From chic sweater sets to cozy bedding, our under-$100 best buys from September have us feeling all the fall feels — and so can you, without breaking the bank. (High quality, low key is what we aim for.) As with past installments of our MVPs (that’s Most Valuable Products), we hope to take you behind the scenes of our team’s favorite finds not only when it comes to personal style, but our everyday lives. Case in point: The “vintage” portable DVD player that one writer prefers to streaming services, the affordable Casio watch that’s perfect for the chronically late, and the wedding guestbook for one writer’s upcoming nuptials. Because even though we have a passion for fashion, we’re also blowing up the group chat about Nobody Wants This, taking photos of our pets, and finding the perfect laundry detergent.
Keep clicking to shop R29 editors’ favorite finds from the month of September — all clocking in at $100 or less.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Abercrombie & Fitch Cable Tank & Crew Cardigan Set
“This matching cardigan set came to the rescue multiple times last month, when I was agonizing over what to wear to the office and various work events. The white cable knit looks so cute with tortoise shell buttons, and I love that I can either wear it on its own (with all the buttons done up) or with the matching camisole underneath. This combo is my go-to for business casual events with a pair of black tailored pants, but I’ll also get lots of mileage out of the set by styling it with jeans or a pleated mini skirt.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Abercrombie & Fitch Cable Tank & Crew Cardigan Set, $, available at Abercrombie & FitchPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
“Tirtir’s egg-shaped ruby compact is everywhere on TikTok, and, I won’t lie, I was unsure if it was all hype. Spoiler alert: I’m pretty impressed. The shade match was on point (even though I personally would love to see more options for darker skin tones), and the coverage was full yet natural-looking. Some cushion compacts I’ve tried are too dewy for my oily skin, but not this one — it feels really fresh and hydrating but has a pretty, soft-matte effect on skin. I decided to try the mini size not only because it’s adorable, but also because I didn’t want to commit to a full-size before trying it out. And for $15? Hello, perfect stocking stuffers.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation - Mini Size, $, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.
Sporty & Rich 1994 Racquet Club Embroidered Baseball Cap
“While I’m not usually a baseball hat person, I haven’t taken this style off for the past month, wearing it everywhere from US Open games to the airport and on vacation. The retro-inspired cap is versatile enough to blend with most of my casual clothes without being boring. I’ve also gotten tons of compliments while wearing it out.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Sporty & Rich 1994 Racquet Club Embroidered Baseball Cap, $, available at NordstromPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
DBPOWER 11.5" Portable DVD Player
“I’m sick of streaming — I don’t want to spend £10.99 here, £8.99 there, and another £9.99 because one TV show I love is on one platform, my favorite film is hosted on another, and the hot, new documentary that everyone is talking about is (you guessed it) on yet another site. It’s exhausting and expensive, plus I miss the thrill of picking out a new DVD. (RIP Blockbuster, gone but not forgotten.) So, I decided to get myself a portable DVD player. (Whoever decided to take the DVD slot out of laptops is my number one enemy.) I will note: It helps that I never got rid of my old DVDs and am a serial comfort watcher, never getting bored when I rewatch my favorite shows and films. But I also really like that I can properly switch off from any communication when I’m trying to relax — especially work comms that live on my laptop, like emails and Slack.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
DBPOWER 11.5" Portable DVD Player, $, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Casio LA670WGA-9 Gold Stainless-Steel Quartz Watch
“Watches are always nice to have, but I don’t always think about them. I lean towards wearing gold jewelry and I really like this simple digital Casio that will keep me honest when it comes to timing. It’s a great watch that will last and go with all of my outfits without costing an arm and a leg.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Casio LA670WGA-9 Gold Stainless-Steel Quartz Watch, $, available at Amazon
Phlur Vanilla Skin Eau de Parfum
“This stuff is addictive! I usually hate vanilla scents, but this one is so rich and complex; I find it leaves an intoxicating burnt sugar, woodsmoke scent on my skin. It also lasts longer than the body mist version of this fragrance, which I also love. As we head into autumn, I’m excited to have this to hand and to spritz it everywhere, especially for cozy, candlelit date nights and on all my wool scarves (so people sniff this when we hug or when I pass on the Tube).” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
Phlur Vanilla Skin Eau de Parfum, $, available at SephoraPhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Pact Organic Room Service Sateen Fitted Sheet
“You might be already familiar with Pact's ultra-soft travel pants and leggings, but the brand's bedding range is majorly slept on, in my opinion. These 100% organic cotton sheets are just as comfortable as some of the five-star hotel bedding I've slept in, and have only gotten more cocooning with every wash. I'm also impressed by how they don’t wrinkle as easily as some of the other cotton sheets I've owned in the past. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars on good bedding, so the fact that Pact's fitted sheets cost between $60 to $75 feels like such a steal.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
PACT Organic Room Service Sateen Fitted Sheet, $, available at PACT
Oomiay Olive Bezel Star Tennis Bracelet
“Oomiay has been all over my feed lately, so I finally bit the bullet and snapped up this adorable bracelet. I like super dainty jewelry, and this tennis style is a statement without being super flashy. The greyish-green stones add a hint of sparkle while still being neutral and matching with pretty much everything I wear. Stars are my power symbol, and wearing this bracelet never fails to put an extra pep in my step. High-quality, stylish jewelry rarely clocks in under $100, but Oomiay is a rare exception.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Oomiay Olive Bezel Star Tennis Bracelet, $, available at OomiayPhoto: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.
Tatcha Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25
“I tried out this brick-red number for my lip tint roundup a couple months ago, and it has since made its way back to the top of my makeup rotation. It's such a pretty color — the subtle wash of red is perfect for early fall months — and the formula makes it a dream to reapply, thanks to moisturizing ingredients like botanical lanolin and silk protein. I often forget that it also contains SPF protection, due to how non-sticky and silky it feels on my lips. It's by far the best lip color that also offers sun protection, if you ask me.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25, $, available at TatchaPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Tower 28 Mini SOS Rescue Spray
“I tried this viral facial spray for the first time in September while on vacation, and the mini version has become a (travel) staple in my makeup bag. I have sensitive skin, and when I’m constantly on the go and run-down, it tends to dry up or break out. This product’s signature hypochlorous acid is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, reduces redness, and soothes irritation, which I’ve found really helpful in calming down my skin. On days when I’m going makeup-free, I’ll spray this on throughout the day if needed, helping me feel refreshed. The mini bottle is especially great for this, since I can throw it in my bag without it taking up much space.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Tower 28 Mini SOS Rescue Spray, $, available at Tower 28Photo: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
“I suffer from a major case of flaky, chapped lips whenever the weather starts to turn, and this new launch from Laneige has really made a difference. I'm sure you've heard of the bestselling Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, but this new treatment stands on its own: Ingredients like shea butter and murumuru seed butter keep my lips hydrated and pillowy, smoothing over any dry patches and make my lips look that much more kissable and shiny. The best part? It comes in an array of delicious, fruit-inspired scents. (My favorite is Blueberry.)” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, $, available at SephoraPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Neom Wellbeing Pod Essential Oil Diffuser
“I love filling my space with delicious smells, especially when I’m trying to relax. This one is so beautiful and fits my aesthetic perfectly — it’s more decor than it is practical!” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
Neom Wellbeing Pod, $, available at NEOM Organics
Strawberry Matcha Latte Depuffing & Hydrating Eye Patches
“These depuffing and hydrating eye patches just came out, and they feel absolutely marvelous! I popped them in the fridge for about 20 minutes, then below my eyes before dinner after an especially long day, and, wow — that tiredness and puffiness felt gone from under my eyes. I even felt the effect a few hours after the patches came off.” – Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
ESW Beauty Strawberry Matcha Latte Depuffing & Hydrating Eye Patch, $, available at ESW Beauty
EyeBuyDirect Frenzy Tortoise Sunglasses
“After getting the opportunity to interview Tan France about his EyeBuyDirect collaboration, I got to try a few of the brand’s eyewear styles. This pair with slightly geometric tortoise shell frame and ombre lenses ismy favorite of the bunch. I’m a huge sunglasses wearer (usually propping them on top of my head no matter the suniness or time of day), but tend to wear oval-shaped sunnies —this shape is so unique and still manages to be versatile and flattering, not too large for my face and bangs and in neutral colors that go with any outfit. I also love that all EyeBuyDirect glasses can be readjusted at home for the perfect fit.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
EyeBuyDirect Frenzy Round Tortoise Sunglasses, $, available at EyeBuyDirectPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Nina Nesbitt Mountain Music
“I’m an autumn baby through and through, so folky music geared towards rain-soaked walks, curling up in front of the fire, and maladaptive daydreaming on public transport is right up my street. Nina Nesbitt’s new album Mountain Music ticks all these boxes and more. I’m so excited to while away the season with it on repeat.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
Nina Nesbitt Mountain Music, $, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Catbird Paper Heart Charm
“This was actually a birthday present from my best friend (who’s literally the most thoughtful gifter I know) — but it’s too perfect to gatekeep. I’m getting married next year, and not only did she hit the nail on the head in terms of my dainty jewelry style, but also with an updated monogram to include my husband’s last name. The shape takes inspiration from hearts cut out from construction paper, only rendered in 14-carat gold. I’m planning on adding the teeny-tiny charm to my stack of Catbird bracelets on my wrist as a little reminder of my new tax filing status.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Bittersweets NY Paper Heart Charm, $, available at CatbirdPhoto: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.
Papier Script Monogram Guest Book
“Speaking of weddings, I’ve been thinking about stationery more than I ever have in my whole life. My love language is words of affirmation, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to have our guests write us some notes to read after the festivities are over. I ordered my invitations from Papier, so the brand was a no-brainer for my other wedding paper needs, including this guest book. The quality of the paper is utterly divine, and it was so easy to customize everything to exactly what we envisioned. All that’s missing? Some wine-fueled bon mots to make it the ultimate keepsake.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Papier Script Monogram Guest Book, $, available at Papier
Gold Hinge 15" True Navy Pleated Tennis Skirt + True Navy Lined Crop Bra Top
“Matching athleisure sets are where it’s at, especially for fall when I don’t want to think about what to throw on when I walk my dog twice a day. This matching set is so cute and so comfortable, it makes me feel put together no matter how many hours of sleep I got the night before. My roommate is currently really into tennis, so we’ve been hitting the courts, and this is also a great set for learning to hit balls with the skirt having built in shorts. It’s cute and functional.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Gold Hinge True Navy Lined Crop Bra Top, $, available at Gold Hinge
Gold Hinge 15" True Navy Pleated Tennis Skirt, $, available at Gold Hinge
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