11 Transitional Outfits That Carry Over to Fall Fabulously

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Have no fear, summer’s not over yet! Still, there’s no time like the present to start thinking about (and shopping for!) your fall wardrobe. Luckily enough, the pre-fall collections have just hit stores, and the proverbial virtual aisles are already stacked with those It items you’ll soon be seeing everywhere. When dressing for transitional weather—the kind where one day feels like peak heat and the other is cool and crisp—relying on a solid foundation of wardrobe essentials is a must. Think lightweight outerwear offerings, notable knits, classic button-ups, all-in-one-outfit dresses, and timeless tanks and tees—all of which can be worn on their own or layered together.

Vogue’s Transitional Wardrobe Wish List:

• The Statement Suede Blazer: Staud Corrine suede jacket, $995
• The Cropped Trench Coat: Cos short trench coat, $170
• The Denim Skirt: Jacquemus La Jupe de Nimes asymmetric denim midiskirt, $560
• The Retro Loafer: Bally Pathy leather loafers, $719
• The Minimalist Handbag: J.Crew Edie bucket bag, $268
• The Statement Red Sweater: Róhe wool and cashmere-blend sweater, $550
• The Wax Jacket: Loewe corduroy-trimmed jacket, $2,900
• The Staple Shirtdress: Wardrobe.NYC oversized cotton-poplin maxi shirtdress, $1,200
• The Sleek Jean: Banana Republic ultra high-rise wide-leg crop jeans, $120
• The Woven Ballet Flat: Aeyde Uma caged Mary-Jane ballerina flats, $505

As for the next-season pieces we’re most excited about styling, those include Jacquemus’s must-have denim skirt (note the asymmetric band and slit!) , a pair of leopard-print flats from Toteme, and Loewe’s corduroy-trimmed wax jacket. Of course, there’s no talking about jackets without mentioning a go-with-everything khaki trench coat. This fall, we’re gravitating toward Khaite’s strong-shouldered style, which pairs perfectly atop Róhe’s statement red sweater and Aritzia’s menswear-inspired, striped boxer shorts.

For a slightly different vibe, choose Cos’s hooded cropped trench—it was a fashion-crowd favorite last spring and is back and better than ever for fall. Next up on our list, and probably the most sought-after new item in the transitional outfit formula, is Staud’s suede button-up jacket. Equal parts casual and cool, sport it with Jacquemus’s aforementioned denim skirt, a white button-up from Banana Republic, and a pair of retro driving loafers from Bally.

Still holding onto that festive summer feeling? Mix in warm-weather-friendly accessories, like a pair of classic black flip-flops from St. Agni or Loewe’s roomy raffia tote with more transitional looks. The latter have plenty of stylistic mileage still left in their tank, after all.

Below, we’ve mapped out eleven transitional outfits to help you navigate the new season with stylish ease.

The Statement Suede Blazer With a Must-Have Jean Skirt

All things suede were a huge hit on the fall 2024 runways—and contemporary brand Staud has taken note. Style its button-up blazer with Jacquemus’s asymmetrical denim skirt, Banana Republic’s polished white shirt, and a pair of brown leather loafers from Bally. Continue to accessorize with J.Crew’s glossy tote and a pair of dangling gold earrings from Ragbag.

The Long-Line Leather Coat With a Fashion Flip-Flop

Lightweight leather for fall? Count us in. We’re especially drawn to this long-line beige number from Veronica de Piante. Breathe some warm summer air into the look by way of St. Agni’s thong sandals and Lisa Yang’s sleeveless cashmere sweater. Toteme’s canvas clutch and a pair of Oliver Peoples x Khaite cat-eye sunglasses end on a chic note.

The Statement Red Sweater With a Transitional Trench Coat

A timeless khaki trench coat, a statement red sweater, a bold ballet flat—consider this trio pivotal to your early fall capsule wardrobe. All you need is Aritzia’s blue-and-white striped boxer shorts and your look goes from classic to cool in an instant. Bonus points go to Alaïa’s off-white mini bag and a pair of Bottega Veneta gold earrings.

The Crisp White Shirtdress With a Hooded Cropped Trench Coat

An elegant white dress isn’t just reserved for the summer months. This fall, slip into Wardrobe.NYC’s polished shirtdress for a welcome upgrade to your working wardrobe. Complete the look in Cos’s hooded cropped trench coat and a pair of GG-printed platform loafers from Gucci. Meanwhile. St. Agni’s woven tote is a seasonless style star.

The Modern Going-Out Top With a Tailored Trouser

Up the ante on your evening attire this early fall with Staud’s burgundy turtleneck top. Layer in Petar Petrov’s slouchy leather jacket and a pair of tailored trousers from The Garment for an effortless yet elegant finish. Meanwhile, strappy heeled sandals from Madewell and Prada’s suede shoulder bag are total scene stealers.

The Corduroy-Trimmed Wax Jacket With a Floaty White Skirt

Last fall, our closets were dominated by preppy wax jackets from the likes of The Row to Prada. This season, however, Loewe’s corduroy-trimmed cropped style is the one to cop. Style it, below, with a floaty white skirt from Co, Allude’s nautical-inspired sweater, and a pair of woven Mary Janes from Aeyde. Lié Studio’s chestnut-colored shoulder bag ensures you’re on-the-go in style.

The Striped Button-Up With a Go-To White Jean

Of all the classic closet combinations to consider, a striped button-up shirt and relaxed denim are hard to beat. In this case, we’re opting for Wales Bonner’s poplin pick and Banana Republic’s straight-leg white jeans. On chillier fall days, drape Nili Lotan’s oversized wax jacket over your shoulders. Then, for some welcome fashion flare, step into Tod’s calf-hair-adorned loafers and carry Loewe’s signature raffia tote, which has a shelf-life long after summer.

The Slinky Tank Dress With a Luxe Leather Blazer

Speaking of perfect fall pairings, Róhe’s slinky tank dress is a chic mate for Bally’s luxe leather blazer. Keep the rest of the look masterfully minimal with accessories from Dries Van Noten, The Row, and Gabriela Hearst.

The Neutral Knit With a Silky, Relaxed Pant

Every early fall rotation needs a notable knit or two—and Loulou Studio’s heather-grey V-neck is the ultimate layering essential. Here, wear it over Madewell’s viral white tee and a pair of buttery yellow satin pants from Toteme. Source Unknown’s leopard-print kitten heels add yet another color pop, while Savette’s ladylike top-handle bag is almost too chic for words.

The Structured Suit Vest With a Sleek Suede Skirt

You don’t need to hear us wax poetic about the suit vest, however, Veronica de Piante’s structured style is new on the scene—and totally worth the hype. We’re wearing ours with Massimo Dutti’s clean-lined suede skirt and a pair of suede knee boots from Proenza Schouler to match. Accessories from Khaite, Paloma Wool, and Alexandre de Paris tie the entire transitional look together.

The Edgy Plaid Skirt With a Plain, But Perfect White Tank

This one is for all of the fashion girls out there whose style leans more maximalist. Start with Chopova Loewena’s edgy plaid skirt, Cos’s plain white tank, and for a bit of added coverage, Dries Van Noten’s mustard-yellow crewneck. As for the last few touches, carry Aesther Ekme’s baby blue tote and slip into Weejuns’ brown penny loafers.