The making of a great outfit is just a little tension. Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a perfectly good outfit, where classic pieces safely pair together just as they're meant to, and everything makes sense. A great outfit, in my humble opinion, has something a little weird making an unexpected appearance and takes you from a very commendable eight to an 11 out of 10. On that note, please don't be too quick to pack away your summer wardrobes—I have it on good authority that some of the best trends from this past season have legs on them.
The odd little dollop of summer mixed in with fall fashion really hits just right. It's ideal styling to make the most of those precious few weeks when we get to wear fun layers without having to rug up. It's the kind of weather that always seems to last a little longer in France and Italy, which may be why the fashion crowds there are so inclined to integrate the best of summer style into their fall wardrobes. So many of us do the same when we're cosplaying cool Parisians and Milanese, as we do our best to make like locals during show season in September.
The result? Some truly great looks thanks to the supposedly off-season items that surprise and delight. According to the chic French and Italian women I know and follow (plus the neighboring European fashion crowd that sure doesn't miss a cue), it's definitely not too late to invest in these seven items that were trending over summer. They're primed for plenty of game time as we dive into fall.
White Skirts
White skirts may have just had their best summer yet, from embellished Prada runway looks to the A-line poplin skirts we styled with linen vests and wore on repeat. I'm not one to argue with Sylvie Mus when it comes to Parisian style, so if she tells me white summer skirts have a shelf life that extends toward winter when unexpectedly paired with chic black staples, I have no choice but to believe her.
Woven Leather Bags
Raffia basket bags are always a key summer moment, but woven leather styles sure gave them a run for their money this year. It's definitely not too late to invest, whether it's a tote or a shoulder bag. As far as the cool Dragon Diffusion–toting crowd is concerned, we're locking these in as transeasonal staples for years to come.
Beaded Necklaces
I love Linda Tol's chill style, which has the unsurprising cool factor of a Dutch model and eyewear designer who spent many years living in Italy. The addition of a poppy beaded necklace to a breezy button-down and belted Bermuda shorts would have been a no-brainer over summer, and now, it's adding the perfect detail to this low-key fall look.
Mesh Flats
If you're waiting for mesh footwear to fade to black, you'll be waiting for a little while longer. The trend just keeps on trending, and French and Italian women are still leaning in. Ballet flats and Mary Janes remain the classics, but Khaite's sheer loafers and Reformation's new mesh booties (which also come in black) feel especially fall ready.
Creamy Jeans
They may be a summer staple, but light jeans deserve a spot in your fall capsule as well. Whether they're an icy white or creamy ecru, they'll make the most low-key denim outfit feel fresh and forward.
Headscarves
Raïssa Tchoulague wearing her sheer headscarf in Paris is bringing vacation whimsy to what might otherwise be a very ordinary weekday. The lace and bead embellishments feel extra delicate when juxtaposed with vintage leather, but a classic silky scarf works just as well. Toteme's scarves have become a fashion-crowd staple and will provide endless styling options at any time of year.
Capris
Love 'em or hate 'em, summer's most controversial pants aren't going anywhere just yet. Before it gets too chilly, the calf-baring style is hanging around to put a little retro twist on classic fall looks.
