A guide to Pre-Fall layering.
Fashion stylist and writer Lauren Caruso shares her approach to effortless Pre-Fall dressing and how she pairs pieces from our collection.
There’s a certain magic to the first days of fall: that brief, golden window when mornings are crisp, afternoons are warm, and layering becomes less of a necessity and more of a joyful act of creativity. As someone who loves to build outfits piece by piece, my style comes alive in those transitional days, and Varley’s easy-wearing Pre-Fall Collection feels like it was made for my wardrobe.
This season, the brand’s line of elevated, refined basics plays with textures, tonal palettes, and the elusive balance of softness and structure. From signature DoubleSoft® sets to the refined tailoring of Sandwashed Tencel Twill outerwear, each piece is designed to work in harmony, making them perfect for layering, lounging, and everything in between.
Below, see how I style three of my favourite transitional looks from the collection for breezier days ahead.
Look 1: White-on-white
Real talk: White-on-white-on-white is a minimalist’s dream, but it can be notoriously tricky to pull off. The key lies within both texture and tone: when I build a monochrome outfit, especially in white or cream, I always consider whether the undertones are warm or cool. Varley’s palette for Pre-Fall skews warm, which makes mixing and matching incredibly seamless.
Here, the soft drape of the Stamford car coat pairs effortlessly with the Rocio wide-leg pant. The NeedleCord texture gives structure and breathability, while the coat’s Sandwashed Twill adds a fluid, luxurious layer. I finished the look with a ribbed tank for added polish.
If you're unsure whether two white garments “go,” apply a trick I picked up from interiors: hold them in natural light and check if they fall into the same warm or cool family. All three of these pieces work together because they share that sun-washed, creamy tone. Add accessories in similar shades to maintain cohesion for a failsafe fall outfit formula.
Look 2: A DoubleSoft® set.
Matching sets have officially transcended the realm of lazy day uniform into something more practical - and Varley’s DoubleSoft® set is case in point. Lightweight and soft as a cloud, the Larson sweatshirt and Rolled Cuff Pant are the kind of foundational pieces I reach for again and again.
Instead of styling it as expected, I love to layer in texture and warmth: A thin polo, like this three-button style that peeks through, helps ground the earthy palette and subtly breaks up the monochrome set. The cream sweater around my shoulders also creates some shape and visual dimension.
In fact, the contrast between the polished knit of the polo and the smooth drape of DoubleSoft® gives this set a styled-but-not-styled energy that’s perfect for a weekend coffee run, museum visit, or even a casual lunch with friends.
Look 3: A layered look.
There’s a reason that “big top small bottom” trending sound made the rounds on TikTok: there’s something playful and fresh about the long-jacket-short-shorts combination, and it's surprisingly practical during transitional months. The Ollie short, which is crafted from that same lightweight, breathable DoubleSoft® fabric, hits the sweet spot between comfort and polish, while the Beckton utility jacket adds just enough structure without overwhelming the look. Plus, pockets!
To prepare for the brisk mornings to come, I layered a double-zip sweater for a bit of warmth and visual interest. The mesh pointelle stitch and bouclé yarn adds dimension and makes this whole look feel elevated, and as someone with a shorter torso, a double-zip allows me to customize the fit in a way, adjusting the silhouette on the fly depending on how the day unfolds. I can also throw it around my shoulders for a mid-day stroll. And when layering jackets, I love to contrast fabric weights: a lighter, textured knit under a structured twill outerwear piece keeps the outfit balanced and avoids being too bulky.
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