Two Dallas Style Experts on Fall Trends and Must-Have Pieces to Transition Your Wardrobe

There are several standard rules to follow when transitioning your wardrobe for cozy season — swap your accessories, layer your summer dress, etc. But those who have experienced fall in Dallas know that Texas’ take doesn’t always involve the crisp air and autumnal glow of the movies. Embracing the best fall trends when temperatures still hover close to 90 degrees is a sartorial art form, so who better to guide you through the process than two Dallas-based fashion experts — Taylor Tomasi Hill, creative director of The Yes (a smart shopping app), and Keenan Walker, chief creative officer of Market Highland Park.

The style-minded duo takes you through the best fall trends and must-have accessories to embrace the season in the south.

Fall is going to be packed with events this year. Do you think we’ll be seeing any over-the-top trends now that people are finally able to dress up in a big way?
Keenan Walker: People are looking forward to cocktails and cocktail parties. We are seeing our ladies on a weekly basis and they are ready to be more adventurous with their personal style. We have packed our fall buy to reflect the upcoming social season. This fall, we will see more color – pops of bright pink, deep greens, and earthy browns like rust and clay, feather details from bags, to heels to statement dinner jackets. Fun shoes are always a yes with articular heels, statement hardware, and fur. Shearling on bags, shoes, coats. Our ladies are looking to invest in seasonless pieces with unique details.

What consumer trends have you noticed in recent months at THE YES as people begin prepping for fall? 
Taylor Tomasi Hill: Exaggerated silhouettes in outerwear (extra volume and drama to make up for last year!), rubber footwear (rain boots, sporty sandals, those Bottega Flash clogs—you name it), patchwork coats, quilting, two-tone denim, and a touch of sparkle, specifically when it comes to accessories.

If a Market shopper wanted to invest in a trendy piece come fall, what would you recommend — and any tips for styling it? 
KW: I am not a big trend gal. My advice is to buy what you love and invest in a few emotional pieces each season, something that catches your eye, maybe it feels a little daring. A handbag with a pop of color, a shoe with an extra-tall heel, a piece of jewelry that has some extra sparkle. It’s not about following the trends, it’s about loving what you own.

Have you noticed a certain fall-appropriate trend that Dallas shoppers are gravitating to more than clients on the coasts? 
TTH: We see the largest increase in YESes in the shoes category. For Dallas women, unsurprisingly, heels appear to be on the rise this fall, signifying a return to work and social outings. Last month, we saw a 200% increase in YESes on heels (specifically, stilettos and kitten heels).

What under-the-radar brands should shoppers be keeping an eye on?
KW: We have a handful of exciting new collections arriving for fall. One of my personal favorites is Halfboy – it’s for the cool girl. Halfboy gives me old-school Phoebe Philo Celine vibes. This will be their first season in stores and we are excited to have the exclusive.

Since the baggy jean trend isn’t going anywhere (thank goodness), what tips do you have for those styling a looser fit for the first time.
TTH: The best thing to keep in mind when styling oversized, baggy jeans is to keep it more fitted on top.  Let the jean paired with a standout accessory be the star of the show. 

What color do you think will dominate fall?
KW: Warmer tones and neutrals are here for fall – earthy browns including rust and clat. Pops of bright pinks and orange will also make an appearance for statement looks in bags, shoes, and ready-to-wear.

If shoppers want to focus more on accessories to update their style for fall, what should they be looking out for? 
TTH: A sexy, kitten heel from Khaite is a great way to inch (literally) back into heels. I’m personally investing in the white patent style. You also can never go wrong with a woven Bottega handbag. I love the way a winter white bag with the added texture pops against a camel or warm chocolate coat. Final touch: a tortoise cat-eye is always a good idea.