Fall ushers in trees and shrubs adorned with rubies, emeralds, and gold doubloons. Small wonder we crave similar ornamentation to make every outfit a moment. But with temperatures as crisp and cutting as glass—plus cold drizzles and biting winds lying in ambush—fall fashion in Durango must blend the practical with the playful. The style-savvy owners at Lively (a Boutique), The Sparrow Mercantile, and Crow’s Closet dish on how to layer, what’s trending, and how you can refresh your wardrobe while staying true to your style.
Wear What You Love
Whether you’re building an outfit around a great new boot, a cozy cardigan, or the pants you can’t stop wearing, there’s no one “right” starting point.
“Start with your lifestyle,” says Johnna Bronson of Lively. “Are you dressing for work, errands, a festival, or a client meeting? That will shape everything.”
Katie Bisogno of The Sparrow agrees: “Confidence is key, whether or not a piece is trendy. What matters most is how you feel in it.”
Jackie Possner of Crow’s Closet adds, “It could be the shoe, the top—whatever inspires you. Let that lead.”
Trending Colors & Fabrics
This season, it’s all about richness without loudness. Think deep tones, classic bases, and playful surprises.
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Blues & lavenders – Seen everywhere from tops to accessories and staying strong into spring (Crow’s Closet).
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Chocolate, brown & mocha – Monochromatic sets are big, offering elegance with zero effort (Lively).
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Jewel tones & animal prints – Elevated neutrals with personality (The Sparrow).
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Textured natural fibers – Cotton, wool, linen blends, and even angora are the stars this year, as all three boutiques shift away from fast fashion toward quality.
Level Up Your Accessory Game This Fall
Accessories aren’t just add-ons—they’re conversation starters.
At Lively, scarves are back, especially “twillies” that double as hair ties, belts, or neckerchiefs. Charm jewelry is a trend to watch—personalized and giftable. Felt hats get the glam treatment with customized branding, feathers, poker cards, and local artisan adornments.
At The Sparrow, Western-style hats reign supreme, complete with swappable bands and creative styling accessories. Layered jewelry and bold local designs shine. Katie encourages local love, noting, “Find your local artist and wear what they’re creating.”
At Crow’s Closet, hats and beanies fly off the shelves in fall. Stacked bracelets and hand-forged jewelry by local metalsmiths are on fire. Boots range from sleek waterproof pairs to rugged workwear vibes—perfect for muddy trails or Main Avenue strolls.
The Art of Hot Layers (Without Overheating)
There’s no time like fall for layering, but how do you manage it without turning into a human fashion furnace?
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Use breathable, quality fabrics. Jackie recommends tech fabrics with venting and weight-conscious construction. Look for materials that offer sun, wind, or moisture protection with a polished finish.
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Balance your silhouettes. “If you're wearing a wide-leg pant, try a more fitted top, or belt it if it gets too bulky,” suggests Jessica Snowberger, manager and stylist at The Sparrow.
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Built-in layers are in. Johnna loves pre-layered pieces like sleeveless knits with attached jackets.
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Pro tip: Fleece-lined tights that look sheer are a cozy hack under skirts and dresses.
Shop Local, Stay Fabulous
In a time of big-box competition, all three shop owners agree on one final message: support local. These boutiques offer beautiful, high-quality pieces, authentic one-on-one styling, and a deep connection to the Durango community. Whether you’re hunting for a head-turning festival outfit or practical boots for leaf-crunching hikes, you’ll find something fabulous—and personalized—at Lively, The Sparrow, and Crow’s Closet.
A Shoo In for Fall Feet
Fall is all about footwear. Here are the top picks for kicks that are practical and stylish:
- Tall boots, riding boots, ankle boots, and anything with a kitten-heel are trending (Lively)
- Birkenstock Bostons are popular local favorites (Crow’s Closet)
- Sneakers go with everything—yes, even dresses and suits (The Sparrow)