Do you notice that hint of coolness in the air? Not quite yet? While the summer heat lingers, subtle signs of the coming season are emerging—pre-fall collections are starting to arrive. Before we fully transition into autumn, there’s a brief in-between period—much like early summer—that’s ideal for creative dressing. It’s when summer favorites mix with lightweight fall pieces, creating layered, intriguing looks that feel uniquely personal.

There’s no single formula for pre-fall style, but the most captivating outfits play with contrast. Think: a printed sarong over trousers à la Dries Van Noten, a lace cami under a fresh leather jacket silhouette (hello, Chloé), or a pencil skirt paired with an oversized shirt and flip-flops. Some styles carry over from previous seasons, while others reinvent classics with new shapes or styling twists.

Vogue’s Pre-Fall Wish List:
– The Oversized Tee (Khaite Maeve t-shirt, $320)
– The Long Short (Kallmeyer Hayes denim shorts, $395)
– The Red Alert (Loulou de Saison Jada knitted maxi dress, $320)

Femininity shone through in Chloé and Saint Laurent’s fall collections, with delicate lace trimmings and slip-inspired silhouettes. Victoria Beckham and Carven also embraced lace while reviving bold red—no longer just an accent but a full head-to-toe statement. The Row and Khaite reimagined staples like shirting and outerwear, offering fresh takes on oversized tees and button-downs that invite playful proportion experiments.

And let’s not forget the standout bottoms: long shorts and bootcut trousers are trending, while pencil skirts—seen at Kallmeyer, Gucci, and Bevza—offer sleek, tailored options. For those still in their bohemian era, floor-length maxi skirts styled with scarf-like layers (thank you, Rabanne and Etro) are a must.

Here’s a preview of what’s coming next season—and the pre-fall pieces to shop now.

### The Lace Trim
Lace-trimmed pieces remain a favorite, appearing in dresses from Saint Laurent, Chloé, and Maria McManus—perfect alone or layered under coats. For versatility, try lace separates from Ulla Johnson or Staud that can be dressed up or down.

– Chloé lace-trimmed silk cami ($1,590)
– Stella McCartney lace-trimmed satin midi dress ($1,690)
– Ulla Johnson Bette lace-trimmed top ($490)
– Staud Nadia lace miniskirt ($345)

### Scarf Dressing
Scarf styling isn’t going anywhere—this season, Rabanne, Etro, and Gucci featured scarf prints head-to-toe. Try a printed dress, skirt, or even tie one as a top for endless styling options.

– Rabanne paisley maxi dress ($1,690)
– Nili Lotan Audrey silk cami ($450)
– Ulla Johnson draped scarf gown ($1,350)
– Gucci printed silk scarf ($540)

### The Sleek Pencil Skirt
This season’s pencil skirts are polished and feminine, with satin finishes from Kallmeyer and Veronica de Piante. Proenza Schouler’s draped version transitions effortlessly into fall, pairing perfectly with cardigans or knits.

– Kallmeyer Emilee midi skirt ($595)
– Proenza Schouler Amery draped skirt ($890)
– Veronica de Piante Elea satin skirt ($1,195)
– Mango slit pencil skirt ($70)

### The Boy Tee
Oversized tees continue to dominate, offering an easy yet stylish foundation for pre-fall layering.

(Continued…)The Row turns a simple boyish tee into something effortlessly chic. Their textured tee-and-long-sleeve combo channels skater vibes but elevates it to a cool-girl staple. Staud and Still Here offer easy two-in-one options for that layered look, while Khaite joins in with a playful graphic tee styled with pleated trousers.

The Long Short
Fall may be coming, but we’re not ready to ditch shorts just yet. Long shorts are the perfect transitional piece—Maria McManus paired white denim with a crochet top, while Kallmeyer kept it simple with a tank and sandals. For cooler days, 6397 showed how knee-high boots and an extra layer make them seasonless.

The Transitional Jacket
This season’s must-have? A zip-front work jacket—somewhere between a chore coat and a bomber. Look for gathered hems, classic collars, and zip closures in materials from leather to canvas. Saint Laurent, Khaite, Stella McCartney, and Brandon Maxwell all nailed the trend.

The Oversized Shirt
Go big or go home with shirting this season. Proenza Schouler and The Row offered neutral button-downs, while Carven and Adam Lippes went for bold blues. Whether solid or striped, the bigger the fit, the better.

Red Alert
Red took center stage this season, from head-to-toe looks to standout separates. A draped red dress (like Simkhai’s) makes a great investment, while Victoria Beckham’s sweater and skirt can be styled together or mixed with wardrobe staples.

The Camel Coat
Camel coats got a sculptural update. Khaite’s wrap coat (worn beltless with a popped collar) and Toteme’s timeless shawl-collar version are instant classics. Sportmax cinched the waist on an overshirt-inspired coat, while Christopher Esber and Victoria Beckham embraced bold shoulders and structured silhouettes.

Bootcut and Flare Trousers
Long, lean legs ruled the season. Victoria Beckham and Chloé favored floor-grazing cuts in pinstripes and plaids, while Nili Lotan and Theory perfected the slim black bootcut trouser—a timeless wardrobe essential.Nordstrom
Nili Lotan Corette flared pants – $550
Mytheresa – $550
Nili Lotan

Chloé checked wool flared pants – $1,850
Net-a-Porter

Theory slim-fit trousers – $215
Nordstrom
Shopbop – $295
Revolve – $325

Great Lengths
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Move over miniskirts—this season, hems are dropping lower than ever with floor-grazing maxi skirts. Whether sleek and satin like Nanushka’s draped skirt or adorned with bohemian prints from Isabel Marant, Etro, and Saint Laurent, these figure-hugging maxis add a dramatic touch to carry you through the last days of summer heat.

Rabanne chain-detailed paisley maxi skirt – $1,290
Net-a-Porter

Nanushka Letto mesh slip skirt – $595
Nanushka

Isabel Marant Syana ruched maxi skirt – $1,245
Net-a-Porter

Aya Muse draped semi-sheer maxi skirt – $575
Mytheresa