Fall officially arrives this Saturday, Sept. 22. This week, I asked local businesses about the latest trends in fall fashion.
Kara Dougherty-Merry, owner of Pandora’s Box in Menemsha and Suka in Edgartown, has been having success with, “The classic yummy sweater, which seems to be a fall transition piece that many choose to go with in a cardigan, oversized style. There is also a lot of lace detail, print on print or mixing of prints, as well as sheer keeps coming up for summer and fall,” she explained. “With the mixing of prints, it seems that people love it, as they are able to adapt to their own unique style versus a cookie cutter look. Pea coats are always popular with my customers, and the new retro motorcycle jackets have been garnering rave reviews. Finally, the color gold has been showing up frequently, sometimes paired with black or in a sheer piece. Personally I am a big fan of summer colors into winter fabrics, which I always look to have that in the store and people consistently respond positively to the combination.”
Pandora’s Box is open Thursday through Monday through Columbus Day and there are some sales going on currently through the remainder of the season.
Roni Hennessy, owner of Petunia’s Shoes on Main Street in Edgartown, shared: “As far as showing the transition from flip flops, which people are still in, to a closed toe shoe, the smoking shoe or slipper has been a very popular purchase for the last few weeks. The pony, animal prints, and the velvet styles have done phenomenally well. What draw customers to the shoe is its nice compromise of not being super pointy or super rounded and that it has an elongated foot bed with a lot of coverage. Looking toward boots, the short ankle boot with buckle or trim will be trending well and as always the ballet flat is still going strong. For those heading to warmer climates or on vacation, we are also having a 50 percent off sale on our summer shoe selection.”
Sherryl Schrader, co-owner of Moonstone Jewelers on Main Street in Vineyard Haven, remarked on jewelry trends: “We find that fine jewelry never goes out of style. New and exciting for those Islanders who have been so busy working all summer is Julie Miguel’s seasonal additions to her carved and inlaid banded bracelet line, Wampum by Julie. Another change in style is the fact that due to the increase in gold prices, designers have been working in silver instead which has allowed them to go bigger and bolder with their pieces, which our customers are loving.”
When shopping for clothing, a handy guide from Glamour Magazine online will remind you of the anticipated trends:
“Crimson is the it color, whether as the base or the accessory. Suits are trending to a mix of solid pieces in black and white. Burgundy for your PVC raincoat, while sweaters are warm and cozy with styles ranging from plain to graphic or fitted to oversized. Collars on clothing are in, just with a contrasting color from the rest of the shirt or dress. White is no longer for just summer as it has taken over for the LBD [little black dress] with an addition of a skinny black belt for contrast.
“Head warmth this fall can be found with a wide brimmed hat that provides an air of mystery. Prints for dresses are in with either a black and white scape or a bohemian, flowing style. Finally a gray dress, this year the shade is slate, will be a welcome addition that can carry through many years to come.”
