I’m a Fashion Editor—Here Are 16 Fall Accessories on My Wishlist

Madewell always has a great selection of handbags, but this one really stood out from the pack for two reasons. First, that elegant crescent shape is so on trend right now—it has just the right amount of slouch to feel boho but isn’t totally shapeless. And the adjustable shoulder strap also gives me the ability to play around with styling. Second is that stunning green suede. Yes, this bag also comes in neutral hues, like camel brown and black, as well as smooth leather, but it’s the rich khaki hue above that looks most luxe.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is the unexpected style icon of fall 2025 and perhaps the easiest of all her wardrobe staples is the wide fabric headband. I’ve been rocking these stretchy fabric styles for almost a decade, so I’m elated to see others finally catching on. They’re much more comfortable than the rigid plastic variations and fantastic for looking chic on bad hair days. UO has seven different color combinations to choose from, but I’ll be opting for a classic black and white set that would definitely be CBK approved.

Mejuri has long be a favorite of mine to pick up gorgeous everyday jewelry pieces that won’t blow my whole budget, and right now I’ve got my eyes set on this simple two-tone ring. It gives the illusion of stacked bands with a bit of space between the two for added interest. And mixed metals is shaping up to be a big trend this year, so it will be nice to have some pieces that take all the guesswork out of pairing silver and gold.

It may feel odd to call belts a “trend” right now—they’re never really out of style—but they are currently enjoying a moment in the spotlight as the stars of the show rather than just supporting players. Which is precisely why I plan to add this bold leather number to my collection for when I want to really make a statement. The sleek silhouette makes it look far more expensive than its price tag, and the absence of a hook and belt holes means I can style it to fit both my waist and hips with ease. In fact, I may even pick up both the chocolate brown above and classic black...

A large silky scarf is an incredibly versatile accessory to have in your arsenal as there are just so many different ways to style it. Fold it in half and knot it around your hips as a belt like a French woman. Tie the ends to two bangles for a makeshift handbag. Twist it into a sexy scarf top for vacation, or try any of seemingly hundreds of different ways to tie a scarf around your head. This Nordstrom beauty can do all that (and more I’m sure) all for under $40, and it comes in a range of beautiful prints and patterns.

The right pair of socks can really make or break an outfit. And while millennials make have a hard time stepping away from our beloved no-show styles, visible socks are the way to go this fall. Bombas makes some of the most comfortable pairs I’ve ever worn, for running or for everyday, so I feel confident this bow-adorned style will keep me feeling cool and comfortable even after a full day of running around the city. They come in three color options—white, burgundy and white with black bows—or you can pick up a three-pack with one of each for $60.

I’m getting major The Row vibes from this chic faux-suede number, but for a fraction of the cost. This Anthropologie stunner is just the right size for carrying all my daily essentials and then some, and comes with both an adjustable crossbody strap and two easy attached handles. And there are two inner pockets ideal for those smaller items—lip balm, keys, ear pods—you don’t want getting lost in the mix. Now all I need to do is decide if I want black, chocolate brown or rich burgundy.

Head scarves are definitely a hot look right now, but so are hats of just about any variety, and I expect they’ll only become more and more popular as temperatures continue to drop. So why not get the best of both worlds with this combo hat-scarf from Free People? It has the shape and brim of a classic baseball cap with a soft back that can be knotted in a number of different ways. Pull the ends under your chin for an old Hollywood vibe or back behind your head to accentuate a sporty pony tail.

These Jenny Bird beauties somehow manage to feel both modern and vintage all at once, and are a perfect size for everyday wear. The come in both 14k gold- or silver-dipped brass and are surprisingly lightweight. The gently waving shape reminds me of seashells or the ocean itself without being too literal, meaning they won’t look out of place come mid-winter when I am sadly no where near a beach. I expect these will find a spot in my regular earring rotation right away.

Sixties styles are undeniably cool right now, and while summer say a resurgence of Palm Springs pastels and Lilly Pulitzer patterns, for fall and winter I plan to get my vintage fix with some bug-eye sunglasses. The round shape and thick frames feel very Jackie O., but the blue lens are actually fairly light playing more funky than preppy. And while these sunnies are definitely on-trend for fall 2025, they’re also a pretty timeless design making them well worth the splurge, IMO.

Camp-inspired cord jewelry has been slowly but surely making its way into the zeitgeist and I expect that trend will only continue to grow in the coming months—who doesn’t crave a little reminder of the sunny summer afternoons to come on the worst frigid winter days? This Roxanna Assoulin cutie comes in red, blue and green, and the gold heart can be swapped out for a different color or a gold letter instead. In fact, you can add up to three charms to your order, or just go simple with the cord bracelet alone.

Adding to my collection of belts, this studded number adds just enough edge to any outfit without being too much of a spotlight hog. It’s available in black or camel brown, both with gold hardware and, at 38.5 inches in length, is intended to be worn as a waist belt. I love the rock-n-roll vibes of these classic studs and think they’re just the right touch to make my go-to autumn outfit combo—jeans, T-shirt, cashmere sweater—feel infinitely more cool.

In the very same vein, this Hammitt shoulder bag can also add edge to even more preppiest ‘fits. It comes with two removable straps, one longer adjustable one and one fixed shoulder strap. In addition to the roomy zippered interior, there’s also a hidden zippered pouch on the back for easy access that’s the perfect size for your phone or card case. And did I mention it comes in 14 different colors? Yea, this is one sleek bag I can bet will fit beautifully into just about any fall wardrobe.

Two tone jewelry doesn’t have to refer only to mixing gold and silver. Why not throw a bit of color into the mix? J.Crew is low-key a great place to snap up necklaces, earrings and bracelets that look high-end but won’t break the bank. The combination of dainty pearls and moody green gems on this necklace perfectly balances preppy with boho, and the gold hardware is the ideal finishing touch to make the whole thing look fabulously luxe. P.S. There’s a high chance I add the matching earrings to my cart too.

Hats are in, but rather than stick with the more expected wool wide-brim styles or classic baseball caps this autumn, I hope to get a bit more creative with my headgear. This straw number by Janessa Leone has a similar shape to a bucket hat but is slightly taller, giving it a sort of ‘50 or ‘60s vibe I just adore. And the black straw material means I can start wearing it ASAP all the way through until true winter.

Taking inspiration from the royals, I absolutely plan to embrace brooches in the coming months. But rather than invest in some historically symbolic shapes or $10 million diamonds (I wish), I think the more fun approach is to opt for something a little weirder. Hence my obsession with this greyhound dog wrapped in a cozy bright red sweater, and complete with its very own miniature diamond brooch. It’s cheeky, kitschy and just so playful, and I love that it can add a pop of color to my neutral winter coats. Plus, costing less than $35, it fits well within my plebeian budget.