The end of September can only mean one thing: payday picks. Officially marking the first day of autumn, we'd be lying if we said we weren't a little bit excited for the colder months ahead. After a very inspiring couple of weeks at fashion month, we are all kitted out with the best Autumn/Winter 2024 inspiration as we start embracing October.
As we continue to navigate dressing for the changeable weather in both comfort and style, we are happy to confirm our team is excited to secure one or two end-of-month pick-me-ups for this season. From Lily's trendy fisherman sandals to Sunil's ultra-chic workbag and Natalie's must-have kitten heels, there is bound to be more than one stylish pick for any style.
So, if you, like us, are on the lookout for an occasionwear dress, a trendy accessory, and even a super unique handbag (or two), we have collated each fashion team member's payday picks to invest in now, regardless of the occasion. From summer holidays to office power dressing, we've got you covered.
Lily Russo-Bah, Fashion Director
I always try to find ways to incorporate colour into my wardrobe - even in the winter. This top from Kitri is super versatile and will work over jeans or skirts alike.
Marcela London is my go-to for chic everyday blazers. I have their textured wool version in cream, and it always adds a certain polish to my outfits. For autumn, suede jackets are definitely having a moment and choosing a minimal shape like this one will mean it’s a piece you wear for years to come.
These boots have been in my basket for a while now, so I’m ready to hit buy. They’re exactly what I need to give my existing dresses and leggings a new season feel. The square toe is very OTM and the metal hardware is a subtle nod to the western trend without feeling like I will tire of them easily.
This is hands down the best cashmere jumper you can buy on the high street. I buy it every autumn and in multiple colours. It’s just the right thickness to be super warm without being bulky and the boxy shape hangs really nicely whether over leggings or tucked into trousers. The only downside? They always sell out. So act fast!
Natalie Hughes, Fashion Editor
I have an impractically large collection of Hello Kitty merch, but I found space to add this bow bag – part of Cambridge Satchel's collaboration with Hello Kitty, who turned 50 this year. It adds a fun touch to otherwise ordinary outfits.
I invested in L'Atelier 73's ingenious toggle necklace ahead of party season, but I have found myself wearing it with daywear – it looks especially chic tucked into a scoop-neck blazer. I also love that it doubles up as a choker.
If you're thinking of buying an Aligne blazer, you should. They're cut so beautifully and instantly smarten whatever you pair them with. I've been wearing this chocolate-hued Daphne blazer with brown cords and silver boots.
Yes, you can now buy Barbie's signature cat eyes – the ones she wore in 1959. What's more, Sol Kyst offers each pair of sunglasses in three sizes – genius! I'll be styling these with a '60s shift dress and knee high boots.
Stephanie Yeboah, Freelance writer, author and content creator
I love Stine Goya for their timeless, unique design teamed with a gorgeous muted colour palette, and this gorgeous faux leather trench coat has been on my wishlist for a while. Autumn calls for a standout coat and this piece definitely fits the bill with its Main Character Energy appeal.
I’ve recently developed an affinity for evening clutch bags as I’ve been going out a lot more recently, and there’s something about the Caldera clutch bag that oozes class. Its neutral colour means it’ll go with most pieces, and I absolutely adore the sculptural shape; it’s like accessorising with a piece of artwork.
As someone with flat feet, kitten heels have always been a lifesaver for me, and these Sezane slingback two-inch heels are incredibly versatile and chic, whilst providing comfort. I would wear these with my favourite pair of horseshoe jeans and a beige cosy knit, or team with a grey pleated mini skirt, white shirt and neutral trench coat.
I love that this stunning dress could be worn during the day as well as during the evening (with the right accessories of course), and the cinched waist and puffed shoulder combination makes for a gorgeous, standout silhouette that accentuates the curves, especially when teamed with a pair of black stiletto heels.
Sunil Makan, Editor
If’s becoming glaringly apparent that this payday picks list is the place where I live out all my fashion fantasies. Case in point: how chic Is this Gucci bag? I love the dip which hugs your body perfectly when worn crossbody and the classic green and red strap.
Believe it or not, I’ve got quite a few black shirts in my wardrobe. I love Filippa K shirts, the cut is contemporary and they wash really well—no washed out black tones here! This one is actually unisex and the boxy style means it’ll look great worn both buttoned up or as an overskirt.
I’m after a pair of elevated blue jeans, so naturally I’m looking at FRAME. I love this shape from the brand—I already own a pair in Raven and Off-White—so this is a no-brainer.
I’m on the hair growth journey and according to my hairdresser, I’m “going to need a hat when it gets to that awkward stage”. I’m a bit picky with hats though: the top can’t be too bulky and the visor can’t be too long (I’ve got a small head!). I tried this one on recently and it’s the perfect fit.
Penny Goldstone, Contributing Fashion Editor
I've been looking for a casual set that I can wear to the park with my daughter but still look put together in, and this is perfect. You can get matching trousers or shorts for summer.
I'll wear these with the matching jacket or with a chunky cable knit jumper when it gets colder.
I'm clearly a little bit obsessed with olive this season, as this bag has caught my eye too. It's the perfect size for a small laptop and all my essentials.
If I'm honest, I want all of the new Massimo Dutti collection, it's THAT good. But I will settle for these chic gathered ballet flats in the colour of the season: burgundy.
Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer
I've never considered investing in a good suitcase, but after my carry-on broke mid-flight (true story), I realised the power of investing in a good quality suitcase that will last you for many future trips. This number from Monos, in collaboration with Sincerely Jules, is all things chic and functional.
I'm obsessed with Klayd's basic pieces. They're buttery soft and super helpful as capsule wardrobe pieces that you can wear on its own or layer over knitwear and jackets for autumn.
Alighieri's latest Bookworm collection is the perfect back-to-school jewellery collection. Featuring red carpenter's pencils, I'm obsessed with this 'Key to the Library' necklace cast in 100% recycled bronze with 24kt gold plating.
Call me eager, but I'm already hunting down the best party dresses for this season, and this Damson Madder dress is at the top of my wish list.
Mischa Smith, News and Features Editor
Contrary to the above picture, I'm not normally one to go all 'neutrals for autumn', but I'm wholly embracing it this year. I've been in the market for a fringed suede jacket for years, and Topshop's version is pleasingly wearable - the relaxed, bomber silhouette stops it from looking too Dennis Hopper circa Easy Rider (not that that's a bad thing, in my opinion).
When I'm not dressing like a crisp autumn leaf, I plan to be trampling through them, and what better trainers to kick up some leaves (and your heels!) than Barbour's new collaboration with cult Japanese label Flower Mountain? Both brands draw influence from nature and perfectly blend style with practicality.
A friend once told me, "Everyone looks hot in autumn because all it takes is a decent jacket and a good pair of sunglasses." I'm putting a lot of faith in that statement this season.
Knitwear is an underdeveloped area in my wardrobe, which is a bit of an issue living in the UK. This year, I've vowed to invest in good quality knits that'll last longer than a year.
Sophie Cookson, Ecom Analyst
Someone was wearing these Aligne turn-up jeans in the office, and I haven't been able to get them out of my head since. They were a perfect fit for her, and I have found it hard to find this colour of denim without compromising on quality.
This was the IT jacket last year, and I predict that it is going to the one that will be everywhere. While I don't usually love having the same thing as everyone else, I really regretted not getting it last year and the price tag is pretty reasonable.
I am fully ready for winter now, so have already started thinking about my accessories. Rise and Fall is such amazing quality so this will last all winter and for many more! I really love the style in Navy, I think it will be everywhere this year.
COS bags are really having a moment, they are all so amazing. I really love how structured this is style is and has the metal detailing. I can be hard to find handbags with long straps and this would sit perfectly on your shoulder!
