflection point. Outside the Spring/Summer 2027 shows at New York Fashion Week, the shade was nearly impossible to miss, materializing in everything from saturated violet and regal amethyst to murkier plum and aubergine. Editors, stylists, and showgoers treated it less like an ornamental pop of color and more like a new neutral, folding it into tailoring, dresses, accessories, and unexpected color combinations. After years in which burgundy, chocolate brown, and tomato red commanded the conversation, this particular chromatic pivot feels especially potent. Its ascent, however, has been anything but sudden.

The groundwork was laid across the 2025 collections, when delicate lilac and lavender began ceding territory to stranger, more assertive interpretations of the hue. By Fall 2025, designers including Miu Miu, Gucci, McQueen, and Nina Ricci were exploring electric violet, grape, and jewel-toned iterations, transforming a color once associated with prettiness into something considerably more subversive. The progression continued through 2026, as plum and royal purple surfaced across collections and Fashion Month wardrobes, offering a saturated alternative to the reds and cobalt blues that had dominated prior seasons. Now, the runway-to-reality cycle appears complete.

What designers proposed more than a year ago has migrated decisively onto the streets of New York, where purple feels less like a fleeting novelty and more like an established part of fashion’s evolving palette. Its appeal lies partly in its contradictions: sumptuous yet eccentric, aristocratic yet slightly off-kilter, dramatic without carrying the obviousness of scarlet. And with Spring 2027 collections continuing to embrace vivid pigmentation—including violet at Tory Burch and saturated purples at Sergio Hudson—the color’s NYFW street-style takeover may be less a culmination than the beginning of its next chapter.

To help you discover your own personal splash of eggplant, I’ve rounded up the chicest, most inspiring ready-to-wear and accessory pieces to covet now. Long live royal purple!

As temperatures start to turn, the air takes on a crispness that signals a shift toward a new season. Layering is essential for navigating the unpredictable weather fluctuations to come, when days still feel warm like summer but nights bring a chill. Just like a favorite sweater, fall jackets are the easiest piece to reach for when you need a little extra warmth during this transitional period.

Street style at Copenhagen Fashion Week offered plenty of inspiration for the season ahead, with showgoers putting their own spin on the best fall jacket trends. Among the standout styles was the barn jacket, a silhouette that continues to prove its staying power as a fall essential. Leather and suede toppers were also everywhere, with relaxed bombers and utilitarian detailing bringing textural edge to otherwise laid-back looks. And spring's colorful windbreakers return for another round, bringing playful sporty energy to the streets and proving the right jacket is all you need to give even the simplest T-shirt-and-denim combination a fall update.

Whatever aesthetic you choose this season, shop the best fall jackets worth adding to your rotation now.

Barn Jackets

Sporty Jackets

Utilitarian Jackets

Leather Jackets

Collarless Jackets

In today’s overcrowded skincare space, it’s tough to stand out as a brand. Virality is often the goal, and creating an aspirational aesthetic is non-negotiable. I know this as a beauty editor, and you know this as a beauty consumer. However! Just because a brand isn’t constantly at the forefront of your FYP doesn’t mean that it’s not worth your while. On the contrary, some of my favorite products come from brands that have more of an if you know, you know vibe to them, and honestly, that’s much more my speed. I don’t need to see a creator with 2M followers hawking a night cream to know that it works well. I’d rather discover an under-the-radar brand or founder quietly, one that is steadily crafting some of the best-performing products in the beauty game.

With that in mind, I took stock of my bathroom cabinet to assess what brands you might not be as familiar with—but absolutely should be if you want a highly effective product. Whether you’re targeting dark spots, dehydration, fine lines, or any of the other skincare issues we all struggle with from time to time, these are the top five underrated skincare brands I suggest checking out ASAP.

Facile

I love a brand that sticks to what you really need for your skin, without resorting to launching a new product every six weeks. Facile is a derm-developed skincare line with just TEN products. Want only the essentials without the fuss? This is your new go-to.

Ursa Major

If you fancy yourself an outdoorsy babe who prioritizes vegan formulas and B Corp certification, allow me to introduce you to Ursa Major. Healthy, glowing skin courtesy of responsibly made products is the goal here, and the brand more than delivers.

Isla

For the aesthetically minded beauty lover who also wants clinically tested formulas and ingredients, you can’t get better than Isla. Yet another brand that doesn’t launch a million products for the sake of scale, instead sticking to the vetted staples that you actually need.

Biossance

As the original champion of squalane in skincare (a hydrating barrier supporter), Biossance has been on my radar, and in my cabinet, for years. It’s one of the first brands I recommend when someone with skin sensitivities is looking for a new product.

Omorovicza

If you crave luxury skincare but don’t want to just pay for pretty packaging or celebrity-fronted marketing, meet Omorovicza (like “pizza”). The Hungarian brand captured the skincare benefits of the region’s famed thermal waters and transformed them into highly effective formulas that strengthen, brighten, and improve overall skin quality.

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Fall dressing often starts with the layers underneath, but Altuzarra's Spring/summer 2027 collection makes a convincing argument for working in reverse. The coats commanded attention (both on social media and in my editor group chats—hello NYFW!) with sweeping proportions, autumnal fabrics, and a slightly undone elegance that felt equal parts romantic and pragmatic. Rather than simply completing each look, the outerwear dictated its mood—proof that the right coat can do most of the styling work for you.

That idea translates particularly well to fall, when getting dressed becomes an exercise in thoughtful layering. I'm taking cues from Altuzarra and building five outfits from the coat inward, pairing statement-making (yet classic!) outerwear with pieces that complement rather than compete with it. Think checked skirts, patent-leather loafers, and unexpected accessories, like the basket bag. These are the kind of combinations that make bundling up feel like the best part of getting dressed.

Just like that, New York Fashion Week’s Spring 2027 season is nearly over. I’ve spent the past several days functioning on little sleep and lots of caffeine, while carefully studying the catwalks for emerging trends poised to take over in the coming months. But I’ve also been paying close attention to what’s happening outside the show venues, where street style outfits are offering up equally noteworthy inspiration.

While I’ve spotted countless statement-making ensembles—featuring bold color combinations and whimsical accessories—I’ve also noticed plenty of minimalist outfit formulas with a more straightforward appeal. From chocolate brown jackets styled alongside cream cargo pants to crisp button-downs tucked into suede trousers, these looks are practical, polished, and easy to cycle through any capsule wardrobe. And that’s exactly what a pared-down dresser like myself is searching for!

If you’re also in the market for straightforward uniforms that you can recreate, scroll on. Ahead, you’ll discover a curated edit of minimalist looks inspired by fashion’s best-dressed street stylers. Defined by lightweight layers, these unfussy outfits are perfect for fall.

Corporate Casual

Provided that your office dress code errs on the more casual side, go ahead and copy this look. Yes, the denim shorts are inherently relaxed, but the sharp blazer gives the look a more tailored feel. Ground the outfit in a pair of cushioned ballet flats. They’re a more practical choice over sky-high stilettos, especially if you plan to be on your feet all day.

A Hint of Texture

There are plenty of ways to make a minimalist outfit feel more intentional, one of which is incorporating textured fabrics. A ruffled or fringed skirt, for example, can instantly deliver a dose of intrigue. Take an unexpected approach by throwing a barn jacket into the mix.

More Chocolate, Please

Chocolate brown is still fashion’s favorite color trend, and it’s not going anywhere—at least according to the street style crowd. This showgoer embraced the delectable shade with an oversized jacket. Follow her lead and round out your outfit with cargo pants, a slim sweater, and vintage-inspired sneakers.

Minimalism With a Twist

I might be a minimalist, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wear prints. I just style them more subtly, usually through small accessories. For context, take a look at this outfit which I plan to recreate. The V-neck sweater, Bermuda shorts, and sleek pumps are all wardrobe basics—but the zebra-print handbag is a statement piece that takes this look to a whole new level.

Balancing Proportions

From balloon pants to wide-leg shorts, baggy bottoms are trending across the fashion set. According to Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike, the best way to style them is with a tiny top. The model pictured above seems to share the same sentiment as Ogunnaike, as she teamed her roomy trousers with a cropped long-sleeve shirt.

A Foolproof Combo

If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that a pair of jeans will always look good with a plain tank top. Given that autumn temperatures are fairly warm right now, it might be wise to add this look to your outfit rotation. The denim pants offer enough coverage, while the tank will prevent you from breaking a sweat.

‘Tis the Season for Suede

Suede is practically synonymous with autumn. This season, slip into a pair of velvety suede bottoms coated in a fall-friendly hue of cognac brown. Complete the look with a sharp button-down, high-vamp heels, and a glossy handbag.

You know how Mariah Carey pops out of Christmas decor the day after Thanksgiving with absolute glee on her face? That’s how I feel when the holiday Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palettes launch every year. I’ve said it before, but it always bears repeating: Hourglass has perfected the baked powder formula. Though they may try, no other brand has come close to the finish, color selection, sensorial experience, or aesthetic elegance Hourglass has mastered. They’ve catapulted to yet another stratosphere with the launch of the Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked collection.

​As with past iterations, each palette's packaging features integrated art. Still, this year’s lineup is particularly special because the brand collaborated with a jewelry designer. “We're proud to continue our tradition of celebrating female creatives through a collaboration with French jewelry designer Lauren Rubinski,” Carisa Janes, Founder and President of Hourglass Cosmetics, tells me. “Known for uniting French elegance with Italian craftsmanship, Lauren’s work reflects the same balance of heritage and modernity that defines Hourglass. Her creations celebrate individuality, passion, and authenticity—a shared belief that beauty is a form of personal expression.”

​The result? Four Ambient Lighting Edit palettes for the 2026 holiday season (with one exclusive to Sephora), each with its own special motif and meaning behind each hero charm. “The Love palette is adorned with a heart charm celebrating connection and affection,” Rubinski says. Hope, which features a heart-shaped key, symbolizes “confidence, new beginnings, and infinite possibility,” she adds. The upside-down horseshoe on the Luck palette symbolizes pouring luck onto others, transforming the piece into a true good luck charm, and Wish, with the four-leaf clover design, symbolizes luck, happiness, and protection.

​I’ve had a chance to play with the palettes for the last few weeks. TL; DR? I love them all. If you can’t decide which one is best for you, keep reading for a breakdown of the formula, shades, and skin tones each palette best complements.

What’s In the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Powder Formulas?

If you’ve read any of my past reviews on this brand, you likely know that half of the reason why I’m so obsessed with it is that the powders feel silky smooth on the skin. This is thanks to ingredients like boron nitride, a synthetic mineral powder with a light-scattering quality that hides fine lines, wrinkles, and pores while letting the powder glide over the face with ease. Add synthetic micas, diamond powder, and more, and you're left with these little baked tiles of pure goodness and a glow that just won't quit. That's why so many professional makeup artists swear by these powders.

Which Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Is Best for My Skin Tone?

So, there’s technically no “right” palette for each skin tone (makeup has no rules, after all); however, each palette is intended to complement certain skin tones. Let’s get into it.

• Deep Skin

Luck is the best match for deep skin tones. Eternal Light, the finishing powder, is one of my favorites in the permanent line, especially when I want a tanned, sun-kissed finish. The blushes, highlighters, and bronzer (all brand new and limited to this palette, by the way) come in an array of purple-toned hues that look absolutely delicious on deep skin, especially if you use them as I do and layer them over a more matte formula.

• Medium Skin

Hope would work beautifully on medium skin tones. The finishing powder, Soft Light, is fantastic for setting all over the face or highlighting specific areas; plus, the warm, mauve-toned hues create an easy but cohesive blush-and-bronze moment.

• Light Skin

The Wish palette has the lightest shades of the entire lineup. One of my favorite finishing powder shades, Diffused Light, is featured in this palette, along with slightly cooler shades like the highlighter in Moonstone Glow and the Ethereal Bronze bronzer.

The Love palette, available exclusively at Sephora, is another palette you might think is for lighter skin tones, but I implore you to go into stores and play before you decide. The blush colors in this palette are fantastic, especially if you love a more pink-toned cheek, and the finishing powder, Dim Light, is one of the most universally flattering shades in the brand’s entire lineup. I constantly switch back and forth between this one and the Luck palette, and I have to admit: they’re neck and neck for the title of my favorite 2026 Ambient Lighting Edit palette.

Are the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palettes Worth It?

Yes. A thousand times yes, these palettes are more than worth the money. $98 is steep, and I'm not disputing that. However, these palettes are one of the few makeup launches I look forward to every year without fail, and I believe they can work for everyone. I personally prefer to use all the Ambient powders to “finish” my makeup, so I use them as the last step before setting spray (and sometimes even after). What I will say is that I would love to see more nuance in the bronzers selected for each palette. It’s a common critique, and I find bronzers a particular pain point for deeper-toned consumers who may not want to use two separate products to get the look they want.

​In short, I truly believe that you can’t go wrong with picking up at least one of these palettes. They make a fantastic addition to any makeup collection, and this year’s versions in particular also feel well-suited to make one of the chicest beauty gifts of the season thanks to Rubinski's special touch. Need a few more Hourglass recommendations? Keep scrolling for my favorite products from the brand.

More Hourglass Products That I Love

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

When I hit 35, it became clear I needed to shift my skincare routine away from an acne focus and toward anti-aging ingredients, specifically formulas that keep my skin fresh and as healthy as possible for the long haul. While I still keep adult acne products on deck, I’ve started incorporating the best firming skincare products to boost my complexion's youthful-looking glow and delay fine lines for as long as possible.

“A good routine can improve hydration, texture, and the overall ‘bounce’ of the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Annette Czernik, MD, adding that, while skincare can’t “physically lift the skin,” it can give the skin a firmer appearance. To do that, you need the right ingredients to support collagen production and boost skin radiance and hydration. “Look for retinoids, peptides, antioxidants such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid,” board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, tells Marie Claire.

Supporting your skin’s natural collagen production is the key to firmer skin, but remember, skincare can’t perform miracles. Some of these skin-firming products might not be enough if you’ve recently lost a lot of weight and have sagging, loose skin; a simple product or two might not cut it (though there are plenty of GLP-1 skincare recs you can try). And while certain active ingredients like antioxidants and ceramides can support skin firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health, Dr. Gohara warns, “No cream is a facelift in a jar.” That said, if you’re looking to prevent fine lines and loss of skin elasticity, these are the best firming skincare products you want to try.

The Best Firming Skincare Products

• Best Firming Skincare Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx BioRejuvenation Serum
• Best Firming Retinol Serum: Anua Nano Retinol 0.3 + Niacin Renewing Serum
• Best Firming Peptide Serum: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
• Best Firming Vitamin C Serum: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Acid Serum
• Best Firming Moisturizer: RoC Retinol Corexion Anti-Aging + Firming Night Face Moisturizer

Best Firming Skincare Overall

Best Firming Retinol Serum

Best Firming Peptide Serum

Best Firming Vitamin C Serum

Best Firming Moisturizer

Best Firming Eye Serum

Best Firming Face Oil

Best Firming Skincare for the Neck

Best Firming Body Lotion

Can Firming Skincare Actually Tighten Loose or Sagging Skin?

“Skincare can help prevent or slow future loss of firmness and make skin look smoother and slightly more resilient, but it cannot lift truly sagging skin,” says Dr. Gohara. “Think of skincare as maintaining the fabric, not rebuilding the scaffolding underneath it.”

Certain skincare ingredients—retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants—have been shown to help keep the skin healthy and support collagen production, elasticity, or firmness, but it’s important to remember that skincare can only do so much. “Expect gradual improvements in hydration, texture, fine lines, and the appearance of mild crepiness,” she says. “Not a dramatic lift.” So, if you have visibly sagging or loose skin, whether from aging or significant weight loss, you might need to look beyond skincare.

Dr. Gohara also warns against products touting topical collagen as a way to counteract collagen loss in the skin. “Collagen molecules are generally too large to replace lost collagen deep in the skin,” she notes. “They may moisturize and temporarily plump the surface, but they do not rebuild the skin’s internal mattress.”

Finally, remember: The best firming skincare is nothing without good UV protection, so you’ll want to add a face sunscreen (and body sunscreen depending on your outfit!) to your routine, too. “Sunscreen is nonnegotiable,” says Dr. Gohara. “UV exposure is one of the greatest accelerators of collagen loss, so using firming products without sunscreen is like filling a bucket with a hole in the bottom.”

What Causes Skin to Lose Firmness and Elasticity?

Many factors contribute to a loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin, but Dr. Gohara likes to focus on what she calls “the rule of S’s: sun, smoking, stress, smog, sugar, and someone in your family—meaning genetics.” All of these things contribute to a loss of firmness as we age. “Sun and smog create free radicals that damage collagen and elastin,” she explains. “Smoking reduces blood flow and accelerates collagen breakdown. Chronic stress can drive inflammation, while excess sugar attaches to collagen through a process called glycation, making those fibers stiffer and less functional.”

Age, of course, also comes into play. “A big part of skin firmness comes from collagen and elastin, which provide structure and flexibility,” explains Dr. Czernik. “As we age, the body gradually produces less collagen, while existing collagen becomes more fragmented and damaged.” Dr. Gohara says. “The cells that manufacture collagen and elastin become less productive, while the enzymes that break these proteins down become more active,” she explains, adding that a decline in estrogen can also lead to collagen loss. “Facial fat pads also shrink and shift, ligaments loosen, and bone structure changes,” she adds. “That is why sagging is not simply a ‘skin problem.’ The entire support system evolves.”

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

Welcome to The Smart Spend. Great style has never been about a price tag. From trend-forward buys to timeless essentials, this under-$350 edit proves that looking polished, chic, and fashion-forward doesn’t require a designer budget—just a discerning eye.

Fall shopping doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget on a single investment piece. Some of the season’s smartest finds sit comfortably under $350, offering the kind of strong silhouettes, rich textures, and unexpected details that make an outfit feel considered. The key is knowing where to spend: pieces that can refresh what you already own, while still capturing the mood of fall.

This edit is an eclectic mix of playfulness and practicality. J.Crew’s scarf sweater in cherry red brings a welcome jolt of color, while Zara’s abstract-printed midi skirt and Dôen’s printed organic midi dress lean into pattern without feeling overly precious. Reformation’s animal-print mule adds a cheeky finishing touch to jeans and trousers alike, and Banana Republic’s funnel-neck trench coat grounds it all with polished utility.

Consider this your shortcut to shopping fall with a sharper eye. Every piece here earns its place through versatility, personality, or sheer outfit-making potential—and nothing crosses the $350 mark. Whether you're after a hardworking layer or an unexpected print, these are the smart spends I'd put my editor's approval on.

Tops, Blouses & Tees

The best fall tops strike a balance between wardrobe workhorses and pieces with just enough personality to stand on their own. Here, familiar staples get a subtle rethink: Skims’ striped polo brings a sporty ease, Suzie Kondi’s velvet sweatshirt adds unexpected texture, and Still Here’s pale-blue poplin shirt is an easy answer to polished layering.

Trousers, Denim & Skirts

These bottoms are less about playing it safe and more about giving familiar silhouettes a little character. Zara's abstract midi skirt makes an artful statement, while La Ligne and Madewell offer barrel-leg trousers that bring shape to simple knits and button-downs.

Dresses

If you're looking for a dress that does the most with very little effort this season, you've come to the right place. This edit moves easily between clean minimalism and more romantic, expressive shapes. Cos's pleated black maxi is an understated foundation, while Mango's printed style offers femininity for everyday.

Bits, Bobs & Baubles

Accessories are where this fall edit gets even more playful, with small details doing much of the styling work. A sleek black loafer offers an everyday anchor, while Extreme Cashmere's pale pink scarf and Chan Luu's printed, skinnier options bring softness and pattern into the mix. These are the personality pieces—the ones that can shift even the simplest of combinations.

Outerwear

The best part of the fall season is the outerwear options—and this lineup moves well beyond the standard coat. From Zara's metallic tweed jacket to Cos's black funnel-neck, there are chic, sporty, and utilitarian options to boot.

One of the best parts of fall: the ability to leave the house in a light layer. There's no clunky coat to ruin the vibe of the outfit, because the jacket is the outfit—and that, my friends, is one of the most beautiful things about the September-November period.

I've spent most of my days in cold states, so I've had a lot of practice with this. A good light jacket is truly timeless, and earns its spot in your wardrobe for years (even decades!). For me, a light jacket has to meet some important criteria: not too trendy, not too limiting, and not flimsy. I have screened the following 35 selects against these rules.

Gone are the days of flimsy flip-flops and barely-there sandals. As temperatures begin to drop, the demand for footwear with more coverage grows. Sure, loafers and sneakers provide a bit of warmth, but no shoe shields against chilly autumn winds quite like a sturdy boot. For that reason, I’ve already begun filling my shopping cart with the top Fall 2026 boot trends—and I’m here to tell you all about them.

To analyze the season's most coveted boot styles, I studied the Fall 2026 runways. Chanel championed skin-tight shafts, while Balenciaga showcased wide-leg silhouettes. A clear contrast also emerged between minimalist and maximalist designs, with Dior favoring classic brown suede and Isabel Marant stepping outside the style box with bold animal prints. Elsewhere, Chloé embraced thematic dressing with cowboy boots that appeared as if they were pulled straight from a rustic rodeo.

With so many trends to choose from, I’ve curated an edit for your convenience. Ahead, discover the boots that you’re about to see everywhere this fall. Shop them now, and prepare to wear them all season long.

Skin-Tight Boots

On the runways of Chanel, Altuzarra, and Miu Miu, slim boots with stretchy constructions took center stage. Defined by a form-fitting shaft, this style gives off an undeniably elegant appeal. Layer this footwear trend beneath a sweeping knit dress to elevate the look even further.

Cowboy Boots

You don’t have to be a seasoned equestrian to give the cowboy boot trend a ride. During the Fall 2026 season, Chloé and Celine put a pared-down spin on the style with neutral shades while Gabriela Hearst took a more ornate approach with decorative embroidery. Whichever option you choose, give these country boots a city-girl twist with frilly skirts and tailored outerwear (as seen above).

Printed Boots

If you’re not afraid to stand out from the crowd, pick a pair of boots plastered with prints. Inspired by the runways of Conner Ives, Isabel Marant, and Dries van Noten, the edit below features a range of standout styles covered in abstract florals, zebra stripes, and more. Slip into these boots, and prepare to make heads turn.

Brown Suede Boots

Chloé, Dior, and TWP embraced a “back to basics” philosophy, grounding their outfits in timeless brown suede boots. While there were certainly hints of chocolate brown throughout their collections, these designers mainly focused on fresh shades of cognac and copper. Follow in their footsteps and shop similar styles from brands like Sézane and Favorite Daughter.

Slouchy Boots

If skin-tight stompers aren’t your thing, there’s no need to fret. Sumptuous slouchy boots are also trending among the fashion crowd. Balenciaga, Ganni, and Stella McCartney crafted their versions with intentionally gathered fabric for a look that feels effortlessly cool and carefree.

There are few high-street rituals quite as satisfying—or potentially dangerous to your bank account—as checking Zara’s new arrivals at the start of a season. Right now, the retailer is firmly in fall mode, trading summer’s barely-there separates for substantial knitwear, sharp tailoring, tactile outerwear, and the sort of elevated everyday pieces that make getting dressed a little more seamless. The mood is less about chasing one specific trend and more about building a wardrobe with dimension: romantic blouses, polished knits, statement skirts, and rich textures that can easily migrate from the office to whatever comes after.

Of course, Zara’s strength has always been its ability to translate the broader fashion conversation into pieces that feel remarkably current without requiring a runway-level budget. This drop is particularly good at that balancing act. There are streamlined trousers and restrained knitwear for the minimalist, alongside contemporary outerwear, like a checked trench coat, tweed cropped jacket, and balloon coat, metallic finishes, leather, suede, and more expressive silhouettes for anyone craving a little drama. A new Fruit of the Loom collaboration has also just dropped—offering nostalgic, poppy additions from red windbreakers and retro striped tees to ‘90s-inspired duffels and two-toned poplins.

Consider it a particularly fruitful moment to browse Zara’s new arrivals—whether you’re rebuilding your fall wardrobe from the ground up or simply looking for the one piece that makes everything you already own feel new again.