Fashionably Cinched

The September issue: How much are Houstonians willing to sweat for the love offall fashion?

A floral frock can shift well into fall with an alligator belt and a ladylikestatement bag. Dress and belt are last season's Oscar de la Renta, with ToryBurch pumps and Fendi Peekaboo bag.
Photo by Annina Stefanelli
Celine's Classic Box bag channels the "Mad Men" era and offers a great way toadd a touch of fall to a Houston wardrobe.
A leather-rimmed ensemble has a fall feeling; the sandal boots are a greattransition item. Dress is fall 2009 by Yigal Azrouel from Saks Fifth Avenue andSandal boots from Belle by Sigerson Morrison.
Photo by Annina Stefanelli
The classic tailored pantsuit is a great fall Houston item; accessorize it withpatent heels or a pop colored envelope clutch as shown in the Marc Jacobs’s fallcollection.
For fall, the fashion world is emphasizing delicate pieces that expressfemininity, like Louis Vuitton’s cinched dress with sleeves.
Photo by Hélène Tarrade

Fashion forward Houstonians face a predicament this time every year: The September issue of adjusting our fall ensembles to the scorching Texas heat that often lingers until late October.

With velvet, leather, lace and fur adorning the fall/winter collections, Houstonians have to make a tough call: How much are we willing to sweat for the love of fashion?

How do we lend ourselves to a bevy of diverse looks when September temperatures average over 90 degrees?

The answer is simple: Good old recycling.

Wardrobe change can be tough when faced with the restrictions of weather, but the transition can be made easier by starting with essentials you've already got. Improvise by integrating autumnal necessities with the pieces that kept you cool over the summer. Begin by rediscovering the classics you’ve got stored up in your closet, because no matter how familiar you think you are with your wardrobe, you can always find something new in it.

Dig up your tailored trousers, elegant blouses, and lace, while preserving the florals and pleated shorts you’ve been sporting since spring. For example, adding a leather belt and ladylike statement handbag to a floral dress can bridge the seasonal transition.

Just as we shifted from our comfortable summer play clothes to binding strict uniforms that heralded a return to school in the fall, we must polish our September wardrobe as well. Toss out tees for blouses, trade jean shorts for chic pleated skirts and replace loose frocks with curve enhancing LBDs.

Last fall/winter we mirrored Balmain’s ripped tees and tights, resulting in a grunge rocker look. This year the fashion world has cleaned up its act, bringing back sophisticated pieces that express femininity, like Louis Vuitton’s bustier tops and full A line skirts.

Aim to look put-together yet feel soigné with a cinched waist. Tune in to the gloriously full skirted leading ladies of Mad Men, whose highly feminine elegance have inspired the runways this fall.

The obvious fall trends of tailored wools adorned with furs may turn Houstonians off, but the secret of adjusting these trends to our weather is quite simple. Begin with the tailored pieces stored up from previous years paired with diaphanous fabric blouses that rule this fall. Create an ensemble like Lover’s black lace top with Alexander McQueen’s wool crop pants.

Choose an elective: pleated high waist shorts or a pleated mini skirt, and top with a silk button up. Either way you will be fashion forward and temperature friendly.

For a womanly take on masculine tailoring, infuse feminine appeal to the classical tailored pantsuit by accessorizing it with patent heels or a pop colored envelope clutch as shown in the fall Marc Jacobs collection.

From kitten heels to conservative ladylike bags, accessories channel the late '50s, like Celine’s Classic Box bag. Keep the wooden wedges and clogs (I love Celine’s open toe slingback), they can be sported well through a Houston winter.

Due to our tropical weather, color is just as important in the fall as in the summer here in Houston. Veer away from the neon frames designers offered us this summer and stick to warm tones such as charcoal and camel frames, soft hues that flatter every skin tone.

Annina Stefanelli writes a fashion blog, Cinched at the Waist.

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STYLISH SUMMER

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 hot drops for a summer refresh

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Houston-based Hunter Bell brings sporty style and tropical prints to summer with its latest collections.

Summer shopping season is officially in full swing, and Houston boutiques are providing plenty of reasons for a warm weather refresh. From new store openings and limited edition collaborations to Father's Day finds, these are the latest shopping happenings that deserve a spot on your radar this month.

A.L.C.
A.L.C.'s Summer 2026 collection just launched and is now available at River Oaks District. The lineup features natural and breathable fabrics, including viscose, linen, and cotton, in a vibrant mix of prints perfect for the season.

Baroque & Bloom
A new luxury fragrance boutique by Scent Split is now open in Houston’s Galleria area. Scent Split is the largest online destination for niche fragrances, specializing in hand-decanted original perfumes available in sample and travel sizes. The platform makes it easy to explore unique fragrances and find scents that resonate before investing in a full bottle.

Biscuit Home
Houston's go-to home accessories store recently partnered with Natalie Steen for a curated assortment of linens perfect for summer. The collection includes luxury cotton shams, sheets, duvet covers, and vanity bags.

Burdlife
The piercing pros at M-K-T Heights are offering free piercings every Wednesday beginning June 3. The service is free all day; customers only pay for their jewelry. Walk-ins and online reservations are welcome.

Cavender's Boot City
The Western-fashion superstore just launched their Americana Collection to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The curated selection focuses on wearable Western staples, including denim, hats, boots, and U.S.A.-made brands.

Tommy Bahama
Ready for long pool days or a beach vacation, Tommy Bahamas' newest clothing launch, available at the Galleria, includes innovative fabrics and a collaboration with designer John Robshaw, whose prints are featured on swimwear and resort wear. The women's swim collection also includes separates that are easy to mix and match with different styles to flatter all body types.

Tommy John
Perfect for Father's Day gifting, Tommy John recently launched a new campaign with premium Piqué polos, pants, shorts, and signature underwear. The new pants and shorts are designed with moisture-wicking fabric and UPF sun protection.

Hunter Bell
Just in time for the FIFA World Cup, Houston-based brand Hunter Bell is kicking off the summer with HB Athletic Club, a sporty capsule collection featuring styles such as a cropped jersey and a collaboration with Freya on a limited-edition hat. The brand has also recently unveiled its latest summer collection, packed with tropical vibes perfect for Houston's warm weather. The summer drop includes playful prints on dresses, matching sets, swimwear, and accessories.

Lucchese Bootmaker x Perini Ranch
Texas heritage brands Lucchese Bootmaker and Perini Ranch, the James Beard Award-winning steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas, have partnered to offer a unique gift-with-purchase promotion for Father's Day. When customers spend $1,100 or more on two or more items, they will receive a Perini Ranch Cookbook and their Trio Spice Rub. This special promotion will run through June 20th, while supplies last, and will be available both online and in-store at Lucchese Bootmaker locations.

Miron Crosby
Luxury cowboy boot brand, Miron Crosby, just debuted a new addition to its handcrafted boot lineup: the Marianne Crimson. A romantic take on vintage rodeo style, Marianne is a retro-inspired shorty cowboy boot in crimson. The silhouette features the brand's signature scalloped collar and elevated stitch detailing.

Swarovski
Swarovski is now open in Houston Premium Outlets. Shoppers can stock up on the brand's precision-cut crystal jewelry, accessories, home décor, and fashion embellishments. The new boutique is located near Michael Kors in Neighborhood 2

Zadok Jewelers x The Studio Mayfair
Zadok Jewelers has partnered with The Studio Mayfair, the custom tailoring house founded by Sterling Dio, for a limited-time residency inside the Nina Magon Lounge at Zadok's Post Oak boutique. Through June 16, Zadok Jewelers and The Studio Mayfair will offer made-to-order suiting alongside a curated selection of fine jewelry and timepieces from Zadok Jewelers, including Sterling Dio’s personal jewelry picks designed to complement modern tailoring. Appointments are by reservation only.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Houston-based Hunter Bell brings sporty style and tropical prints to summer with its latest collections.

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