Not all of us can afford personal stylists, but that doesn’t mean we have to wander around stylistically challenged. Seven Northern Virginia boutique owners offered up their advice below just in time for us to prepare our closets for yet another season.
You can also get some instant style inspo by checking them out in our gallery.
Here’s what they had to say:
“The more educated you are as a consumer, the better service you’re going to receive. Don’t necessarily pay attention to what’s in vogue and what’s fashionable, but understand and learn what the classics are because timeless pieces will always be in style.”
–Bryn K. Johnson, Bryn Keith Clothing CEO
“When the fabric wraps around my body, it should become one with me. So I truly believe that with clothes, it starts with good, high-quality fabrics.”
–Kelly Park, Style By Coco Vice President
“Men today can wear color, and they can wear styling and unique bottoms. We’re taking tennis shoe bottoms and transforming them into dress shoes so they can wear a cool, open-collared shirt with a suit and kind of have this look of professionalism that’s got this little genre of casual.” –David Eisele Sr., Davelle Clothiers CEO
“Come presentable, have a presence, have coordination, and have everything tucked in and tailored right.”
–David Eisele Jr., Davelle Clothiers COO and Senior Wardrobe Designer
“Fall is always my favorite season for clothes. Maybe it’s because I am from Ohio and was raised in cold weather, but I can’t get enough of cashmere sweaters, chunky knits, tweed jackets and anything leather or suede.”
–Elizabeth Todd, Owner of The Shoe Hive and The Hive
“I always tell my customers: If you have to ask me what I think, that means you’re not sure. So it’s not important what I think—it’s important that you like the way you look and the way you feel in what you select.” –Nathalie Quiveors-Omar, So Bohemian Owner
“Denim’s having this amazing moment where you can wear anything; you can wear dark skinny with a released hem, distressed, bootcut, cropped, flared, high-waisted, the vintage look. It’s kind of like if you feel comfortable in it and it works for you, it’s on-trend for denim.” –Catherine Sullivan, Monkee’s of Fredericksburg Owner
“Fall is the most exciting season for fashion because it’s the beginning of a new evolution. I’m looking forward to the vintage influences. The textures and patterns have already been proven within each era, but the exciting concept is how designers from a variety of cultures will interpret vintage in 2017.” –Tamara Saltonstall, Tsalt Owner