Huntsville is full of creativity from its bustling art community, timeless architecture, and vibrant residents. A walk through downtown will reveal an assortment of people from all walks of life and there is no question that Huntsville knows style. These individuals are among Huntsville's most stylish, and though the seasons are changing, their style reminds us to stay true to what feels right, and the rest will come together. Follow along as they give us insight into their ideas, favorite looks, and fashion staples. Let's welcome Fall in style!
Chris Penney
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My style inspiration comes from my mom! She always seems to find the perfect balance of color, comfort, and fun. Her sense of style has taught me that dressing beautifully doesn’t have to be complicated! As a mom, I hope to carry on that same joyful, approachable style.
What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?
A staple in my wardrobe is…Color! I love adding pops of color to my outfits—it’s an easy way to make even simple, timeless pieces feel fresh and fun. To me, color feels approachable and happy, and it reflects how I try to live. I also think color can lift your mood and make getting dressed a lot more fun!
What can we catch you wearing most days around town?
Most days, you’ll find me in casual, comfortable clothes—usually something simple and easy to move in—paired with a great pair of sneakers. I love sneakers because I can wear them with everything from athleisure to a dress. They are the most versatile thing in my closet!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more stylish?
My advice for someone looking to be more stylish is don’t overcomplicate it—start with pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident. Your style should be a reflection of who you are! And remember: timeless doesn’t mean boring! Choose classic pieces you love, and then have fun layering in your personality. Most of all, wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself!
What is one trend you would love to see make a comeback?
A trend I would love to see come back is modesty. You don’t have to show a lot of skin to make a statement or to look beautiful. I believe true beauty shines when you’re comfortable, confident, and reflecting joy from the inside out.
Ashley Walker
Where does your style inspiration come from?
Luxe Bohemian, think Talitha Getty meets Slim Keith
What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?
Colored Shoes...I mean, red is my neutral.
When did your love for fashion begin?
First Garanimals, then Seventeen Magazine and the Preppy Handbook
What can we catch you wearing most days around town?
Lots of dresses, one and done.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more stylish?
Find your base, like a uniform, that flatters your shape and then embellish with unique accessories.
Where is your favorite place to shop?
I’m an equal opportunity shopper, love the Huntsville boutiques, but I definitely, always try to pick up unique accessories when I travel.
What is one trend you would love to see make a comeback?
If it looks good on you, nothing is ever out of style.
Charles Harris
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My style inspo largely comes from myself and what I feel comfortable in. I do like certain trends and styles. Sometimes I'll make a whole outfit around one item like a tie, shoes or a watch.
What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?
A fashion staple for me is actually plural...Accessories! The right wrist-beads, rings and/or necklace can make your outfit pop for sure.
When did your love for style/fashion begin?
My love for fashion began back home growing up in Atlanta. I can't remember an actual age, I've just always been this way. Having stylish older brothers & a stylish dad, I wanted to stay fashionable, matching and relevant.
What can we catch you wearing most days around town?
Most days (and I do mean most of them) you can catch me in a pair of Chucks; Converse.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more stylish?
Dress to your body type. Find and observe individuals you fashionably admire with similar statures.
Aria
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My style inspiration comes from how I’m feeling in that moment. I love anything eye catching and bold that expresses my vibrant personality.
What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?
Some staples in my wardrobe include a nice jacket, dramatic over coat or long garment/ fabric to bring my look together. I also love a good shoe.
When did your love for fashion begin?
My love for fashion and style really began in college when I joined the modeling organization at my Alma mater, Alabama A&M University. I’ll always love Ward Modeling Troop Incorporated for instilling show-stopping confidence, bold presence and deep fashion history into my veins.
What can we catch you wearing most days around town?
Depending on the day, you’ll catch me in beautiful bold colors, or a really dressed down casual look. I love flowing garments, comfortable clothing and pieces that express my bold creativity .
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more stylish?
My advice would to remain as authentic as possible. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and think outside the box to try new things.
Where is your favorite place to shop?
Macy’s was a staple in my household growing up and I always found trendy pieces. My latest addiction is Temu. You don't need to spend a lot of money to be fashionable.
What is one trend you would love to see make a comeback?
I’m currently loving the maximalist/ dopamine style. I’d love to see more statement brooches make a comeback.
Nicole Hartenbach
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from a mix of timeless icons, like Grace Kelly and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, with a little modern edge. I’m drawn to clean lines, beautiful fabrics, and pieces that make you feel confident without trying too hard. I also love finding inspiration in interior design and architecture. Structure, balance, and contrast all play a role in how I dress.
What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?
A neutral block heel is my ultimate go-to. It’s the kind of shoe that quietly pulls an outfit together while adding just the right amount of height and polish. Whether I’m wearing tailored pants, a midi dress, or even denim, it adds that effortless elegance I’m always aiming for - comfortable enough for a full day on my feet and around town, but never lacking in style.
When did your love for style/fashion begin?
It started with my grandmother, who was from France and had this effortlessly chic way of dressing. She always wore the same color from head to toe, down to her shoes and bag. Which, looking back, is probably where my love for matching sets began. Later, I’d watch the Oscars red carpet with my mom, totally captivated by the gowns and the glamour. Those early moments sparked a lifelong love for style that’s both expressive and refined.
What can we catch you wearing most days around town?
Most days, you’ll find me in a pair of tailored denim pants, a soft tee, structured blazer, and a comfortable heel for just the right amount of lift. It’s a blend of casual and polished that works just as well for a client meeting as it does for running errands or grabbing coffee downtown.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more stylish?
Start with the classics. Find silhouettes that flatter you, invest in quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to develop a signature “look.” Style isn’t about following every trend. It’s about knowing what works for you and wearing it with confidence.
Where is your favorite place to shop?
I love a mix of boutiques and well-curated online finds. I always keep an eye on Saks and Net-a-Porter for timeless staples (I love Zimmerman and Veronica Beard), but I also enjoy discovering unexpected gems at smaller shops during my travels. But in Huntsville, you’ll catch me most at Dillards.
What is one trend you would love to see make a comeback?
Hats. Not just for bad hair days, but the kind you wear on purpose. A great hat (even a baseball cap) can pull a whole look together, and I’d love to see more people bring them back into everyday style.
Tamika Watford
Where does your style inspiration come from?
I’m a huge fan of Vivienne Westwood. I love her eccentric styling choices, the playful silhouettes, and bold use of color. Her work is vibrant, campy, and wonderfully weird in all the best ways! It really inspires me to have fun with fashion.
What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?
I'm obsessed with fun scarves and ultra-cropped jackets. and anything with dramatic bell sleeves ! oh, and I love chunky sneakers or any boots!
When did your love for fashion begin?
I've always loved experimenting with clothes. When I was younger, I went through a phase where I was into layering belts. Well really anything. It was wild, but you couldn’t tell me it didn’t look amazing!
What can we catch you wearing most days around town?
Probably my criss-cross jeans! I actually made them myself, and they’re my absolute favorite. I love creating my own clothing that truly reflects my style.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more stylish?
Dress for you! Pull inspiration from everywhere! Fashion has no rules as long as you love what you're wearing.
Where is your favorite place to shop?
The thrift store! It’s fun, affordable, and full of possibilities. I especially love finding old dresses and transforming them into jackets or other pieces. There’s something magical about upcycling and giving clothes a new life.
What is one trend you would love to see make a comeback?
I’m not sure! But I did really love the era of bold, structured suits for women, that was such a strong, stylish moment.
Maggie Rees
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My style is inspired by various fashion magazines.
What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?
A staple in my wardrobe is the brand Celine.
When did your love for fashion begin?
I would say my interest in fashion started when I was a teenager.
What can we catch you wearing most days around town?
What you can see me wearing around town are bootcut jeans with fancy tops.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more stylish?
I would say color theory. Find what colors complement your look and build a wardrobe around those colors.
What is one trend you would love to see make a comeback?
Denim! Denim dresses, denim tops on jeans...all the denim!
Eric Artrip
Where does your style inspiration come from?
GQ Magazine and James Bond movies
What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?
A blazer and inordinate amount of pocket squares.
When did your love for fashion begin?
I bought my first copy of GQ magazine when I was still in high school and that's where it all started.
What can we catch you wearing most days around town?
A flat cap and a pair of Ferragamo loafers.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more stylish?
Even a modestly-priced suit can look sharp with some tailoring and the right accessories.
Where is your favorite place to shop?
Barney’s in New York.
What is one trend you would love to see make a comeback?
Dressing like adults to leave the house and men taking their hats off to eat.