The “brat girl summer” aesthetic of 2024 is well and truly in the rearview mirror — and the anonymous shopping data from our readers gave us plenty of heads-up. While the bestselling products from previous Most Wanted monthly roundups included high-octane mini dresses and vibrant makeup, our audience’s buying habits have since made a noticeable change to more wearable and understated pieces in anticipation for fall. Among the top-ranking purchases for July were balletcore aesthetic dresses, delicate ribbon earrings, and minimalist kitten heels. Cozy loungewear and editor-approved body care products also made the cut. To borrow the latest viral internet lingo, “brat summer” is dead, and we’re now firmly in “demure and mindful fall” territory.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, perhaps browsing through the bestsellers ahead will give you a better sense of the vibe shift that’s happening, as our readers go from a travel-packed summer to back-to-school (or work) season. We’ve also thrown in plenty of on-sale items for good measure, from discounted furniture to beauty deals. Keep reading to discover our R29 readers’ most carted items from the last month.
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.
Ann Taylor Split Neck Sleeveless Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Our fashion writer Victoria Montalti has compiled a lineup of chic and breezy pieces that echo the trendy “European summer” aesthetic. This khaki jumpsuit, a reader-favorite from the story, is guaranteed to win you compliments from Como to Capri. We love that it looks elegant with or without a belt, and the fact that Ann Taylor offers a petite version for the short girlies is always appreciated.
Ann Taylor Split Neck Sleeveless Wide Leg Jumpsuit, $, available at Ann Taylor
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit
Our roundup of the best Nordstrom anniversary sale beauty deals was a runaway hit last month. Lucky for you, some of these great-value beauty exclusives are still available after the sale. Don’t miss the $30-off deal on this Charlotte Tilbury liner, matte lipstick, and lipgloss combo in the brand’s bestselling Pillow Talk shade.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit, $, available at Nordstrom
FP Movement Hot Shot Crossover Set
We’re always here for a good matching sweatsuit, and FP Movement has completely nailed it with this cute and cozy set. The criss-cross design detail on the top sets it apart from your average cropped T-shirt, and reviewers have commented on how buttery soft the baggy sweatpants are. It’s a no-brainer travel outfit, if you ask us.
FP Movement Hot Shot Crossover Set, $, available at Free People
Clevr Blends Matcha Superlatte
As Refinery29’s resident matcha lover, trust me when I say that a good DIY green tea latte is hard to pull off. But I’ve been reaching for this Clevr Blends matcha mix non-stop this summer: it’s not too sweet and froths up really nicely, even when you only add hot water, and it tastes nice and creamy served over ice. The matcha powder gives me a nice dose of energy without any of the caffeine jitters I get from coffee. It’s so yummy that I nominated it as last month’s under-$100 MVP product.
Clevr Blends Matcha Superlatte, $, available at Clevr Blends
Maeve The Brynne 3D Spaghetti-Strap Dress
Clothing with bow details are still very much on trend, and this baby-pink embellished mini dress is as cute and coquettish as it gets. The $100-off discount makes this an even more tempting purchase for your next date night or birthday celebration.
Anthropologie The Brynne 3D Spaghetti-Strap Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Skims Sleep Short Sleeve Button Up Set
After releasing the softest cotton jersey tee we’ve been wearing on repeat this summer, Skims set its sights on sleepwear. This pajama set — crafted in a snuggly modal fabric that feels silky smooth — is heavenly to sleep in, and might even give your expensive silk PJs a run for their money.
Skims Sleep Short Sleeve Button Up Set, $, available at Skims
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
A few mattress deals have started to pop up for Labor Day Weekend, and Saatva has some great savings up its sleeve. The brand, a longtime favorite of R29 readers, has opted to release its Labor Day discounts early. You can receive $300 off its breathable latex hybrid mattress, an ideal pick for hot sleepers and people who need extra back support.
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress, $, available at Saatva
Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote
Just because the Nordstrom anniversary sale is over doesn’t mean the mega retailer is done serving up some truly fantastic discounts on luxury pieces. We’re swooning over this mint Tory Burch leather tote, currently at 30% off. With an internal divider and plenty of pockets, it’s the perfect bag for your commute.
Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote, $, available at Nordstrom
J.Crew Slim-Fit Linen Vest
This is the year of waistcoats and vests. If you’ve been meaning to get your hands on this sleeveless staple, a linen button-up is always a smart choice. This on-sale vest from J.Crew looks put together on its own or styled with a plain tee underneath.
If you take your body care routine seriously, this body wash deserves a spot on your bathroom shelf. Beauty editors highly rate this product for its ability to lather up and get rid of impurities without stripping your skin barrier. It contains niacinamide, a buzzy ingredient that helps reduce uneven skin tone and calm redness. Our readers have been stocking up this eucalyptus-scented cleanser in bulk.
The sale section at SSENSE has never let us down, and last month has seen some excellent markdowns on cult designer accessories. Simone Rocha’s delicate ribbon earrings and beaded flower ear cuffs, now up to 60% off, have been a big hit with our readers.
Simone Rocha Beige & Pink Bow Ribbon Stud Earrings, $, available at SSENSE
Rebrilliant Solid Wood Coat Rack
We found this Wayfair hidden gem lurking in the clearance section and genuinely can’t believe that you can bag a solid wood coat hanger for just over $20. Reviewers love that it’s super easy to assemble, and the clean lines fit right in with a room with mid-century style decor.
Rebrilliant Solid Wood Coat Rack, $, available at Wayfair
Alo Yoga Airlift Down The Line Tennis Skirt
The new Alo Yoga x American Ballet Theater capsule collection absolutely screams balletcore aesthetic, and we can’t wait to get our hands on the flowy workout dresses and snuggly socks — all decked in a dreamy soft-pink hue. Many of the limited-edition styles have already sold out, but you can still get your hands on this flowy tennis skirt for the time being.
Alo Yoga x American Ballet Theater Airlift Down the Line Tennis Skirt, $, available at Alo Yoga
Schutz Cecily Slide Sandal
An open-toe kitten heel is a stylish option for date night footwear without sacrificing comfort. You’ll be ready to hit the city pavement in these minimalist slides, which will look so chic with a mini dress or denim culottes.
Schutz Cecily Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
Harper Wilde Cloud Cotton Triangle Bralette
The product name doesn’t lie: the cotton modal fabric of this bralette truly feels like a cloud. I’ve been wearing this under all my spaghetti strap tops and slip dresses this summer, since the triangular design offers just the right amount of support and coverage for them. The size chart is pretty spot on, and I love that it goes up to a 4XL.
"Wedding season” is generally considered summer, but the most popular months to say “I do” are actually in the fall. Maybe it’s the foliage or the much-anticipated relief from the heat, but fall weddings are definitely a thing. While the multi-hued leaves make for stunning wedding pics for the newlyweds, finding fall wedding guest dresses can often stump attendees. Looking for a dress or pantsuit that’s dressy while still feeling seasonally appropriate is deceptively difficult. But we’re here to help.
Fear not, because ahead are 20 statement-making wedding guest dresses that are both festive in color and design, plus suitable for the dipping temperatures. These fall ensembles especially feature autumnal floral prints, long-sleeve silhouettes, and sultry satin fabrics. Your perfect fall wedding guest dress is just a click away, whether you’re looking for an elegant gown for a black-tie affair or a trendy plus-size wedding guest dress for an outdoor ceremony. Uncover a plethora of new fall dresses for every dress code, waiting for you to celebrate and dance the night away in the months ahead.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
There’s really only one prerequisite for a dress to be appropriate for a black-tie wedding, and that’s simply that it’s floor-length. Luckily, there are tons of stunning floor-length gowns perfect for the cooler weather from Refinery29 reader-favorite retailers. Check out this trendy drop-waist dress from Free People, or scroll on to find gemstone-hued gowns from retailers like Nordstrom, Reformation, and more. Look out for interesting details like voluminous sleeves, drop waists, thigh-high slits, and matching scarves to stand out from the crowd and get you on the best-dressed list.
Birdy Grey Shiny Satin Kira Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey
Fall Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Cocktail attire is one of the most popular special-occasion dress codes, offering a balance between formal and casual style, and allowing you to effortlessly go from day to night. This opens up your options to more silhouettes, hemline lengths, fabrics, prints, and embellishments. For the fall, we recommend looking for tried-and-true midi dresses (but you can also seek more casual maxi dresses or more formal mini dresses). We’re personally eyeing midi cocktail dresses with skin-baring details like plunging necklines, statement cutouts, and dramatic slits.
Zara Wrinkled Satin Effect Halter Dress, $, available at Zara
Fall Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
If your upcoming fall weddings are on the casual end of the spectrum, you can likely pull a dress from your closet or find one at a non-astronomical price. For daytime nuptials or casual venues, like restaurants or breweries, reach for mini and midi dresses in unexpected fabrics like crepe de chine or poplin, and look out for playful details like stripes, puff sleeves, smocked bodices, and bows. Consider going for elevated tank dresses or milkmaid dresses that can be styled multiple ways for different celebrations (or even be worn to the office).
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tank Midi Dress, $, available at Quince
Fall Outdoor Wedding Guest Dresses
You may have attended a beach wedding this summer, but outdoor fall weddings could instead take place at backyard gardens, lakeside forests, refurbished barns, or rooftop bars. For those, you’ll want to consider carting up a wedding guest dress that has a high neckline, long sleeves, and/or a maxi skirt to account for the cooler weather. You can also look for bold prints like snakeskin and florals, or unexpected fabrics like heavier linens and knitted mesh. Then pair your look with trusty ballet flats or cowboy boots for the outdoor terrain, and comfortably dance the night away.
Ganni Black Floral Minidress, $, available at SSENSE
Fall Wedding Guest Mini Dresses
Don't let the fall chill get in the way. Feel free to elongate your legs in a flirty mini-dress. There are plenty of dazzling and minimalistic options calling your name. If you're wearing a sleeveless number, you can always drape a cardigan over your shoulders for warmth and a chic touch.
Ramy Brook Tara Button Down Mini Dress, $, available at Ramy BrookShop City Chic At Nordstrom
City Chic Sequin Stripe One-Shoulder Long Sleeve Dress, $, available at NordstromShop LoveShackFancy
LoveShackFancy Natasha Mini Dress, $, available at loveshackfancy
Fall Wedding Guest Midi Dresses
Midi dresses are a classy choice for a fall wedding — plus, the length is just right for showing off your fancy shoes without your legs feeling overexposed. We've found everything from striking gemstone options with statement necklines to delicate ruffled dresses.
Summersalt The Countryside Poplin Button Down Midi Dress, $, available at Summersalt
Fall Wedding Guest Maxi Dresses
If you're nervous about the weather once the sun sets, opt for a fall wedding guest dress that falls to the floor. These elegant maxi dresses are anything but frumpy and will keep the breeze at bay.
Reformation Tommie Knit Dress, $, available at ReformationShop Kim Shui At SSENSE
KIM SHUI SSENSE Exclusive Brown Maxi Dress, $, available at SSENSEShop River Island
River Island Black Sequin Halter Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at River Island
Fall Wedding-Guest Black-Tie Dresses
If you've got a formal event on the books, these gorgeous hued gowns with delicate details will satisfy the black-tie dress code and leave you ready for any star-studded photo ops.
