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.

DÉHANCHE

Hollyhock Embellished Calf Hair Belt

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