It's Here: Your Guide to the 10 Most Important Fashion Items to Buy This August

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.

And just like that, it's August. It may still be very hot out, but this is the month when many of us collectively shift from summer shopping to fall shopping. If you want your pick of the best fall pieces, it's wise to start placing orders now. I'm not someone who loves having to wait weeks to wear something I buy, but I'm happy to report that much of what I suggest shopping for in August can be worn now (and later, of course).

Before we all inevitably get overwhelmed by all of the new arrivals for fall that have already started to show up on fashion retailers' sites, I made a list of the top 10 items to prioritize in August. Keep scrolling to kick off your fall shopping and start making some decisions.

Cow-Print Shoes

Leopard print isn't dead by any means, but the new animal print in town is cow print, and the coolest, easiest way to wear it is in the form of shoes. Trust me—this trend will sell out.

Sam Edelman

Bianka Slingback Pointed Toe Pumps

Prada

Genuine Calf Hair Mules

Longline Jeans

You can't go wrong with straight-leg jeans with a polished full-length inseam. They're not ankle-length but not baggy—they're just right.

Madewell

The Longline Straight Jeans

Staud

Teddy Straight Jeans

Checked Shirt

Everyone's talking about checked shirts after The Row's rendition of the '90s grunge trend sent the fashion crowd into a tailspin. I expect to see people tie them around their waists and wear them as jackets come fall.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Printed Cotton Shirt

Vince

Check Plaid Button-Up Shirt

Rails

Hunter Plaid Button-Up Shirt

Snakeskin Bag

Khaite solidified that snakeskin accessories are indeed back when a slew of snake-embossed bags and shoes went down it's F/W 25 runway. This is one of those trends you can definitely start wearing now.

Khaite

Simona Snake-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag

Reformation

Iliana Shoulder Bag

Jacquemus

Le Bisou Perle Snakeskin Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag

Sporty Jacket

This summer, it's been all about sporty shorts, but in the fall, it's going to be all about sporty jackets. Be on the lookout for track jackets and the like to style in unexpected ways.

Massimo Dutti

High Neck Bomber Puff Jacket

COS

Funnel-Neck Bomber Jacket

Crochet Cardigan

An excellent transitional basic to add to your wardrobe this month is a crochet cardigan. Style it with lace-trimmed satin shorts now and with jeans in the fall.

j.crew

Open Pointelle-Stitch Cardigan

La Ligne

Mallory Cardigan

Lightweight Pieces in Fall Colors

A sneaky way to ease into fall this time of year is by wearing lightweight pieces that are appropriate for the heat in fall colors such as burgundy, chocolate brown, and olive green.

Reformation

Drew Low Rise Shorts

Long-Sleeve Tee

August is an excellent time to stock up on fall basics, and one category I'm always lacking in is long-sleeve T-shirts. Until it's time to start using them as layering pieces, you can wear them with shorts and slip skirts.

J.Crew

Perfect-Fit Long-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt

Aritzia

HomeStretch Rib Crew Longsleeve

Veronica Beard Jean

3/4 Sleeve Pruitt Tee

Leather Slippers

Luxe leather slippers (for outside wear) are set to be one of the most sought-after shoe trends of fall 2025, so I strongly advise choosing your pair now before the masses catch on.

A.Emery

Spencer Leather Mules

Seychelles

Eye of the Beholder Mules

Black Pants

Last but not least, another great basic to shop for right now is a fresh pair of black pants. Whether you opt for flared, cigarette, or cropped pants or even a polished pair of capris (they're not going away), you'll thank your past self in a month when you find yourself reaching for them over and over.

Reformation

Vida Low Rise Pants

Gap

High Rise Bistretch Flare Pants

Lovers and Friends

Marnie Capri Pants