Few moments match up to the excitement of seasonal transitions, especially when it comes to fashion. And while it may be sad to leave the poolside days behind, the promise of fall fashion and cozy weather is enough to push our wardrobes into a new chapter.
As summer comes to a close, here are all the fashion recommendations our editors swear by this September.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Coachtopia Ergo Bag
“I’ve been loving everything that Coachtopia, Coach’s sister brand that launched earlier this year, has been releasing from the cutesy cherry print bags that I wish existed when I was in high school and college to the clothing from the Observed By Us collaboration. I eventually landed on this graphic, checkered bag that looks just as well on a beach vacation (pictured here) as on the streets of New York City. While my handbag’s exact colorway is sold out, this woven bag is equally statement-making.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Coachtopia Ergo Bag In Woven Checkerboard Repurposed Leather, $, available at Coach
The Wanderlust Paris Baseball Cap
"Until recently, I've never worn baseball caps. Although I appreciated the ways people styled them, it never occurred to me that I could enjoy wearing a sports-centric accessory. But, this Anthropologie hat convinced me otherwise. I love the simple design that can be worn with anything from a matching set to jeans and tenniswear. And that's exactly how I plan on styling it — anything goes." — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Anthropologie The Wanderlust Paris Baseball Cap, $, available at Anthropologie
Meadows Quince Cardigan
“When shopping for a cozy cover-up for my holiday to Cornwall (think: blustery, seaside walks and lots of Great British rain), I splurged on this thick cable knit cardigan from Meadows, and I am so glad I did. It doesn’t just feel amazing to wear — like the fashion equivalent of a big hug — but has such a cool shape, especially thanks to its ballooned, lantern sleeves. When buttoned up, though, it hits the perfect spot on my hipbone and doesn’t swamp my 5’2 frame. I’ll be wearing on repeat on into the fall and winter, and for many years to come.” — Esther Newman, UK Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
"In all honesty, I wasn’t planning to wear a veil to my wedding. But when I decided to shorten my train and wear a jumpsuit to dance, rather than bustle my beaded tulle gown, I knew I wanted something dramatic for my ceremony. Initially, I tried on a lot of capes, but I didn’t like how they covered the backless detail of my gown. Just six weeks before my wedding, I stumbled upon a custom veil maker Tailored Tulle. We went back and forth to find the perfect shade and texture, and I ended up with a cathedral-length veil. It arrived quickly and complemented my dress perfectly." — Hannah Rimm, Senior Life Editor
Tailored Tulle Single Layer Tulle Veil, $, available at Tailored Tulle
Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce Small Woven Bag
“This top-handle bag from Dragon Diffusion is my ideal summer-to-fall transition accessory. The woven brown leather is classic but on-trend. I find this size to be super versatile, too, so I tend to style it down with denim and a tank top just as much as I dress it up with a slip dress or trousers. My favorite thing about Dragon Diffusion is that each of their bags is handmade so they all are slightly different and just feel extra special.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Dragon Diffusion Dragon DiffusionSanta Croce small woven-leather tote bag, $, available at MatchesFashion
Steve Madden Archie Leather Boot
"Thanks to brands like Miu Miu, moto boots are having a big moment in 2023. So, this fall, I'm hoping to channel my best bikercore energy with this style. I love the buckle details on the sides that add an edge to any outfit. " — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Steve Madden Archie Brown Leather, $, available at Steve Madden
Jenny Bird Francis Anklet
“I grew up by the beach, where anklets were part of my wardrobe year-round. That said, after moving to the East Coast 16 years ago, I’ve relegated the accessory to the back of my closet until this chunky style from Jenny Bird caught my eye at the beginning of summer. Since then, I’ve worn the elevated style everywhere from, yes, the beach to, more unexpectedly, work.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Jenny Bird Jenny Bird Francis Anklet, $, available at Shopbop
Núnoo Ellie Urban
“I will wax lyrical about this bag until the cows come home! I’ve actually had it for years now, but this summer it's really come into its own. It’s seen me through every festival (Glastonbury and Sziget), concert (Harry Styles, Boygenius, HAIM) and on night outs, on vacation and at the office. It’s sneakily roomy — it fits my phone, wallet, lip balm, battery pack, two full-size water bottles or a paperback book and umbrella — and the zips have never failed me. Plus, you can opt between sports mode (hands-free, crossbody dancing) or detach the longer strap for it to comfortably fit under your arm.” - Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
"For my wedding, I wore the same pearl earrings my mom wore to her wedding in my first holes. Because those earrings were so special, I wanted an earring with at least some meaning for my second hole. That’s when I came across Maya Brenner’s Letter Threader earring. My wife has my initial tattooed on her arm, so I loved this dainty way to put her initial on my body for our wedding. I chose the threader style to add a bit of variety since the rest of my earrings for my big day were studs. I also love that it fits seamlessly into my day-to-day stack, so I can always have my wife with me." — Hannah Rimm, senior life editor
Maya Brenner 14K Gold Letter Threader Earring, $, available at Maya Brenner
Still Here Good Tee
“If you’re looking to invest in a forever white T-shirt, I’d suggest this boxy crew neck from my favorite New York-based denim brand Still Here. It’s 100% cotton, so it's great for layering as we head into fall. Another favorite is the brand’s Cool Jeans (I’m wearing the Dust wash). They are currently sold out but should be restocked on September 7.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Still Here Cool Jeans In Dust, $, available at Still Here
Big Bud Press Jumpsuit
"I wore white Dickies coveralls when my wife and I got legally married during peak COVID. My wife and I wanted to wear coordinating outfits so we took this idea and ran with it — straight to our favorite store, Big Bud Press. We got these insanely comfortable and high-quality white short-sleeve coveralls (which come in sizes XXS to 6XL), and then I brought them to local embroidery artist Alexa Klein to add a personal touch. She embroidered “Kate’s Wife” above the pocket of my jumpsuit and “Hannah’s Wife” above the pocket of my wife’s. The subtle pink embroidery was the perfect touch to make it both perfect for our wedding brunch and also very re-wearable (I’ve basically been living in it since we got home from our wedding weekend). — Hannah Rimm, Senior Life Editor
Big Bud Press Short Sleeve Jumpsuit Vintage Tee, $, available at Big Bud Press
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In the second season ofAnd Just Like That…, an unexpected troupe of supporting players popped up to enhance the storyline. No, I am not talking about the exes or the much-anticipated Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) cameo — instead, it was the plaids, tartans, and checks prints that caught my attention. “Plaid is the new black,” quips Molly Rogers, who co-costume designs the Sex and the City sequel series with Danny Santiago, when I ask the reason behind including the fall-forward fashion trend throughout the 11-episode series.
When Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) causes George (Peter Hermann) to crash his bike, she’s dressed in a vintage Vivienne Westwood lilac plaid coat. Over on the Upper East Side, Lily (Cathy Ang) trades her mom-approved, prim pink Chanel for ‘90s-esque grunge checks to explore her teen angst and emo songwriting skills, while said mom (Kristin Davis) wears a vintage green-and-navy tartan cape for school pickup. “It’s one of those patterns that’s alive and it photographs so well,” says Rogers.
For raunchy comedyBottoms, costume designer Eunice Jera Lee likewise included plaid while referencing looks from the ‘90s and early-aughts teen films. On the first day of senior year, best friends Brittany (Kaia Gerber) and Isabel (Havana Rose Liu) nod to Clueless’s Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) in a yellow plaid Maje top and a sunny argyle knit by Glamorous, respectively. In the scene, the duo’s coordinating patterns establish them as the cool clique. “In all these Y2K films, whenever there was a girl group, they were all very uniform,” says Lee, quoting the famous line from 2004’s Mean Girls: “On Wednesdays we wear pink.”
In Only Murders in the Building, a mélange of plaids, windowpane checks and tartans have adorned the murder comedy since 2021. The motif conjures imagery of classic detectives, like Sherlock Holmes’ houndstooth hat and Nancy Drew’s school uniform skirt. “It’s a very versatile pattern,” says the show’s Emmy-nominated costume designer Dana Covarrubias, who also likens the grid-like print to the windows of the titular Manhattan high-rise.
Once again, the pattern pops during some of the key moments in season three. To meet an old nemesis, Mabel (Selena Gomez) bundles up in a Stand Studio houndstooth-print coat, inspired by the bold costumes of Guys and Dolls, to pay homage to the Broadway-themed plotline. For a murder scene that kicks off the season’s events, Covarrubias dressed in Mabel in a green-and-white faux-shearling coat by Apparis, which too references ‘50s-era plaid suits from the Broadway musical but also wouldn’t look out of place for fall 2023.
Only Murders in the Building — “The White Room” – Episode 304 — Charles’s stage fright reaches unimaginable heights, involving a break from reality and multiple baby dolls. Mabel is confronted by a mysterious individual from her past with a pivotal proposal. Mabel (Selena Gomez), shown. (Photo by: Patrick Harbron/Hulu)
“This season, specifically, plaids emerge with heightened relevance as fashion establishes a new code of classics, much of which is rooted in tailoring, which work so well in menswear plaids and patterns,” says Kate Bellman, women’s managing fashion editor at Nordstrom. Hannah Watkins, head of prints & graphics at trend forecasting agency WGSN, echoes this, pointing to Marc Jacobs’ spring ’23 and Daniel Lee’s Burberry debut for fall ’23, which included grunge takes on the trend. “Punk and grunge stories are particularly resonating with youth, as they tackle feelings of rage towards the current polycrisis in society,” she says.
As the youngest member of the crime-solving group, Mabel brings a rebellious vibe with her plaids, which boost her smart retorts and friendly pushback when engaging with Boomers Charles (Steve Martin) and Oliver (Martin Short). “It’s almost like a little bit of punk rock,” says Covarrubias, who referenced Vivienne Westwood’s signature tartans and the ‘70s punk music movement.
Back in Bottoms, Lee similarly drew from the fashion trend’s anti-establishment roots. When Isabel confronts her philandering boyfriend, star quarterback Jeff (Nicholas Galitzine), in the high school cafeteria, Lee wanted “Isabel to step into her power in that moment as this feminine, strong figure.” To achieve her “PTA mom mixed with Stepford Wife” look, Lee dressed Liu in a pearl button-lined, pink-and-white checked bouclé skirt suit from Reformation set to show that “she really means business.”
At the opposite end of the popularity spectrum, P.J. (Rachel Sennott) dons “[Kurt] Cobain grunge”-referential oversized flannel as her armor. “It’s her safety blanket to shield any kind of insecurity she has,” says Lee, who repeats the look in scenes portraying uncertainty. “P.J.’s so sartorially confused, she’s a bit of a style chameleon,” continues Lee. At one point, P.J. attempts to emulate Brittany’s cute yellow top, but with vintage tartan pants in a drab mustard. “She’s not confident at all in that moment.”
“Plaid is bold, but it can also be subtle,” says Rogers. In And Just Like That, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) wears plaid at her lowest and highest points. In the midst of a breakup and divorce, she’s swathed in a hodgepodge of tartan and checks on a boxy wool jacket and fringed scarf, both by Cotélac, as she abandons the townhouse she previously shared with Steve (David Eigenberg). “She was bouncing around between apartments, and that combo just looked like a real Miranda mish-mosh,” says Rogers. Later in the season, Miranda turns the narrative around when she dons a chic blue-and-red checked wool coat by Marella for what she thinks will be a hot date.
In the AJLT season finale, Carrie makes an out-of-character decision to venture into an uncertain future with her former fiancé Aidan (John Corbett.) She lets go of all “expectations” at a dinner party in a stunning checkerboard beaded dress from the Oscar de la Renta Fall 2023 collection, which she pairs with Wilfred leggings and sparkly Rene Caovilla pumps for an also-unexpected — but very Carrie — outfit.
Rogers and Santiago — who just debuted an eBay boutique of designer pieces inspired by AJLT fashion — say that they weren’t intentionally weaving checks and plaids into the wardrobes as symbolism. They were just drawn to the prints while shopping contemporary offerings and scouring vintage for the season’s wardrobe. “You just like that combination, especially on Carrie, who [is someone who] can wear a plaid and a houndstooth together,” says Rogers.
So whether you’re feeling rebellious or uneasy, or anywhere in between, this fall, follow your instinct to wear plaids in your own way to tell your story. Costume designers do.
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Ever since RBD, the Mexican band born out of the Televisa telenovela Rebelde in the early 2000s, broke up, fan Migdalia Sanchez had been eagerly waiting for a comeback. “I never got to see them live,” she tells Refinery29. She first fell in love with RBD through the novela, but it was the style of Anahí, the actress behind Rebelde’s leading character Mia Colucci and RBD singer, that hooked her into a lifelong fandom. “I related more with Mia Colucci because she was so girly,” she says. “It was a statement; she wanted to be the It Girl.”
This fall, Sanchez and thousands of other longtime fans will get a chance to step back in time for RBD’s comeback tour, which began in late August, as band members Anahí, Dulce María, Maite Perroni, Christian Chávez, and Christopher Uckermann reunite on stage. And they’ll have the fits to mark this moment. “That was immediately my first thought, ‘What am I going to wear?’” Sanchez admits.
The RBD and Rebelde phenomena had an official outfit formula that’s as iconic as their plotlines and musical hits. It was all rooted in the unrealistic uniform of the Elite Way School, an exclusive boarding school in Mexico where the novela takes place, which consisted of a white button-down shirt, red blazer, red necktie, denim mini skirt, and black knee-high boots. For seasons two and three, the uniform got a makeover, switching to darker colors like black, maroon, brown and adding a beret and suspenders as accessories.
Yet, all iterations consisted of the same outfit formula — a top, mini skirt, and boots — inspired by Y2K trends reigning at the time, making it the de facto uniform of Rebelde fans everywhere.
So it was no surprise that when RBD made its debut as part of the novela’s universe, with their first album dropping in 2004, the band adopted the school’s signature uniform with a twist. Anahí, for example, wore neckties as belts, while Dulce María, who played Roberta in Rebelde, switched the knee-high boots for combat boots and traded the fitted white-button down for lace corsets. There was also a heavy fusion of pop punk aesthetics and Western fashion, with the band wearing cowboy hats and boots, paired with corsets and low-rise jeans. And as the telenovela finished its run, its sartorial aesthetic carried on as RBD continued to play on stage until 2008.
The band’s comeback means the fandom is also ready to head back to school — in their own way. On TikTok, searches for “rbd concert outfit ideas” have grown over 12 million views. “I’ve seen so many videos of people already like connecting, making bracelets, sharing outfits,” Sanchez says, who also shared a few videos of outfit ideas prior to the tour’s start last week. “We’re all going to be there together reliving our childhood together.” Following the tour’s start on August 25, creators also took to TikTok to share the street style at the tour stop in El Paso, Texas. From modern iterations of the Rebelde uniform to vintage RBD merch and Y2K-inspired fashion, the crowd at the first few shows has taken RBD’s outfit formula to heart, giving the classic a modern spin. White button-down shirts were paired with leather harnesses, while uniform-like ensembles were accessorized with cowboy hats. Looking at videos on TikTok, the crowds are a sea of red, white, and black — the official color palette of RBD and Rebelde.
Another RBD fan ready to play dress up is Monica Mendoza. The 30-year-old Arizona native first saw RBD live in Tucson when she was 14 years old. “It was the first concert I ever went to,” she says. For her, this comeback tour brings back memories of coming home to watch Rebelde with her sister, admiring Mia Colucci’s signature style. “I loved her uniform with the tulle underneath to make it more girly and the pink Razr on her boot,” she says.
As Mendoza gears up to see RBD live 15 years later, she says she’s most excited to let her inner child live up her Rebelde fashion fantasies. “A lot of us were so young when RBD first started, so at the time we may not have had the resources to go to the concert or wear the clothes that we wanted to,” she says. “Now I’m kind of just being able to relive that.” She has big plans for her RBD concert outfit: “Just all the sparkles,” she says, adding that her outfit will be inspired by Anahí’s on-stage style in the band’s Y2K era, which included star-shaped stickers and bedazzled accessories.
Sanchez is also planning to channel Anahí’s style. “I think I do want to give that tribute to her because she was my favorite and she was the one that inspired a lot of my outfits when I was younger,” she says. Since she bought her tickets in the spring, Sanchez says she’s been researching Anahí and her character Mia’s styles, which include tiara-like bedazzled headbands and Barbiecore pink, to see how she can pay her respects with her outfits. “[I’ve seen] so many girls adding their own little twist and it still looks like Rebelde, but it’s not the uniform,” she says of the outfits she’s seen on TikTok, where she’s getting inspiration before the band’s shows in Los Angeles. “Still, it’s the skirt and the boots — just with a little twist.”
For now, Sanchez only has one thing certain about her outfit: “It’ll definitely be a mini skirt and boots.”
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