>> Easy does it. Make a seamless transition into the new season with these 15 gorgeous Pre-Fall essentials. In Autumn-perfect hues, versatile silhouettes, and seasonless fabrics, these pieces pull double duty easily, making between-season dressing a breeze. Put them into heavy rotation right now, then layer them together for a September-perfect look come this Fall.
For pre-Fall, Mango showed some enviable outfits in its lookbook featuring Kasia Struss and Emma Xie. Think layers comprised of floral skirts, striped tees, denim, and flirty dresses — perfect for those strange and wonderful transitioning months in September and October. But not all is casual; we spotted some cropped trousers for the posh working woman and even a pretty lace frock ideal for first-date encounters. Peek into the slideshow for the rest of the lookbook and more midweather dressing inspiration.
>> July has unavoidably brought on hot, sticky jungle weather — so why not fight fire with fire? Take a cue from Stella McCartney's Pre-Fall 2011 collection (left) and wrap yourself in lush leaf prints and tropical palm patterns. Pair graphic ferns with this season's neon for a New-Wave-meets-Palm-Springs spin, or, keep the whole look neutral with monochromatic, earthy hues. With prints this tropical, you'll be wishing for an endless Summer, after all.
>> For Pre-Fall 2011, Vanessa Bruno drew inspiration from the heroes and heroines of the Bloomsbury Group in England, which was started in 1905 by the writers Virginia Woolf, EM Forster, and others who refused conventional and conservative Victorian ways. So just how did Bruno integrate this idea of liberalism and freedom into her collection? By mixing loose femme looks (demure mid-calf floral print dresses, pops of pink, and thigh-high boots) with masculine pieces like slouchy trousers and boxy coats — all lending themselves to easy movement. We especially love the smart two-toned jacket, seen left.
>> "Really, it's just the flavor," said Stefano Pilati, when describing his Pre-Fall 2011 collection for Yves Saint Laurent. "When you go back to look at these things, they are amazing, but you cannot wear them now." The flavor that he was referring to? Yves Saint Laurent's poignant Opium collection of 1977 and the forties-inspired YSL collection from 1971. To make the look modern, Pilati remixed Saint Laurent's old day opulence by adding long sleeves — a key Pre-Fall trend — to a reproduced print dress from the archive. And: decadent cashmere coats came equipped with detachable fox fur hoods.
>> Jean Paul Gaultier was all about classic with a twist for his Pre-Fall 2011 collection. The twist — edgy embellishments — came in the form of double waistband trousers, ruched pinstriped blazers, and zipper-adorned fur coats. However, the collection's piece de resistance was a double-duty red dress, which can be transformed into a long gown or short cocktail dress by simply unhooking a loop.
>> Marni never fails to bring home the eclectic splendor, and its Pre-Fall collection only solidifies Consuelo Castiglioni's creative edge. Castiglioni describes the collection as "witty, easy, oversized — a complete wardrobe for a total individual." Take a look at the complete mix, featuring bold striped knits, silk sweatshirts, abstract floral print dresses, and quilted skirts, in the slideshow.
>> Chloe's Pre-Fall 2011 offering was overflowing with chic layered looks. The collection may be months away from hitting stores, but we can't help getting a jump start on Hannah MacGibbon's smooth styling techniques. Evoke the same layered '70s chic vibe with picks from J Brand, Gap, Kova & T, and of course, Chloe, right now.
Left to right: Chloe Pre-Fall 2011 look, Chloe Billie Bag ($1,560), Kova & T Chambray Shirt ($68, originally $225), Gap Deep V-Neck Sweater ($40, originally $50), Chloe Leather Boots ($425, originally $850), J Brand Trouser Jeans ($180)
>> Pre-Fall 2011 collections from the likes of Proenza Schouler, Chanel, and Preen all showed off a selection of exotic prints. If you're anxious to get a jump on the look now, peep our two ensembles — featuring one bohemian and one polished outfit.
Bohemian Layers, left to right: Clemens en August Turtleneck Sweater ($139, originally $555), Lotta Stensson Nairobi Printed Silk Top ($355), Topshop Skinny Belt ($32), Madewell Rocker Jeans ($110), Yves Saint Laurent Clutch ($669), Topshop Navy Loafers ($128), Lee Angel Bracelet Set ($100)
Polished Chic, left to right: Dries Van Noten Candy Silk Blouse ($499, originally $715), Valentino Cropped Wool Coat ($3,290), Alexander Wang Skinny Trousers ($193, originally $385), Erickson Beamon Swarovski Crystal Tulle Necklace ($287, originally $955), Lauren Wolf Jewelry Triple Pyramid Stud Ring ($125), Mulberry Sofia Tote ($750), Kors Michael Kors Suede Booties ($199, originally ($295)
>> For Pre-Fall 2011, Angela Missoni told a tale of cozy '60s ski-inspired knitwear. The house's signature zigzags were present, made into a layered medley of knit turtlenecks, jacquard coats, shift dresses, flared trousers, and sweaters. Accessories, designed by Margherita Missoni for the past three seasons, added a modern bohemian touch with pieces like metal chain necklaces, knit turbans, chunky rope bracelets, and colorful platform sandals.
