Welcome to Same Same but Different. As Gen Z and millennial fashion editors, respectively, we know a thing or two about shopping—for all ages, and especially our demographics. As we find the best products for you, we can’t help but do a little shopping for ourselves and build our personal (age-appropriate) wish lists. And now, we’re sharing them with you. Ahead, check out what’s in our hearts and in our carts lately.
Dale Chong: Somehow I breathed, and the end was near. And while I do lament the feeling of missing out on all that is warm and carefree (my definition of the season, if you will), I can’t say I’m mad about fall looming. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m over the balmy, sticky, and exhausting heat (my You can also read about other ways to get in touch with us. The season is defined as “winter”, but I still love it as much I do summer. That said, the transition between the two—more specifically, dressing for the transition between the two—is a task that typically makes my head tilt. How can one dress for a day when temperatures vary from mid-60s up to 90s? How about when the A/C is icy cold? Or, I don’t know, when one craves breaking out the Boots with lug soles But still wants to wear her best camisoles And call it a night? I’m obviously asking for a friend. Meg, what do you think?
Meg Donohue: I knew I couldn’t be the only one dumbfounded by how fast this year is flying by—glad to hear you’re equally amazed. That said, I’m more miffed about fall’s early onset than you seem to be. I’ve declared (to no one other than myself) that this year I will celebrate summer until fall officially starts on September 23. I typically consider Labor Day weekend the end of summer, but I simply haven’t gotten my fill of the season yet. So I’m bringing summer into September. Who’s with me?
DC: It appears we have a bit of a standoff for this month’s SSBD.
Naked Cashmere Soleil Bralette Cashmere Top
Toteme Classic Denim Dark Blue
Versace Greca Goddess Mini Leather Handbag
There, I can sense you. It is a good idea to use a bilingual translator It’s always hotter in September than it is during the rest of the year. Officially Rolls in. Until then, I’m incorporating the fall season with an autumnal color palette. At the moment, that takes form in this sheer, textured top from Leinwande—which, to be frank, is a little unexpected for me. Light enough to wear without weighing me down, I’ll be throwing this over a knit tank paired with elevated denim shorts. Pair it with my new favorite sandals and a tiny shoulder bag and I’m good to go.
What will you do with your summer clothes?
MD: To recap: you’re bringing fall into summer while I stretch summer through fall. I get it. It’s funny you should mention sheer tops, because I’m thinking it’ll be a big trend in my fall lineup, too. For instance, I’m obsessed with this black midi skirt I recently picked up. You can’t really tell that it’s see-through unless you see it in a certain light or at a specific angle. I think it’ll be key in my crusade to drag out every final summer moment. Black might not be a summer color, but showing some skin is. I’m also looking for summery silhouettes and color schemes in otherwise cool weather styles. Lastly, you know I love my wedge flip-flops, and I happen to think they’re very well-suited for transitional outfits.
Highrack Studios Zelda Mesh Skirt
Coperni black wedge Sandals
Enjoy 18% Discount
DC: I LOVE those flip flops; they make me think of some I had when I was in middle school, and I’m happy to see them make a return. In terms of sheer fashion, in my humble view, this is the perfect transitional look. Look at how sheer flats are the unsung heroes of the latest footwear trends.
I’d love to know what you have planned for when the temperatures start to drop. As someone who can’t shut up about quality knitwear, I’m eager to start wearing my cozier sweaters again. But, it seems it won’t be cooling down to the 40s any time soon. And as someone who tends to be on the colder side (woe is me), I’m opting for a denim jacket I can easily throw on when the A/C is blasting. I’m taking the opportunity to incorporate fall-esque accessories with my warm-weather staples. In this case, it’s a baby tee (they’re all I’m currently wearing) and a slip skirt with comfortable, investment-worthy boots—and let’s be real: chunky ankle boots are a staple no matter what time of year it is.
Levi’s XL Trucker Jacket
Savage x Fenty Baby Pocket Tee
Reformation Arie Silk Skirt
The Row Zip-Front Leather Ankle Boots
MD: I understand you. I always plan on being prepared with the ideal Goldilocks outfit for September’s hot days. All summer, I’ve been enamored with this short playsuit that can be dressed up or down. (I’ve even worn it on hikes!) Because it’s black, it will phase seamlessly into autumn styles, but I also envision reaching for this striped button-down to wear as an open-faced layer. Dua Lipa flawlessly showcased how this shirt can be worn for summer, but the lines between late summer and early fall are blurred, so I think I’ll be able to match it to September’s crisp, preppy vibe.
Finally, I know I’m being a bit of a renegade here, but I vote we hold onto the crochet trend just a little while longer. The summer is always awash with raffia, straw and other natural materials. Why should this trend stop after Labor Day. Call me crazy, but I’ll be using my favorite knit tote throughout September. Do you have any thoughts?
Lacoste Unisex Relaxed Fit Large Crocodile Cotton Shirt
Get 25% off
Wilfred Free Theodora Romper
Reebok Club C Extra Women’s Shoes
Urban Outfitters Classic quarter crew socks 2-pack
ENBEI Large Knit Shoulder bag
DC: Even though I have a passion for fall fashion right now, it is no secret that I love to embrace summer trends in the winter. Crochet makes a wonderful example. I personally feel the same about the fashion “rule”—which, let’s be honest, there are no rules in fashion these days—about not wearing white after the September holiday. I’m also a fan of fall and winter whites. Sue me!
Associate Fashion Editor
Meg is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com. She researches trends and tests products to find answers to your burning queries. She co-writes the monthly column Same Same But different. Meg has written previously for Cosmopolitan The following are some examples of how to get started: Town & Country. She is passionate about travel, buffalo sauce and sustainability. She’ll never give up on a One Direction tour.
Dale Arden Chong, Senior Fashion Commerce Editor for ELLE.com. She has also written for Who What Wear magazine, GLAMOUR and The Coveteur. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.