Yes, it’s that time of year again: the time when we pack away the short sleeves, the sandals and those light breezy fashions. Sure, it might be a bit sad. But have no fear because fall fashions are just as fun. We chatted up those in the know at local boutiques, and asked them to gather the hottest, trendiest and most fashion-forward looks that will have you looking snappy in no time flat.
TREND: Leather/Faux Leather
Tap into your wild side with a little help from leather. From leather dresses to leather-trimmed leggings and leather-embellished cardigans, this hot trend is a must-have for fall. According to Molly O’Keefe buyer for Goodthings, “Leather/faux leather is classic and versatile,” she says. “It is a great way to amp up an otherwise everyday outfit.”
GET THE LOOK
T Party draped black cardigan, $42, Mainstream Boutique; Naked Zebra taupe sleeveless blouse, $62, Goodthings; Velvet by Graham & Spencer black faux-leather and ponte leggings, $148, Goodthings; gold, black and gray necklace, $16, Primp; Breekelles wedge booties in sand, $42, Primp
Velvet by Graham and Spencer black sleeveless faux-leather dress, $176, Goodthings; skinny brown belt, $14, Primp; jewel necklace, $24, Primp; Qupid black suede booties, $48, Primp
TREND: White and Black
It’s true that opposites attract, and in fashion, mixing black with white is easy and stylish. And according to O’Keefe, this look is a mainstay. “White and black has always been an ongoing trend,” she says. But maybe you’re looking to take it one step further for fall. Well, punch it up. “Bringing red into the mix adds a little bit of wow to any outfit,” says O’Keefe.
GET THE LOOKS
YA black and white graphic print dress, $52, Primp; Tea N Rose tan cardigan, $32, Primp; Fraas multi-colored scarf, $56+, Goodthings; Breekelles heeled booties in sand, $44, Primp
MODEL: Julie Heiden
Tribal red, gray, black and white-striped dress, $114, Goodthings; Velvet by Graham & Spencer black cardigan with faux-leather panels, $168, Goodthings; Breekelles wedge booties in sand, $42, Primp
MODEL: Miranda Sova
TREND: Maxi Dresses/Skirts
Yes, longer hemlines are back. And if you’ve ever slipped into a maxi dress, you know they’re just as comfortable as they are stylish. Kelly Arcand owner of Mainstream Boutique has taken note of this fact and has been stocking up on the long and lean looks. “Maxis are not just a trend anymore,” she says, “they are a must-have in every closet for every season.”
GET THE LOOK
Tua geometric maxi dress, $64, Mainstream Boutique; black statement necklace, $28, Mainstream Boutique
TREND: Leggings
Dressy or casual, leggings are the go-to look for fall. “Leggings will be staying around for a long time,” says Arcand. “With great patterns and interesting textures, you can pair with any top or basic color to freshen up your fall wardrobe.”
GET THE LOOK
M. Rena gray dress, $44, Mainstream Boutique; M. Rena black leggings, $36, Mainstream Boutique; Suco patterned scarf, $28, Mainstream Boutique; Bamboo montage black boots, $62, Mainstream Boutique
TREND: Navajo-inspired prints
Kick up your style with the bright colors and geometric shapes of Navajo-inspired prints. “A bold print is everything in my book,” says Emily Klipp manager of the newly opened Primp in White Bear Lake. “This season’s Navajo designs are the perfect mix of organic and edgy.”
GET THE LOOK
Everly patterned dress, $40, Primp; M. Rena black leggings, $36, Mainstream Boutique; Paparazzi khaki and black jacket, $142, Goodthings; Breekelles wedge booties in sand, $42, Primp
TREND: Booties
Itching for a quick way to breathe some life into your old looks? Booties add a chic and trendy touch to any fall ensemble. “Ankle boots are IN for fall, whether it is a flat heel, stacked heel or wedges; everyone will be wearing them,” says Klipp. “Pair with crops, skinny jeans or dresses to maximize their use.”
For more fall fashions, pop into these White Bear Lake shops:
Goodthings: 2184 Fourth St., White Bear Lake; 651.426.8006.
Mainstream Boutique: 4729 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, 651.209.6790
Primp: 4766 Banning Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.340.7417primpyourself.com
Pop into Indulge Salon for a spiffy new fall look: Indulge Salon, 2183 Third St., White Bear Lake; 651.797.6440.
