Pre-Fall 2025: What to Buy Now, What to Wait For

Instagram/@zimmermann

So here we are again. August. The stores are confused: wool coats hanging next to sundresses, boots cozying up to sandals like some kind of seasonal identity crisis. And honestly? We're all standing there wondering if buying a cashmere sweater when it's 90 degrees outside makes us prepared or just delusional about our closet space. Look, I've been watching this retail dance for years now, trying to decode pre-fall shopping. You know, that weird time when stores pretend it's October while we're still sweating through our t-shirts. I think I've finally figured it out.

Here's the thing about pre-fall shopping—it's basically a chess match with your credit card. Some moves you make right away because they're brilliant. Others? Better to wait and see how the board develops. Trust me on this one.

First, Let's Decode "Pre-Fall" (Because Fashion Loves to Confuse Us)

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2025 looks. Oscar de la Renta

Pre-fall is fashion's answer to our actual shopping patterns. While traditional fashion calendars pretend we shop for coats in February, pre-fall acknowledges that we start thinking about autumn clothes when the first Pumpkin Spice Latte hits Starbucks. It's the fashion equivalent of stores putting out Halloween candy in August—seemingly premature, but oddly aligned with our psychological readiness for the next season.

This year's pre-fall collections are particularly intriguing, straddling the line between "wearable now in air conditioning" and "perfect for that first crisp day." The challenge? Knowing what deserves your immediate attention versus what's better left for Labor Day sales.

The "Buy Now" Team: Immediate Gratification That Actually Makes Sense

Brushed mohair crop cardigan? Perfect transitional piece that'll serve you almost all year long. Scanlan Theodore

1. Transitional Knits in Unexpected Textures

Picture this: a cropped cardigan in a loose pointelle knit that looks like expensive fishnet made cozy. Or a tank-style sweater vest in merino so fine it feels like wearing a cloud. These pieces are having their moment because they solve the eternal August-through-October dilemma of offices that blast Arctic air conditioning while it's still shorts weather outside.

Why now: These lighter-weight knits often sell out by the time you actually need them. Plus, you can wear them immediately over summer dresses or with high-waisted shorts, getting cost-per-wear value starting today.

What to look for:

• Open-weave or mesh knits that layer without bulk
• Cropped proportions that work with high-waisted everything
• Neutral colors that play well with your existing summer brights

2. The "Trouser Renaissance" Pieces

Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2025 look. Instagram/@carolinaherrera

We're in the midst of what I call the Great Pant Awakening. After years of skinny jean dominance, trouser silhouettes are exploding with creativity. Think high-waisted barrels that make your legs look like elegant columns, or those pleated numbers that somehow make everyone look like they summer in the Hamptons.

Why now: The best cuts—the ones with perfect drape and interesting details—disappear fast. Plus, lightweight wool or technical fabrics work in any season with climate control.

Investment picks:

• High-waisted pleated trousers in "barely there" colors (oyster, wheat, sage)
• Wide-leg crops that show off your shoe game
• Anything with an elasticized back waist (comfort is luxury in 2025)

3. Statement Accessories That Transcend Seasons

I'm all about the basics — until I'm not. Sometimes you just need that one conversation-starting, head-turning, utterly unapologetic piece — like these sculptural clip-on earrings. Saint Laurent, Neiman Marcus

This is where pre-fall shopping gets really strategic. That structured leather tote in oxblood? The chunky gold chain necklace that could double as armor? These are your wardrobe workhorses that don't care what month it is.

Speaking of things to grab immediately—I'm talking structured bags in those rich, jewel-like colors. You know, emerald green that looks like actual emeralds, sapphire blue that makes you feel expensive just carrying it. Oh, and mixed-metal jewelry. Remember when we all stressed about matching our metals? Yeah, that's over. Get the pieces that mix gold and silver because apparently our grandmothers were wrong about that rule.

The "Patience Pays" Portfolio: What to Absolutely Wait For

Everything quilted, padded and warm can actually wait until Fall. Instagram/@maxmara

1. Heavy Outerwear (Obviously, But Let Me Explain)

We hear "fall" and immediately think "coats". But hold off: those majestic pieces will be on sale soon enough. Instagram/@sezane

I know that camel coat is calling your name. And that puffer jacket? The one with all those architectural quilting lines that make it look like wearable origami? I see you. I see it too. But listen—screenshot that beauty and walk away. Just... set a reminder on your phone for October. Trust the process.

Why wait: Coats are the ultimate sale victims. Retailers over-order, assuming we'll panic-buy at the first cold snap. By mid-September, you'll see 25-30% off. By November, it could be 40%. Look, patience isn't usually profitable in fashion, but with coats? It absolutely is. Unless—and this is important—unless you stumble across something truly special from one of those smaller designers. You know the ones. Like if you spot a Ganni coat in that perfect shade of pistachio, or a Staud number with details that make your heart race, and it's under $400? Different rules apply. Those pieces march to their own drum. They don't do sales.

2. Knee-High and Over-the-Knee Boots

For sure, over-the-knee boots look spectacular, but their time will come in October — at least. Most likely, November. So they can wait. Instagram/@chloe

August rolls around and suddenly every magazine is shrieking about boot trends. It's like clockwork. And every year, I have to physically restrain myself from buying boots I won't wear for three months. Here's the truth: boot inventory peaks in October, and unless you have unusual sizing needs, waiting gives you better selection AND prices.

The waiting game strategy:

• Follow your favorite brands on social media
• Sign up for their emails (use a shopping-specific address)
• Screenshot styles you love
• Set aside the money now, spend it later

3. Heavy Knits and Comfort Pieces

The sweater says 'buy me now'? You say 'nice try — see you at the November sales. Ulla Johnson look, Moda Operandi

That chunky cable-knit sweater? The cashmere hoodie that costs more than your rent? These are November purchases. Pre-fall versions are often overpriced because retailers know we're desperate for fall feelings when it's still summer.

What happens if you wait:

• Better quality options arrive with true fall collections
• Sales overlap with new arrivals
• You'll actually know what silhouettes you're gravitating toward this season
• Climate change means you might not need them until December anyway

The Gray Area: Situational Purchases That Require Soul-Searching

When jeans nail the trifecta: flattering fit, timeless cut, right price, - they're a no-brainer. Unless, of course, they're already hanging in your closet. Agolde jeans, Tuckernuck

Denim Decisions

The denim landscape is shifting faster than TikTok trends. We're seeing extreme wide legs, dramatic crops, and enough pocket variations to make your head spin. Here's your decision tree:

Buy now if:

• You find perfect-fitting straight legs or slight flares (these are becoming scarce)
• The wash is unique (think: subtle ombré, interesting fading patterns)
• They fit your budget and solve a specific wardrobe gap

Wait if:

• You're curious about a trend but not committed
• They're over $200 (denim goes on sale like clockwork)
• You already own similar styles

The "Investment Dress" Dilemma

Five new dresses calling your name? If your social calendar says 'Netflix,' your wallet should say 'no'. Instagram/@elisabettafranchi

Okay, so pre-fall always brings out these gorgeous dresses that can't quite decide what season they belong to. Long sleeves but mini length. Jewel tones that scream fall but fabrics that work now. Midi dresses in those substantial crepes that feel important, like they could handle a board meeting or a wedding or possibly both in the same day. Here's my rule—and it's saved me from so many regrettable purchases—can you literally name three actual events where you'd wear this thing? Like, real events. With dates. In the next two months. Not "someday when I get invited to..." but actual, calendar-worthy occasions.

Your Personal Pre-Fall Strategy Session

Shop smart, not hard! Instagram/@hutch_design

Here's your homework (the fun kind):

1. The Closet Reality Check: Spend 20 minutes with your fall/winter clothes from last year. What did you actually wear? What still has tags? This tells you everything about your real life versus your fantasy life.
2. The Screenshot Collection: Create a folder on your phone for pre-fall wants. Review it weekly. You'll be surprised how quickly some items lose their appeal.
3. The Budget Breakdown:
   • 40% on immediate-wear transitional pieces
   • 20% on forever accessories
   • 40% saved for October/November strategic strikes
4. The Trend Test: So you're eyeing something trendy. Cool. But here's the real test—go to your closet right now and find three things you already own that would work with it. Actually style it in your head. Or better yet, try the pieces on. Can't come up with three solid outfits? That's your answer right there.

The Bottom Line: Mastering Pre-Fall Means Playing the Long Game

Playing with fall pieces in summer is fun, but having a game plan takes it to the next level. Instagram/@isabelmarant

Pre-fall shopping isn't about resistance or indulgence—it's about strategy. The winners are those who buy pieces that start earning their keep immediately while showing restraint on items that are pure future fantasy.

Remember: Fashion might operate on made-up seasons, but your credit card statements are very real. The most stylish thing you can do is shop with intention, mixing immediate gratification with strategic patience.

Your future November self—wearing that perfect coat you bought on sale, styled with the transitional knit you snagged in August—will thank you. And isn't that the ultimate fashion flex? Looking amazing while knowing you played the system perfectly.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go screenshot some boots I absolutely won't buy until October. Probably.

Your Pre-Fall Shopping Cheat Sheet:

See this picture? Everything's perfect for buying now. The denim with personality. The actually-wearable shoes. Light and midweight layers that work for weird-weather we can expect in September. Instagram/@blaze_milano

Buy Now:

• Transitional knits
• Interesting trousers
• Forever accessories
• Unique denim within your budget
• Event dresses you'll wear within 60 days

Screenshot and Wait:

• All outerwear
• Boots over $200
• Heavy knits
• Trendy items you can't style three ways
• Anything you're buying for "someday"

Fall is fun. Cozy. Sophisticated. Actually, scratch that — fall is whatever you decide it is. Instagram/@anthropologie

The Golden Rule: When in doubt, wait it out. True style icons know that the best purchase is often the one you didn't make — yet.