By Claudina Hannon
During the search for “the” Northern Virginia style, we stumbled upon a quick realization—we live in a very fashionably diverse area and one that is quickly blooming when it comes to retail options for shoppers of all discriminating tastes. While it would be unfair to pinpoint one specific adjective to describe any city’s style sense, one can’t help to quickly make mental associations when thinking of New York City fashion: sharply dressed, nonconformist women may come to mind. Even when we think of Los Angeles fashion, we may associate it with a bohemian vibe with a laid-back fashion attitude. But what comes to mind when people think of Northern Virginia style? People who don’t live in our area might answer “conservative.” Well, those people can rethink that thanks to today’s local fashion market and our demographics.
This is why we created a guide based on feedback we received from local women about their personal styles. With fall fashion in mind, our guide includes something bohemian, classic, trendy, preppy and minimalist for NoVA women to choose from.
Local Finds
Undeniable Boutique
We visited Undeniable Boutique to get more acquainted with current bohemian fashion, which will be making its way back into our closets this fall. If you aren’t ready to click buy on those bell bottoms, then try incorporating other single bohemian pieces in your outfit instead, like a boho top here, bangles and layered necklaces there or a chunky suede heel.”We are seeing more of that bell bottom style in denim, cotton and knit pants,” says owner Alicia Russman. “That boho chic look doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon; [it] is here to stay well into fall—lots of textures, embroidery and embellishments, materials that have texture or feeling to them as opposed to flat knits.”
Undeniable Boutique. Photo courtesy of Claudina Hannon.
Top - Sloane Rouge Fringe Crochet Back Poncho $96, Pants - Vintage Havana elephant/stripe pants $72, in store.
Undeniable Boutique. Photo courtesy of Claudina Hannon.
Necklace - Julio Designs Hand-Knotted Agate Bead Necklace $88.
Undeniable Boutique. Photo courtesy of Claudina Hannon.
Dress - Lavender Brown Jewel Tone Lace Mini Dress $162, Cardigan - Sung Light Lace Inset Cardigan $48, Necklace - Bou Cou black body chain $82, in store , Cuff - Margaret Elizabeth Corsica Cuff $165, in store.
Photo courtesy of Claudina Hannon.
1. Elephant head bangle, $38 2. Druzy cuff, $68 3. Gold cuff/side pearls, $38 4. Zenzii disc & pearl ear jacket, $32 5. Bou Cou multi disc tassel necklace, $78 6. Zenzii leather/metal collar, $72 7. Gold dream cuff (spikes), $63; all in-store.
Current Boutique
For more classic fall wear, we visited Current Boutique, where we found both bold and minimal pieces to embrace the coming fall trends like black and white, pearls and beaded accessories and faux fur, among others. Owner Carmen Lopez explains what you can expect to find at Current Boutique this fall: “I think we’re going to see a lot of maxis, short-sleeve and long-sleeve maxis. Chunky knit sweaters are also popular for the fall. Booties, pops of neon and faux fur. Darker winter florals are still going to be hot for dresses,” she says.
Current Boutique. Photo courtesy of Claudina Hannon.
Dress Banana Republic, $39.99; Vest Flying Tomato faux fur vest, $38; Necklace Pearl necklace, $54.99; Clutch Gray/white beading clutch, $54.99.
Current Boutique. Photo courtesy of Claudina Hannon.
Dress Black/white dress, $47.99; Necklace Turquoise necklace, $24.99; Clutch Black clutch, $54.95; Shoes Michael Antonio booties, $19.99.
Current Boutique. Photo courtesy of Claudina Hannon.
Top Crosby white tank, $14.99; Pants Lala purple blend pants, $58.99; Handbag Prada briefcase, $498.99; Necklace $48.95; Earrings Chanel earrings, $229.
Online Finds
Trendy
This season will be heavy on the grunge/rocker look. Make it fun and feminine by wearing short tweed skirts or sweater dresses with tights and booties, and don’t be afraid to try some texture on individual pieces like leather or faux fur. You can even try fun pop prints on clothes and accessories.
Photo courtesy of polyvore.com
Top row (from left): Moschino dress, MSGM tweet skirt, River Island shearling vest, By Malene Birger cropped blouse, Ermanno Scervino tweed mini skirt.
Bottom row (from left): Golden Goose shearling coat, H&M sweater, Saint Laurent sweater, Proenza Schouler sweater dress.
Photo courtesy of polyvore.com
Clockwise: Alexander Wang boots, 3.1 Phillip Lim handbag, Nicholas Kirkwood boots, Rebecca Minkoff handbag.
Nouveau Prep
Some of fall’s preppy silhouettes are inspired by menswear, which means one thing: structure. Try combining these with more figure-conscious, waist-cinching silhouettes for a balanced look. Leopard print is also making a comeback this fall, so you can include it in your accessories as well.
Photo courtesy of polyvore.com
Top row (from left): FRAME shirt, Fendi shirt dress, H&M sweater, New Look navy blazer.
Bottom row (from left): She In pleated dress, Oscar de la Renta skirt, FRAME jeans, P.A.R.O.S.H. skirt.
Photo courtesy of polyvore.com
Clockwise: Gianvito Rossi flats, Sole Society clutch, Charlotte Olympia pumps, Michael Kors handbag.
Minimalist
If you prefer to shy away from prints this fall in favor of clean lines and interesting silhouettes, then the minimalist look might be for you. Keep your look effortless by keeping a balance between silhouettes (e.g. wide leg bottoms with fitted tops and vice versa). Gray and beige are the ideal shades for minimalists this fall, but give your look an unpredictable element with shades like orange, blue and even purple.
Photo courtesy of polyvore.com
Top row (from left): Blackfive coat, New Look crop top, Pinghe dress, 2Ndday pants.
Bottom row (from left): Monki skirt, Chicnova coat, T by Alexander Wang sweatshirt, 3.1 Phillip Lim dress
Photo courtesy of polyvore.com
Clockwise: Vans shoes, Mila Blu handbag, Loeffler Randall boots, Marc Jacobs handbag.