11 Transitional Outfits That Carry Over to Fall Fabulously

Photo: Staud

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

Staud

Corrine suede jacket

La Jupe de Nimes asymmetric denim midiskirt

Banana Republic

The Perfect Shirt

Bally

Pathy leather loafers

Ragbag

mini Reflection gold-plated earrings

The Long-Line Leather Coat With a Fashion Flip-FlopLightweight 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.

Veronica de Piante

Kate textured-leather coat

J.Crew

high-rise slim wide jeans

Lisa Yang

Tova cashmere top

Toteme

T-Lock top handle bag

Oliver Peoples

x Khaite 1983C cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses

The Statement Red Sweater With a Transitional Trench CoatA 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.

Róhe

wool and cashmere-blend sweater

Khaite

Roth belted long trench coat

Toteme

The Everyday leopard-print ballet flats

Alaïa

Le Demi-Cœur shoulder bag

Bottega Veneta

small Fin earrings

The Crisp White Shirtdress With a Hooded Cropped Trench CoatAn 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.

Wardrobe.NYC

oversized cotton-poplin maxi shirtdress

Agmes

x Simone Bodmer-Turner Gertrude necklace

Gucci

horsebit wedge loafers

Lié Studio

The Diana statement earrings

The Modern Going-Out Top With a Tailored TrouserUp 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.

Staud

Canal merino wool turtleneck top

The Garment

Tilda tailored wool blend wide pants

Petar Petrov

The Criminal padded distressed leather jacket

Madewell

The Milano heeled sandals

Prada

zip suede shoulder bag

The Corduroy-Trimmed Wax Jacket With a Floaty White SkirtLast 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.

Loewe

corduroy-trimmed jacket

Aeyde

Uma caged Mary-Jane ballerina flats

Allude

striped wool and cashmere-blend sweater

Lié Studio

The Norma leather tote

Massimo Dutti

veined stone necklace

The Striped Button-Up With a Go-To White JeanOf 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.

Wales Bonner

Sisilia striped cotton-poplin shirt

Banana Republic

ultra high-rise wide-leg crop jeans

Tod’s

Gommino Macro printed calf hair loafers

Nili Lotan

Kedem waxed parka

Alighieri

The Abundant Dream recycled silver earrings

The Slinky Tank Dress With a Luxe Leather BlazerSpeaking 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.

Róhe

ribbed cotton-blend bouclé maxi dress

Dries Van Noten

leather loafers

The Row

medium N/S Park tote

Host silver pearl necklace

Gabriela Hearst

cuff bracelet

The Neutral Knit With a Silky, Relaxed PantEvery 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.

Loulou Studio

Anzor cashmere sweater

Toteme

high-rise satin wide-leg pants

Madewell

cotton relaxed oversized tee

Source Unknown

Nalita slingback pumps

Savette

The Symmetry leather top handle bag

The Structured Suit Vest With a Sleek Suede SkirtYou 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.

Veronica de Piante

Gia embroidered grosgrain-trimmed wool-twill vest

Massimo Dutti

straight-fit suede leather midiskirt

Proenza Schouler

Bronco suede knee boots

Paloma Wool

resin beaded necklace

Alexandre de Paris

acetate headband

The Edgy Plaid Skirt With a Plain, But Perfect White TankThis 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.

Chopova Lowena

Klos knee skirt

Dries Van Noten

brushed alpaca-blend sweater

G.H. Bass

Whitney weejuns loafer

Aesther Ekme

Demi Lune bag

Chan Lu

Beverly amethyst silk necklace