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Can’t quite figure out what season it is, let alone how to dress for it? Everyone’s confused! Right now, the mornings are brisk, the afternoons are hot, and by the time you leave the office, you’re kicking yourself for not bringing a warmer coat. All you really want to wear is a slip dress and sandals, of course, but instead of ripping the tags off your summer purchases way too soon, why not revisit the Pre-Fall 2019 collections? (For the uninitiated, Pre-Fall loosely translates to “summer,” but it’s more like “late spring.” No, it doesn’t make sense.)
Vogue Runway covered 215 of them back in December, mostly via appointments in New York or, in some cases, far-flung destination shows: Chanel and Versace came to New York, Coach 1941 went to Shanghai, and Valentino traveled to Tokyo. The looks we loved most are finally arriving in stores, including the five key trends below that will carry you through the rest of the season. Among them, there’s a wanderlust-y alternative to your go-to denim jacket; a clever new way to wear checked suits; and a few dresses that will inspire you to plan a blow-out party, stat.
Trade Your Trench for a Poncho
If the word poncho reminds you of the crocheted thing your grandmother once wore, Gucci and Chloé should change your mind. Theirs is an elegant, unexpected alternative to your go-to trench or jean jacket—a breezy silhouette that makes it the ideal layer for a “summer in the sun, winter in shade” afternoon.
Feathers for Day
We’re expecting to see lots of feathers on the Met Gala red carpet next Monday, but Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli, Erdem Moralioglu, and Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller made the case for campy plumes in our “real lives” too. Swap your black pencil skirt for Brock Collection’s ostrich feather–trimmed version, or simply pick up a cardigan with a touch of fluff around the edges.
Chic Pleats
Another carryover of the ’80s revival? Pleated pants—but these aren’t your dad’s chinos! Altuzarra and Max Mara’s trousers are slim, drapey, and have just a few crisp creases down the front. Wear them with sneakers and a T-shirt during the day, or swap in sky-high stilettos and a silk blouse for a sensual after-dark look.
Big Ruffles on Little Dresses
The ’80s-inspired minidress wasn’t a totally new concept for Pre-Fall, but a new slew of designers got into the trend, from Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing to Johanna Ortiz. Having one of their ultra-short, ultra-bold numbers in your closet practically demands a busy social calendar to match; start planning your summer soirées now.
Not Your Basic Blue Jean
For the girl who lives in vintage Levi’s and a white T-shirt in the summer, consider a graphic twist with screen-printed jeans. Most designers stamped their denim with bold logos, but Sandy Liang opted for sweet butterflies instead—and made the case that guys should wear them, too (like Danny Bowien, pictured here in Liang’s lookbook).
Check Yourself
Plaid suiting was all the rage this fall, but you don’t have to give up checks when the temperatures (slowly) begin to rise. A plaid pant or camisole looks surprisingly fresh with a flash of skin, and a lightweight plaid blazer—in viscose or silk, not wool!—is breathable enough to wear all summer long.
