While we’re currently battling winter’s harsh cold (LA inhabitants, you don’t understand), designers have already mapped out our wardrobes for warmer weather ahead. No, we don’t mean swimwear and summer dresses (though they’ll certainly be on our shopping lists soon!), we’re talking about that tricky period between summer and fall—aka, the pre-fall collections. A seemingly odd time to shop, this in-between season is ideal for acquiring new pieces after you’ve exhausted your summer staples and want to start planning your fall wardrobe.
So, what’s in store come July and August? An overall vibe of masculine meets feminine with bits of Western influence and a sway of the ’80s. Deconstruction plays a large role, too, as closet staples are reworked and made fresh.
Ahead, we break down eight easy-to-wear yet impactful trends from the pre-fall collections. Get your preview here and shop our edit of pieces (that you can start wearing now!) to keep yourself ahead of the fashion curve.
Pre-Fall 2018 Trends
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots made an impression on the fall 2017 runways and designers like Givenchy, Altuzarra, Nina Ricci and Tibi are putting out sleek versions of the Western-inspired staple for pre-fall. Could this be the new combat boot?
The New Boho Dress
Asymmetrical hems and billowing sleeves are quintessential bohemia. For pre-fall, designers like Altuzarra, Erdem and Elie Saab are giving the boho dress a ladylike update with prim necklines and tailored lines done in mid-lengths.
Slouchy Wide-Leg Trousers
Come July and August, denim is taking a backseat to slouchy trousers, seen prominently throughout the pre-fall collections. Designers like Victoria Beckham, Max Mara, Prabal Gurung and Tibi make the case for a relaxed take on this tailored classic. Pro tip: Wear with sneakers for the ultimate cool-girl look.
Deconstructed Tailoring
Speaking of tailoring, designers are deconstructing staples like blazers, dresses and pants. Whether it's a raw hem, sliced detail or remixed silhouette, Monse, Jonathan Simkhai and Brock Collection prove the freshness of an undone look.
Checks
Heritage checks continue their reign, touching everything from blazers to skirts to pants with a fun and directional spin. Oscar de la Renta, Emilia Wickstead, Tibi and Chloé are just a few delivering nuanced versions from mismatched prints to bold colors.
Candy-Colored Pumps
Putting a jovial spin on a footwear staple, designers like Victoria Beckham, No. 21, Tibi, Roksanda and Oscar de la Renta are rendering pumps in cheerful hues like yellow, pink, lilac and green. We love this trend as an easy refresh to workwear.
Boldest Stripes
From rainbow shades to graphic black and white, stripes are bolder than ever, exemplified by voluminous trousers, dresses and tops found at Tome, Jonathan Simkhai, Roksanda and Diane von Furstenberg.
Disco Fever
For after-hours, it's all about sparkle according to Balmain, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, No. 21 and Jonathan Simkhai. Sequins, beading or bust.
