Miami’s Take on Fall Fashion

A lot of folks that aren’t in the loop on Miami’s fashion, think they know. But they have no idea. Some would even say we wear the same thing, all year round (since the weather is the same…all year round). Chancletas , yes. Everyday trends, no.

Here is what, in FASHIFY’s opinion, describes the look of Miami’s locals : First stop, SOUTH BEACH.

Oh the hustle and bustle of good ole’ SoBe. Where 50-year-olds are just as fit as the 25-year-olds, and the nightclubs take full responsibility for people’s insomnia. The smell of the beach sands and sweaty tanning oiled bodies, it just does something to you. You have to appreciate the affect all these components have on the way of life here and, serendipitously, the fashion. Bottom line on the Trend: American Apparel & ALDO‘s lovechild.

Slap on some funky leggings, shirt (that, coincidentally, converts into a dress as well), rustic belt, hobo bag, a piece of bling and you’re good to go. The key is making sure one of your pieces have an eccentric color to them. And for those that have an inner rockstar, as far as the bling goes…keep it on your accessories. Also keep in mind, as one sign frankly puts it, “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service.” Enough said. ** (->photo credits-> model. makeup. hair. photog)**

CORAL GABLES : People love the Gables for many different reasons. There’s so much old, now built on by the new, but you still see the traces of the old to make you remember and appreciate. Large parts have been overrun with UM students, other sides are a bit more ritzy, then there’s your “in-betweens”. But you will know it for having one of the best college sports teams ( go Canes!), it’s lush shopping selections at Merrick Park, the viewing pleasures of Miracle Mile, and the Mediterranean style homes with matching bodegas on every corner.

Bottom line on the Trend: Multi-Purpose wear. In other words, what you wear needs to be appropriate for all functions that arise that day. Stick to khakis,linens, & lightweight overall. Just carry at least 3 different pair of shoes in the trunk of your car. **(->photo credits-> model. makeup. hair. photog)**

COCONUT GROVE : A place of inspiration. A place of tranquility. Ideal for writers, indie bands, treehuggers, and all Bohemians-at-heart to call home. With villas, lofts, & studios galore, there are options for a person to secure a great hideaway from the “city” to truly stay inspired, at every turn. Each person you come in contact with here, the true locals, are always so calm cool and collected in nature.

If enough of them grouped up in this one place, it’d be WoodStock all over again. Bottom line on the Trend: Urban OutFitters owns this city’s soul. Think earthy. Fedoras , Saris , and wedged gladiator sandals. A key piece of wardrobe here is to have a wide variety of cardigans. You could walk your Pomeranian down the street in your underwear.. as long as you have a cardigan. **(->photo credits-> model. makeup&hair. photog)**

BRICKELL/DOWNTOWN : The land of the “suits”. Business meetings. Client lunches. Renovation draw ups. One big secret..the freaks don’t just come out at night. Don’t let the shuffled pace of the daytime fool you. There is alot of “reading between the lines” and “innuendos” passed around on the crosswalks here from 9 to 5. What do you get when you mix an area with 1 main public college campus branch, 150+ marketing firms, 200+ lawyers & attorneys offices, 250+ real estate offices, the Miami Police Department and City Hall smack dab in the middle of it all? Lots of “coffee breaks” in the middle of the day. That’s what they call it.

Bottom line on the Trend: Retro Glamour meets business chic. Keep in mind, it’s safe to assume Downtown has the most secretaries employed, second to Manhattan. The trend is to keep Downtown’s big secret, hidden. This is what the fashion is used for here, to hide the tigers in these people.

DESIGN DISTRICT : For eclectic fashionistas and art lovers alike, the two meet common ground in the graffiti covered overpass near the intersection of I-195 and Biscayne Blvd. This is where one would have an art gallery opening, exhibit, showing, expose’ and the like. Yes. Under the overpass. But there are more traditional options, that the more traditional people would go to. This District is more for the “nontraditional” though. When Art Basel rolls into town, you get to hob-knob-with-the schnobs, but its also a perfect opportunity to express your views of life, or promote a cause, not only on a canvass, but on a clothing item of your choosing.

Bottom line on the Trend: Oldie-but-a-Goodie. Old era meets new era. Pieces that are “out” and some that are being brought back “in” to style. Key accessory: artsy cosmetic case used as a handbag for the evening. Another side of the style is what rich people would wear to blend in and not let people know they’re as rich as they really are. Mellow, but classy. **(->photo credits-> <!––>model<!––>. make&hair. photog)**