10 Things to Buy This October If You're Busy But Want to Look On-Trend

No need to shop for hours. These finds will make you look like a fashion person.

Allyson Payer's avatar
By
Published In Buying Guides
Collage of fashion items to buy in October.
(Image credit: Shopbop; Zara; Leset; Mytheresa; Alex Mill; Liffner)
Jump to category:

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 12 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.

Fall is in full swing, and your schedule is likely packed. It's a busy time of year, and you're going to need things to wear for the many occasions on your calendar. Sorry, shopping is yet another thing to do this month, but luckily, you have me to help with that. As I do every month, I've chosen the top 10 things to shop right now. For October, I focused on trend-forward items that are easy to incorporate into your outfits and that will give them an instant seasonal boost.

Scroll to discover your top-10 edit for October 2026, from the elegant jacket style every fashion person is shopping for right now to the exact sweater color you need.

Latest Videos FromWho What Wear

Brocade Jacket

For fall, outfits with an air of opulence are getting all the attention, and the key piece to achieve the look is a brocade jacket. Even when you pair it with just jeans and flats, you'll look so fall 2026.

Glove Boots

Glove flats and glove pumps are still trending, so it's only natural that glove boots are next.

Dressy Cigarette Pants

Now that Hailey Bieber has given her stamp of approval to satin cigarette pants, all will follow.

Purple Sweater

Given that purple is the color of the season, it should come as no surprise that purple pullovers are the sweaters of the season.

Toggle-Closure Top

First came toggle-closure jackets, and now, the trend has made its way to shirts. It's a very trend-forward way to dress your outfits up this season.

Satin Clutch

Speaking of dressing outfits up, the accessories trend to do so with this season is a satin clutch. Choosing a substantial one, as opposed to a mini evening clutch, is the 2026 way.

Cobalt Socks

Another major color trend is cobalt blue, and there's no easier way to wear it than via a pair of socks peeking out under your jeans or trousers.

Calf-Hair Pumps

A pair of textured calf-hair pumps adds a luxe look to an outfit. It's perfect for October.

Tennis Earrings

Fall is a great time of year to get fancy with your jewelry, and the coolest, most elegant way buy is a pair of tennis earrings. Why save the classic style just for necklaces and bracelets?

Asymmetrical Skirt

Skirts have reigned supreme on the spring/summer 2027 runways, so why not embrace them now? For fall, asymmetrical midi-length styles are key, worn with everything from oversize sweaters to fitted jackets.

Allyson Payer
Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

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.