All photography by Kevin A. Roberts
1. Focus on fit and fabric.
When it comes to clothes, how do you balance work and play? Select styles that can be worn in different ways. Consider pieces in neutral colors that are easy to care for—“but don’t scrimp on style,” says Nicole Benoist of Kit and Ace (304 N. Euclid, 1-844-548-6223, kitandace.com). The Kit and Ace Technical Cashmere collection—including the Amelie skirt ($108), Sullivan midi dress ($168), pictured right, and Calvert tee ($78), pictured left—is versatile and machine washable. It’s important to choose pieces that are classic, comfortable, and well-constructed. “No matter what you’re wearing, focus on fit and fabric,” Benoist says. “If it isn’t designed well, chances are, it will not fit well.”
2. Mind the textures.
With the rise of vanity and brand-specific sizing, numbers can be deceiving. “Never go by the actual size number anymore,” says Todd Weinhaus, co-owner of Pulse (1644 Clarkson, 636-519-4022). “Consumers get bogged down with having a number or size they’re used to wearing, but these days you could easily be a small in one brand and a large in another.” This is especially important in local boutiques such as Pulse, which stocks a range of new brands, including Flying Tomato, ASTARS, and Lovestitch. As you’re trying on different options, pay attention to the textures. This fall, look for suede and fringe on dresses, tops, and handbags. Faux-fur vests will be big as well; the price might be a tad steeper than it is for other options, but the quality craftsmanship is well worth the added expense.
3. Ignore the calendar.
It can be heartbreaking to pack your favorite summer sundresses into storage boxes as the weather cools off—but some dresses can stick around longer than you think. “Designs continue to get more and more seasonless every year,” says Carolyn Burghoff, co-owner of Paperdolls Boutique (multiple locations). “Florals that used to be reserved for spring and summer have crossed over big-time into fall. Sequins, traditionally reserved for holiday, have crossed over into summer.” To make your summer dress autumn-appropriate, simply add a layer or two. “Kimonos, cardigans, and light denim or leather jackets all work well,” Burghoff says. For a year-round outfit with a gorgeous print, consider one of the dresses from Tart Collections ($97–$196), available at Paperdolls.
4. Dress for all occasions.
To get the best value out of your dress, look for a simple style that can be worn for casual or dressier occasions. “Paying attention to the fabric is important,” says Rachel Sauter of Leopard Boutique (multiple locations). “If you have a dress made of silky material, you might not want to dress that down—look for something more basic, like a woven or a knit.” It’s easy to bring a dress from day to evening with accessories. “You can dress it up with fun jewelry, heels, or red lipstick,” says Sauter, “and cowboy boots are a great way to dress something down.” For a versatile dress, she recommends M. Rena ($33) dresses, which are “really great, easy to wear.”
5. Look for versatile tops.
Kerry Bresnahan of Blush Boutique (101 N. Clay, 314-965-4411) seconds Sauter’s sentiment. “Being able to dress up and down a casual top is key,” she says. Be sure the top is something you can mix and match with what’s already in your closet. Blush carries Free People beach tanks ($20) and tops from MATE the Label ($50–$70), pictured left. Bresnahan recommends messily tucking the top, wearing a bralette underneath, or knotting it to mix up the look.
6. Perfect the blouse trifecta.
Three tops are essential to every woman’s wardrobe, says Melodie Tauben of Vie Boutique (9660 Clayton, 314-997-0124). “Everyone needs to have a basic soft silk blouse,” she says. “I also think that everyone should have a great tunic for when they’re wearing leggings.” Silk blouses and tunics are wardrobe staples because of their versatility; with the right accessories, they can be dressed up or down. “Everyone should also have a dressy top that is pretty in the shoulder area—an arm-baring top,” she says. “Maybe it’s strappy or ties around the neck.” For women who want dressy tops that don’t necessarily show the whole arm, Tauben recommends a cold-shoulder top from Ramy Brook ($275–$375), pictured left, which has the coverage of sleeves but is bare on the shoulder, creating a dressy twist.
7. Wear timeless, comfy shoes.
“For the past few years it’s been all about color, but now it’s readjusting to neutrals,” says Tammy White, owner of Sole & Blues (6317 Delmar, 314-863-2121) and Sole Comfort (multiple locations). “Brown is definitely on the way back in, along with black, cognac, navy, and burnt colors.” White’s two stores stock such hard-to-find brands as FLY London, Camper, Off the Beaten Track, and Chelsea Crew. This fall, White will begin stocking more European athletic shoes for both genders, as well as Ben Sherman boots for guys. (When it comes to boots, White adds, consider a pair with adjustable calves or lower shafts—a great-looking pair of shoes should also feel great.)
8. Try something new.
“Sometimes I see people come in who say, ‘Oh, I don’t wear this type of thing,’ but then, when they try it on, they’re surprised to find that it actually feels and looks good,” says Meredith Anderson, owner of Laurie Solet (multiple locations). “I suggest customers keep an open mind.” Among the latest trends: distressed jeans, as well as anything with grommets and studs. New brands at the store include Language, Six Crisp Days, and Stateside. “We’ll also have pieces with tassels, interesting prints, and a lot in the color rouge.” Regardless of the look, she encourages customers to focus on finding a comfortable fit.
9. Buy modern, relaxed, button-downs.
This fall, men’s button-downs are going back to basics: whites, blues, and grays. “We’re seeing a really clean, modern aesthetic, something of an updated classic,” says Brian Simpson, owner of East + West (205 N. Kirkwood, 314-835-1419). “The trend is definitely moving away from the super–slim-fit shirts to shirts that are tailored but looser than what we’ve seen.” Simpson’s Kirkwood store will offer statement pieces with special fabrics and intricate designs. Among the new brands: Copenhagen-based Norse Projects, Vancouver-based Reigning Champ, and Brooklyn-based The Hill-Side, pictured below.
10. Carry an eye-catching bag.
As with women’s clothing, one of the latest trends in handbags is fringe. “The fringe tassel has been very strong,” says Hillary Dutcher, owner of Ivy Hill Boutique (8835 Ladue, 314-721-7004). A few of the lines stocked by Ivy Hill, including GiGi ($125 and up), pictured right, and locally designed SheDandy ($60), incorporate fringe into their collections. Other styles are equally eye-catching. “We’re also seeing a lot of mixed prints and materials,” says Dutcher, who notes that stripes and colorful beading are popular.
11. Find a watch to stand the test of time.
“There are a couple of things to look at when you’re buying a watch,” says Chris Lanter, owner of 10denza (44 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-1010). “The first is the weight, how the watch feels in your hand. It should have a heaviness to it relative to its size.” After checking out the weight, Lanter recommends, turn to the watch’s second hand, if it has one. “Look at the sweep of the hand,” he says. “A smooth sweep indicates higher quality. You don’t want a tick-tock movement with the second hand.” To ensure that your watch’s fashion value lasts as long as its hardware, Lanter recommends a timeless, simple design. Among his favorites: Daniel Wellington ($139–$299), pictured below, and Tsovet ($175–$975), two brands exclusive to 10denza in St. Louis.
12. Buy a coat to suit your needs.
When it comes to shopping for outerwear, The Alpine Shop co-owner and women’s apparel buyer Lisa Hollenbeck poses a simple question: How much will you be outside? “If you’re going to wear a coat to dart in and out of a restaurant or your office, that’s a lot different than if you’re going to be standing on the side of a football field or sitting in the bleachers,” she says. The Alpine Shop has a wide variety of versatile coats. Trends for this season include mid-thigh and knee-length coats for women, Patagonia products, and coats with synthetic insulation that mimics down. “You get a lot of warmth for not so much bulk,” she says. The warmest coat the store carries: the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka for $529, pictured, below.
13. Accessorize warm weather favorites.
Although the bright pastels and bold prints of resort wear are typically associated with summer, Terry Warner of Crescent Coast (169 Carondelet Plaza, 314-726-7979) insists that most pieces can be worn year-round. “It’s really about how you accessorize or layer the outfit that allows them to be basics for any season,” she says. “A bright dress might be intimidating to wear in the fall or winter, but if you throw on a dress topper, it can really transform the entire outfit.” And menswear can be just as versatile. “For men, any of our button-downs can be worn with a navy suit to help it move away from the shorts you’d wear with them in the summer,” Warner says. “Wearing darker ties can also tone down the shirt to make it more fall-ready.” Warner recommends button-downs from Faherty ($70–$150), pictured left, for a classic look with a fun twist.
14. Wear accessories that move you.
When it comes to accessories, avoid overcoordinating and wear what you love. “I don’t like to be defined by a trend,” says Maeghan Moeller, co-owner of Lusso Boutique (165 Carondelet Plaza, 314-725-7205). She recommends pairing a big statement necklace with small earrings to keep a sort of balance. On the other hand, if you choose to wear big earrings, consider big bangles and no necklace. Among the options at Lusso: Alexis Bittar, known for his Lucite jewelry collection ($60–$500), pictured below. The pieces are lightweight, making them a breeze to wear.
15. Think ahead with kids' clothes.
Children’s fashion is taking a step forward with fun patterns and hemlines. “We’re bringing in combinations of prints,” says Molly Curlee, owner of City Sprouts (8807 Ladue, 314-726-9611). “Lots of fun mixing and matching to make interesting outfits.” Among the store’s new brands: OMAMImini, pictured below, Popupshop, and Mimobee. For those who prefer the basics, City Sprouts also stocks solid-color sweatshirts and jackets. “We’re seeing lots of organic cotton for thicker sweatshirts with cool asymmetrical hems,” says Curlee. “You see this type of style a lot in womenswear, and now it’s starting to translate to children’s.” She suggests focusing on quality over quantity so items in durable fabrics can be handed down to younger siblings—a truly fashion-forward approach.
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