The 10 Specific Items Everyone With Elegant Taste Will Buy This October
Your monthly shopping list is here.

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.
While September kicks off the fall shopping season, by the time October rolls around, it's become clear what the must-have It items and trends are. It also means they're starting to sell out. So for this month's edition of 10 Things to Buy, I put together a list of elegant items that celebrities and fashion people are currently prioritizing, and they're all primed to be worn with a plethora of pieces that are likely already in your wardrobe. From the J.Crew sweater everyone is losing it over to the heels that Reformation can't keep in stock, below is your October 2025 shopping list. Don't let your favorite fall It items sell out before snagging them.
J.Crew Rollneck Sweater
Your Instagram feed might've already told you this, but this is *the* sweater to buy this season. Multiple colors are already selling out, so get it while you can.
Reformation Inez Pumps
Given how many stories I've included these Ref pumps in, I like to think that I've contributed to them selling out. If I were you, I'd buy them in more than one color—they're that good, and the leather is shockingly soft.
COS Checked Flannel Shirt
Of all the new plaid shirts on the market right now, the COS ones are the most elevated. This seriously looks like a designer buy but for hundreds less.
Gap Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans
Hailey Bieber has worn these jeans countless times in the rinse wash recently, and they're very affordable, so yeah—they're a great thing to buy this month.
Heaven Mayhem Sloane Sunglasses
Yes, everyone's favorite affordable jewelry brand makes sunglasses now, and they're really chic and low-key—perfect for fall. Jennifer Lawrence has been spotted in them on repeat occasions.
Madewell Cow-Print Belt
Actually, all of Madewell's cow-print items are great and popular, but a belt is the easiest way to wear the trend, in my opinion.
Ugg Elea Suede Slip-Ons
I've said it multiple times, and I'm saying it again: The Elea Slip-Ons are the Ugg It shoes of F/W 25—which is why I already own them in two colors.
Still Here Cool and Sport Jeans
I've lost count of all the celebrities that have worn one of these Still Here no-waistband styles, but Zoë Kravitz is the most recent. If you see your size in stock, grab them, because I'm sure they'll be sold out once again soon.
Flore Flore Esme Tank and Madewell Compact Shell Tank
October shopping isn't just for sweaters—you need layering pieces, too, and the one our editors are losing it over and high-neck tanks from Madewell and Flore Flore. They'll make your outfits look much chicer and expensive than a scoop-neck tank would.
J.Crew Pleated Prep Skirt
The preppy aesthetic is easily achieved with a pleated skirt on hand, and J.Crew's version is just as good as the designer ones that retail for thousands.

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
My Little Sisters Think I'm Rich—These Are the Under-$150 Finds Making Them Believe That
A walking (chic) ATM.
-
33 Gorgeous Fall Coats I'm Considering From Revolve, Mango, and Banana Republic
Suede jackets, funnel-neck coats, and classic trenches ahead.
-
I Love the Sweaters at J.Crew, COS, and Zara RN—40 Worth Adding to Your Cart
These will elevate your fall outfits.
-
Forget Fleeces and Hoodies—This Is the It-Girl Jacket to Wear With Plain Leggings
It's taken over by storm.
-
50 Under-$100 Nordstrom Finds That Are Giving Serious "Shop Now" Vibes
High joy. Low cost.
-
Wait, Everything Is on Sale at J.Crew—These 29 Elegant Fall Finds Are the Standouts
Get 40% off full-priced items.
-
Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham Weigh in on Fall Shopping and the Unexpected Accessory They Love Sharing
You won't be able to guess what it is.
-
I Officially Have a Zordy Closet—31 Zara and Nordstrom Standouts That I'm Living In Straight Through Fall
Plus, chic fall 2025 outfit ideas that I plan on re-creating ASAP.