Believe it or not, cooler weather and the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon will be here before long.
Along with those signs of autumn will come the colors and styles of the hottest fall fashion.
Just because the weather is getting cooler doesn’t mean women can’t still be fashionable and chic in a sweater and ankle boots. For fall, there are limitless looks that can keep ladies warm and stylish at the same time.
One local women’s clothing and accessories boutique that has lots of experience getting women stylish for the autumn season is The Clothes Galley, located in downtown Crystal Lake.
Owner Sherree Rothstein bought an existing business in Crystal Lake and renovated it, but kept the same name because the store had been a fixture in the downtown area for a long time.
Today, The Clothes Galley offers hip, flattering and appropriate clothing and accessories for today’s lifestyle. The boutique also carries branded jewelry lines such as Brighton and Chamilia.
A Pop of Color
Rothstein expects color to be in this autumn, especially bright and strong colors like cobalt, red, purple and green, plus warm colors like brown and honey.
Colored coats, tights, skinny jeans and corduroy will be a part of the fall trend as well, and prints and animal prints will make a big fashion statement.
As expected, sweaters will be strong this season. Women will be seen wearing big, chunky sweaters as their jackets, and flowy, wrap-around sweaters will be popular, too. Add leggings, a belt and boots, and a lady has a chic and fashionable outfit ideal for the cooler weather.
Rothstein says jeans will not be as essential this fall, as leggings, techno pants and twill pants are becoming quite popular. Techno pants are one of the latest fashions and are a key component for a fall wardrobe, she says.
For example, to plan an outfit for a fun evening that’s still fall appropriate, Rothstein suggests wearing a pair of black techno pants and a top with some sparkle or sleeves with beading.
Or, the “perfect” fall outfit might consist of a pair of brown techno pants that give women a long, straight look, matched with a curry-colored tunic sweater, she says. Chunky jewelry would finish the look.
As for the perfect shoe, Rothstein has a few tips.
“Tall boots are really happening right now,” she says. “And the UGG-boots-with-jeans look and riding boots with leggings are really popular, too.”
Rothstein expects leather dresses to be popular this fall, and she’s ordered plenty of them for her shop. Leather dresses, especially halter necks, tube necklines, laced, sweetheart necklines and more have been all the rage among fashion-conscious women.
The Right Pieces
For those shopping on a budget for the latest trends, experts suggest purchasing one or two key pieces that can work with multiple outfits, or investing in a few fashionable accessories such as over-the-knee boots and colorful scarves, which can help to update an existing fall wardrobe.
Other must-haves for the autumn season include high-waisted skirts in solid colors and a versatile black or gray dress that can be worn over long-sleeved tops. Embellished flats also will be a part of the fall fashion trend.
Although women might not always feel fabulous and chic during the cooler months when they have to cover up to keep warm, great accessories can dress up any outfit.
“Accessories are the key to finishing every woman’s look,” Rothstein says, noting that long necklaces and chunkier bracelets and bangles are great finishing touches.
However, it can be difficult for jewelry to stand out when an outfit is composed of several layers. One way to combat that problem is to make a fashion statement with a handbag.
Handbags for autumn could be furry, flat or just plain fun. A large embellished handbag will go with any outfit and jacket combination, and it’s a great way to add style.
Rothstein says fall fashion is very exciting.
“We dress so lightly in the summer,” she says. “But in the fall, fabrics are so much more [rich].”
