As October draws to a close, the fashion and beauty industries find themselves balanced precariously between the lingering warmth of late summer and the sharp, undeniable approach of winter. For many style editors and tastemakers, the past several weeks have been a whirlwind of cultural moments, ranging from high-profile film festivals and Fashion Month to the Emmys, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and the inevitable pivot toward the upcoming holiday season. Amidst this rapid succession of major events and jam-packed schedules, maintaining a polished personal style requires intention, adaptability, and a curated selection of reliable pieces.
Facing down hectic schedules and fluctuating weather patterns requires an arsenal of transitional items. Throughout October, style teams have been shopping with the impending cold weather firmly in mind. While chilly mornings and brisk evenings have naturally inspired a collective reach for cozy cashmere sweaters, structured trench coats, and heavy-duty winter boots, warmer afternoons have kept a touch of summer vibrancy alive. The resulting hybrid wardrobe balances practical cold-weather gear—such as winter accessories, rich knitwear, and comforting loungewear—with timeless beauty products, signature fragrances, and versatile accessories designed to transition seamlessly from season to season.
Fashion: Elevating Cold-Weather Staples and Transitional Layers
The pursuit of elevated winter dressing has led editors to invest heavily in foundational garments that offer both comfort and architectural interest. Knitwear, in particular, has taken center stage. Faith Xue, Editor-in-Chief, points to the Skims Airy Cashmere V-Neck Pullover as an everyday staple that successfully bridges the gap between casual comfort and sophisticated style. The garment’s carefully draped V-neck offers a refined silhouette that feels remarkably cozy without sacrificing a polished aesthetic, proving durable enough to withstand frequent wear without showing signs of pilling.
Footwear choices have similarly leaned into dramatic silhouettes and practical elevation. Xue has also set her sights on the Khaite Vivien Pump, a patent leather shoe defined by a witchy silhouette and a curved, knife-sharp heel that brings a distinct edge to autumn wardrobes. Meanwhile, other editors have focused on versatile footwear capable of navigating unpredictable city streets. Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead, has embraced the practicality of Frye and Co. Motorcycle Boots, noting their ability to anchor outfits featuring everything from denim and sweaters to skirts and tights. Similarly, Editorial Assistant McKenzie Stoute has turned to the RAYE Denisse Boot, relying on its
supportive wedge heel to provide extra height without compromising comfort during long days of walking. For a taller silhouette, Associate Editor Bianca Asare has integrated the Vagabond Elvina Tall Boots into her rotation, praising their brushed brown finish, classic buckles, and balanced heel height.
Accessories continue to serve as the primary vehicle for infusing personality into cold-weather outfits. Jordan Rossman, Executive Editor, has turned her attention to long leather gloves—specifically a rich green pair from Nour Hammour—to elevate her winter rotation with a touch of dramatic flair. To complement evening looks, Rossman also highlighted the Colleen Allen Satin-Trimmed Cotton-Velvet Shoulder Bag, drawing on its rich purple hue and contrasting white satin ties to enliven simpler outfits. This appetite for distinctive bags is shared by Herh, who favors DeMellier’s The New York Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag for its east-west silhouette and polished hardware, as well as Stoute, who looks to the Simon Miller Tassel-Embellished Clutch Bag for its movement, texture, and versatile green colorway.
Hair accessories and small styling additions have proven equally essential for navigating the transition between seasons. Ella O’Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor, points to the Shannon Bond Nouveau Hair Clip as a subtle, feminine silver accent that complements the atmospheric mood of late autumn. O’Keeffe has also bypassed purchasing an entirely new cold-weather coat by opting instead for a Prada Shearling Collar, a versatile piece designed to reinvent existing outerwear.
For loungewear and everyday basics, comfort remains paramount. Rossman has refreshed her sleepwear collection with the pastel pink Skims Soft Lounge Pajama Set, valuing its stretchy modal fabric for relaxing at home. In the realm of daily wear, Asare has relied on Los Angeles Apparel’s 3/4-sleeve boatneck tops to manage transitional weather, while also praising the functionality and high funnel neck of the Kookai Leon Belted Trench. Additional wardrobe updates include Natasha Sheridan’s embrace of silk wool taffeta shorts from Harris Tapper, which offer a playful interpretation of winter dressing for milder climates like Los Angeles, paired alongside sculptural, artistic huggie earrings from Fie Isolde. Pandora Moments Small Charm Hoop Earrings have provided Asare with a textured everyday option, and Velvet Caviar’s Cherry Cola Polka Dot iPhone case has allowed Herh to merge practical city-life protection with playful aesthetics.
Beauty: Transitioning Skincare, Signature Scents, and Cosmetic Updates
As temperatures drop, the beauty routines of industry insiders naturally shift toward intense hydration, protective regimens, and warming fragrance profiles. Fragrance plays a leading role in setting an autumnal mood, with Xue highlighting Bvlgari Allegra Baciami Ancora Parfum. The scent features a creamy, warm combination of gardenia and vanilla that avoids excessive sweetness, offering a comforting profile suited for cooler months. Costa Brazil Aroma In Oil has provided O’Keeffe with a subtle, woody skin scent carrying a slightly masculine edge, while Stoute was captivated by Rose Pompon, noting its unique pairing of bright rose with clean white musks to achieve both freshness and depth.
Skincare routines have similarly adapted to combat the drying effects of harsh weather. Rossman has turned to Josie Maran Vanilla Vibezzz Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter to lock in deep hydration while enveloping the skin in a light, cozy vanilla aroma. To maintain a well-hydrated complexion, Herh incorporates the Marc Jacobs Beauty Nude Awakening Hydrating Concealer for medium coverage that avoids heaviness, alongside Nutrire T.2 Night Restoring Scalp Serum to address seasonal flakes, excess oil, and dryness. Advanced skin maintenance is further represented by Natasha Sheridan’s endorsement of Torkian MD Serum, a doctor-formulated product designed to support skin health, and Bianca Asare’s reliance on Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream for a rich, silky barrier against tight, dry skin.
Hair care and styling tools have received equal attention. Rossman embraces Crown Affair’s Hair Towel, specifically in a burgundy hue suited for the holidays, while Asare utilizes the Dyson Corrale Coolshine Hair Straightener to manage waves, bangs, and heat styling with reduced damage. Asare also incorporates the Lauvée L1 Draining Facial Cleansing Brush for a deep, spa-level cleanse and massage, alongside Typology Brow Sculpting Gel to keep brows firmly in place.
Makeup selections lean heavily toward expressive details and seasonal color shifts. Lisa Eldridge Mimetic Pearl Lip Color has offered Herh a frosted, pearly sheen reminiscent of classic makeup revivals, while Sheridan utilizes the deep plum hue of the YSL Lines Liberated 24H Waterproof Eyeliner to create smooth, eye-enhancing evening looks. Finally, Stoute has found a streamlined approach to daily lifting and toning through the NuFACE x Altuzarra Sculpting Kit, incorporating microcurrent technology smoothly into her regular self-care routine as the year draws toward its busy conclusion.
