Our must-have items including transitional jackets, cosy co-ords, luxurious candles and designer perfumes
With August upon us, our fashion and beauty team are looking ahead to (dare we say it) autumn. From a gorgeous knitted co-ord to a cosy luxe candle, we’re shopping all things new season this week as we look for buys that will take our wardrobes from late summer sun into crisp autumn days.
Writers Nisha and Lauren are both looking ahead to their transitional wardrobes and have added two stunning faux leather jackets that have hit the virtual shelves recently to their wishlists. Both ideal for the new season, there’s an option for every budget.
Meanwhile, Jess is eyeing up a pair of pyjamas that look way more expensive than their £20 price tag suggests. And, of course, there’s always room for some luxury perfume – especially if it’s Jo Malone.
So, with expert picks starting from £10, there’s a treat for everyone on our curated wishlist. Keep scrolling to shop our fashion and beauty team’s favourites.
Lauren’s picks:
Monsoon Paula Faux Leather Jacket Brown – £65 from £130
Summer is still here, but it won’t be long before I’m swapping iced coffees for hot chocolates. As a sunshine-loving girlie, I’m honestly dreading it, but I’ve found one thing that’s making the seasonal shift a little easier: prepping my autumn wardrobe.
At the top of my wish list is this transitional chocolate brown leather jacket from Monsoon, which is currently 50% off. This classic fit, collared neckline and button fastenings give it that effortlessly cool ’90s vibe.
It’s the kind of piece that’ll pull an outfit together without looking like I’ve tried too hard, and it feels like something I’ll wear on repeat until next spring. I’m already planning to throw it over a mini dress, tights and Docs for a grungy weekend look.
Heads up, though. It’s already sold out in the largest size, so don’t hang around if you’re tempted.
Jo Loves Maison De Jazz A Layered Candle – £90
Speaking of prepping for summer’s slow slide into autumn, there’s one ritual that never fails to get me in the mood for cosy season: lighting a new candle. And not just any candle – ideally one that smells expensive and feels indulgent.
I’ve had the pleasure of lighting a few Jo Loves candles over the years (White Rose & Lemon is a long-time favourite), so I was delighted to see its latest launch bring together two of its most-loved scents in one beautifully blended burn.
The Maison de Jazz Candle combines amber lime and bergamot with black cashmeran and tonka for a truly luxe experience. It’s designed to evoke golden hour lighting, smoky jazz bars and warm, intimate evenings in, which sounds like the best way to welcome the cooler months.
At £90, it’s more of a splurge than an impulse buy, but it’d make a seriously good gift or seasonal treat. But for those looking for something more affordable, Neom is one of my favourite brands for its spa-like scents and essential oil blends.
MALIN+GOETZ 10% Sulfur Paste – £25
There’s nothing worse than a spot appearing just before a significant event, be it a wedding, job interview or first date. While there are countless products on the market promising to banish blemishes, one treatment has shoppers swearing they’ll never use anything else: the MALIN+GOETZ 10% Sulfur Paste.
This overnight drying lotion is designed to reduce spots quickly, without turning your skincare routine into a lengthy process. Made with a combination of sulphur and salicylic acid, it works to dry out spots, soak up excess oil and target impurities beneath the skin’s surface.
The application is straightforward. Dip a cotton bud into the bottle (no need to shake or mix), apply directly onto the spot and leave it on overnight. However, bear in mind that this is a once-a-night treatment, and overuse can lead to excessive dryness.
Hero Mighty Pimple Patches (£4.99, Boots) is another simple yet effective way to care for skin. They’re discreet enough to apply, making them a convenient option for on-the-go treatment without drawing attention to zits.
Breakfast at Drowsy Eyelash Protecting Mask – £79
You may already be familiar with the Drowsy Sleep Mask. It quickly gained a significant online following after its launch, with high-profile fans such as Trinny Woodall and Vogue Williams contributing to its cult status.
Now, the brand has taken inspiration from that iconic Holly Golightly look from Breakfast at Tiffany’s with its latest drop. The opulent Mulberry silk mask features a stunning turquoise shade, trimmed with gold details, just like Holly’s iconic eye mask.
However, paying nearly £70 for an eye mask is quite the ask. But I have the classic midnight blue version at home, and can vouch that it’s well worth the price tag. The thick, cushioned wrap-around shape feels incredibly comforting, while the soft silk is cool and soothing against the skin. It’s also beneficial for hair, particularly if it tends to tangle or frizz overnight (like mine).
It performs well too, effectively blocking out light without feeling overly tight or restrictive and remaining perfectly in place throughout the night. It’s a clever blend of comfort and function, especially for someone looking to enhance their sleep setup.
Nisha’s picks
Wild Roll-on Deodorant – from £12
Refillable deodorants are a great – and increasingly popular – way for environmentally conscious shoppers to cut down on their plastic waste, with several brands offering sustainable options to smell great and keep cool in the hot weather. However, fans of roll-on rather than stick deodorants have had limited choice – until now – and a new launch deal makes it a great time to try.
Hot on the heels of best-selling collabs with Paddington and Cath Kidston, refillable body care brand Wild has now unveiled its first roll-ons. As ever, the products are great-smelling, stylishly designed, and kind to the planet. Shoppers can currently snag a case and refill for £12, with refills after that coming in at £4.30 each. There’s also an additional 20% off sitewide using the code AFFWILD20.
Launch scents include honey and cactus flower, fresh cotton and seasalt and coconut and vanilla. My favourite is the classic fresh cotton, which is refreshing but light enough to wear with a fragrance without one overpowering the other. Fans of summery scents might also love the coconut and vanilla sun-cream style vibes.
Next’s Ankle Boots – £62
I live in trainers, but sometimes it is nice to switch up my footwear. I am currently planning my autumn wardrobe and have been on the lookout for a pair of heeled yet comfortable boots to wear with jeans and skirts when it starts getting cooler.
I especially like these Forever Comfort boots from Next, as the simple design means I can pair them with lots of outfits. The heel is mid-size, making them comfortable to wear, and I also like the pointed toe.
They come in black and burgundy hues, in sizes 3-9, with half sizes also available. One buyer left a review describing the boots as ‘gorgeous’ and they ‘look more expensive’ than the price tag.
However, another reviewer reported issues with the fit: “The boots were wide fit, but there was no give in the ankle area, making it impossible to zip up if you have slightly chunkier than average ankles!”
New Look’s Black Jacket – £45.99
Trendy outerwear is always a big hit during autumn, and this jacket ticks all the right boxes. Its casual bomber-style design makes it ideal for transitional sunshine/showers weather, as it’s warm but not heavy like a winter jacket.
New Look has just released the jacket on its website this week. It is also available in black and burgundy. Choose from sizes 6-22. The model pairs it with wide-leg jeans for a chic, everyday style.
One drawback is that the jacket doesn’t have a hood, which would be practical for rainy days. You could wear a hat or a hoodie underneath, or use an umbrella, but the addition of a hood would mean shoppers could wear it more during the rainy and colder months.
Phlur Vanilla Skin – from £99
I have seen this perfume all over my social media, and at this point, it is a need, not a must. I love a gourmand scent, and vanilla is lovely to layer over other scents or wear alone. Phlur has been available to buy in America for some time, but they’re new to the UK market.
Vanilla Skin is one of its most popular scents, and has notes of creamy vanilla, intriguing spices and cosy sandalwood for a sultry smell. Other key notes include pink apple, jasmine petals, cashmere wood and lily.
In the reviews, one shopper said: “I’m obsessed with vanilla skin by phlur I’ve literally re purchased it so many times, it’s so musky and gives me all the autumn vibes, I’m a big fan if you’re after a winter/fall scent vanilla skin is for you, it reminds me of a warm vanilla hug.”
Another buyer was underwhelmed, writing: “I bought this as I love love love vanilla fragrances, but this was underwhelming. The initial smell is of alcohol, followed by a fainter sweet vanilla scent. I also got the vanilla phlur body spray, which is much better and therefore better value for money.”
A third shopper added: “Absolutely gorgeous fragrance. This is a perfect vanilla scent, very gentle and easy to wear, beautiful without being too heavy, and quite long-lasting too. Definitely going to repurchase. Highly recommended. Safe blind buy for vanilla lovers. Perfect.”
Jess’s picks
H&M Rib Knit Co-ord – £66
H&M is my go-to for cosy autumn co-ords. They’re ideal for weekend walks and working from home, so as soon as I saw this staple beige jumper and rib knit trouser set, I added it to my basket. The items need to be purchased separately, making the total set £66.
The set would also make a great airport outfit for anyone jetting off for some late summer sun soon. I’d team mine with UGG boots or Adidas Gazelles and then add a faux fur jacket as the weather gets colder.
My only drawback is that similar co-ords I’ve had from H&M previously have lost their shape after numerous washes, so I’d be sure to follow the instructions to the letter. Despite this, I love the fact that the pieces make a complete outfit without too much thought, and they can also be worn separately for maximum cost-per-wear.
Jo Malone’s Cologne Discovery Selection – £20
I’m already a huge Jo Malone fan, but it would take a lot to tempt me away from my regular Myrrh and Tonka scent. I’m also partial to the brand’s Dark Amber and Ginger Lily. I prefer stronger, more decadent scents over florals as a general rule. However, I also want to ensure they smell the same on my skin as they do in the bottle and that they last.
I plan to snap up the Jo Malone Discovery Set so that I can try out some different fragrances without committing to a full-sized product. It costs £20 and contains five miniatures of some of the brand’s fresher scents to see me into autumn.
One shopper on Look Fantastic mentioned that the scents didn’t last long on them, but they’re perfect for weekends away or throwing into a handbag for day trips, so I’m excited to try them out.
TU Pink Pasta Printed Pyjamas -£20
TU is one of my favourite places to shop for pyjamas. I’d probably live in PJs if I could, so I love a pair that looks more elevated for pottering around at home. These pasta print pyjamas feature a fun design that’s perfect for foodies, whilst also being made from 100% cotton, so they’re breathable too.
They’re available in UK sizes S-XXL, but I like to size up in my loungewear for added comfort. My only drawback would be that I often prefer PJ shorts to long trousers (even in cooler weather) as I hate feeling restricted. Despite this, I love the pipe detailing, which makes this set look more expensive than its £20 price tag.
Amazon Pink Electric Toothbrush – £10
I’m in the market for a new electric toothbrush, but I want something pretty, so I’ve added this pastel pink one to my Amazon wishlist. At £10, it’s a great price as it includes eight brush heads, but it also has pretty good reviews, too, boasting a 4.2 average rating out of five stars.
It’s also available in other cute shades, including white and mint green, that I’ve also got my eye on. One shopper said: “Perfect. The battery lasts through multiple head changes. Teeth feel clean after use. Good value for money.”
Another did have reservations about the functionality of the brush, however, writing: “Vibrates like mad. No button is different from the next. I suppose you get what you pay for. Not sure that it cleans all that well either.”
I think, for the price, I’ll give it a go because it features a timer with an interval pause every 30 seconds, reminding you to move the brush around the mouth. It also offers a fast charge of up to 30 days’ use, which sounds ideal for me as I can be forgetful when it comes to charging gadgets.
