The Top 10 Things to Buy This September If You Want Cooler Outfits and More Compliments
Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 11 years, I’ve spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you’re in good hands. Whether you’re shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I’m here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.
After months of talking about shopping for fall, we’re finally here. September is *the* month for fall shopping, as the top trends have been solidified, and new arrivals are rolling in full steam ahead. If you’re like me and have trouble deciding what to buy when faced with a million options, you’ve once again come to the right place. If it’s compliment-worthy outfits you seek this fall, I made a list of the top ten things to buy this month to help you achieve this. From luxe-looking accessories to versatile basics to the season’s most worth-it trends, keep scrolling to shop my monthly picks.
Calf Hair Accessories
I’m just going to say it: I think calf hair accessories look even richer than suede ones do. Whether in a solid color or animal print, belts, bags, gloves, and shoes (although I’d consider that a separate category) in calf hair really take even the simplest of outfits to another level.
Toteme
T-Lock Pony Hair Clutch
Loulou de Saison
Brown Edna Calfskin Gloves
Basic Sweaters
As soon as people start shopping for cold weather and the holidays, sizes in the best basic sweaters will fly out of stock. Shopping early is advised.
J.Crew
Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater
Madewell
Cashmere Button-Front Cardigan Sweater
Everlane
The Boxy Sweater in Everyday Cotton
Leather Jacket
Retailers don’t typically stock that many units in leather jackets, since they’re on the pricier side. If you invest in one now, you won’t miss out on your top pick and you’ll be ready as soon as the weather cools down.
Banana Republic
Distressed Leather Flight Jacket
Reformation x Veda
Harrison Leather Oversized Bomber
MASSIMO DUTTI
Short Nappa Leather Jacket
Neutral Jeans
Denim in shades of tan, brown, and olive are trending for fall, but they don’t feel trendy per se. But they’ll make your outfits look more interesting and more 2025 than basic blue jeans.
Levi’s
Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans in Scraped Travertine
FRAME
The Hang High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans in Nightmoth
Agolde
Ren Jeans: High Rise Wide Leg Jeans in Ceramic
Suede Flats
Suede flats are a fall wardrobe essential, in my opinion. This is an item you can start wearing now, even if it’s still warm out, so I suggest adding a pair to your closet ASAP.
Toteme
Suede Ballet Flats
Vince
Cici Cross Strap Flats
Car Coat
As far as fall outerwear goes, it doesn’t get more elegant than car coats. Choose a shade that goes with everything in your wardrobe and plan on wearing on repeat.
COS
Wool-Trimmed Car Coat
STAUD
Jonah Leather-Trimmed Twill Long Jacket
Satin Slip Dress
Fall 2025’s biggest dress trend is satin slip dresses, and the time to order one is now. Dress them down by pairing them with barn jackets, leather jackets, or oversized sweaters. Dress them up by pairing them with faux fur jackets and heels.
Reformation
Lya Silk Dress
Aritzia
Wilfred Pavilion Satin Dress
DOEN
Elvina Dress in Cafe Brun
Tights
I don’t know about you, but my tights collection is seriously depleted post-winter. I’m stocking up now and tossing all of my pairs with pills and runs before I accidentally wear them.
J.Crew
Control-Top Opaque Tights
Wolford
Individual 10 Back Seam Tights
Commando
Semi Opaque 35 Denier Tights
Non-White Sneakers
White sneakers are great, but I tend to want to wear ones in richer colors come fall. Burgundy, tan, brown, and red are a few colors you can’t go wrong with.
PUMA
Speedcat OG Sneakers in Haute Coffee-Frosted Ivory
Adidas
Japan Low Top Sneakers in Betsca/Owh
On
Cloudzone Sneakers in Mulberry/ Black
Column Skirt
If you want elegant outfits at the ready, I highly suggest purchasing a column skirt in a versatile color. They look chic with blazers, button-downs, sweaters—you name it.
BIRROT
Exclusive Lay2 Crepe Maxi Skirt
