10 Things to Buy This October If You're Busy But Want to Look On-Trend
If you're ready to give your wardrobe an autumnal boost this month, click through to shop the 10 coolest items to buy in October 2026.

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.
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.
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Glove Boots
Glove flats and glove pumps are still trending, so it's only natural that glove boots are next.
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Reformation
Reformation Remy Leather Flat Ankle Boots
$398

The Row
The Row Cindy Suede Ankle Boots
$1650

Madewell
Madewell Paisley Flat Glove Boots
$228
Dressy Cigarette Pants
Now that Hailey Bieber has given her stamp of approval to satin cigarette pants, all will follow.
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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.
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Alex Mill
Alex Mill Marais Sweater in Washed Cashmere
$298

J.Crew
$98

COS
COS Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater
$329
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.
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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.
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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.
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Calf-Hair Pumps
A pair of textured calf-hair pumps adds a luxe look to an outfit. It's perfect for October.
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Jamie Haller
Jamie Haller The Kitty Point Heel in Ponyhair Claret
$795

Franco Sarto
Franco Sarto Salino Genuine Calf Hair Pumps
$155

Reformation
$328
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?
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Dorsey
Dorsey Long Sylvie Rivière Earrings in Moissanite
$550

Stone and Strand
Stone and Strand White Gold Noble Diamond Tennis Earrings
$895

Ring Concierge
Ring Concierge Mini Tennis Drop Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
$696
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.
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