There is a particular kind of magic to late August. The light turns amber in the evenings, the air holds onto summer just a little longer, and your wardrobe starts asking for something with a bit more depth. That is exactly where this month's "Ab"solute Must-Haves live: in the golden space between seasons.
In this installment, our Creative Director of Campaigns, Liza, walks through the pieces she is reaching for right now. Watch the full episode below, filmed on location in Malibu, then keep scrolling for her top picks and how to wear them.
Mad for Plaid, With a Feminine Twist
We are mad for plaid, and we know you are too. But this season's version is not your basic plaid shirt. As Liza puts it, this one is way more elevated and much more feminine.
This versatile top earns its spot with the details. A ruffle stand collar, three quarter cuffed button sleeves, and a half buttoned placket give it a rich, layered feel, while the hi-low hem keeps everything easy. It comes in midnight sapphire multi and a plum and Nile blue combination that Liza calls chef's-kiss-good.
The best part is how it layers. Wear it on its own now, then slip it under a jacket as the temperature drops and let that ruffle collar peek out. It's a small detail that does a lot of work.
Embroidered Denim: The Trend Worth Buying Into
If there is one piece to add this month, Liza is clear about it. Embroidered denim is the hottest trend happening, and this is the pair to get.
Here is the case for it: if your jeans are starting to feel a little boring, like you have seen them on repeat one too many times, embroidery is the easiest way to shift things. It takes your style up a notch without asking you to reinvent yourself. Or as Liza says, it takes you out of your basic zone, but not out of your comfort zone.
This Ankle Skimmer jean delivers on both fronts. The silhouette has a slim, curve-hugging fit that lands just above the ankle, with floral embroidery, a slightly arched back yoke, and a seamless fray hem for a finish that feels considered rather than fussy. The floral embroidery is chic, but it makes a statement, too.
They're built with our "Ab"solution® fit technology, with interior power mesh panels for gentle support, a hidden elastic waistband for a smooth, gap-free fit, and super-stretch denim that moves with you. Because a statement pair of jeans should still feel like your most comfortable pair.
Stripes, the Easiest Yes in Your Closet
Every wardrobe needs a piece that requires zero thought, and this is it.
This on-trend sweater brings a breezy, effortless quality to the lineup, with short flutter sleeves, a split neck with a lace up tie, and classic stripes in a bold multi-hued design. The slightly sheer fabric keeps it light enough for August heat, and the straight hem means it works whether it's tucked or loose.
Pair it with jeans, shorts, or trousers and you have an outfit in about four seconds. Stripes are the quiet workhorse here, the piece that makes the bolder ones in your closet easier to wear.
How to Style August's Must-Haves
These pieces are made for the in-between weeks, the ones that still feel like summer but are quietly turning toward fall. A few easy ways to wear them:
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Let the embroidered Ankle Skimmer jean lead and keep the top simple, like the
striped sweater tucked at the front. - Layer the plaid ruffle collar top under a caramel or cognac jacket for the first cool evenings of the season.
- Wear the striped sweater with shorts now and trousers later, proof that one piece can bridge both seasons.
- Lean into the season's palette. Warm golden olive, dusty mauve, and deep indigo all work beautifully together.
- Keep the shoes easy; a flat sandal now for warm days and an ankle boot when the evenings get chilly.
That is the whole idea behind this month's picks: pieces that bridge the seasons without asking you to start over. Shop Liza's must-haves and find the ones that feel most like you.
SHOP "AB"SOLUTE MUST-HAVES
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