Five must-have fall fashions for the North Texas woman

by Louiseza Sanderson of The Assignment Desk, DFW

With Fashion’s Night Out on September 6, it’s time to get shopping in DFW.

We know that North Texas temperatures are still scorching, but how about your fall wardrobe? Now is a great time to get started on your fall style, no matter the weather. Fashion’s Night Out on September 6 is a great excuse to get shopping in North Texas and discover some fall trends.

Damon Stanford

Galleria Dallas Stylist Holly Quartaro works the runway in a waist-defining pink jacket.

If you’re having trouble choosing the right looks, check out what some of the experts suggest. We asked Trudy Cresswell, director of marketing for Saks Fifth Avenue at Galleria Dallas; Holly Quartaro, stylist for the Galleria Dallas; and Jan Strimple, fashion luminary, for their fashionable opinions on what will be hot.

1. Jewel tones

An easy way to be on trend is with color. “When it comes to fall, color is still in,” says Quartaro. However, it won’t be the brights or the pastels from previous seasons, she says: This season it’s all about the jewel tones. Rich hues such as amethyst, sapphire blue, and hunter green will be the go-to for the season.

2. Leather

Damon Stanford

Use deep jewel tones such as sapphire blue to accessorize any outfit.

Yes leather, even in Texas! According to runway producer Strimple, leather will indeed be hot this year (figuratively speaking of course!). Lighter weight constructions and fabrics make it possible to incorporate leather into your wardrobe all season long. Strimple also suggests re-thinking your leather choices: During the warmer Texas months, a leather skirt can be an ultra-stylish transitional piece to add to your wardrobe. Quartaro agrees. She suggests pairing an a-line leather skirt with a flouncy blouse while temperatures are still less-than-chilly. Later in the season, that same skirt can be layered over tights and paired with a cozy sweater.

3. Items that define the waist

Whether it’s a belted waist or a nipped-in jacket, “anything that really accentuates the waist is going to be just beautiful,” says Cresswell. Belting is a simple yet fun way to create that waist-defining look without breaking the bank. Belts come in a variety of shapes and styles -- wide or skinny, or adorned with sparkles, textures or feathers. A definite ode to ‘80s, the peplum will be another alternative to highlight your waist. The flouncy ruffles of the peplum make it ideal for accentuating the waist.

Damon Stanford

During the still warmer months, choose lighter-weight fabrics that can be layered later when temperatures cool down.

4. A great pair of pants

“The pant has returned in a myriad of shapes and sizes, patterns, and colors,” says Strimple. She urges shoppers to find a great pair of statement pants. Cresswell seconds that. When shopping for the perfect pant, her advice is to get into the fitting room and try on multiple pairs. “A high-waisted pant can be easy to do if you have the right accessories on top,” she says, but you’ll never know unless you get into the fitting room and experiment.

5. Stay classic

Each of the experts agrees that the classics are always in style. Items like a crisp white shirt or a structured blazer are tried-and-true and go a long way in bridging a wardrobe from season to season. These style staples can take a lot of the guesswork out of building your wardrobe, too. Quartaro suggests taking that classic blazer and mixing it with a fun blouse.

Be yourself

No matter what’s hot for the season, we all want to make sure our own individual style shines through. “Ask yourself if what you are wearing is representative of yourself,” says Quartaro. When incorporating looks from the runway, pick and choose what will go with items that you already own. Creswell offers similar advice. “Stay true to your own personal style,” she says. “[We] shouldn’t be a slave to the trend,” she continues. Cresswell encourages statement pieces over entire looks, especially when your shopping budget is limited.

Louiseza Sanderson

The fourth annual Fashion's Night Out will be Thursday, September 6.

This year, Fashion’s Night Out returns to many North Texas malls, including Galleria Dallas. Festivities will feature runway shows produced by Strimple, including the quarter mile runway, which debuted last year. More than 40 models will sashay throughout the mall along this fashion journey. Participating charities, such as DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting Aids) and the Society of Women Who Love Shoes — which works to help women get out of abusive situations — will receive a portion of the sales from the evening.

Fashion’s Night Out is about the individual. “A lot of the rules of fashion are no longer prescribed,” says Strimple. When in doubt, choose your own style over the trends. After all, as Strimple puts it, “Clothing is our daily armor.”