It's Arrived: Your Guide to the 10 Essential Fashion Pieces to Purchase This August

      Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping guide designed to help you shop more effectively by highlighting 10 essential items to include in your cart each month if your wardrobe could use an update. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 11 years, I have invested countless hours advising others on what to purchase for each season, so you're in capable hands. Whether you’re looking for items for chilly weather, warm climates, a getaway, or a wedding, I’m here to provide you with the most fitting seasonal recommendations. Don’t forget to check back at the beginning of each month for new suggestions.

      And just like that, it’s August. While the heat is still intense, this month marks a shift for many of us from summer shopping to preparing for fall. If you want to snag the best pieces for fall, it’s smart to start ordering now. I’m not someone who enjoys waiting weeks to wear newly purchased items, but I’m pleased to say that much of what I recommend for August can be worn now (and later as well).

      Before we all potentially feel overwhelmed by the influx of new fall arrivals that are already appearing on retailers' websites, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 items to prioritize this August. Keep reading to kick off your fall shopping and begin making some choices.

      **Cow-Print Shoes**

      While leopard print is still popular, the latest animal print trend is cow print, and the most stylish way to incorporate it is through footwear. Trust me—this trend is bound to 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 that feature a refined full-length inseam. They strike a balance, being neither ankle-length nor baggy—they're just right.

      - *Madewell The Longline Straight Jeans*

      - *Staud Teddy Straight Jeans*

      **Checked Shirt**

      Checked shirts are having a moment, particularly after The Row's interpretation of the '90s grunge look captivated the fashion world. Expect to see people tying them around their waists and wearing them as jackets in the upcoming fall.

      - *Polo Ralph Lauren Printed Cotton Shirt*

      - *Vince Check Plaid Button-Up Shirt*

      - *Rails Hunter Plaid Button-Up Shirt*

      **Snakeskin Bag**

      Khaite confirmed the return of snakeskin accessories with a collection of snake-embossed bags and shoes showcased in its F/W 25 runway show. This is a trend 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 focused on sporty shorts, but as fall approaches, sporty jackets will take center stage. Look out for track jackets and similar styles to wear in unexpected ways.

      - *Massimo Dutti High Neck Bomber Puff Jacket*

      - *COS Funnel-Neck Bomber Jacket*

      **Crochet Cardigan**

      A fantastic transitional piece to add to your wardrobe this month is a crochet cardigan. Style it with lace-trimmed satin shorts now, and pair it with jeans when it gets cooler.

      - *j.crew Open Pointelle-Stitch Cardigan*

      - *La Ligne Mallory Cardigan*

      **Lightweight Pieces in Fall Colors**

      A clever approach to transitioning into fall is to wear lightweight items in autumnal shades like burgundy, chocolate brown, and olive green.

      - *Reformation Drew Low Rise Shorts*

      **Long-Sleeve Tee**

      August is an ideal time to stock up on essential long-sleeve T-shirts, which I often find myself short on. While you await the cooler months when you’ll layer them, you can wear them now 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**

      Luxurious leather slippers (suitable for outdoor wear) are poised to become one of the most coveted shoe trends for fall 2025, so I highly recommend picking up your pair now before the trend takes off.

      - *A.Emery Spencer Leather Mules*

      - *Seychelles Eye of the Beholder Mules*

      **Black Pants**

      Lastly, a fresh pair of black pants is another essential piece to shop for right now. Whether you choose flared, cigarette, cropped pants, or a refined pair of capris (which are here to stay), you’ll be grateful to your past self in a month when you find yourself reaching for them repeatedly.

      - *Reformation Vida Low Rise Pants*

      - *Gap High Rise