Fall Fashion Must-Haves
Stix and Roses Velvet Blazer and Brandy Trouser in Rosebud @ Prery Collective Photo Credit: Victoria Chukarov
You don't have to be headed back to school to understand the appeal of a new cold weather wardrobe. With the crisp air moving in, this season is the perfect time for a refresh, and, to ensure that you're outfitted in the latest styles, the Curio team reached out to some of Chicago's best boutiques to get their takes on the season's must-haves as well as choosing a few of our own favorites for fall.
From a cute hat that references one of our favorite fictional Chicagoans to a pair of beautifully embroidered boots, we've got you covered from head to toe!
Best of Boutiques
Chicago is known for great shopping, and we were honored to have some of our favorite independent boutiques share what they and their customers are loving this season.
After years of athleisure, tailored looks are making a comeback both on the runway and on some of the city's most stylish residents. Several of our favorite Chicago boutiques advised that we should add these styles to our fall finds.
At Prery Collective, we found a versatile blazer (see above photos) - one of the season's absolute must haves - that can be worn both on its own as a dress or paired with the matching trousers. Not only is this design sold at Prery Collective in Bucktown, but designer and boutique owner Sararose Krenger also explains the garments are "ethically handmade in Chicago from dead-stock velveteen." And goes on to describe the look as "romance and whimsy inspired by a fusion of rococo meets vintage 1970's vintage America." You can't go wrong with this sustainable and stylish pick!
Rachel Comey Monterrey Pant & Rupture Blazer @ p.45
Tricia Tunstall of p45 also recommends a few more structured garments and gave us her thoughts on building a functional and fashionable closet. "When picking pieces for my wardrobe, I look for styles that are eye-catching yet timeless, can be worn in a myriad of ways, and make me happy. Here are two pieces I am loving for this fall. The Rachel Comey Monterrey pants which are a great leatherette pant that add texture and sophistication to any outfit and can be worn for all occasions. Pair them with sneaker, boots, a heel, and add a blazer in a pop of color like the new Rachel Comey rupture blazer."
As far as footwear, Tunstall picked these stunning boots in a style that's currently trending with celebrities. "You can never go wrong with a boot, and I love these embroidered western boots because they add a seasonal color to any outfit and can be paired with everything from denim to dresses."
Sometimes it really is all in the details! A thoughtful accessory can transform an everyday outfit into something interesting and elevated. Hallie Borden, owner of Milk Handmade, recommends adding this adorable hat to your closet, "Bring back the beret! Fall is the perfect time for a hat that's more form than function. This satin-lined wool beret keeps the frizzies at bay." Made in Spain by the brand Rita Row, this hat is giving us Emily in Paris vibes and feels like the perfect finishing touch to a fashionable fall!
Rita Row Beret @ Milk Handmade
Curio Curated- Mary’s Picks
Fashion expert and Curio senior fashion advisor Mary Gehlhar literally wrote the book on becoming a fashion designer. She is also an internationally renowned speaker who has worked with iconic global brands and advised on the first four seasons of Project Runway, and we were fortunate enough to get her insight into what she’s loving from local Chicago designers this season.
Designer Shelia Rashid’s unisex line is bold and boundary breaking. Mary loves the versatile Navy Garage Shirt for its ease. Style it with the coordinating Heart Denim pants for a fashion forward look or pair it with jeans or a skirt you already own. The options are endless!
Sheila Rashid Navy Heart Shirt & Denim Pants
Slouchy blazers are having a moment and Production Mode’s plaid jacket is a perfect take on this look. Mary also notes that it’s a great piece for when the temperatures drop because its generous cut allows it to be layered over a sweater. Designer Jamie Hayes of Production Mode makes each of these gorgeous jackets to order and you can find multiple color options on the website!
Production Mode’s Plaid Jacket
Jeune Otte creates high quality, sustainable and clothing in Chicago from designers Heiji Choy Black & Elise Bergman. With impeccable construction details like bias bound seams the Maya Jacket & Vest Combo is not only beautiful, it’s built to last. Wear it with the matching pants for an office ready outfit or break up the vest and jacket to make your own creative combinations.
Jeune Otte Maya Jacket & Vest Combo
Denimcratic designer Gabriella Meyer recently brought her edgy fashion sense to this season’s Making The Cut. Her designs revolve around upcycling and using sustainable techniques which Mary champions as the future of fashion. These denim cargo pants are also the hottest silhouette of the season providing an instant update to your closet.
Denimcratic Denin Cargo Pant
The Mesh Drifter dress from Anna Brown is drapey and dreamy! Mary points out that it can be layered in lot of ways to ensure that you’re able to wear it endlessly which is both sustainable and financially savvy. The sheer mesh echoes much of what was shown on the runway this September so we know it will be on trend now and going forward.
Anna Brown’s Mesh Drifter Dress
Happy Fall Shopping Everyone!
