Minimalism Who? This Fall’s Trends Are All About Living Boldly Like Dolly
Ready for your autumn refresh? It might not feel like fall just yet, but we're anticipating the season with an inside look at what’s trending, with the help of Gus Mayer. Image: Mullen Photo Co.
September is in full swing, which means we’re all dreaming of one thing: fall … crisp mornings and cool nights, game days and tailgates, and of course, all those deliciously decadent autumn colors. When it comes to what to wear once the temperatures finally start to drop, the style gurus at Gus Mayer gave us the scoop on what’s trending this season. We’ve got our eyes on heritage patterns, statement prints and accessories, and soft tailoring.
Editor’s Note: You can find all featured items in-store at Gus Mayer. All of the jewelry featured in this article is by Levy’s, with pricing available from Gus Mayer upon request.
Bold Prints and Statement Accessories
To herald the season, L’Agence went all out on its maximalist prints. Expressive, eclectic, and unique, the designer’s specialty prints combine one-of-a-kind designs with the perfect autumn colors. “Butterflies, cheetah print, paisleys, lips, belt buckles — you’re not going to find prints like these anywhere else,” AC Graham, Gus Mayer’s public relations and marketing manager, tells us.
SB Tip: L’Agence is the featured designer of Gus Mayer Birmingham’s upcoming fashion show benefiting the Linly Heflin Scholarship organization on October 14, and will be offering its extended line at Gus Mayer this fall!
With this playful print and statement handbag, the experts at Gus Mayer suggest keeping the rest of your look clean and classic. Tailored denim, slingback pointed-toe heels, and a simple white sweater let the blouse and bag shine.
Heritage Checks Meet NYC Street Chic
Who says your work wardrobe can’t be fashion-forward? Certainly not Lafayette 148, Gus Mayer’s most popular designer. This brand has a knack for making New York City streetwear accessible for the everyday, and we love how these picks play with masculine and feminine energies while celebrating the timeless check patterns that define fall.
Dainty, classic, and modern all at once, this pretty pale blue plissé skirt set features a delicate glen plaid check, giving the whole look an understated, basketweave effect. The relaxed silhouette embraces flowy, feminine lines, and the silver Bene handbag and pearl-studded kitten heels accentuate the fabric’s gentle sheen.
Meanwhile, this layered sweater-and-trouser look contrasts the skirt set in every way, yet is every bit as polished. Both the speckled Donegal cashmere sweater and neutral olive plaid trousers add a subtle, soft texture to this more tailored ensemble.
Sophisticated Styles Meet Relaxed Tailoring
Contrasts are a theme this fall with fresh interpretations of high-low elements that combine to create an elevated yet effortless look from head to toe. Slightly oversized yet classic cuts define this season’s outerwear, and heritage plaids again steal the show in these Akris Punto looks. Even the slouchy calf boot is both refined and relaxed. And never underestimate the power of a simple handbag to pull everything together.
Levy’s for Gus Mayer reminds us that jewelry doesn’t have to be over-the-top to make a statement. This gold lion’s head necklace from Levy’s Estate Collection instantly adds polish to an everyday look, and the gold buckle ring, also by Levy’s, makes for a unique and dynamic pairing. Paired with a classic and understated ensemble like this one, these pieces step into the spotlight.
Western Wear is More Than a Trend This Fall
Last month, the world lost an icon and the South lost one of our own with the passing of the Queen of Country Music, Dolly Parton. A fashionista of her own design, Dolly never shied away from making a statement through her unique sense of style, and this season’s Western wear trends embrace her bold, playful, and elaborate beauty.
This red Alemais dress is an everyday showstopper. The intentional placement of Western-inspired embroidery and piping set against the rich hue makes a much stronger statement than an all-over print. Folksy and fashion-forward, it’s perfectly complemented by the ATP Atelier handbag in a fun mini cow print.
Similarly, patterns and textures make beautiful music together in this ornate paisley Zimmermann silk-twill set with a woven Loeffler Randal handbag and matching cognac-suede Western boots.
Speaking of boots, no Western look is complete without them, especially in the fall. The Gus Mayer fall boots collection offers heights, heels, and hues for every look. Suede is a standout material this season, with subtle details that complement the overall aesthetic rather than diverting focus.
Above all, this fall’s trends embrace personality and self-expression, inviting us all to live like Queen Dolly — to be (and dress!) true to ourselves.
This article was made possible by Gus Mayer Birmingham. You can learn more about the Gus Mayer fashion show benefiting the Linly Heflin organization on October 14 and get your tickets here. But hurry, this event always sells out!
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.
