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October’s arrival feels like an invitation to savor—a shift into cooler evenings, golden light, and routines that make me feel grounded. Last weekend, we had a couple of friends over for a casual pasta night, and it reminded me of what I love most about this season. We set out big platters of food on the table, everyone poured themselves a glass of wine, and we ended up sitting on the patio for hours, talking long after the plates were cleared. It was exactly what I needed: simple, cozy, and full of connection.
That’s the spirit I want to carry into October: more dinners where no one’s rushing and nights where the conversation meanders as much as the meal. For me, these little rituals are what make fall feel so special.
In that same energy, our editors are sharing their Top Picks for October 2025—a mix of what we’re reading, watching, cooking, and loving right now. Think of it as your monthly dose of fresh inspiration for embracing the season and making space for the things (and people) that matter most.
In Our Kitchens
Sur La Table Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
I couldn’t be more excited for soups, chilis, and casseroles this fall, and I can’t wait to get even more use out of my Dutch oven! I love mine from Sur La Table, it’s a workhorse that doesn’t break the bank. I also make homemade bread in it every week—I’d be lost without it! – Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor
Grüns Superfood Greens Gummies
Confession: I’ve been burned by more bad greens powders than I can count—chalky, cloyingly sweet, and always a chore. Grüns is the first one that actually feels like a win. They legit taste (and look—so cute!) like gummy bears, and suddenly stronger nails, shinier hair, boosted energy, clearer skin, improved sleep, (and about a dozen other benefits) are all within reach. It’s the rare wellness habit that doesn’t feel like work—Grüns is proof you can build habits you actually love. P.S. Their new green apple flavor dropped this fall—and it’s as crisp and seasonal as it gets. – Isabelle Eyman, Editorial Strategist
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
It’s October, SO I’m officially making these pumpkin protein pancakes at least once a week. A rare recipe adored by all in my family—we do these as breakfast for dinner when the calendar is at its most jam-packed and everyone (especially me) rejoices. – Brittany Chatburn, Marketing Director
Chaider
I’ve never been a PSL girl—it’s always too sweet for me, and I’d rather save my pumpkin obsession for baked goods. My fall beverage of choice? Chaider, a blend of chai and apple cider served hot. It’s simple, comforting, and the perfect balance of spiced and cozy. Most days, I just do a 1:1 mix of store-bought cider and chai concentrate (my local Portland shop makes a great one, but I also love The Chai Box’s version). And if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll whisk in a splash of cream until it’s frothy. When I want to level things up, Molly Baz’s recipe is my go-to for a more elevated take. – Isabelle Eyman, Editorial Strategist
On Our Vanities
RMED Skin RADIANCE +++EGF SERUM
Fall is when I bring the big hitters back into my skincare routine. With the summer glow fading, my skin is always in desperate need of exfoliation and some extra help getting that lit-from-within glow. I always come back to this radiant serum, which instantly makes my skin brighter, with the added bonus of preventing additional skin stressors. – Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor
KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Drops
I’ve tried plenty of “glow” serums that fall flat, but this radiance-boosting formulation is the real deal. It glides on silky, absorbs instantly, and leaves my skin smoother, brighter, and more even. With turmeric, plant-based niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it’s the rare serum that feels indulgent while actually delivering results. I’m obsessed with everything KORA puts out (see also: my anti-aging heroes and this resurfacing serum that *actually* minimized my pores). It’s one of the few celebrity-founded beauty brands I trust. – Isabelle Eyman, Editorial Strategist
EADEM Cashmere Peel Exfoliating Toner
The marketing got me on this one. Including “cashmere” in the name automatically evokes fall. But this toner lives up to its name. It feels like a warm hug and gives my skin a touchable texture, too. – Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor
Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting Gel
Brushing up my eyebrows has become a non-negotiable for me in the getting-ready process. My eyebrows are nothing to write home about, so I’ve never paid them much attention. However, I recently saw a creator (apologies, but I can’t remember who!) claim that brushing her brows makes her feel 10 times more put together, and now I’m hooked. Even on SPF-only days, my brows are getting brushed with this Rare Beauty gel. It’s natural, clear, and does wonders for lifting and refreshing my face. – Bridget Chambers, Fashion Editor
Lush Super Milk
Lately, I’ve been reaching for the Lush Super Milk Hair Primer, and I’m completely hooked. After many post-shower battles with tangles, this multitasking spray has been a total game-changer. It detangles in seconds, protects from heat, adds lightweight moisture, and leaves behind the dreamiest vanilla scent. Even days later, people ask what perfume I’m wearing. The best part is that it’s all-natural and vegan. Consider this my new forever staple. – Tatom Hoffman, Marketing Intern
NERRA Dry Body Oil
This body oil might be one of my favorite products ever. Its jasmine scent is incredible, and the best part is that the oil doesn’t feel sticky or oily. Instead, it immediately moisturizes your skin, making for the most luxurious post-shower routine. – Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor
In Our Closets
Étienne Oversized Shirt
You know that one shirt you can always pull from your closet and feel effortlessly chic? This is my current: the Étienne Oversized Shirt from J.Crew has that perfectly slouchy, borrowed-from-the-guys vibe. For fall, I’m wearing it half-tucked with jeans and a classic belt for an outfit that works for everything. – Camille Styles, Editor in Chief
Watskin Ivy Dress in White and Navy
While tennis is often thought of as a summer sport, I play year-round—and this Watskin dress comes with me in every season. The UPF50+ fabric is lightweight and protective outdoors, but it also adds just enough warmth for those notoriously chilly indoor courts. Chic and functional, it’s quickly become my go-to for both doubles matches and off-duty errands. I love the effortless “tennis player off-duty” vibe (the one I’m always chasing). – Isabelle Eyman, Editorial Strategist
Warby Parker Whalen Eyeglasses in Acorn Tortoise
Warby Parker has changed my view (literally) on the world of optometry. Gone are the days of costly, lengthy, and overpriced frames. If you need a new prescription, looking for a pair of blue light glasses, or both, I couldn’t recommend my experience with Warby Parker enough. Their self-pay exam prices are reasonable, regardless of whether you have vision insurance, and the majority of their frames cost around $100 with a single-vision prescription. Gone are the days of your glasses ruining the outfit and scrambling for uncomfortable contacts—my Whalen frames with blue-light lenses and prescription lenses have become a staple, yet necessary, accessory in my wardrobe. – Casey McKee, Editorial Assistant
Madewell Wire Choker Necklace
I snagged this silver choker during the final hours of Madewell’s Insiders sale (arguably the only membership I use religiously), and it’s already become a daily staple. Blame it on Dakota Johnson’s character in Materialists—I may not have loved the ending, but I’m fully borrowing her pared-back, downtown style. Worn with J. Crew’s crisp Étienne Oversized Shirt (thank you, Camille), it’s the kind of piece that instantly makes an outfit feel intentional. Minimal, versatile, and just a little bit edgy—exactly what I want right now. – Isabelle Eyman, Editorial Strategist
Mood-Boosters
Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life
I’m obsessed with Roxie Nafousi’s Manifest. I read a few pages once I’m back at my desk after school drop-off (my fave ritual to pair with coffee or matcha—I don’t discriminate!). Her book is full of tiny, practical steps to set intentions and actually follow through. I’ve never been into manifesting, but this book makes it feel so useful! – Edie Horstman, Wellness Editor
WHOOP
I’m training for a weightlifting meet and have been using a WHOOP to help me track my steps, sleep, workout strain, and recovery. The data my WHOOP gathers helps me know how much sleep I should be aiming for, how hard I should push it at the gym each day, where my stress levels are, and more. It’s a total game-changer! – Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor
Driftwood Faux Fur Blanket
My Lola blanket has fully become my emotional support accessory, from Zoom calls to The Summer I Turned Pretty watch parties. I have a feeling it’s going to be my coziest companion all fall and winter. Plus, it’s chic enough to look styled on my bed or draped over the couch. Couldn’t recommend it more. – Anna Decker, Social Media and E-Commerce Manager
Oak Essentials Luminous Body Lotion
I’ve recently made some significant life changes, and one of my goals to stay grounded is to romanticize the little things. One of my favorite rituals? A hot shower or bath followed by lathering my whole body in this Oak Essentials body lotion. It smells straight out of a spa, and the calming scent does wonders for resetting my nervous system. – Bridget Chambers, Fashion Editor
