As a fashion editor, I find late summer to be one of the most exciting times for getting dressed. While some see it as an awkward in-between stage, I see it as the best of both worlds. Granted, I’m more of an autumn girl at heart, but my favourite part of summer dressing is being free from the restraints of practicality. To me, late summer feels like being able to take full advantage of that freedom, but with a broader selection of pieces to play with.
The cooler temperatures allow you to bring the lighter elements of your autumn wardrobe back into play, like long sleeve t-shirts, trench coats and denim. By pairing them with summer fabrics and accessories you can create looks unique to this time of year, then build on them for next season.
It’s also a great opportunity to rediscover the potential of your own wardrobe. If you’re planning a wardrobe sort-out any time soon I highly recommend experimenting with new outfit combinations before you pack any summer pieces away. Try a dress or skirt over jeans and linen with tailoring to give those summer favourites longevity.
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So whether you’re like me and are excited to find new ways to experiment with your summer staples, or you’re simply looking for ideas that make transitional dressing easier, I’ve found five outfit formulas that will tick every box. Read on to find out more.
5 Late-Summer 2026 Outfit Ideas
1. Trench Coat + Capri Pants + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Capri pants are already a great transitional piece of kit. Longer than shorts with a slimmer fit, they are the stylish answer to fluctuating temperatures. The proportion play of adding a trench coat elongates the overall look, while the cropped-hem keeps the outfit from feeling to heavy.
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