6 Current Trends You Can Also Incorporate Into Fall Outfits to Come
Trust me—these are all must-haves.
Every fashion person knows there are at least six main trends that can withstand the summer-to-fall weather transition. These pieces are reliable, easy to style, and versatile all in one, and yes, they've been some of your summer go-tos, but now it's time to think of them as your fall go-tos instead.
I've compiled high-quality pieces to shop from these six trends and examples of what each looked like styled for summer versus how to style them for fall. If you're looking for ways to make any of your summer items look more fall-friendly, you're in the right place. Keep scrolling to shop the six trends you can also incorporate into your future fall outfits.
Long-Sleeve White T-Shirts
While long-sleeves in summer seems counterintuitive, the shirt style was a major trend among the fashion set. In the summer, cool girls styled them with loose pants and flip-flops. For fall, stick with denim and heels for a clean, chic look. If you want to dress down your fall outfit, though, try adding a pair of loafers or flats instead.
Summer Version
Summer kept things light even with a long-sleeve T-shirt.
Fall Version
This fall is all about looking expensive, so don't forget to accessorize lightly and let your high-quality basics be the stars.
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Satin Ballet Flats
Satin ballet flats have to be the chicest trend to come out yet. I've been a fan of them all summer and am elated to report they're staying for fall. Other fashion people have been big fans of the trend throughout the summer, and it seems that will still be the case into the transition to fall. It's such a delicate, elegant shoe to add to any outfit.
Summer Version
This summer, satin flats were worn with breezy, elegant items like lace-trim slip dresses.
Fall Version
This fall, satin flats will be the pop of color or texture needed for neutral outfits filled with light layers.
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Low-Rise Jeans
Thanks to the Y2K trend resurgence, low-rise jeans have been a fun summer trend for everyone to partake in. They're edgy, and effortlessly cool. It's no wonder they were one of the It girl denim trends of the summer. Now, it's time to make them fall-friendly, see how to below.
Summer Version
What better way to show off your low-rise jeans then with a cropped top? That's how they were styled most of the summer.
Fall Version
While it'll be a bit chilly for low-rise jeans, layering is your best route, and you can still wear your cropped tops styled this way. Try layering trench coat or other lightweight jacket over your jeans.
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Column Slip Skirts
Column skirts were trending last summer and fall and did again this summer. Now, they aren't going anywhere for the fall. This chic skirt trend has been on my radar for quite some time, but I didn't wear it much this summer as the heat was extreme, IMHO. So, fall is my moment to try it out.
Summer Version
Tank tops and flip-flops were the perfect styling combination to wear with a column skirt this summer. I'll miss looks like this when it gets cooler.
Fall Version
Layering is a no-brainer for the fall season, but it looks especially chic when you do it with a column skirt. Try a lightweight sweater or trench coat over yours, and if it's not too chilly, slingback heels can be your shoe of choice.
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Relaxed Button-Downs
Breezy, relaxed button-downs were a must-have this summer, whether you were at the beach or the pool. This was my favorite go-to for summer nights out. They were styled in a variety of ways, from with loose jeans or pants, flowy skirts and sandals, or over a bikini. This fall we'll see them layered under trench coats, tucked into skirts or pants, and maybe even half-tucked into them.
Summer Version
The relaxed button-dow merely served as a cover-up for swimsuits most of the summer.
Fall Version
This fall, button-downs will be much more functional, styled with long skirts and warmer pants. Even the shoe choices styled with them will be more function over fashion, but we must never compromise style.
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Straight-Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans are a classic trend no matter what the season, including summer and fall. All we saw them with this summer was tank tops, loose tees, and the occasional swimsuit. As we gear up for fall, expect many more playful but chic layers, from knit cardigans or lightweight sweaters,
Summer Version
We'll be missing the sun and the ease of throwing on your jeans over a one-piece swimsuit on the way to anywhere with water. This outfit idea will soon be a mere memory once the tempurature drops.
Fall Version
Loafers and straight-leg jeans this fall will be a chic go-to combination. It's an easy styling trick and effortlessly cool.
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Baby Tees
Baby tees have been one of the most-worn summer trends. They're playful and fun, and look great with just about anything. Whether you're wearing them with a pair of capris for the summer or with trousers, baby tees are the versatile basic trend everyone should have.
Summer Version
Capris and baby tees were an elite styling combination this summer. You could wear a baby tee with any breezy bottoms and know your outfit would look cool.
Fall Version
Just because the temperature will be dropping doesn't mean that we should put them away for the season. Adapt yours to the fall by wearing them with season-appropriate items like trousers.
Shop Baby Tees
Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.