I've got so many bones to pick with adulthood, but I'll start with this one: Why does back-to-school shopping end once we graduate? Maybe it's just an excuse to splurge, but I swear it eases the pain of summer's inevitable end, and today, I'm bringing it back. My back-to-school shopping list (adult edition) does not include anything that can be found at Staples. Instead, I've rounded up the new-to-market fashion and beauty items that will set anyone up for success as we enter fall. The apparel items below are the perfect transitional pieces (e.g. the J.Crew cashmere vest and cargo trousers) while the beauty items will keep us glowing and hydrated as the weather starts to cool. Now, this may not be the most traditional back-to-school list you've ever seen, but if you're looking for an excuse to shop this week, I certainly found you one. Keep reading to shop my 30 favorite finds.
I'm taking the Canadian tuxedo to new heights with this oversize trench.
It's even softer than it looks.
I'm not slowing my roll on cargo pants anytime soon.
Bring on the cable-knits.
Now this is how you do a slip dress for fall.
This boot checks all my boxes for fall: pointed toe, kitten heel, and room for pants to be tucked in depending on your look.
It's a DDF (Dark-Denim Fall).
Didn't you hear? Mixing metals is cool again.
This dress deserves all the buzz words: chic, elevated, and polished.
You're telling me this bag is under $300?
The puff-sleeve trend is evolving into bolder statement sleeves for fall, and I'm hooked.
If you're intrigued by the barrel-leg jean circulating the internet but want something subtler, this is your pant.
Anthropologie's bag offerings have really been popping off lately.
Is it too soon to buy sweaters? Not in my book.
Here are the said barrel-leg jeans for those who are ready to dive headfirst into this denim trend.
This baby blue is perfection.
This is so much more interesting than the average gold band.
Sporty Henleys just scream "autumn" to me.
Ref's new colorway of the popular Mason Pant is the one to buy.
Step aside, Sambas. Onitsuka Tiger has entered the chat.
More office days means more makeup application, which also means I need to invest in a gentle face scrub to really clean my face. This one is my current fave.
My skin starts to dry out the second the August humidity disappears. This under-$20 hydrating serum is the only thing that keeps my skin glowing.
Another dry-skin savior from the glowy goddess herself, Alicia Keys.
Shop with code WWW15.
This is not a new product on the market, but I decided to try it out again after a few years of testing other hair masks. Long story short: I'm totally hooked again.
Merit just launched eye shadows, and they are a minimalist's dream. They're the perfect wash of color for those who like a subtle pop on the eyelid.
These are the shimmering counterparts to the Merit mattes above.
New season, new brushes. This $8 brush works better than most $30–$50 options on the market.
Just beause summer is almost over doesn't mean you can stop wearing SPF!
My #1 desk companion when I'm working from home.
Buying a second one to keep at the office is a brilliant idea, just saying.
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Shop 31 of This Week's Best New ArrivalsBuckle up.
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I Went to Shop the Zara Sale But Got Distracted by These 27 New-In Buys and Never Looked BackThey are too good.
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I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 Chic Nordstrom Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things AroundEffortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
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I Just Got Back From NYC, and Now, I Want to Order These 7 Trends From ReformationMy cart is very full.
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Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)Timeless with a capital T.
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Let Me Cure Your Zara Fatigue One Chic Massimo Dutti Find at a TimeFrom summer-sale deals to brand-new arrivals.
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A Rich-Looking Closet Is the Goal—31 Amazon Picks That Surprisingly Fit the BillBring on the compliments.
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There Are Over 500 Tops and Jeans at Zara, But Only These 32 Chic Picks Need Your AttentionI'll bet they'll sell out before July's over.
