Temperatures have finally dropped to a tolerable level in Charlotte, which means it’s time to retire your sweat-stained summer clothes and break out new fall looks. Praise be.
But what are we wearing this year?
I pored over runway reviews to see which trends would be big for fall and then drove around to local boutiques to see how that’s translating as everyday wear in a city that’s not exactly on the map as a major fashion hub.
Follow me to the fitting room for a casual, unedited, un-styled look at the themes I saw popping up at multiple shops — priced from $48 to $4,290. Where available, I’ve included links to purchase online.
Here are the boutiques I visited:
Adair – 1820 South Boulevard
Boem – 3920 Sharon Road
Capitol – 4010 Sharon Road
CRIV – 1111 Metropolitan Avenue
Girl Tribe Co. – 1800 Camden Road
Monkee’s of Charlotte – 2839 Selwyn Avenue
Vestique – 1532 East Boulevard
Animal Print
Animal print is ev-er-y-where this season. Major fashion houses like Givenchy, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana and Tom Ford had it all over the fall and winter runways. Meanwhile, more approachable boutiques are carrying iterations of leopard, zebra and cheetah print on everything from shoes to dresses to coats. I’m into it.
Leopard print sweater, $68 at CRIV
The wide, shoulder-baring neckline and crop fit aligns this piece with another fall trend — 80s-inspired gear.
Rebecca Minkoff Hudson leopard jacket, $298 at Monkee’s
This coat screams, “Do you have almond milk?” I like it.
Blue cheetah dress, $48 at Boem
A unique find in terms of color. Most of the animal print I saw was true to nature.
Jack by BB Dakota Clever Girl faux leopard jacket, $90 at Boem
I am obsessed with the bomber cut and sporty striped neck, wrist and waist band detailing on this.
You’re Ze-Best zebra sweater, $78 at Girl Tribe Co.
I like that the tattered cuffs keep it from looking too polished.
Saint Laurent leopard coat, $4,290 at Capitol
The traditional formal silhouette of this coat catches you off guard with its playful, fuzzy leopard print. Can’t believe they let me put this on my body. The shoes, also by Saint Laurent and available at Capitol, are $995.
Corduroy
I think we can probably all agree that corduroy is a fall fashion trend every year, making it less of a trend and more of a staple. Here are some options for pants, skirts and even a romper — because that trend may never die.
Honey Punch high-waisted corduroy pants, $64 at CRIV
I thought I hated pleats and thick corduroy but here we are and I’m in a committed relationship with these pants.
Blank NYC Clockwork corduroy skirt in merlot, $48 at Boem
This cute little wardrobe basic is also available in yellow marigold color. Great for fall seasons that actually still feel like summer. Looking at you, Charlotte fall.
Hitchhiker Galaxy corduroy pants, $48 at Vestique
High waist. Crop. Flair. Can’t go wrong.
Road Less Traveled corduroy romper, $52 at Vestique
Listen. I’m about 10 years too old for this but you should get it. Obviously for fall it would be best styled with a long-sleeve top and tall boots. I can also see this making a very cute scarecrow Halloween costume with the right accessories.
Fuzzy Coats
Buckle up for my favorite fashion trend of them all — the fuzzy coat. This is not something I saw in my review of this year’s big “high fashion” runway trends (although “oversized outerwear” was a thing), but you’ll see them in just about every single store right now.
It feels like something I’ll look at 30 years from now and think, “Why did I do that?” — kind of like shag carpeting. But I’m living for the now and there’s just no stopping the fuzzy coat at the moment. Embrace the cozy.
Hudson trench, $110 at CRIV
So shaggy. So pink. So unnecessary. So perfect.
Fashion Forward jacket, $82 at Vestique
Smoother, more polished look than the shag options. Super soft.
Over the Edge jacket, $68 at Adair Style Studio
When you’re not quite ready to go full teddy bear, these fuzzy sleeves are the perfect gateway.
Waking Hour Teddy Coat, $170 at Boem
I am a bear now. This is me.
Rainbow
Rainbow has been having a moment for a minute and can be both playful and political. Christopher Bailey notably debuted a rainbow-heavy collection in support of LGBTQ+ youth for his final Burberry show back in February. I didn’t see a ton of it in local stores (muted neutrals are still the name of the game around here) but was told to expect more of it into the winter holidays.
Gucci embellished rainbow jacket, $3,500 at Capitol
This has got to be the coolest thing I’ve ever put on my body.
Show Me Your Mumu Jesse sweater, $146 at Boem
More jewel tone than traditional ROYGBIV rainbow, this striped sweater has a casual slouchy, oversized fit. I’m wearing XS here, so size accordingly.
Clueless Plaid
Plaid is always a thing for fall but this year the Cher Horowitz-approved print is experiencing a particularly 90s school girl influence, even popping up in the iconic yellow mustard variation made legendary in the movie. For a less loud look, Dion-inspired black and white plaid is a nice alternative.
Novis wide leg pant $1,100 and Novis top $790, available at Capitol
Wide leg pants and a pleated top make for a more mature take on Clueless plaid than the classic mini skirt that’s everywhere.
Schooled You mini dress, $42.98 at Adair
The oversized-suit-shirt-as-a-dress move is pretty bold. Cher would definitely wear this.
Megan Draper dress, $80 at Boem
A cute cut out back detail and ruffled sleeves give it some personality. Ignore my shoes.
Bell Bottoms
I tend to gravitate towards skinny or wide leg pants with no room in between for the simple retro bell. But bell bottoms are back in a big way. Go for a high waist and heeled boot for a long silhouette that’ll trick people into thinking you’re taller than you are.
Best Advice Bells, $52 at Vestique
These have a sneaky slide-on legging design with a hidden elastic waistband and stretchy material — but they look like classic jeans. I was told they’re a bestseller.
Groovy Baby bell bottoms, $78 at Girl Tribe Co.
These are statement pants with a super dramatic (read: HUGE) fringed bell starting just below the knee.
Neon
Fall feels like a time for muted neutrals and earth tones, but 90s-inspired neon is an alternative when you want to announce your arrival without saying a word. We’re talking hot pink, neon green and construction sign yellow. I didn’t see a ton of it around town but it was big on runways so expect it to trickle down into everyday wear.
Balenciaga sweater, $895 at Capitol
Can’t miss me in this color combo. The skirt is also Balenciaga.
Fleek Faux coat, $110 at CRIV
Neon + fuzzy coat = TREND OVERLOAD
Looking for more? Cowboy-inspired western wear, retro 80s gear and prairie dresses are all on the major lists of fashion trends to watch this season. Happy shopping!
