I’m still happily wearing linen and sipping iced tea, but I’ve learned to keep an eye on early fall arrivals, especially from retailers like Talbots. Some of the best pieces show up before the season officially starts, and they tend to disappear just as fast.
Talbots continues to be a reader favorite and with good reason. Their sizing is consistent and inclusive, their styles are wearable without being dull, and many of their pieces quietly become bestsellers in my community year after year.
Even if I’m not quite ready to layer up, I like seeing the direction fashion is moving. This year’s early fall collection is full of polished, practical pieces that ease the transition—rich colors, light layers, and outfits that subtly shift the mood without rushing the season. Here are a few that stood out to me.
Talbots New Arrivals for Early Fall
A Denim Jacket That Feels Polished, Not Fussy
STUDIO CHORE JACKET IN BROOKLYN WASH
If your classic jean jacket feels a little tired, this one might be the refresh you’ve been looking for. The chore-jacket silhouette adds a subtle modern edge, and the Brooklyn Wash strikes that perfect balance of being soft and broken-in without looking distressed.
It’s the kind of piece that makes even a simple tee and pants feel pulled together. I’d wear it now over a cotton tank or striped tee, then layer it with a lightweight sweater and trousers once the weather shifts.
A Touch of Leopard Without Going Full Jungle
SKINNY LEOPARD SILK SCARF
If bold prints feel overwhelming, this is a subtle way in. The skinny silk scarf adds just enough personality without stealing the show. The leopard print is refined rather than loud, and the neutral tones make it easy to slip into your wardrobe.
I’d tie it at the neck with a simple white blouse, wrap it around a ponytail or bun, or loop it through the handle of a handbag. It’s one of those small details that makes an outfit feel polished and fun without trying too hard.
An Easy Way to Try Leopard Without Going All In
LEOPARD BATEAU NECK TEE
This tee caught my eye because the print feels a little softer than your typical leopard. It’s more abstract, which makes it easier to wear if bold patterns usually feel like too much.
It has a flattering neckline and just enough shape to wear on its own or layered under a jacket. I’d pair it with simple denim now, then try it with a black blazer and loafers as the weather cools.
If you do prefer a stronger statement, I also spotted a pair of cheetah print ankle pants that would be fun to style.
A Classic Mary Jane That Doesn’t Feel Dated
SUEDE MARY JANES
These classic Mary Janes flats look refined, walkable, and easy to wear. The soft tan suede adds just enough texture, and the color feels fresh for early fall without leaning too dark or heavy.
They’re a nice option when you want something more structured than a flat but not as formal as a loafer. I’d pair them with ankle pants or a casual skirt now, then style them with a lightweight knit and trousers once cooler days roll in.
A Shirtdress That Balances Structure and Ease
POPLIN PUFF SLEEVE SHIRTDRESS
There’s something timeless about a shirtdress, and this one gets the proportions just right. The puff sleeves add a soft, feminine touch, while the crisp poplin holds its shape and gives the whole piece a polished feel.
It’s the kind of dress you can throw on and instantly look pulled together—no special styling required. I’d wear it now with simple flats or sandals, and later with a lightweight trench and ankle boots as the weather cools.
A Relaxed Jean That Still Looks Put-Together
RELAXED TROUSER JEANS IN CHARLOTTE WASH
If your closet’s full of straight-leg jeans and you’re craving something a little different, these trouser jeans are a great option. The wider leg feels current, but the clean lines and tailored waistband keep them from looking sloppy.
The Charlotte Wash is that just-right medium blue—easy to dress up or down, and soft enough to wear right now. I’d pair them with a fitted tee and loafers for a casual day, or dress them up with a tucked-in blouse and low block heel for dinner out.
A Midi Skirt That Flatters Without Feeling Fussy
BELTED TWILL MIDI SKIRT
This skirt hits that sweet spot between tailored and wearable. The structured twill gives it polish, while the built-in belt adds definition at the waist without feeling too cinched or overdone.
The midi length keeps it classic, but the overall shape feels modern—easy to dress up or down depending on your day. I’d pair this with a tucked-in knit tee now, then add a slim sweater and boots once fall is fully here.
A Belt That Adds a Bit of Edge in a Subtle Way
STUDDED DOUBLE WRAP BELT
This belt is one of those small accessories that makes a quiet impact. The studs are understated and just enough to add interest without veering into edgy or trendy territory. It’s the kind of piece that adds shape and polish without demanding attention.
I’d use it to define the waist on a shirt dress or add structure to a longer cardigan. It’s versatile, subtle, and the kind of detail that elevates even the simplest outfit.
A Crisp Stripe That Doesn’t Require an Iron
STRIPED NON-IRON POPOVER
Some days, you want to look sharp without putting in much effort and this striped popover delivers. The crisp stripes feel timeless, and the non-iron fabric means it stays that way without you having to pull out the ironing board.
It looks polished tucked into trousers or a midi skirt, but just as good worn loose over jeans for a more relaxed look. I’d roll the sleeves, add simple jewelry, and call it done.
A Denim Shirtdress You’ll Reach for Again and Again
DENIM SHIRTDRESS IN MARINA WASH
A good denim shirtdress is like a shortcut to looking pulled together—and this one gets the details right. The Marina Wash is soft and classic, and the built-in waist shaping gives it a flattering silhouette without any extra effort.
You can wear it as is, or add a belt if you want to switch things up. I’d pair it with sandals or flats now, and layer it with booties and a scarf once the weather starts to shift. It’s one of those pieces that works hard across seasons without needing much from you.
Elevated Chore Jacket
CHORE JACKET
This is the kind of jacket that quietly elevates an outfit. The Burnt Sienna color is warm and grounded which feels just right for early fall, and it pairs beautifully with denim, ivory, black, and olive.
The relaxed fit makes it easy to layer over a tee now and a lightweight sweater later. It’s not fussy or flashy, but it brings a sense of polish that makes even simple pieces feel more styled.
As August winds down, it’s helpful to take stock, not just of what’s new in stores, but of what’s already in your closet. A few early fall pieces like these transitional styles from Talbots can serve as quiet prompts: What still works? What’s missing? What would make getting dressed feel easier in the weeks ahead?
It’s also a great time to start thinking about how you want to look and feel this fall. And if you’re like me, you’ve changed since last year. Your days look a little different, your priorities have shifted, and your style may have evolved too.
We’re not the same women we were last fall. And that’s not a bad thing. Let your wardrobe reflect where you are now…not where you used to be. A few thoughtful pieces can help ease that transition, gently bringing your closet up to speed with the woman you’re becoming.
How has your style shifted this year and what might your wardrobe need to catch up with you?
Shop Early Fall at Talbots:
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident and happy.