There’s a time of year when this routine sets in: in the morning, you put on a blazer or a lightweight sweatshirt; by lunchtime, you’d happily switch back to a sleeveless top; while in the evening, you wonder why you left the cardigan at home. That’s what happens when we officially enter the season of “what am I going to wear today?”
The good news is that the summer-to-fall transition trends for 2026 seem tailor-made to solve this little daily dilemma. The runways are focusing on contrasts: lightweight pieces under jackets, delicate details paired with decidedly bolder elements, and different textures. The result is a wardrobe that doesn’t change overnight but evolves little by little. And perhaps that is the most interesting way to approach September—not putting summer away, but starting to wear it differently.
Let’s start with the simplest solution when temperatures become unpredictable: dressing in layers. A summer dress can easily continue to make appearances from your wardrobe if you add a soft blazer or a denim jacket on top. The tank top you wore with shorts and sandals in August becomes perfect with tailored trousers and a jacket worn open. Even a slightly sheer dress can take on a completely different character when layered over an essential base.
The runways embraced transparency, layering, and pieces that seem almost designed to be added or removed throughout the day.
A little trick: when you layer several pieces, let at least one remain close to the body. A thin top under an oversized blazer, for example, keeps the silhouette balanced and prevents the look from becoming too bulky.
If there is one piece that becomes a bit like your best friend at this time of year, it’s the blazer! But forget the stiff, formal one for a moment—the new mood is decidedly more relaxed and much easier to pair with everyday looks. You can wear an Elisabetta Franchi blazer over a minimal top and straight-leg denim if you want to feel elegant without looking too formal. Or choose a Patrizia Pepe jacket with relaxed trousers and a simple white T-shirt for the classic look that works from the office to aperitivo. Add accessories according to the occasion, and you’re ready with a casual-chic look you can repeat in countless versions and for countless occasions.
Among the season’s trend colors are warm browns, terracotta, olive green, and neutral shades such as toffee and cream, as well as much brighter colors: red, deep blue, fuchsia, yellow, and even turquoise. Pantone describes the season’s palette as a balance between reassuring shades and more energetic, surprising tones. And this is where we can have fun and make room for our own taste and creativity!
One of the season’s most interesting contrasts is between delicate materials and more substantial textures. Lace, silk, ruffles, and sheer fabrics continue to feature, but they are paired with leather, suede, denim, and more structured jackets. It’s a smart way to bring some of summer’s romantic elements with us without making them feel out of season. Do you have a satin skirt you wore all summer? Try it with a lightweight sweater and a bomber jacket. A dress with lace details can work with a leather jacket. A romantic Twinset blouse immediately becomes more contemporary with jeans and loafers. If you prefer a bolder aesthetic, you can do the opposite: a statement Aniye By piece paired with a soft cardigan or a tailored jacket creates that subtle stylistic tension that makes even the simplest outfit interesting.
Denim continues to accompany us into autumn, with particular attention to straight lines, relaxed volumes, and mid-rise waists, less extreme than in previous seasons. We find it in shirts, jackets, and even dresses and jumpsuits. If you love wearing denim, jeans won’t be the only piece you’ll want to buy this season!
For work or university, try straight-leg jeans, a camisole, a blazer, and slingbacks. If it gets warmer, take off the jacket; if the day cools down, you already have the layer you need.
For the weekend, choose a summer midi dress, add a denim or suede jacket, and finish with ballet flats or ankle boots. It’s the easiest way to keep wearing the dresses you love without making them look out of season.
For the evening, play with contrasts! Try tailored trousers, a slightly sheer top, and a blazer, or a slip dress and structured jacket. A small bag and a statement piece of jewelry will complete the look.
You don’t need ten purchases to feel that your wardrobe has changed! Often, two or three right pieces and a few combinations you haven’t tried before are enough! So, before you finally put summer away, take another look at what you have in your wardrobe and try pairing your favorite pieces with your new purchases. Your next autumn look could already be there; it simply needs the right blazer, shoe, or detail to tell a completely new story.
