10 Things to Buy in September If You Hate Trends But Don't Want to Look Dated

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.

Something about me: I certainly don't hate trends. In fact, I love them, but what I do hate is investing in things that feel overplayed and stale a year later. This is exactly what I used to guide my selections of the top ten things to buy this September. The items highlighted below will make your outfits look fresh (and like you're in the know when it comes to fashion), but not like you're simply buying the most obvious trends that you see everyone else wearing.

So, without further ado, scroll to shop the ten chic items that I recommend adding to your wardrobe this month, none of which will make you look overly trendy or dated.

Brown Jeans

Colored jeans may be a bit off-putting to someone who is trend-averse, but trust me—brown jeans are low-key and wearable; classic, but very 2026.

Two-Tone Shoes

Matthieu Blazy made us all re-fall in love with two-tone shoes. Now a slew of other brands are adding cool versions of the timeless style to their fall collections, following in Chanel's footsteps (no pun intended).

Rollneck Sweaters

J.Crew singlehandedly made us all want to wear a vintage-y rollneck sweater, and I consider it to be the perfect casual, cozy way to make your outfits look up-to-date right now.

Eel-Effect Accessories

We'll always love croc embossing but the new elegant accessory trend people are swapping it for is eel effect. If your all outfit priority is looking expensive, eel effect is an easy way to do it.

Chartreuse

One of the easiest ways to avoid looking dated each season is to wear a fresh color trend. A favorite for fall is chartreuse, which makes a big impact even in small doses.

'90s Minimalism Dress

If you're not into trends, seeking out dresses characterized by '90s simplicity is a smart way to think. You'll look chic and polished in your dress of choice.

Peplum Jacket

Jacket season is upon us, and the most flattering style you can buy this year is a peplum one—hands down. It elevates even the simplest jeans outfits in an instant.

Crewneck Long-Sleeve Tee

When in doubt this fall, wear a long-sleeve T-shirt, exactly like Kendall Jenner just did, with a pair of high-waisted jeans. She's just one of the many It girls who love this highly versatile .wardrobe essential

Calf Hair Bag

One of the chicest, subtlest bag trends for fall is calf hair. The texture makes any bag style look chic and interesting.

Striped Button-Down

There's nothing groundbreaking about a striped button-down shirt, but they feel especially fresh right now, and can look quite luxurious when incorporated into a layered fall outfit.