Fall’s here and the leaves are changing, but that doesn’t mean that you have to shed your entire wardrobe to stay in style. This season, it’s all about reinventing your closet: Stock up on bright patterns (hello plaid!) and bold colors; glamorize classic pieces with glittering accessories; and transform summer outfits into amazing autumn apparel. Still feeling the frost? Don’t fear: Owners of six of our favorite boutiques offer tips on staying warm — and looking hot — this season.
â— Photographs by Michael Polito
â— Hair and makeup by Jenny Magliano, makeupbyjenny.com
â— Outfits modeled by Adrienne Pinkhardt, Carolyn Randazzo
Bold and Beautiful
Amplify your outfit with classy pieces in bright colors for a polished modern look.
Zelda “Luca” black-button coat in red $792
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“Deep, bold colors make a statement. More people are accessorizing with color and shoes, and even enamel bangles and rings. This coat is classic: it’s streamlined, timeless, and the red resonates back to the
1950s — sort of a blast from the past with a contemporary flair.” Carissa Schirmer
Next Boutique
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Timeless Trinkets
You can’t go wrong when you glam up the basics with contemporary, eye-catching accessories.
Hudson sandblast bootleg jean $172
Identify leather jacket $340
Linea Pelle studded chain belt $162
Silver cuff $14 10-piece bangle $16
25-piece bangle in silver $10
Chain bracelet in silver $16 Stretchy bangles $16
Lee Angel stretchy bracelet in silver $138
Old Gringo “Clarita” boot in tan/rust $502
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“People aren’t really buying a lot of big clothing pieces; instead, they look more toward accessories to add to a basic, classic outfit. Stackable bracelets are also a hit; they tie everything together and add some femininity and glitz to your look. The classic bootleg jean is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.
And of course, those cowboy boots will never go out of style!” Carissa Schirmer
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Don’t Sweat It
Sweater dresses with simple but flirty details — like an asymmetrical neckline — keep things warm when the weather cools down.
525 America sweater dress in grey $106
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“The sweater dress is the most versatile thing you could have in your wardrobe: you can dress it up, dress it down, and wear it until the very end of autumn.
Wear it with leggings or tights, with riding boots or thigh-highs. In today’s economy, you’ll want to invest your money in those classic pieces that will last a lifetime.” Christine McGowan
Simplicity Boutique
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Culture Clash
Why choose between your favorite fashions? By incorporating elements of two styles, you can have the best of both worlds — just keep it simple, and you’ll be golden.
Zara basic cropped pants in brown $56
Zio pearl/gold embellished tank top in grey $59
Wooden Ships knee-length wrap in white $74
M 18K gold-plated bracelet $110
Woven beaded gold bracelet $24
Pegasus mid-calf boots by Sergio Tomani in tan $149
Pegasus Shoes
27 N. Chestnut St., New Paltz
845-256-0788
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“Two of my favorite looks —
Russian ethnic and equestrian chic — are big trends this season. This outfit combines a pretty pairing of Russian peasant-style wool cropped pants with a rich, feminine, pearl-beaded silk tunic top. The mid-calf equestrian boots make it an elegant, yet casual, look — but you could easily trade them in for strappy metallic gold heels and a bold cuff bracelet for a night out.” Maureen Smith
Eden Boutique
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Pattern-Perfect
Don’t be afraid to add some flair to a basic outfit. Fun patterns, like stripes and plaids, keep all eyes on you.
Vince stretch pants in black $185
Free People striped tunic $138
Alexis Bittar bangles $52
Foxy triple pendant metal necklace $40
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“Stripes are in and really fun to do. Instead of a tunic with leggings, try this stretch pant — it gives you a more updated, dressy look. Or, you could always use the tunic as a dress.
This necklace is the perfect finish — it’s the difference between just getting dressed, and having an outfit.” Daisy Bolle
Dig
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Make the Most of Menswear
Transform the “boyfriend” style into something a little more girl-friendly. Pair the menswear-inspired vest with a flowing blouse and skinny jeans to soften this structured look.
Vest with back eagle design by Torn $174
Joe’s “Chelsea” skinny jeans in black $149
Bailey 44 blouse in white $180
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“Vintage vests make a great layering piece this fall. The ’80s-inspired vests are topping off everything from a button-down shirt (like the beautiful Bailey blouse worn by our model) with a great pair of skinny jeans. You can also try wearing a long and lean tee with a cinched low-slung belt and vest over it for another look.”
Lynda Piscitelli
Indigo Chic Boutique
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Laying It On
Mom always said wearing layers keeps you warmer — why not look great, too? Throw a blazer over your bright summer tanks and camis, and you’ll be catching eyes instead of colds.
Splendid strappy Henley tank in purple $46
Free People silk camisole $128
Free People long-sleeved knit blazer $128
Citizens of Humanity Dita bootcut jean $192
Kim Thomas sterling silver and turquoise necklace $52
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“Layering is always important; Free People uses a lot of layers in their clothing lines. You could easily wear this silk camisole with jeans for a very summery, sexy look. But layering a tank underneath — with the jacket over it and darker denim — helps carry the look from the summer into the fall.
Plus, that bright purple Henley tank really makes the camisole pop.” Jennifer Finn
Madina Park
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