As Vogue editors, we often wax poetic on the latest runway must-haves, but not every item we gush about on this website ultimately ends up in our closets. Our discoveries are nice to behold—they are lovely to look at and inspire fun conversation—however, of all the tempting things to buy, what did we actually end up purchasing? Each month, we highlight those special finds our editors welcomed into their lives, showcasing all the things that made our buyers rejoice across changing seasons, from late-summer transitions to deep autumn layers.
The Pop of Color and Elevated Staples
“Time to make the fall switch: this month I invested in color blocking and protecting my skin from chilly autumn air!” notes Chloe Malle, head of editorial content, as she highlights the vibrant Extreme Cashmere N°496 sweater and Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum. The shift toward cooler weather invites editors to rethink their daily routines, blending high-impact knitwear with essential skincare to combat the seasonal chill.
Building a dependable rotation requires balancing statement pieces with reliable foundations. Lisa Aiken, SVP of commerce, shares her strategy for curating timeless items that anchor a wardrobe. “Blazers have always been a wardrobe staple of mine. The right tailoring does much of the work for you, instantly making an outfit feel more polished and pulled together; I picked up Cos’s longline style earlier this month. I always have room for one more skirt in my wardrobe, and this Prada Rush stitch midi-skirt is the most recent addition to my collection. I’ve found skirts to be some of the most worthwhile pieces to invest in thanks to their versatility across seasons.”
As the days grow cooler, Aiken also enjoys experimenting with layers—pairing a skirt with boots and a tailored trench, or playing with proportions by double-layering cashmere knits. Finishing touches also matter, prompting her to pick up a Celine charm at the Paris store during an inevitable fashion week shopping excursion between shows.
Fall Hauls and Textured Layers
Transitioning into colder weather requires a deliberate wardrobe update, capturing the rich palette and tactile fabrics characteristic of the season. Madeline Fass, fashion market director, leans into footwear with a pair of worn-in leather Liisa D’orsay pumps from The Row, perfect for a dedicated fall shoe kick.
Meanwhile, Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer, details his practical approach to the temperature drop. “As much as I hate to say it, fall is in full swing now, and my wardrobe definitely needed a cool-weather update. I’ve been living in this Rumored suede jacket since the temperatures dropped—it’s the perfect dark shade of brown and goes with everything. Other fall essentials that I added to the rotation are a plaid flannel from With Nothing Underneath, dark jeans, and a pair of Hunter tall waterproof rainboots.” Sahai also incorporates a minimalist Parker Thatch magazine tote for daily commuting, acknowledging its streamlined silhouette.
Texture and statement outerwear take center stage as temperatures continue to fall. Irene Kim, editorial production manager, celebrated her birthday by investing in a decadent camel-colored croc leather coat from Arma, her favorite leather goods brand. For knitwear enthusiasts, Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor for shopping, highlights the Almina Concept wool V-neck sweater in tomato-red, praising its slouchy shape and drop sleeves as an ideal pairing for silver jewelry.
Footwear decisions also require careful consideration ahead of winter. Libby Page, VP of commerce, addresses the perennial dilemma of choosing between black and burgundy leather ankle boots from Phoebe Philo, aiming to make the most of the cold-weather footwear season early on.
Wedding Season and Autumnal Color Palettes
Special occasions call for distinctive attire that navigates dress codes with a seasonal twist. Minty Mellon, commerce market editor, turned to a vibrant floral-jacquard gown from Colleen Allen for an upcoming beach wedding, seeking a playful, colorful alternative to traditional black-tie dressing.
At the same time, Alexandra Buell, commerce producer, embraces a rich brown color palette for October. “Liffner’s suede bucket bag was love at first sight, and it hasn’t left my side since the moment I got it. I love the belted detailing, and the fact that it can be a laptop tote, while still leaving room for other essentials. Next up? This silky maxi dress from Rumored, with cuff sleeves and an open back. It’s perfect for a fall wedding! Last, but definitely not least, I have been living in my new cotton and cashmere staples from Minnow—I love mixing and matching them with other pieces, but they also make for an effortlessly chic set on travel days.”
Holiday preparation begins early for some editors. Florence O’Connor, content manager, shares her excitement for upcoming festivities. “I have never gotten more compliments on a pair of shoes than the first time I wore my Nomasei loafers to the Vogue office! Not only are they incredibly chic, but they are also deceptively comfortable. I preemptively bought a fresh pack of blister bandaids, and I was in shock realizing I made it through the day without a single blister! I have already gotten lots of wear out this beautiful new sheer cashmere turtleneck from Ely Ely, which is the perfect ‘I’m going out to a nice dinner but still want to be cozy’ top. I know it’s only the start of November, but I am already counting down the days to my first holiday party so I can pull out this perfect Posse top!”
Personal Touches and Everyday Basics
Accessories continue to offer editors a way to personalize their looks. Taylor Lashley, senior manager of social media, couldn’t resist picking up a silver Celine alphabet charm during European travels. Meanwhile, Kasey Busiel, production and marketing manager for shopping, focuses on comfort during gloomy office days. “These J.Crew corduroy pants are beyond cozy and comfortable! The perfect pair for those cold, gloomy office days when you want to feel like you’re still in your PJs. I’ve also added another white T-shirt to the mix. I love a little pop of white peeking out from underneath chunky fall sweaters. Such a simple detail, but it makes all the difference!”
Looking back at previous months highlights the continuous evolution of editor wardrobes. During September’s fashion week marathon, Chloe Malle emphasized versatile pieces capable of transitioning from a 9 a.m. show to a 9 p.m. dinner, including Jude mules, Róhe cigarette pants, and a Liberowe fringed tweed jacket. Madeline Fass added a Dries Van Noten floral-jacquard belt and black pumps to her packing list, while Hannah Jackson invested in G.H. Bass Blythe penny loafers for autumn and winter wear.
Travel wardrobe curation also proves essential for international events like Vogue World Milan. Florence O’Connor managed to fit a versatile capsule wardrobe into a carry-on, utilizing a Matteau flannel, Margaux ballet flats, ME+EM trousers, Reformation silk pants, and a Citizens of Humanity leather jacket that doubled as an airport blanket during a lengthy flight delay.
As editors look ahead to shifting seasons, whether investing in weather-proof gear like Columbia shoes and Cotopaxi rain jackets, or sourcing unique finds like Booch Bags and Shannon Bond jewelry, the common thread remains a commitment to personal style, comfort, and enduring quality.
