10 Items to Purchase This August If You’re All Set to Begin Your Fall Shopping

      Welcome to "10 Things to Buy," a monthly shopping guide designed to help you shop smarter by pinpointing the 10 essential items to add to your cart each month when your wardrobe could use a refresh. As an editor at Who What Wear for the past 12 years, I've dedicated countless hours to advising shoppers on the right pieces for any given season, so you're in capable hands. Whether your shopping needs are for chilly weather, warm days, vacations, or weddings, I'm here to provide the most appropriate seasonal recommendations. Be sure to check back at the beginning of each month for more.

      If you're anything like me and have been eagerly counting down to fall (apologies for the heat and bugs), our moment has finally come. Well, not quite—we still have several weeks of summer left, but we're getting closer to falling leaves and sweater weather. Although we might not be able to wear all the fall styles just yet, we can certainly begin shopping for them. You'll thank yourself later when the best items are sold out.

      As usual, I have compiled a carefully selected list of the ten best items to shop for this month. Keep reading to discover the smartest (and trendiest) pieces to order during August, along with my curated suggestions.

      **Toggle-Closure Jacket**

      While toggle-closure jackets gained popularity during spring, summer brought them to a halt. However, as expected, these styles are making a swift comeback for fall. Recently, I've spotted satin frog-closure styles, wool felt versions with minimal toggles, and military-styled toggle closures, among others. Now is the time to secure yours, as sell-outs are already occurring.

      **Róhe**

      Double-Faced Wool Jacket

      **MANGO**

      Straight Coat With Toggle Closure

      **Satin Ballet Flats**

      Transitioning from summer to fall is effortless with the right footwear, and one particular trend is ideal for this shift: satin ballet flats. The trend initiated by Miu Miu years ago is resurfacing, but the fall 2026 iteration is leaner and aligns with the current minimalist ballet flat movement.

      **Reformation**

      Charlie Taye Ballet Flat

      **Toteme**

      Satin Ballet Flats

      **Something Royal Purple**

      Runways and stylish individuals have indicated that royal purple is the color trend to incorporate into your fall wardrobe. The best part is that you can start wearing it now.

      **Flore Flore**

      Steffi Cotton T-Shirt

      **Transitional Sweater**

      Sweaters made from cotton and linen are perfect for the upcoming late-summer to early-fall days. Currently, cardigans, rollnecks, and boatnecks are the most stylish options to shop for.

      **J.Crew**

      Rollneck Reversible Cardigan

      **Reformation**

      Marine Linen Cotton Sweater

      **Damson Madder**

      Venna Wrap Cardigan

      **Fancy Cargo Pants**

      Cargo pants and silky trousers are among the most significant trends for 2026, and brands are wisely merging the two. Pair these with a tee or lightweight sweater for an effortless yet eye-catching outfit.

      **Reformation**

      Sawyer Cargo Pants

      **DONNI.**

      The Silk Cotton Sheer Cargo Pant

      **Rag & Bone**

      Claire Taffeta Tie Pants

      **Long-Sleeve Tee**

      Though it's a basic item, long-sleeve tees are currently very trendy. There's no better time to stock up than in August.

      **Aritzia**

      Interlock Cotton Steps Longsleeve

      **COS**

      Clean Cut Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

      **LESET**

      Margo Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

      **Dark-Wash Low-Rise Jeans**

      If you missed out on the Gap x Hailey Bieber low-rise jeans, don't worry; I've found several similar options that are equally stylish. This denim trend can easily be dressed up or down.

      **Aritzia**

      Denim Forum The '90s Ultra Lo-Rise Baggy Jeans

      **AGOLDE**

      Low Rise Loose (Weightless) Jeans

      **Silky Mini Tote**

      If you've been eyeing The Row's Cecily bag, you'll be happy to know that a new tassel version is available for fall. A Valesque bag serves as a great alternative (and is also highly sought after).

      **VALESQUE**

      Thea Leather-Trimmed Nylon Tote Bag

      **Magda Butrym**

      Julia Satin Shoulder Bag

      **The Row**

      Cecily Tassel Bag

      **Layering Tank**

      During the unpredictable weather ahead, you'll appreciate having some layering tanks to wear beneath your jackets and sweaters. These selections from Banana Republic, Flore Flore, and Reformation are just as chic on their own.

      **Banana Republic**

      Minimalist Cotton V-Neck Tank

      **FLORE FLORE**

      Esmé Ribbed Organic Cotton-Jersey Tank