There's an unspoken magic in the weeks between high summer's sun-drenched exuberance and autumn's arrival. It's a subtle shift, when the sun softens with a breeze and the days unfold with an ease that begs you to linger. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, with her unparalleled blend of minimalist elegance and quiet luxury, understood the transformative power of this shoulder season—where style is less about trends and more about timeless sophistication.

My late summer capsule begins with a dress that effortlessly captures the season’s ease. Whether it’s a crisp white cotton sundress that recalls long walks along Riviéra shores or a flowing feminine floral that evokes memories of lazy afternoons in Saint-Tropez, the perfect dress is a blend of comfort and luxury. I Look to Veronica Beard, Cara Cara, Posse and Faithfull for dresses that balance feminine sophistication with day-to-night versatility, capturing the mood of endless summers gracefully fading into autumn.

A good dress is always the answer, especially now. Maybe it’s that crisp white cotton sundress, reminiscent of afternoons on Nantucket, when salt air becomes your perfume. Or perhaps it's the Zimmermann-inspired printed number—silk swirling gently around you as you sip rosé in Saint-Tropez. Veronica Beard gets it right every single time: dresses that transition seamlessly from sun-soaked afternoons to evenings that beg you to stay out just a little longer.

Something I love to come back to is making use of contrasts and juxapositions. And nothing is better in doing this than a dress during a late summer that transforms into fall. A beautifull linnen dress in luxurious fabric paired with a soft wool scarf: this is chic at its finest. Luckily chic tends to go hand-in-hand with comfort. It exudes how you feel and how you carry yourself. Being comfortable with timeless thoughtfull pieces makes you look effortlessly put together.

As the evenings begin to cool, layering becomes the art of the season. The quiet luxury of a cashmere cardigan by Khaite, a soft tailored blazer by Veronica Beard, or a refined linen dress from Rohe adds depth and texture to your capsule. These pieces not only speak of craftsmanship and enduring style but also effortlessly adapt your summer favorites to cooler nights, letting your personal style gracefully shift with the seasons.

If there's a time to layer, it's now. The vibe of the season asks just as much for breezy summer dresses as soft wool knits and jackets. This is where dressing gets most fun. A lot is possible and it allows for interesting combinations of items and fabrics. This way your outfit becomes super versatile: ready to match mood and weather.

No late-summer look is complete without thoughtfully chosen accessories. Imagine the understated charm of a woven basket bag, reminiscent of Jane Birkin's iconic style, or the laid-back luxury of handcrafted leather or flip flop sandals. Brands like DeMellier and Savette offer sustainable, meticulously crafted accessories that enhance your capsule’s narrative—luxury defined not by logos but by the quiet confidence that comes from knowing each piece's exceptional heritage and design.

I always switch between luxurious timeless bags like Savette and Demellier and casual but chic pieces like a Jane Birkin inspired basket bag. Depending on mood, outfit and occassion.

Late summer calls for a color palette drawn from nature’s subtle transitions. Neutral linens, soft whites, muted florals, and earthy tones embody the gentle shift from vibrant summer to subdued autumn. These colors blend seamlessly, allowing your wardrobe pieces—from fluid dresses to elegant knits—to harmonize effortlessly, echoing the quiet beauty of the shoulder season.

This summer to fall capsule is all about creating your own narrative. The moods go from summer in the city and English countryside to a summer in France. She's in a local town buying groceries, wearing a bright red dress. It's all you need for a chic nonchalance summer.

Lately I have been drawn towards bright red to add to my minimal cool girl palette of neutrals, navy and contrasting black and white. It hits the perfect kind of classic chic.