As the leaves change, so do the fashion trends

BY SHELBY LINDRUD | WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE

WILLMAR — As the season changes — now more than two years after the coronavirus pandemic upended practically everything — local boutique owners are betting that many women will be in the mood to upgrade their closets.

While ordering fall and winter stock, those boutique owners have noticed several trends that could be hot during these cooler seasons. They also believe that women are ready to get back out into society, with a wardrobe to match that urge.

“People are going to dress up more,” said Trish Perry, owner of Lotus on Burlington in Willmar. “I think we are out of the COVID, sweatpants and just looking good on top.”

Eryn Hannig, owner of Spicer’s Urban Escape, agrees that women are looking for a fashion upgrade, but without giving up some of the benefits the pandemic and remote working world brought.

“Still comfortable, but a little dressier,” Hannig said. “Maybe a statement jacket to dress it up.”

With 11 years in the boutique business, Hannig has seen trends come and go and come again. She first opened Urban Escape in Hutchinson before opening in Spicer in 2014. She moved to her latest storefront at 130 Lake Avenue N. in 2018. She said her store specializes in women’s clothes while offering some accessories and gift items.

“A place to shop, escape and leave behind the chaotic lives we live,” Hannig said. “I’ve always wanted the store to just be inspirational and happy.”

Perry is newer to the boutique world, having opened Lotus on Burlington, at 201 4th Street S.W. in Willmar, in October 2021. It was always a dream of Perry’s to own her own fashion store and to help her customers find that perfect outfit. The store focuses on clothing for women ages 35 and up.

Trish Perry, owner of Lotus on Burlington in downtown Willmar, sets up a mannequin for a fall fashion look in her store on Thursday, Sept. 1.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

“It is really fun seeing the joy people have for looking nice and feeling good,” Perry said.

Both Perry and Hannig attend clothing markets across the country, where they are able to see what could be the next big thing in fashion and order stock for upcoming seasons. They usually start purchasing fall and winter clothes in late winter and early spring. It can be a bit of a challenge to figure out which trends will catch on in west central Minnesota, but Hannig believes many are willing to give new ideas a try.

“What I love about this area is they are trendier,” Hannig said. “It is fun because people will try these trends, but maybe in a subtle way.”

Fashion trends can impact everything from cut and fabric to color and embellishment. This fall and winter, popular colors will range from bright and bold to more autumn colors such as cranberry and mustard.

“It is called dopamine dressing. So like super bright colors, bold colors,” Hannig said. “To elevate style and your mood.”

Perry is bringing in a wide range of different hues to Lotus.

“We have a lot of blue coming. Pink for winter,” Perry said. “So, a lot of color; the last few years have been rather dark.”

Denim will, as usual, remain a staple of closets everywhere, but this fall skinny jeans are moving aside for more flared and wider bottoms. Also, shoppers will probably see a lot of frayed or slit-style bottoms, giving jeans a bit of a different look.

“You are definitely going to move away from a clean edge,” Perry said. “Don’t hem. Cut.”

Dresses will remain popular, as they are an easy piece to move from season to season and create a fashionable outfit around.

“Women find them comfortable. It’s easy to throw leggings on (with) booties,” Perry said.

Jackets in many forms and lengths will be on trend this year. This includes statement pieces in bright colors or with bold designs, like all over plaid or Aztec. Thought to remain popular this year will be the comfortable and versatile shacket.

“It is a light jacket you can wear everyday,” Hannig said. “Like a cardigan but in jacket form.”

Eryn Hannig, owner of Urban Escape in Spicer, sets up a mannequin to display a new fall fashion look that is currently in style on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

All of these pieces might also be embellished with different fabrics or trims. Vegan leather, fur and crochet were all popular at markets this year. It could range from a leather sleeve trim on a shirt to an entire patchwork crochet sweater.

Both Perry and Hannig have had to balance buying trendy pieces while still stocking items women from around this area, who might be a bit more conservative in dress style, will be willing to try.

“We add in a lot of the trendy things, but also have those timeless pieces that are solid and you can transition from each season,” Hannig said.

Of course, an outfit isn’t complete without the accessories.

Hannig said crossbody handbags with interchangeable straps will be popular. Jewelry is a bit more of a personal decision. Hannig said Urban Escape will continue to offer more dainty, gold pieces, though there has been some talk that big, bold and colorful could be popular.

“Pearls are back,” Hannig said.

As women who live in a climate where temperatures commonly dip far below freezing in the winter, being able to layer items is very important. Many of the trendy and timeless pieces Lotus on Burlington and Urban Escape stock, no matter the season, allow for just that.

“I want to make sure women understand there are a few different ways to wear something, so it doesn’t just sit in a closet,” Perry said.

While most women who walk into a boutique might have an idea of what they think looks good on them, Perry advises they also come in willing to experiment just a bit. You never know what you might find.

“You really need to be open to trying different things,” Perry said.

What makes a trend a trend is a bit of a hard question to answer. Some of it comes from the runways and fashion weeks in major fashion cities such as New York, Paris and Milan. Other trends gain popularity after being seen enough times on social media influencers or celebrities. It can take a few years before trends reach greater Minnesota, but Hannig finds her customers willing to try them.

“This area is pretty trendy,” Hannig said. “We just start gravitating towards it.”

No matter the trends, or personal style, what is important for shoppers to remember is to only buy clothes they like and feel comfortable in. It is also okay to participate in some retail therapy. You deserve it, Hannig and Perry emphasized.

“Women work hard and its important to look good, feel good and its okay to pamper yourself and give yourself permission to do it,” Perry said. “We forget to take care of ourselves.”

Accessories sit on display at Lotus on Burlington in Willmar on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

Fall fashion trends sit on display at Urban Escape in Spicer on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune