Though I wouldn’t really call it a comeback since they’ve been in style for well over a century, cowboy boots have recently adopted a following of fashion-goers that has prompted a resurgence of the Western staple for fall. In years past, I probably wouldn’t have touched a pair of cowboy boots with a 10-foot pole out of fear that there was no other way to wear them than with a matching L.L.Bean flannel and a pair of Wranglers. Fast forward to today, I stand before you—a proud beneficiary of the Cowboy Carter effect—a changed woman. No, I may not be taking a trip to the Boot Barn any time soon, but if they’re metallic, studded, or happen to be from my favorite brand (Ganni) then sure, I’ll take a pair or two.

Now this next sentence may surprise you: I am from Nashville. I know—I probably just committed a crime in the great state of Tennessee by claiming that I once feared a pair of cowboy boots. But take it from me, a native Nashvillain, that I am now an expert when it comes to styling this spurred staple. From country music stars to cowboy city-slickers and every bachelorette party in between, I’ve seen a thing or two. (And more than I care to admit—do not go to Broadway at 2 a.m.–just don’t).

How to Style Cowboy Boots

Although it was hard to give up being neighbors with Dolly (well, not exactly, but I did live next door to her office), I’ve since become a New Yorker drawing from my Southern roots and laboring a new sense of sophistication when it comes to my personal style. I find it to be the perfect metaphorical example of how to style a pair of cowboy boots for fall 2024.

You’ll want to avoid the slippery slope to cowboy cosplay by laying down your wide-brimmed hat and opting for a pair of boots with more subtle Western details—a stacked heel, rounded shaft, or soft stitching—and styling them with opposing pieces like a romanticized lace slip or an oversized blazer. The key to modernizing this trend is to go for a versatile, less-costumey pair worn with your usual closet essentials in place of other footwear go-tos like ballet flats or knee-high boots.

Ready to style a pair of your own? Here are eight ways to style your cowboy boots this fall, plus my favorite 20 pairs to shop if you’re ready to dip your toe into the Western trend.

With Jeans and a Hoodie

Although, on paper, the idea of wearing jeans and a hoodie with a pair of cowboy boots could technically still read ranch-appropriate, it’s all about how you style them. As a stylist, I often use cooking examples to help clients better understand: Depending on the quality of ingredients used, you could either call your noodles and red sauce spaghetti or pasta pomodoro. My point? Choose your best jeans, a quality hoodie, and your favorite sunnies for a super chic, off-duty look rather than a ranch-ready ensemble. Headed out on an extra-chilly day? Add a classic trench or wool overcoat. Now we’re getting into Princess Diana territory.

With a Sweater Dress and Classic Trench

When I want to look like my most posh self, I throw on the ole’ tan trench that lives in the back of my closet. It’s not that I’ve purposefully left it to collect dust, it’s just that it’s hard to find ways to wear it other than my go-to pairing of jeans and some trusty sneakers. But after seeing this photo, my trench coat just earned itself a new spot in my rotation. Though it would have made more sense to pair the preppy coat and dress with a pair of ballet flats or knee-high boots, I like that she went with the unexpected choice—some may even call it the wrong-shoe theory choice—of completing the look with a pair of Western-style boots.

With a Slip Dress

By choosing to style your boots with a slip dress, you help to counterbalance the usual heaviness that comes with any pair of boots—cowboys or not. The delicate femininity of the dress juxtaposed with the more masculine effect of the cowboy boots shows that chances are, you’re not heading to the rodeo in this look.

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With It-Girl Accessories

This feminine styling approach has me swooning over a pair of studded, Western-style boots of my own. While we’re used to seeing images of cowboy boots worn by men with wide-brimmed hats and worn-out wranglers, this look is giving Western wear a girlish revival. From the coordinating rosette details to the evil-eye embroidered bag, this look is all about the details.

With Boxer Shorts and a Blazer

Lucky for those of us who have hopped on the boxer short trend, they deliver a chic, unexpected look when paired with cowboy boots. Combine them with a blazer that hits near the hem of your shorts for a complement-earning combo that the cowboys never saw coming.

With a Denim Midi and Cool Sunnies

You don’t have to own lilac cowboy boots in order to embody this ultra-cool look. Achieve a similar effect by pairing you neutral boots with a pair of colorful sunglasses and a colorful, printed top, and I promise you’ll look just as stylish.

With a Matching Set

I may be a little biased because her boots are red and her bag is silver—two trends that pull at the strings of my maximalist heart—but this look is it. At first glance, it’s hard to even recognize that these are cowboy boots—proof that Western wear doesn’t always have to scream Americana. This is a prime example of how to take a pair of cowboy boots from country to city.

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With an Airy Dress and Oversized Blazer

The fastest way to get me into a pair of cowboy boots is if it involves pairing them a blazer of any kind. I live for a blazer. (No, that is entirely false. I live for my french bulldog named Willow. Someone has to pay her vet bills). What I love about the unexpected pairing of an oversized blazer and a pair of cowboy boots is that they come from two totally different categories, yet somehow completely compliment each other.

Shop 2024’s Best Cowboy Boots

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer

Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.

If you ask me, fall is not only a season—it’s a state of mind. Even if temps are still warm (or dare I say hot), there is a mental shift that happens every year once September rolls around. Fall is about the pep in your step that comes with the start of a new school year and the sudden urge to redecorate your space and reset your routines. It’s also about embracing all things cozy, especially when it comes to leisure time. If summer hobbies are all about being outside and soaking up the sun, fall hobbies are about staying in and cozying up—regardless of the weather.

If you’re looking to switch up your downtime or you just want to try something new (while wearing your comfiest loungewear obvi), read on for 18 cozy hobbies that are perfect to start in the fall.

1. Learn how to cook

One of the best parts of cooler weather is the warm, decadent recipes made from seasonal ingredients. Creamy soups, rich pastas, pumpkin-and-butternut squash everything—the options are endless. Crack open a fall cookbook (or scroll through our vast recipe collection) and choose a few recipes to try throughout the season. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, and by the time winter rolls around, you’ll hopefully have some new cooking chops to show off during the holidays.

2. Start scrapbooking

In the digital age, scrapbooking has become something of a lost art, but it’s a wonderful way to preserve memories while tapping into your creative side. Print out some of your favorite photos from 2024 and start by creating a page for each month. By next year, you’ll be grateful you took the time to create a tangible way to revisit your memories.

3. Complete an activity book

Back in the day, one of my favorite pastimes was diving into a word search, crossword, or sudoku puzzle book. Now, my routine has shifted to the daily NYT games, but nothing quite compares to the thrill of a classic activity book. If you’re looking to reduce screen time and pick up a hobby that exercises your brain—without leaving the couch—this is an excellent choice.

4. Get back into reading

Fall reading inspires comfy armchairs, soft throws, and oversized hoodies—which sounds like the perfect vibe to me. Reading is a suitable hobby for any time of year, but fall is a great time to curl up with a book, especially if you didn’t get a chance to dive into any beach reads over the summer. Not sure where to begin? Here are some cozy fall book recommendations to get you started.

5. Try jewelry making

With the charm bracelet and necklace revival in full swing, it’s the perfect time to start your own jewelry project. Keep it simple with the nostalgic yarn friendship bracelets from childhood, or invest in supplies to create some truly fashion-forward pieces. You’ll pick up a fun new hobby to keep your hands busy and end up with some fabulous new accessories.

6. Play some board games

I’m all for vegging out on the couch after work, but sometimes it’s good to put away the screens, especially if you’ve spent the workday in front of a laptop. Playing board games is an ideal after-work hobby you can do by yourself or with friends, no phones required. Monopoly, anyone?

7. Bake a new recipe

Fall is the prime time for baking. Pumpkin bread, apple pie, ginger snaps, and cider doughnuts are just a few seasonal treats that come to mind, and making them yourself is a great way to chill out. Plus, you’ll be left with delicious goodies to share with family and friends.

8. Try candle or soap-making

Some of the best hobbies you can do at home involve creating something. This time of year, why not try your hand at making candles or soap? Candle-making is a great way to upcycle jars or any pretty glass containers (thrift stores are full of them!), and homemade soap is perfect for cozy baths on chilly nights. There are tons of kits out there with all the tools you’ll need to get started! Keep your creations for yourself, or save them for the holidays to send as DIY gifts.

9. Pick up needlework

The word “needlework” might make you think of Victorian-era women in sitting rooms—or maybe just your grandma—but I’m here to tell you that this old-school hobby is worth a shot. Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and punch needling are all great ways to keep your hands busy and create something beautiful this fall. There are so many fun patterns and prints to choose from, as well as kits that’ll help you get started. Plus, you can start making your own scarves or knit blankets for the upcoming winter season.

10. Start bullet journaling

I’ve been an avid journaler since elementary school. There’s something so therapeutic about jotting down your thoughts, hopes, and daydreams onto paper. While there are tons of different journals and prompts to choose from, I keep going back to bullet journaling. A journal with blank pages allows you to pick and choose your own prompts, and a bullet journal gives you the freedom to design your own pages as well. You can go full out with markers, stickers, and scrapbook paper, or keep things simple with just a pen and your thoughts. I personally love Zebra pens and stick with simple headers instead of elaborate layouts, but the beauty of bullet journaling means your journal can be exactly your own.

11. Channel your inner artist with painting

No need to be a pro when it comes to painting! To keep this hobby relaxed and easy, choose a paint-by-number kit to follow along with. You can also, of course, let your creativity run wild and dive into a blank canvas if you prefer. Don’t want to paint a canvas? Buy a few taper candles, and paint tiny designs like leaves and pumpkins on them for cute, homemade seasonal decor.

12. Get outdoors on a hike

Fall is the ideal time to go for a hike, especially since the temps are a bit cooler, the leaves are changing, and the bugs have mostly gone away. Simply search for “hikes near me,” pack up some gear, and head out to a trail near you. Be sure to dress in layers to keep it cozy!

13. Color an adult coloring book

Working your way through an adult coloring book in your PJs with the fireplace blazing sounds like the absolute coziest way to spend an evening. Plus, buying a 64-count box of crayons is a surefire way to bring up some nostalgic back-to-school vibes.

14. Press some fall leaves

The changing leaves are one of the best parts of fall, and leaf-pressing can help you preserve that beauty long after they’ve fallen to the ground. There are a few methods to choose from, but one of the easiest ways to press a leaf is to place it between newspaper or wax paper and place a heavy stack of books on top of it. You can also submerge your leaves in glycerin to preserve them even longer. Pressed leaves look beautiful in a shadow box or frame, and it’s a great DIY home decor project.

15. Make mulled wine

Most of these cozy hobbies go perfectly with something warm to sip on. Tea, coffee, or cocoa are perhaps obvious choices, but making mulled wine is also another great option that could even be considered a hobby in and of itself. Take the time to perfect your own recipe by experimenting with different combinations of red wine, brandy or Cointreau, fruit, spices, and sweeteners. Place your ingredients in a saucepan or slow cooker and put on medium-high heat. Once it gets to a simmer, cover and turn the heat on low for at least 15 minutes, then enjoy a cup of your warm, delicious creation.

16. Complete a puzzle

I have fond childhood memories of doing puzzles when I was snowed in from school, so this hobby just screams coziness to me. Turn on a comfort show or a fall playlist and settle in for a puzzle on the dining room table. If you really want to get into it, invest in a puzzle mat you can roll up when you’re done puzzling for the evening to maximize your space.

17. Try video games

Playing video games can totally be cozy as long as you pick a game that is low-stress and relaxing and doesn’t involve imminent danger or escaping some sort of peril. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the quintessential cozy game, and both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite are great beginner-friendly consoles to start with. Both are perfect for cuddling up on the couch with, and they’re sure to help you unwind and relax.

18. Put pen to paper with creative writing

If you’re already an avid reader, creative writing might just be the best new hobby to pick up for fall. This no-cost creative outlet can be a great stress reliever, and there are tons of different ways to get started. Try your hand at writing poetry, craft your own short stories, write fan fiction based on a favorite book or show, or find some creative writing prompts online to use as inspiration. Whatever you decide to write, make sure you have a cozy set-up to do it in—candles, light background music, and a mug of something warm are all encouraged.

Whether you consider yourself a lover of fashion or not, it’s always shocking how easy it is to get to a point where your closet is overflowing. A couple of sales happen and all of the sudden, what was once an organized masterpiece is exploding and in need of a purge—been there, done that too many times to count.

In the name of sustainability—and, to be totally honest, my sanity—2024 has had me aiming to do fewer closet clean-outs and instead to shop a little more strategically than I have in the past. There’s nothing more rewarding than adding a piece to my closet that I’m actually excited to see when I do my seasonal closet swap, and with a little bit of forethought, I have more of those pieces in my closet than ever before.

The next time you go to click “add to cart” or head to the checkout line, these are the questions to ask yourself before entering your credit card information. Your “thought I loved it but have never worn it” pile is about to get a whole lot smaller.

1. Can I style this with pieces I already own?

All too often, we fall into the trap of buying something new to wear because you have one killer outfit in mind to style it for. And if you can do that, that’s great—but you should be able to style a piece more than one way in order to justify buying it. Try to think of three different outfits you can wear with it that you’d actually enjoy wearing. If it requires buying even more pieces to style it in ways you’d like, it isn’t the right call to purchase it.

2. Would I buy this if it were full price?

I know, I know—it’s hard to resist the temptation of a sale. But one of the most game-changing mentalities to have with sales is this: If something is marked down from $100 to $60, you aren’t saving $40—you’re still spending $60. If something you know you’ll love and wear is on sale, by all means, add it to cart. But if you’re buying something just because it’s on sale, that’s another story.

The best question to ask yourself is if you would be considering purchasing something if it were still full-price. If the rush of the discount is the thing that’s enticing you, it’s best to pass.

3. Does this fit me right?

Especially in the post-pandemic age of online shopping, it’s easy to order something in a size that ends up being not quite right and end up keeping it because returning it would be too much of a hassle. Ask yourself: If you were shopping in-store and were trying the piece on in a fitting room, would you go grab a bigger or smaller size? If you would, it’s best to return or exchange it.

If you are shopping in-store and your size is out of stock and you’re trying to make an ill-fitting piece work, trust me: It’s best to wait for something that actually fits you right, unless you have the intent to tailor it. When possible, I also recommend shopping in-store for pieces that have finicky sizing—jeans, bras, etc. That way, you can try on multiple sizes off the bat to see which you prefer. You’ll be surprised by how often the piece you ending buying isn’t the size you would have ordered online.

4. Am I only buying this because it’s trendy?

With different trends and aesthetics going viral on TikTok by the week, it’s easier than ever to buy something just to hop on the bandwagon of a trend. While I’m a victim of this too, the key is to make sure you actually like the piece. For example, if you like the idea of the sheer top trend but actually wearing it makes you uncomfortable, that’s a trend you should pass on. Fashion is subjective; don’t buy something just because everyone else is.

5. What will the cost-per-wear be?

One of the most useful things to consider when purchasing something is its cost-per-wear, or the cost of the item divided by the amount of times you’ll wear it. It might sound better to buy a $200 pair of statement boots than a $500 pair of classic loafers, but if you only wear the statement boots a couple of times a year while you’d wear the loafers multiple times a week, the cost-per-wear of the loafers is much lower.

A great example of cost per wear is a wedding guest dress. If you know you won’t be able to get more wear out of it than one wedding, it’s better to rent a dress or borrow one from a friend to avoid it taking up closet space for all of eternity after one night in it.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Madeline Galassi, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor

Madeline has been covering fashion at The Everygirl since 2018. She edits all fashion content, writes in-depth trend reports, and curates the direction of the fashion and beauty sections. She’s worked with top brands like Nordstrom, & Other Stories, Sézane, and Everlane.

There’s nothing I love more than a good scentscape. Getting a good burn on always helps fulfill my need to see (and smell) everything the season has to offer—all without leaving the comfort of my home. This is especially true come fall, when all I want to do is curl up with a blanket and a good book, light a candle, and settle in for a long, cozy evening. After all, everyone knows that fall candles offer the absolute peak candle experience. There’s just something about this season of scents: spicy cinnamon, warm vanilla, and—most importantly—the subtly sweet smell of pumpkin. I truly can’t get enough this time of year.

If you need to replenish your supply for the season, read on for the fall candles our editors keep burning throughout the whole season. You’ll find everything from our budget-friendly faves to splurge-worthy scent masterpieces. 

The Best Fall Candles for 2024, According to Our Editors

Trader Joe’s

scent description: fresh apples

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I recently popped in to my local Trader Joe’s searching for a new fall candle and scored with this limited-edition Honeycrisp apple candle. I love anything fruit-scented to match the seasons, so this was the perfect crisp and cozy scent to make my home start to feel like fall. Even though it’s still 90 degrees outside, I said goodbye to my citrus-scented summer candles and hello to Honeycrisp apple fall!

— Isabella Kicklighter, Editorial Assistant

Hearth & Hand

scent description: apple, smoke, ginger, birch, and clove

I love the concept of a fall candle, but a lot of the time, the scents are too sweet or intense for my liking. The other week, I went to Target and ended up in the Magnolia section (obviously) and spotted this smoked apple cider candle. To my surprise, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and spice with a subtle hint of smokiness. Plus, it comes in an adorable tinted green, scalloped glass jar that I will definitely be cleaning out and reusing once I burn through it.

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— Caitlin Schneider, Graphic Designer

Threshold

scent description: smoked cinnamon, embers, cashmere, and musk

It’s hard for me to pass up a candle in a beautiful vessel, so this guy came home with me on my last Target run. I love the irregular glass jar—it feels super expensive, even though it’s only $10. I’m not a sweet-smelling candle gal, so the embers, cinnamon, and musk notes in this “Fireside Flannel” scent are perfect for me.

—Meagan McCormick, Marketing Director

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P.F. Candle Co.

scent description: nutmeg, pumpkin, brown sugar, and cinnamon

Yes, I know that this candle is only available for a limited time and that it is nearly impossible to track down. Yes, I know that I have recommended this candle on this roundup every year for the past four years. It does not matter—the pumpkin scent of this candle alters my brain chemistry every single fall. When I tell you that I have literally wooed lovers with the scent of this candle, I am dead serious. The smell of this candle has single-handedly gotten me a second date. Unfortunately, all other fall candles are ruined for me—but if it means getting to light this every chilly autumn morning for the rest of my life, then I’m perfectly fine with that.

— Emma Ginsberg, Associate Editor

FIELD GUIDE ESSENTIALS

scent description: fir needle, honey, and chai spice

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My favorite candle scent will always be anything tree-adjacent like fir, pine, or cypress. However, it can get tricky to burn these scents year-round without it feeling too December-y. So, if I find a tree-scented candle that also correlates to a season that’s not winter, it’s a no-brainer that I’m picking it up. Good & Well Supply Co. is one of my favorite candle brands, and when I smelled their Forest Chai scented candle, I couldn’t purchase it fast enough. Lighting this candle genuinely makes it feel as if you’re walking through a tree grove while sipping on a hot spiced chai, which is exactly what I want to be doing this fall.

— Bella Gil, Associate Commerce Editor

Anthropologie

scent description: unscented

Plot twist! Do these candles have any type of scent? Sadly, no. But do they give the perfect vibe for decorating your space for the season? Absolutely. I recently thrifted some gorgeous glass candle holders (thrift stores always have them for super cheap!) and have my eye on the mauve candlestick from this collection to compliment them. They make for a chic touch to your space regardless of if you decide to ever light them or not (I will not be too scared to taint their beauty) and are a step-up from more basic fall decor.

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—McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editorial Assistant

P.F. Candle Co.

scent description: orange, leather, black tea, teak

Not to be dramatic, but I’ll never forget the day I discovered this candle. I was at a pizza restaurant when I walked into the bathroom and was instantly enveloped by the coziest, warmest, most delicious scent I’ve ever encountered. The source? A teakwood and tobacco candle from P.F. Candle Co. I literally fell in love (with a candle) in a hopeless place (a bathroom stall). I snapped a photo of the label to remember it and rushed back to my table to rave about my find, only to discover their store was right down the street. I immediately marched to their brick-and-mortar location and left with armfuls of incredible scents—and it’s been a staple in my home ever since. Teakwood and tobacco is my absolute favorite, and as soon as I sense the slightest chill in the air, it’s lit 24/7. It perfectly embodies fall with its warm, spicy scent, and I’ll sing its praises to anyone who listens.

— Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer

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Paddywax

scent description: lemon, lime, cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli,  and musk

While I enjoy a classic pumpkin scent as much as anyone, I tend to gravitate toward spicier, more grounding fragrances during the cooler months. As a former Nashvillian, I’m convinced that no candle compares to Paddywax. I own at least four variations of this Tobacco Oud candle and burn it daily from Labor Day to Thanksgiving.

— Paige Cushman, Branded Content Editor

Bath & Body Works

scent description: crisp red apple, golden nectar, and warm clove spice

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Every single year since middle school, I have repurchased my tried and true fall candle, the Leaves candle from Bath & Body Works. No matter how many others I try, I always come back to this one. It’s the perfect mix of apple and spice without being too overpowering and gives any room a cozy fall smell. I never, ever get tired of it.

—Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant

BROOKLYN CANDLE STUDIO

scent description: crisp apple, cinnamon, clove, and cedarwood

The best part of fall for me is enjoying warm apple cider drinks, which is why I always choose this candle. Its fragrance fills my whole apartment and creates a cozy atmosphere, making it the ideal setting for relaxation and gatherings.

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—Aryana Johnson, Graphic Designer

snif

scent description: pumpkin spice, cinnamon, brûléed orange, salted maple, roasted chocolate, and whiskey

Snif is quickly becoming my favorite candle brand: their candles are cute, cheeky, and completely non-toxic with a cotton fiber wick. Nothing smells like fall as much as a pumpkin scent, but I hate the artificial sweet pumpkin that gives you a headache. This one smells warm, flavorful, and a little more spicy than sweet. With other unique notes like brûléed orange, whiskey, and salted maple, this is truly the scent of fall. I find myself saving it for special occasions because it’s so good, I don’t want to waste it.

— Josie Santi, Senior Wellness Editor & Podcast Host

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BROOKLYN CANDLE STUDIO

scent description: nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, clove, and cardamon

It’s a scene from You’ve Got Mail, an autumn walk through Central Park, and a PSL from Ralph’s all wrapped into one delicious-smelling, reusable glass jar. This Brooklyn-made candle will always carry a little bit of magic for me as I discovered it in a local shop during my first fall as a New Yorker and have purchased it every year since. Not too sweet yet not too spicy, it’s the perfect traditional pumpkin scent to complement any space–magic included with every purchase.

— Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer

Voluspa

scent description: pumpkin spice, creamy coconut milk, vanilla, and marshmallow

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This candle smells like you walked in the door of your childhood home and found your mom in the kitchen whipping up a fresh batch of pumpkin bread. It’s cozy, nostalgic, lightly spiced but not overwhelmingly sweet. It’s the kind of candle you can burn all day without getting a headache or feeling like pumpkin spice threw up all over your house.

— Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor

PRIMALLY PURE

scent description: orange, spice, rich cacao, honey, golden hay, and apple blossoms

If there’s one thing you buy to get you in the fall mood, let it be this. There’s a reason why this fall-wrapped-up-in-a-candle is sold out (don’t worry, just drop your email to be notified when it’s back). It’s all you could ask for in a candle to set the tone for slower, cozy days spent at home. It features a grounding blend of fresh citrus spice with hints of rich cacao, sweet honey, golden hay, and apple blossoms. Plus, the natural ingredients not only purify the air, but also have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and antibacterial properties to boost immunity and reduce stress (tell me you’re a wellness girlie without telling me).

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— Katherine Chang, Wellness Staff Writer