We are officially in that awkward changing of the seasons, where summer fashion fatigue has fully set in and you’re ready for fall, but the temperatures don’t always agree. The answer to this age-old dilemma is to get creative with styling: embrace transitional dressing. For me, this is a chance to start incorporating my favorite Fall 2026 runway trends without waiting for cooler days. So, I put together three summer-to-fall looks, each highlighting one of my most anticipated styles of the coming season. Read on for three ways to add fall newness to your wardrobe now, whether you want something subtle, a full-on fashion statement, or something in between.
Animal-Print Accessories
(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)
If you want to look current, but not overly trendy, try the animal-print accessory trend. The motif has been all over the runways the past couple of seasons, but I am particularly loving it on bags, shoes, and beyond. From spotted fur collars at Aknvas to zebra-print booties at Isabel Marant to an ornately beaded Fendi Baguette, animal print was spotted (pun intended!) time and again.
Part of the ease of this trend is that you can add as much or as little as you want. You could easily achieve the look with one animal print and stick to it, but to me, there’s something modern and fun about mixing them up. To keep the different patterns feeling cohesive and purposeful, I chose cool tones. For this look, I combined a leopard-print pair of lucite bangles from Alexis Bittar with a cow-print top-handle bag from Charles & Keith.
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The accessories were the focal point of this look, so I kept the rest neutral, with dark-wash denim (another big runway trend!), an asymmetrical rib knit top, and glossy platform sandals.
ALEXIS BITTAR
Puffy Lucite Tapered Bangle Bracelet
Charles & Keith
Vega Furry Cow-Print Hobo Bag
Aknvas
Faux Fur Long Haired Shoulder Collar
Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham Plus Asymmetrical Engineered Rib Top
Judy Blue
Liza Palazzo Jeans With Front Patch Pockets
Naturalizer
So-Fly Platform Sandal
Checked Prints Everywhere
(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)
Plaid for fall? It might not exactly be groundbreaking, but it’s still a major trend for Fall 2026. It was all over the recent runways, from emerging designers like Taottao to legacy labels like Louis Vuitton and Dries Van Noten. And for a good reason: The print is wonderfully easy to style as the seasons change. Take this plaid midi dress from Lane Bryant, for instance: While the sleeveless silhouette and floaty skirt make it lightweight enough to wear even when temperatures creep into the high 80s, the autumnal color combination and the fact that it is lined mean you’ll be able to wear this well into the fall (and even through winter with tights).
(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)
For a late summer day, I amped up the fall vibes by adding a few pieces that highlight the vibes of the coming season. This trendy suede bag—with a slouchy hobo shape and unexpected color-blocked stripes—is one of the coolest styles I’ve seen in a minute (and that is saying something because I am constantly looking at bags for my job!). It is such a gorgeous piece, even better in person, and a complete compliment magnet.
The price point is also shockingly affordable for the construction, quality, and materials. I paired the Patricia Nash bag with suede heeled sandals from Andre Assous. I finished the look with statement earrings and a small open cuff bracelet, both by Alexis Bittar, to tie it all together.
Lane Bryant
Sleeveless Smocked-Bodice Midi Dress
André Assous
Patresa Ankle Strap Sandal
Patricia Nash
Bente Extra-Large Hobo Shoulder Handbag
Alexis Bittar
Asterales Skinny Cuff Bracelet
ALEXIS BITTAR
Molten Gold Cascade Post Earring
Full-On Purple
(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)
If you want to go bold, there’s nothing more impactful than monochrome dressing in a rich color, and honestly, what’s more statement-making than royal purple? I first noticed this Fall 2026 color trend in lush satin at Collina Strada. From then on, I saw it everywhere, from Loewe and Celine to Bottega Veneta and beyond. Purples of all shades feel very trendy right now, but nothing on the market has caught my eye more than this matching set from the plus-size label Eloquii.
If you’ve been reading Style At Large for a minute, you’re likely not surprised that this look appeals to me. Not only am I a fan of the balloon pants trend, but this pigment feels tailor-made for me, someone who has proudly proclaimed purple as my favorite color since I was three years old. Purple also doesn’t come into the trend cycle very often, so it feels special for it to be having a moment right now. If you are looking for an IYKYK sartorial bat signal to send out to other fashion people, a head-to-toe purple look is the way to go.
(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)
My only fit issue was one of my own making: I sized up one size in these pants to make sure they were flowy and voluminous, but I shouldn’t have. This pair turned out to be true to size. I still really like the overall aesthetic of this outfit, but they would’ve been better in my usual size 20. Don’t make the same mistake.
I also really appreciate the styling potential of these pieces. The top’s asymmetrical wrap hem makes it a statement in and of itself, and would look just as good with straight-leg jeans as it does in a full set. Likewise, these pants could absolutely stand on their own. I plan to style them with a close-fitting crop top for warmer days, and a peplum sweater as it gets cooler. For a look that will take me into fall, I paired this set with minimal mules and my beloved Bao Bao Issey Miyake tote for some maximalist-minimalist outfit friction, and I love the way it came out.
ELOQUII
Bow Blouse With Flutter Sleeve
ELOQUII
Satin Balloon Pant
ASOS Curve
Compact Cotton Tank Top With Gold Trim in Black
ARRANGE
Curve Chunky Hand Knit Peplum Top in Cream
Franco Sarto
Nicola Mule Black Leather
Bao Bao Issey Miyake
Lucent Tote
