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.

Reformation Matilda Jacket

ZW Collection Peplum Jacket

Dries Van Noten Floral-Jacquard Jacket

Glove Boots

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

Reformation Remy Leather Flat Ankle Boots

The Row Cindy Suede Ankle Boots

Madewell Paisley Flat Glove Boots

Dressy Cigarette Pants

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

ZARA Straight-Leg Satin Pants

Ten Applause Satin Pant

Reformation Hadley Mid Rise Satin Pants

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.

Alex Mill Marais Sweater in Washed Cashmere

J.Crew 2025 Rollneck Sweater

COS Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater

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.

Posse Hattie Crochet-Trimmed Top

ZW Collection Frog Fastening Shirt

Róhe Oversized Silk Top

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.

Liffner Zip Clutch Gold Satin

Tuckernuck Black Satin Gabrielle Clutch

STAUD Muse Clutch

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.

Leset James Rib Socks

Le Bon Shoppe Her Socks

Comme Si The Agnelli Socks

Calf-Hair Pumps

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

Jamie Haller The Kitty Point Heel in Ponyhair Claret

Franco Sarto Salino Genuine Calf Hair Pumps

Reformation Inez Pumps

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?

Dorsey Long Sylvie Rivière Earrings in Moissanite

Stone and Strand White Gold Noble Diamond Tennis Earrings

Ring Concierge Mini Tennis Drop Earrings 14k Yellow Gold

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.

Reformation Mccall Skirt

H&M Satin Handkerchief Skirt

St. Agni Asymmetric Stretch-Wool Midi Skirt