Breaking Down Fall Fashion Trends

Photo: Emily J. Davis

Helmut Lang Leather pant, $990, Bumbershute; Alice + Olivia white-crop jacket, $396, Bumbershute; A.L.C. white tank with black trim, $143, Bumbershute; gold-and-ivory chain necklace, $20, Fringe; Schutz black-suede pump, &148, Ladyslipper; Cleobella mustard clutch, $208, Bumbershute. Hair and makeup by Jen Rotty.

As Minnesotans, we all know the drill when it comes to fall: Summer is over and cold weather could set in at any moment. But just because the temperature is dropping doesn’t mean your fashion style has to follow suit.

Luckily for us, Edina is home to a myriad of boutiques stocked with only the latest and greatest fall fashions. Walking into any of these shops is like entering a state of pure bliss; beautiful garments fill the racks, shoes are delicately arranged like pieces of art, and knowledgeable sales staff are ready to answer your most pressing questions.

While finding places to shop may be easy, navigating the tricky trends of the season is not. How many times have you found yourself scratching your head at some quirky trend? That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of dressing by calling on our trusted panel of style experts (also known as local boutique owners) to show you how to make this season’s top trends—leather, printed denim, faux fur, color blocking and knit details on sweaters—work for you at any age.

Trend: Leather

Prepare to take a walk on the wild side of style, courtesy of the leather trend sweeping the local shopping scene. From jackets to pants to trimming on sweaters and leggings, there’s no shortage of this rock ’n’ roll staple. And if the thought of wearing leather pants to the grocery store causes a pang of anxiety, our tastemakers say there’s no need to be scared. “If done right, leather can be universal,” says Kathryn Paulsrud, owner of Bumbershute.

In your 20s: For those who are younger, embrace the edginess often associated with leather and experiment with more unusual choices. Leather pants in a pop of color, such as a jewel tone, are perfect for a night on the town, especially paired with sky-high heels, a crisp blazer and statement jewelry.

In your 30s-50s: According to Kristina Klockars of Hot Mama, women of all ages can—and should—embrace coated denim pants. “It’s actually a very sophisticated look,” says Klockars. To begin, look for pants with a mid-rise length (Sacha Martin of Bluebird Boutique recommends the bestselling J Brand 811 style) in buttery-soft leather with a little stretch, which will be more forgiving and comfortable to wear. The coated effect is also a subtler look, making them easy to integrate with pieces already hanging in your closet.

Over 50: Classic shapes in luxurious fabrics might cost you a pretty penny, but a leather jacket will last years and is a guaranteed staple in your wardrobe. “It’s worth it to invest in something that is real leather,” Martin says. If you’d rather take it slow, Katie Egan of Il Vostro Boutique advises you to look for pieces with leather trim, like a cashmere sweater with hints of leather at the sleeves and collar. “It’s sophisticated and classic with a twist,” says Egan.

Outtakes from the Photo Shoot:

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