The Art of Transeasonal Dressing

The See By Chloé design team were dreaming of Berlin via Paris for Pre-Fall 18. Taking us on an aesthetically inspiring journey from the Parisian art scene to Berlin’s vibrant Mitte district, this season’s muse is a bohemian, globe-trotting girl with an underground edge.

Offering a chic but offbeat update for our fall wardrobes, all of the brand’s hallmark silhouettes are present – the ruffled blouses, handkerchief-hem skirts, floral dresses, easy denim and statement knits – but come with a subversive twist. Experimentation with shape and proportion celebrates Berlin’s sense of individualism, while the See By Chloé signatures nod to Parisian elegance: sophisticated silk shirtdresses are layered over off-duty denim and topped off with utilitarian bomber jackets, while broderie-anglaise-trimmed tops are worn with wide-leg pants that pool around stompy platform boots.

This mix-and-match, thrift-store approach continues as ’80s-inflected sportswear is insouciantly styled with pretty floral prints and prairie-style puff-sleeve blouses. Swapping the punky flatforms for feminine suede sandals or Damier printed round-toe pumps takes this peripatetic wardrobe from day to night with classic Parisian nonchalance.

Meanwhile, the technical details ensure the overall mood is ultra-modern. Standout pieces include the blouses and skirts with laser-cut floral motifs that are so intricate, they mimic lace, serving as a reminder that while they are easy to wear, these clothes are artworks in themselves. In fact, the eclectic color palette draws directly from the art world and references Swedish postmodernist painter Jens Fänge, whose work marries muted colors to depict vivid interior scenes. Shades of navy, khaki, gray, forest green and burgundy are strikingly interspersed with lilac, ivory and citrus hues.

Much like its elder sister brand Chloé, See By Chloé is a pioneer of cult handbags. This season’s hero styles include the Olga backpack, a pretty and practical travel companion, and the versatile Joan bag, which can be carried by the top handle for days at the office and slung across the body at weekends or while on vacation.

With office-appropriate high-waisted tailored pants, chic everyday separates, one-and-done day dresses and elevated denim, this versatile collection offers the perfect transitional wardrobe while maintaining a nostalgic summer spirit.