The In-Between Season: Reading the Signals Before Fashion Month

August 2026

The "In-Between Season": Identify key transitional signals before fashion month begins.

August is often overlooked, as it lacks the excitement of fashion month or the renewal of a new year. However, it affords a valuable opportunity to focus on current projects before industry attention turns to New York Fashion Week.

The Signals: Designing what's best for the In-Between

This season's Pre-Fall collections are all about variety! There's really no one-size-fits-all vibe when it comes to silhouettes or colors. Some brands are keeping it cool and classy with sleek funnel-neck jackets and sharp tailoring, while others are going all out with fun layered sheer pieces, sporty touches, and eye-catching prints. It's a little something for everyone! The question is- do you need to design for this time period, or what can you do as a designer & business to take advantage of this month?

Here are some callouts of insights and inspirations for the month of August.

Resort 2027 emphasizes heritage with craftsmanship-focused collections, nautical references, and high jewelry as key storytelling elements. The result is practical style with a strong material presence.

For independent designers, this is a transitional season rather than a trend-driven one. Pre-Fall addresses demand for products between seasons, creating valuable design opportunities for both boutique and direct-to-consumer sales. Consider what your brand offers during this period; even if a solution is not required, it is a worthwhile question to explore.

Getting a jump start on color: Color Mood Board

If this month involves research, assessing your offerings, sales, and future requirements, take a look at colors you should know about.

Below are five fall key colors, each credited to its source for additional exploration:

Sources: WGSN/Coloro. Learn more at https://coloro.com

NYFW Is Coming: Key Highlights to Watch

The official CFDA September schedule features 70 runway shows and presentations from Thursday, September 10 to Tuesday, September 15. The season opens with Henry Zankov's debut as artistic director for Diane von Furstenberg and concludes with Thom Browne, marking significant transitions at both ends of the week. Check out their website and catch some show replays or live-streaming

Looking for ways to participate? If you are an independent designer considering NYFW, remember that the official schedule is only one aspect of the week. Numerous independent showcases, buyer previews, and industry events run concurrently, granting valuable opportunities for emerging brands to build relationships. It is a great way to network, see what's out there, and get inspired for your own work....read on to see what ifd has up it's sleeve!

We have some exciting things happening! ifd will be actively working within the NYFW ecosystem this September. If you are an independent designer interested in joining any of our NYFW events, please email info@insidefashiondesign.com with your portfolio or a concise description of your work. Details on our NYFW events are provided below.

On the ifd Calendar This September

• Unique Fashion Show (UFS), New York City, September 13, as part of NYFW. IFD is partnering again this year, and designer outreach is underway. Interested designers should have an established collection and a demonstrated commitment to innovative or conscious design. Selection is based on portfolio review as well as alignment with the event’s focus on emerging and independent talent. Further eligibility information and application details are available upon request. Inquiries: design@insidefashiondesign.net or link below:

• Sourcing, Selling, Sustainability & Scaling – Empowering Fashion Entrepreneurs: NYFW, a showcase co-produced with Mind Your Fashion, highlights conscious and sustainable design. Jude Kingston is bringing her sold-out seminar to New York — exclusively at Made with Intention 2.

  

  With 30+ years at the top levels of the global fashion industry, Jude doesn't do theory. She delivers real frameworks for building a fashion business that's profitable, purpose-driven, and built to last.

  You'll walk away with: 🔹 Smart sourcing strategies 🔹 Sales approaches that actually convert 🔹 A blueprint for a brand rooted in integrity 🔹 A real plan to scale — without losing your vision

  This is a part of the Made with Intention 2: Included with all day pass or ala-carte.

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• Made with Intention 2: Open to everyone! An evening of storytelling, brand activations, and a designer showcase, co-hosted with Mind Your Fashion and 99 Yards.

If any of these opportunities match your goals, please contact us at design@insidefashiondesign.com, we would love to support you. This is the most effective way to ensure your inquiry is received promptly.

Also Worth Your Calendar This Month

MAGIC Las Vegas Summer, August 10–12 (Las Vegas Convention Center), is one of the season's biggest wholesale marketplaces — a strong option if you're building buyer relationships ahead of fall.

For a smaller, more boutique-scaled alternative, Chicago Collective Women's Edition runs August 23–25 at The Merchandise Mart — often a better entry point for independent labels not yet ready for a floor the size of MAGIC's.

The Business Angle: Plan the Gap, Not Just the Show

While fashion month attracts significant attention, the in-between season is a great time for operational planning. This includes setting manufacturing timelines for fall delivery, managing cash flow during slower sales periods, and evaluating whether participating in a September show fits with your brand's current position.

Before committing to a show this fall, consider whether it will connect you with buyers and press who might not otherwise discover your brand, or if it mainly offers general visibility. Both are valid reasons, but it is important to be clear about your objectives.

Brands that leverage fashion month effectively view it as one touchpoint within a wider relationship-building strategy, rather than a single decisive event.

Before September Hits

Consider the following checklist while the season remains quiet:

• Organize your Pre-Fall inspiration references into a working folder now, before fashion month brings a flood of new content. Don't need additional designs? Use this time to still gather inspiration for future use, evaluate current product offerings and sales data to make informed business decisions

  
  

• If you are considering presenting this fall, review your financials carefully. Assess participation costs against realistic ROI, beyond the excitement of a runway opportunity. Consider showing as part of your marketing budget- in some cases, it's less expensive than paying for ads, and some opportunities are budget-friendly and provide you with several perks to level up your business. If the event offers photos, social media shares, and networking opportunities- that could be valuable ROI for your brand.

  
  

• Review your in-between-season offerings. Is there a gap in your collection, similar to how Pre-Fall addresses gaps in the retail calendar? To identify gaps, line up your key styles by delivery date and price point to see where items may be missing or duplicated. Ask yourself: Does my assortment cover my customer's needs for this time of year? Review recent customer feedback or sales data to identify what was requested or sold out last August. Even a simple exercise, such as mapping your collection on paper and color coding by season, can reveal overlooked opportunities.

  
  

FAQ’s:

Participation in Events: How can I apply or express interest in the listed NYFW events and showcases? Start by visiting the official NYFW website (cfda.com/fashion-calendar) to see what the bigger shows are. For independent designers- check out ifd use the link above and we will send you more information.

Most events provide online forms or contact emails—prepare a concise inquiry email using this template: “Hello, I’m [Name], an independent designer interested in [Event Name]. Please advise on application steps. Portfolio attached.” Double-check all deadlines and required materials. Avoid missing cutoffs by setting calendar reminders. Engage with organizers and past participants on social media for updates and insider tips.

Selection Criteria: What are the requirements or selection criteria for designers to participate in ifd-partnered events? Requirements typically include: a professional portfolio (10–20 high-quality images), a lookbook, a brand bio, and past collection overviews. Organizers prioritize originality, quality, inclusivity, and a clear brand story—some events spotlight first-time or underrepresented designers. Double-check if a minimum number of collections, press coverage, or sustainability credentials are needed. Review each event’s published criteria and tailor your submission—avoid generic applications. If unsure, reach out via email for clarification.

Practical Guidance: Are there tips for preparing a strong application or portfolio for these opportunities? Highlight your brand’s unique identity, craftsmanship, and narrative. Use high-quality visuals, concise bios, and relevant press coverage. Focus on storytelling by demonstrating how your work fits the event’s theme or audience. Include contact information and make sure all materials are professionally formatted.

Financial Planning: What are typical participation costs for independent designers at NYFW events? Costs vary, but expect expenses for entry fees, venue rental, production, staffing, and marketing. Typical budgets for emerging designers range from $5,000 to $20,000. Factor in travel, shipping, and PR. Inquire about available sponsorships or grants, reach out to ifd to inquire about options, and consider collaborating with other designers to share costs.

Networking: How can I maximize networking and exposure during the in-between season and NYFW? Maximize exposure by attending industry mixers, after-parties, and panel talks—even as a guest. Join designer communities and mentorship groups (e.g., Inside Fashion Design, Fashion Mingle) for introductions. Use social media to share process stories, tag event partners, and connect with attendees and press. Prepare a digital press kit (bio, images, contact info) for quick sharing. After the event, send a friendly follow-up message to new contacts within 48 hours. Avoid waiting—timely follow-ups show professionalism and keep you top-of-mind.

So are you planning to attend NYFW? Let us know...we can see you there! Reach out if you want to be involved- either to show your collection, volunteer at an event or just attend!! Happy to share our schedule with you.

Happy Conscious Creating!

Britta

Founder, Inside Fashion Design

Sources

CFDA — "View the Preliminary September 2026 Official NYFW Schedule"https://cfda.com/news/view-the-preliminary-september-2026-official-nyfw-schedule/

Marie Claire — "6 Pre-Fall Trends Fashion People Are Shopping for 2026"https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/pre-fall-trends-2026/

Trend Hunter — "Top 30 Luxury Fashion Trends in August 2026"https://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/august-2026-luxury-fashion

WGSN/Coloro; — seasonal color direction https://coloro.com/creative-teams