Pre-Fall 2012 trends: transitional outfits

During the interim season of Pre-Fall, designers are focused on fashion outfits that will play to the unpredictable weather. Ensembles are styled to transition easily from warm days to cooler temperatures by pairing traditional lighter summer pieces with fall staples. Imagine scarves with sleeveless tops or boots with shorts. At the same time, materials from the two seasons are juxtaposed together. Suede paired with sheer fabrics discovers a comfortable balance. The season offers a fun oxymoron sensibility that feels just right.

Givenchy’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection embodies an equestrian theme that presents countless transitional outfits. The key to the collection is knee-high boots. Paired with a short dress, miniskirt or shorts, ensembles automatically take a fall direction. Combine sleek boots from B Brian Atwood with a semi-stretch miniskirt from Helmut Lang and layer on Givenchy’s long wool blazer with contrasting sleeves to stay cozy. Finish the look with the timeless Carlos leopard print calf hair satchel from Jerome Dreyfuss and Tory Burch’s reverse cutout logo bracelet.

For the neutral days of the season, Giles Deacon unites summer ideas of sleeveless tops and flouncy skirts but proposes a twist with a mock turtleneck. The look also works with chunky knitwear or vests as substitutes for the turtleneck. Work Valentino’s mock collar top with layered rose appliqué with Chinti and Parker’s A-line flannel skirt to create Deacon’s silhouette. Step into Proenza Schouler’s colorblock cap toe pumps to keep it fresh and streamlined. Accessorize with Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Katie bracelet box bag and Yves Saint Laurent’s oversized round sunglasses.

Jason Wu offers a lesson on how to go jacketless in Pre-Fall. The New York designer suggests short-sleeve knits with paneled skinny trousers completed with an unpredictable fur scarf for when the temperature drops, thus creating an easy day-to-night look. Style Dries Van Noten’s Asian-inspired printed silk top with Superfine’s leather paneled deluxe pants. Add on Maison Martin Margiela’s beige raccoon fur scarf for protection from the cold. Round out the transitional outfit with opened up strappy footwear like BCBG Max Azria’s Leela zipper-heeled sandals to keep it light and insert a punch of color with Proenza Schouler’s indigo pouchette clutch.

Read more Pre-Fall 2012 trends.