Sunday Fundays are the perfect antidote to a busy, over-scheduled week. Imagine relaxing in the park—donning your favorite Ray-Bans and stylish earrings, the sun shining on your face. Going for a drive—meandering through the countryside with the wind in your hair, wearing boujee jeans and a cozy sweater to ward off the autumn chill. It’s a time to slow down, prioritize joy, and of course, look great doing it.
So when it comes to this year’s smartest trends and stylish couture, designers world-wide are not only along for the ride, they’re taking the wheel—serving classic meets contemporary, charming yet cheeky, strikingly sophisticated but oh-so simple to pull together.
For choosing clothes this fall, Wendy Knight, owner of Lemons and Limes Boutique, says to focus on quality pieces that work for more than one season and for more than one occasion. “Fast fashion is dying,” Wendy explains. “Quality and workmanship are a top priority.”
“It’s about quiet luxury,” Lori Avallone adds. “Polished casual. Which means you don’t advertise the brand—if you know, you know.” The owner of Mainstream Boutique emphasizes pieces this season that are wearable, yet enduring. “Fashion always comes back around again, but if you have pieces that never truly fade, an investment item that has a more classic feel and timeless look, it’s something that you’re going to wear over and over again.”
A trip into either boutique will give you a peek at what’s hot this season: warm, comfy sweaters in bright colors, dresses and denim that can go from day to night to weekend, menswear looks and layers, layers, layers. Then there’s faux, leather and metallic, matching sets and mixed media, with fierce prints like leopard making another appearance.
“We’re going to see so many vests,” offers Lori on this over-achiever that can be worn solo or stacked, with or without a layer underneath. “It’s a four-season piece—you’re going to love having something like this in your closet that you can wear any way, in any style.”
In addition, Wendy says you’ll see a nod to the 70s in many styles this fall and beyond, including luxurious velvets and groovy, flare jeans. Speaking of jeans, the bootcut is back, darlings, but the skinny jean is on the back burner for now, and jeans that keep their shape and move with you are a must (thank goodness!). Now pair your denim with a boucle or tweed jacket for that vintage Chanel feel—Lori’s fave for a look that’s going to translate for everything from casual picnics to Insta-worthy moments to wine bar date nights.
The new color of the season? Bright, vibrant chartreuse. Named after the French liquor it resembles, it’s a mix between lime green and fluorescent yellow and will add a definite pop to any outfit you put together.
Vibe check on accessories—Wendy says delicate and linked jewelry stays top of mind this season. Layering is still in (for more than just jewelry), so don’t be afraid of mixing metals and textures.
“That’s the great thing about fashion anymore,” smiles Lori. “Trends are great, but at the same time, anything goes. Finding the thing that meets your personality is what’s more important than anything. You can pull these pieces out of your closet, and even if they aren’t ‘trending,’ you’re still going to look and feel good.”
Want more of what you see? Clothing and accessories provided by Lemons & Limes Boutique (L&L) and Mainstream Boutique (MB), with additional pieces by Dale Robertson Jewelry (DRJ) and 2020 Eyecare (2020). Featuring models Kenzie S. and Kendra T. from Heyman Talent. Beauty by Exquisite Design Salon and Spa, with makeup by Taylor and hair by Jeannie. Special thanks to The BMW Store for the day’s best prop, the BMW i4 EV. Shot on location at the Marmalade Lily—an event venue and flower farm that’s home to various experiences and possibilities, for weddings to luncheons to parties and more.
On the Fence (also on cover)
L&L (left): Red Haute blue jumpsuit, $68 | Brighton gold cuff, $68; gold chain-link bracelet, $98; gold chain-link necklace, $138
DRJ: Lady’s Rosé 10k half anniversary ring with round diamonds, $189
MB (right): Pumpkin Spice pleated mixed-media midi dress, $68 | Mac and Me gold/mixed-metal vintage-inspired small heart necklace, $42
DRJ: Lady’s yellow 14k large hoop earrings, $325