4 Transitional Fashion Trends To Take You From Summer To Fall 2026

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Warm evenings out, ice cream at any time of the day, and easy fashion — there are so many things to love about summertime. But just like summer 2026's most outdated trends you wouldn't want to be caught wearing, we also accept that life, and style, is about forward progression and not getting stuck, so we're happily looking at all there is to be excited about in the fall. We're talking seasonal coffee drinks, having an excuse to curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket, and the best cold-weather fashion from gorgeous coats, to fantastic fall footwear. But before we get into that main dish, there's a little style appetizer to consume first, and that's pre-fall. This is the in-between time where you have one foot stepping into boot weather and one toe still dipped in the pool.

Getting fashion just right between the seasons can be a trick to master, but luckily, there are some tried and tested trends to lean into at this time of year. We are embracing what's next on the menu, but still taking into account that the weather hasn't caught up. From knee-length bottoms to a versatile pink palette, these style moves will help you get ready for fashion's next course.

For fall 2026, we've seen some designers and fashionistas lean into extreme lengths with pooling statement skirts, but the overwhelming trend is pointing to knee-length bottoms. That includes pencil skirts, as long as they're noteworthy. Look for pieces with interesting hem lines, like this SSPalu Satin Skirt, or something in a neutral plaid, like this Tahari Plaid Pencil Skirt, which is the on-trend pattern for pre-fall. Capris, one of the summer 2026 fashion trends that look so chic on women over 50 (or any age!) are officially rolling into fall. Try the Ginasy Capri Pants for a staple style that works as a neutral base to pair with an oversized blazer. Then add interesting accessories, like an animal-print clutch, or colorful pair of shoes.

An alternative to the cigarette-style pants are long shorts. While knee-length shorts may not be for everyone, there are plenty of celebs who have managed to make Bermuda shorts look chic, so use them as style inspo as well. Check out these Anthropologie Long Lace Shorts for a stylish denim version, or these Anthropologie Silken Longline Skirty Shorts, which are dressy enough to wear to work or a dinner out.

There have been so many major sporting events this year, from the Winter Olympics to the Fifa World Cup, and fashion also has team spirit. The key to making this sportif look work is to pair one sporty piece, like the Adidas Tiro23 League Training Jacket, a rugby shirt, or a sports jersey, with elevated, ultra-feminine pieces. For example, an organza skirt, a lingerie-inspired slip skirt, or a pencil skirt with a fringe hemline would make great building blocks for this aesthetic. It's fine to add one sporty accessory to the look, whether it's sneakers or a baseball cap, but limit the athletic-wear at around this point. The rest of your accessories and add-ons should be opulent to bring that high-low energy, so a chunky necklace or bracelet would finish off the look perfectly.

Another sporty silhouette that's big for this 2026 transition era is the funnel neck. Jackets with a wide neck give an outdoorsy vibe, so they look fresh juxtaposed with more elegant pieces. The red Madewell Funnel Neck Windbreaker paired with an elegant slip skirt and heels would fit the bill. These jackets are also the perfect trend to be wearing now when you want an extra layer as temps start to dip.

Right now, many of us can't even fathom being somewhere with cooler temperatures, so the idea of wearing heavy tweed or wool does not sound appealing. Something as light as air while the weather is still warm? RSVP yes, please. Thankfully sheer separates are once again in the limelight for pre-fall. There are styling mistakes to avoid when trying to nail the sheer trend, like overexposing yourself distastefully for a conservative venue. But there are ample ways to wear the look that take seasonal shifts into account.

For example, a monochromatic sheer top paired with matching bottoms can look refined. This Sam Edelman Semi-Sheer Button-Up Tie-Cuff Top comes with coordinating trousers and is available in navy and mocha. Or consider a sheer skirt like the OperaSPORT Alba Skirt paired with an oversized button-down top and a statement necklace to finish. This is the type of on-trend outfit that you can make work for most of your events, be it professional or personal.

Looking at the fall 2026 runways, we kept seeing a common thread: pink pieces. But unlike 2023 when everything was Barbie pink, there's much more flexibility this season. And one of the most notable trends we've seen is designers using pink as a neutral. For this transitional season, you can swap tan for blush pink. Even a simple button-down top, like the H&M Oxford Shirt, brings something above-and-beyond a basic white. Alternatively, you can embrace something bolder. We love the look of a crisp white button-down shirt paired with a fuchsia skirt.

Why not double-dip with any of the above-mentioned trends with a pink infusion? For example, this pale-pink Zara Bomber Jacket with a funnel neck brings a sporty vibe to your look. Get your knee-grazing short look on with Zara's Mid-Rise Denim Shorts in baby pink. And sample a sheer outfit with the Central Park West Serena Sheer Cardi With Cami Top.

Although transitional dressing can sometimes be tricky, there are plenty of fashionable options to straddle both seasons that also tick the trend boxes. Along with finding pieces that fit what's in style, we looked for products that were well-reviewed by shoppers, were a variety of price points, and are accessible to buy globally for our readers around the world. We also love a two-for-one buy, like the Zara Bomber Jacket that suits both the sportif style and the pink craze.