10 Items to Purchase in September If You Dislike Trends but Wish to Avoid a Dated Appearance
Welcome to "10 Things to Buy," a monthly shopping guide designed to help you shop intelligently by highlighting the top 10 must-have items to enhance your wardrobe each month. As an editor at Who What Wear for the last 12 years, I've dedicated countless hours to advising individuals on seasonal shopping, so you're in excellent hands. Whether you’re preparing for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I’m here to provide seasonally relevant recommendations. Don’t forget to check back at the beginning of each month for more insights.
As for me, I definitely enjoy trends. However, I dislike investing in items that feel played-out and stale after just a year. This principle guided my choices for the top 10 items to purchase this September. The featured items below will refresh your outfits, making you appear fashion-savvy without looking like you're merely following mainstream trends.
With that said, here are the 10 stylish items I suggest adding to your wardrobe this month, none of which will make you seem overly trendy or outdated.
**Brown Jeans**
Colored jeans might not appeal to someone wary of trends, but believe me—brown jeans are subtle, versatile, and definitely in style for 2026.
- Levi's Low Straight Jeans in Over a Cup
- Frame The Pixie Gray Jeans in Espresso
- Reformation Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans in Mole
**Two-Tone Shoes**
Matthieu Blazy has reignited our love for two-tone shoes, with various brands introducing stylish renditions of this classic look in their fall collections, following Chanel's lead.
- Margaux The Colette in Black Nappa and Leopard Haircalf
- J.Crew Ava Cap Toe Pumps in Leather
- ZARA Leather Bow Ballet Flats
**Roll-Neck Sweater**
Thanks to J.Crew, we all want to sport vintage-inspired roll-neck sweaters; they’re the perfect cozy and casual piece to update your outfits right now.
- Abercrombie & Fitch 100% Cotton Roll Neck Crew Sweater
**Eel-Effect Accessory**
While I still adore croc embossing, the chic trend of eel embossing is gaining popularity. If your goal is to appear upscale, choosing accessories with eel embossing is a straightforward way to achieve that.
- Reformation Elena Shoulder Bag
- COS Angular Leather Heeled Loafers
- J.Crew Berkeley Belt in Eel-Embossed Leather
**Chartreuse**
To avoid a dated appearance each season, try incorporating contemporary color trends. Chartreuse is a standout choice for fall, making an impact even in small amounts.
- Leset Barb Satin Wide-Leg Pants in Chartreuse
- Free People Opal Rollneck Knit Sweater in Firefly
- Reformation Blythe Silk Top in Chartreuse
**Minimalist Dress**
For those not keen on trends, opting for dresses that embody '90s simplicity is a savvy approach. You’ll appear chic and refined in your chosen dress.
- ZARA Boat Neck Midi Dress
- COS Contrast-Panel Maxi Dress
- Ten Charleston Satin Dress
**Peplum Jacket**
With jacket season upon us, the peplum style is undeniably the most flattering option this year, effortlessly enhancing even the most basic jeans ensembles.
- ZW Collection Peplum Jacket
**Crewneck Long-Sleeve Tee**
When uncertainty strikes this fall, a long-sleeve T-shirt is the way to go, just as Kendall Jenner demonstrated, paired with high-waisted jeans. She's among many style icons who appreciate this versatile wardrobe staple.
- perfectwhitetee Jamie Recycled Cotton Long Sleeve Crew
- Reformation Ezra Slim Fit Long Sleeve
**Calf-Hair Bag**
Calf hair is one of the most elegant and understated bag trends for fall, adding intriguing texture to any style.
- Verafied Éclair Calf Hair Bag
- LIÉ STUDIO The Lou Bag in Black Calf Hair
- Alaïa Small Calf Hair Tote Bag in Brown
**Striped Button-Down**
A striped button-down shirt isn't revolutionary, yet it feels particularly fresh at the moment and can appear quite luxurious when styled in layered fall outfits.
- DÔEN Remis Top in Marceau Stripe
- Polo Ralph Lauren Stripe Relaxed Fit Cotton Button-Up Shirt
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10 Items to Purchase in September If You Dislike Trends but Wish to Avoid a Dated Appearance
It can be done.
