Awesome Autumn: Your Guide to Fall Fashions

By Nancy Pardue
Photography By Jonathan Fredin Aug 23, 2015

The hot-hot-hot of a Southern summer has finally made way for the joys of autumn!

Celebrate with updates to your cool-weather wardrobe. It’s easy, thanks to this advice — and pages full of just-in, hand-picked fashion inspirations — from five local style mavens.

Pop the latest trends into your closet, and catch the buzz on hair and makeup. Then, whether you’re headed to an evening soiree or an action-packed game, no worries. You’re in fashion!

Relax in light wash boyfriend jeans, $44, crop top tank in rust, $29, fall plaid oversized scarf, $29; and hoops, $19, all from Cousin Couture; go bold with a gold medallion beaded necklace, $69, from Sophie & Mollie’s.

Kristie Tart, Cousin Couture:

Must-haves: “Fall 2015’s hottest trend is FRINGE! And matte gold hoop earrings, which can be dressed up or down.”

Cutaway suit in olive, top, $34, and pant, $39, go-with-everything nude heels, $39, gold armband, $26, and hoops, $19, all from Cousin Couture; double-dose-style fringe and studded handbag, $68, from Swagger.

Fave fall trends: “This season weaves earthy neutrals with a range of bold color statements and reflective patterns. Our favorite neutral this fall is Desert Sage; it’s timeless and unobtrusive, yet powerful enough to make a statement on its own. Also, plaid patterned scarves in another hot new fall color, Cadium Orange.” – Kristy Tart

Alli Taylor, The Hair and Face Lounge of Cary:

Must-haves: “Earth tones and jewel tones like sapphire, emerald and ruby in makeup, to create a more earthy feel. The salon uses Aveda products; its Jewels of the Earth line echoes the back-to-nature trends.”

Fringe is in! Poncho sweater, $46, layered over crop top in ivory, $32, with must-have block-heeled bootie in camel, $49, dark wash jean, $39, long acrylic necklace, $26, tribal canvas clutch, $39, and hoops, $19, all from Cousin Couture. Layered beaded bracelets, $14 each, and wood bead and stone bracelet, $16, all from The Purple Polka Dot.

Fave fall hair trend: “The trend is a loosened party look with messier hair. The look is more relaxed and laid back rather than polished. Women are busy; they want a wash-and-go style that’s easy to maintain.” – Alli Taylor

Kristin Gurganus, The Purple Polka Dot:

Must-haves: “Tan and neutral colors. Suede and fringe. Booties.”

Touchdown! Wanderer vest, $54.99, and trendy plaid shirt, $28, both from Swagger. Fleece-lined duck boot in camel, $42, and wood monogram necklace available in various sizes starting at $35.99, both from The Purple Polka Dot; dark wash jean, $39, hoops, $19, and store-line CC Doll knit hat, $19, all from Cousin Couture.

Fave fall trends: “Oversized tops with eye-catching detail. Layering of necklaces and bracelets. With fall in the South lasting into November, a romper is the perfect transition piece; rompers look great with sandals or little booties.

“Last but not least, duck boots have become a Southern staple. Perfect for the everyday outfit. Pair them with a T-shirt and jeans, or a flannel and vest.” – Kristin Gurganus

Mandy Becker, Swagger:

Must-haves: “Boho Chic, lots of fringe and suede. Tassels are also big; they have the same appeal as fringe, just more compact.”

Black ballerina-style top, $73, jade tank, $19, oh-so-sweet tapestry flared skirt with metallic thread, $65, and shake-it-up leather fringe necklace, $62, all from Sophie & Mollie’s. Model’s own shoes.

Fave fall trends: “We’re seeing tons of plaid again this fall. Layers and faux layers remain popular, so vests are making a return. The color of the year is Marsala, so burgundy is perfect to spruce up the fall wardrobe. Other trends include asymmetrical hems in tops and dresses, and tie dye is making a return.

“Small trendy touches like a necklace or fringe handbag can bring your look into the next season; you can be on trend but not over the top.

Sweet crochet-back top, $44, gold pineapple clutch, $36, and matte gold hoop earrings, $19, all from Cousin Couture; beaded bracelet in brown, $14, layered with wood bead and stone bracelet, $16, and stone bracelet in clear/yellow, $14, all from The Purple Polka Dot.

“And trends in jewelry echo the longer silhouette for fall: Long statement necklaces using lots of natural elements like wood, beads and stones. Jewelry is layered, with multiple necklaces and lots of bracelets. It’s an arm party!” – Mandy Becker

Joan Simpson, Sophie & Mollie’s:

Must-haves: “A longer necklace with lots of rocks, horn or leather fringe. Fringe is big this year.”

Me-ow! Black back-zip jumpsuit with split straps, $68, and stone slice beaded necklace, $65, both from Sophie & Mollie’s.

Fave fall trends: “A ballerina-style top with a fuller skirt. I’m seeing a lot of dance clothing moving into women’s clothing. Balloon skirts are also big this fall, as well as tapestry fabrics.

“Jumpsuits continue the easy, one-piece dressing trend seen over the summer. And a bold print coatigan is perfect for the North Carolina autumn, when a coat is too bulky and a sweater isn’t quite enough.” – Joan Simpson