It's Summer Outside, but Autumn in My Wish List—The Pre-Fall Pieces Our Editors are Bookmarking Before They Sell Out
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion, and our collective anticipation for it, is a fascinating phenomenon. Even as we bask in the lingering warmth of summer, a quiet hum of excitement builds around the arrival of pre-fall collections. It’s a moment of delightful transition, a space where we can indulge in newness without completely abandoning the season we’re still experiencing. This current trend of pre-fall wish lists, as highlighted in It's Summer Outside, but Autumn in My Wish List—The Pre-Fall Pieces Our Editors are Bookmarking Before They Sell Out, speaks to a desire for considered layering and a subtle shift in aesthetic, rather than a drastic overhaul. It’s about curating pieces that feel both current and enduring, a move away from the fast-fashion impulse and towards a more intentional approach to building a wardrobe. The appeal lies in the possibility of incorporating richer textures and deeper hues while still enjoying the freedom of lighter silhouettes. We've seen this echoed in recent trends like the maximalist take on Bermuda shorts showcased at Copenhagen Fashion Week At Copenhagen Fashion Week, Bold Bermuda Shorts Are Stealing the Street Style Spotlight, demonstrating a willingness to experiment with unexpected combinations that bridge the gap between seasons.
The shift towards pre-fall focus also reflects a broader change in how we consume fashion. The traditional seasonal calendar feels increasingly outdated in a world of year-round weather and evolving style preferences. Consumers are less likely to wait for a definitive seasonal drop and more inclined to seek out pieces that can be integrated into their existing wardrobes immediately. This has spurred brands to offer more frequent, smaller collections, catering to this demand for immediate gratification and curated selections. The emphasis on transitional pieces – those versatile items that effortlessly move from one season to the next – is a direct response to this shift. Consider the importance of footwear in this equation; finding shoes that can navigate both summer’s lingering heat and fall’s crisp mornings is paramount, as showcased in The Best Transitional Shoes to Wear From Summer Into Fall. It’s about finding that sweet spot where style and practicality intersect.
Beyond the practical considerations, there’s an undeniable element of aspiration at play. Pre-fall collections often offer a glimpse into a more refined, sophisticated lifestyle. The imagery accompanying these pieces evokes a sense of quiet elegance and effortless style – a world where rich fabrics and tailored silhouettes are embraced with understated confidence. This isn’t about chasing fleeting trends; it’s about investing in pieces that will elevate your everyday look and contribute to a timeless personal style. It’s a subtle shift in mindset, moving away from the relentless pursuit of the "new" and towards a more discerning appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. The enduring appeal of figures like Kate Moss, demonstrating a mastery of over-50s style with simple pieces like ballet flats and classic bags Ballet Flats and Two Hermès Bags? Kate Moss Is Doing Over-50s Style Exactly Right, further underscores this desire for a wardrobe built on enduring staples rather than disposable trends.
Ultimately, the rise of pre-fall wish lists signals a maturing of the fashion landscape. Consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking out pieces that align with their values and reflect their personal style. The focus is shifting from sheer volume to thoughtful curation, from fleeting trends to enduring quality. As we move further into this era of conscious consumption, will we see brands increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethical production in their pre-fall collections, further solidifying this shift towards a more intentional and responsible approach to fashion?
Even the most summer-loving editors will agree, there’s a particular sweet spot in the fashion calendar that we all look forward to: that in-between moment when the weather is still warm, but the new season collections have started to arrive. Before you recoil at the thought of cable knit jumpers, pre-autumn dressing isn't about committing to heavy layers just yet—instead, it's about investing in versatile, luxury pieces that effortlessly bridge the gap between what you can wear now and later too. Think beautifully tailored blazers thrown over linen dresses and worn again later with knitwear and jeans, or timeless loafers perfectly paired with romantic dresses or straight-leg trousers that promise year-round mileage.
It's worth noting that the best pre-autumn, luxury buys aren't dictated by fleeting trends; they're the pieces that quietly elevate your existing wardrobe by offering longevity well beyond a single season. So, with that in mind, I asked my fellow editors for the pieces that they've been eyeing for the months ahead, whether they're focusing on one solid investment, or refreshing their capsules with a handful of elevated staples. Wondering how Who What Wear UK editors really shop the transitional period? These are the designer purchases we're are adding to our wish lists before autumn officially arrives.
Natalie Munro, News Writer
Shop Natalie's Picks:
"If you thought Rixo were just pretty summer dresses, think again. Not only are their blouse and skirt offerings are perfect with sandals on a sunny day, they can also be layered up with a suede jacket and knee high boot for autumn too."
"This striking shade of blue stopped me scrolling in my tracks. Although COS' merino cardigan comes in six different colours, this bold, pop of blue stands out from the crowd (quite literally), and I would happily wear it on repeat with jeans, tailored trousers and slip skirts from now till the end of winter."
"I can't wait for leather weather, largely in part to Saint Laurent's sleek funnel neck bomber. Everything about this reminds me of the best bits of autumn—fresh mornings, cosy layering and crunchy leaves."
"With an upcoming holiday and several slow weekends planned ahead, I've been looking for casual options that still feel polished. These Me + Em trousers feel like the perfect hybrid of smart-trousers-meets-trackies that look like your favourite loungewear, only better."
Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
Shop Poppy's Picks:
"A crisp shirt is a staple in my wardrobe all year round, but there's something about With Nothing Underneath's beautiful blue Sóller style that might just replace my usual white go-to. I have dreams of wearing this with white linen trousers for my honeymoon later in the year, and underneath a wool coat when we return."
"Massimo Dutti might be a fixture on the high street, but they don't cut corners when it comes to premium quality at a better price point than most luxury. Take this braided leather bag as a prime example."
"COS' Clean Cut t-shirt is already a Who What Wear UK favourite for it's perfect fit and thick fabrication, but now it comes in an even better navy stripe, bringing the grand total of colours and prints to an impressive 20. I'd tempted to take one in every style..."
"ICYMI wide-leg silk trousers are having a moment right now, and if you didn't buy a pair to wear during the heatwave, now is a great time to invest in Rôhe's relaxed pair in midnight blue. Effortless elegance in a sleek trouser."
Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
Shop Remy's Picks:
"In the not-quite-trench-coat-not-quite-cardigan weather, you're going to be thankful for a jacket like this in your arsenal. Ultra-light and ready to throw on over anything at a moment's notice, Toteme have knocked it out of the park with this pared-back beauty, the very definition of simplicity, perfected."
"I'm not ready to break up with bold pops of red, and once my red mesh ballet flats are too breezy for the weather, I'll switch to this Loewe sweater to wear over white tees, tied around my shoulders, or of course, around my waist."
"A sleek Victoria Beckham, cocoa suede, minimalist, suede clutch. Need I say anymore? This bag makes me want to immediately put my white cotton dresses to one side and step into a sharp grey suit and business-ready heel."
"If there's one pair of shoes that you can wear quite literally all year round, it's a leather ballet shoe. Jimmy Choo haven't tried to reinvent the wheel with their Margot flats, but they have perfected it—everything from the almond toe to the semi-patent finish is so finely tuned that you'll be able to wear these for years to come without worrying that they will go out of style."
Humaa Hussain, Junior Branded Content Editor
Shop Humaa's Picks:
Sorry white tank tops, nothing says "autumn" quite like a stripped tee. Jamie Haller's High Striped cotton tee is the perfect long sleeve for slightly chillier days, and the subtle print means it will still go with just as much as your usual every day basic.
As soon as the weather gets cooler, it's my sign time to bring out the dark denim.These are top of my wish list for the moment I stop wearing my linen trousers and flip flops.
I’ve been eyeing these for a few seasons, and I think now is finally time to commit. These are the kind of classic style and execution you can wear year after year and they will never date.
I’m all about clever, transitional layering so having a jacket I can throw on over layers when the cold really settles in is perfect. Toteme are masters of the lightweight jacket, and this Summer Parachute jacket ticks every box.
Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor
Shop Florrie's Picks:
Anyone who knows me knows that I live in straight leg jeans, but there's something about Róhe's barrelled, voluminous trouser that is convincing me that this autumn is going to be all about this sculptural silhouette.
The Row's handbags are always on my wish list, but particularly in the transition between summer and autumn when you need a big bag with "back to school" energy to replace your summer basket bag.
Okay, this is spenny, but that's precisely why it's on my wish list. I could happily look at this Spinelli Kilcollin ring all day, and I dream of the way this could dress up even my most simple autumn outfit with a little extra sparkle.
"The next time you're wondering what to wear with a white tee, jeans and loafers, Arma's leather jacket just solved all of your problems."
Georgia Seago, Sub Editor
Shop Georgia's Picks:
"My fellow editors rave about DeMellier bags, but most of the brand’s styles are too structured for my liking. The Large Siena is perfect: slouchy, suede and super-versatile."
"I’m very into draped, longline tops right now. This is technically a minidress, but I’d wear it over wide-leg linen trousers with sandals now, and with straight-leg jeans and a leather jacket thrown over the top when it gets cooler."
"I’m after a new pair of sunglasses, and I like the idea of a pink-tinted lens to brighten up my early-autumn outfits. These would look especially good with a cream and tan tonal look."
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