LE CATCH

The last stretch of August is anchored in a kick-back-and-relax wardrobe--along with a kick-things-up dress or three to take into early fall. Some terrific options to take out for a spin: the elegant maxi, above, by Damaris Bailey and the off-the-shoulder Paris Georgia mini, worn by Sara Loura, below. Also highly desirable: this Toteme (which my friend wore last night and crushed it!), Sacai, Sandro, and Beaufille.

I'll take everything.

$275, selfridges

Stripes and denim add up to a cool anorak-like look--and a hard-working fall layering piece.

1. Claude Pierlot striped denim shirt, $275, selfridges.com

2. Nili Lotan denim shorts, $350, netaporter.com

3. Aire sunglasses, $49, shopbop.com

4. Paco Rabanne chain bracelet, $405, mytheresa.com

5. Chloe raffia bag, $750, neimanmarcus.com

6. Saint Laurent slingbacks, $895, mytheresa.com

Credit Miuccia Prada for making Miu Miu's grey hoodie fall's must-have layering staple, but look to Zara for making one (in neoprene!) that feels nearly as plush yet doesn't blow your budget! Get it here for $69 before it goes!

$139, river island

You could dazzle in Khaite's studded denim--or in this jacket for a lot less this fall!

1. H&M bow dress, $119, hm.com

2. River Island jean jacket, $139, riverisland.com

3. Cult Gaia cocktail ring, $198, shopbop.com

4. Staud boots, $495, netaporter.com

So many discoveries this week, so little time to post! Hence, this mixed bag of finds, starting with the statement-making $98 pearl camisole above, to be worn under a blazer, cardigan or button-down and over a slip dress or t-shirt or tank top. (Note: I'd reverse the button styling, above, and keep the bottom ones fastened and the ones on top open.) Fall's must-have shoe, the Mary Jane, comes in various iterations, but the Aeyde leather version, immediately below, reigns above the rest. Fashion insiders are obsessed with High Sport's kick-flare pants, second pic down, for its legging-like comfort yet polished panache. I want one in every color! Looking for a head-turning winter coat that's so good it almost doesn't matter what you wear underneath? Check out the fringed maxi below from By Malene Birger. I love La Ligne's take on the classic (and mandatory) white button down, striking with its scalloped edge--so cute! Lastly, I scooped up Amanu's white lace-up sandals (a riff on The Row!) and plan to wear over and over and over again! Happy Weekend!

$205, aligne

Fulfilling fall's dark-denim dictate with this lovely!

1. Aligne denim dress, $205, aligne.com

2. Ascona chunky hoop earrings, $11, amazon.com

3. See by Chloe bag, $490, shopbop.com

4. Khaite boots, $1450, mytheresa.com

When I worked at Lucky Magazine, I loved contributing to an annual story called "The Next Big Thing," which predicted future fashion trends, including micro ones. My wagers were usually spot on, so today I am going to forecast with confidence that cargoes are up and coming. They are showing up as shorts, above, recently photographed in Copenhagen, with a borrowed-from-the-boys or vintage aura, but made modern and feminine with heels or slinkier separates. Good examples: this and this. Alexa Chung, below, the inveterate fashion bellwether and the first to try and validate new silhouettes, is already on board this trend with her cargo jeans and pants, below. The streamlined, straight-leg silhouette keeps them polished and everyday-wearable. I am into these iterations from Marant Etoile, 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity (also here), pictured below.

This summer’s non-stop travels (Corsica! London! Cotswolds! The Hamptons!) fine-tuned my carry-on packing skills, but what also simplified my globetrotting was some incredibly versatile clothing. One of my latest and greatest suitcase staples is this dress, above and below, from UK-based brand ME + EM. I recently wore it to a beachside soiree in the Hamptons, then again the following day for lunch at Le Bilboquet in New York City. I could use more of ME + EM’s multi-talented pieces, particularly for transitioning into fall and beyond, such as these cropped tuxedo pants, this cashmere cardigan, this herringbone blazer, and these wide-leg cargo pants. This post is in paid partnership with ME + EM.

School doors may be opening soon, but, let's be clear, summer's not over yet. Surely, there is still lots of time to wear your warm weather best--and add to your arsenal for less! Matches' sale not only has the season's greatest hits on offer, but is also teeming with year-round desirables that I will wear till the end of time, such as the forever-chic Valentino lace-up sandals, above, at 30% off. There's also this enduringly cool Chloe denim dress, this Paco Rabanne chainmail bag, this belted Toteme blazer, this Gabriela Hearst pleated merino dresses, and street style-statement Loewe t-shirt, below. Check it all out (up to 70% off!) here!