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
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.
Gap
High Rise Bistretch Flare Pants
Lovers and Friends
Marnie Capri Pants
