During the year of the sweatshirt, many of us forgot that fashion can be an outlet for self-expression, choosing comfort over creativity in our daily wardrobe. To ignite fall fashion inspiration, we called on Triangle influencers to remind us that personal style is about looking good, feeling great and having fun … and maybe slightly fewer pairs of sweatpants.
Browse your closet with new eyes this fall, revisiting old favorites in different combinations. These style bloggers show us how.
Editor’s note: Unless otherwise noted, clothing and accessories are the models’ personal wardrobe.
Special thanks to The Mayton in downtown Cary for location.
Ashley Herndon
Herndon’s fall must have: a cozy cardigan — “I live in them.” Choose a chunky knit and long length to update this closet staple.
Instagram: @Ashleyb17
Followers: 4,150
Signature style: Combat boots & distressed denim
Fashion connection: Nearly two years ago, Herndon and her husband made a “cold move” to Cary from Indianapolis. They didn’t know anyone, so she began sharing her love of clothes and connecting with North Carolina residents on Instagram. “I have met incredible people, and now I have a community in N.C.”
Weekends are edgy, relaxed and ready for anything. Explore fall’s festivals, markets and fairs with an easy, hands-free crossbody bag.
Return to business attire with a classic shirtdress, dancing between casual and professional.
Hints from Herndon:
Mental health is whole-body health.
“When I’m feeling my best, I’ve taken a minute to put myself together,” Herndon said. “Dressing helps for self-care.” As a marriage and family therapist, Herndon understands that looking good contributes to feeling good, which has a huge impact on how you present yourself to the outside world.
Embrace what you have, where you are.
“We have all gone through a lot,” Herndon said, and for many that means shifts in our bodies. Use fashion to feel comfortable and look good now, she says. Approach those changes — mental and physical — with compassion.
Anna Crollman
A sweater and jeans sounds basic, but unique details — balloon sleeves, bright pink and sophisticated accessories — are anything but.
Instagram: @mycancerchic
Followers: 14,700
Blog: mycancerchic.com
Inspiring story: Diagnosed with breast cancer at 27, Crollman felt isolated and unsure of how to dress her now unfamiliar body. She founded her blog, My Cancer Chic, to connect with and inspire all women to thrive through adversity, sharing personal style as a cornerstone of her own self-confidence and joy.
Back in the office? It’s time to bring the heat! A leather skirt becomes versatile in a neutral color, and this statement blouse is unapologetically feminine.
Shimmery fabric makes this dress a showstopper, and the trendy babydoll silhouette is flattering and forgiving.
Crollman’s Top Tips:
Dress for yourself.
“Fashion is not about how you look to other people, it’s about looking polished for you,” she said. Fashion is an experiment. You don’t have to get it right every time.
Give yourself grace.
As we transition back to “outward fashion,” start small, with attainable looks that make you feel confident.
Chelsea Jennette
A maxi dress is Jennette’s favorite one-and-done outfit. Adding a belt defines the waist and ties together pops of gold accessories. Dress available at CharleyMadelyn Boutique.
Instagram: @afashionablebeliever
Followers: 20,700
Owner: CharleyMadelyn boutique in Raleigh (named after her twin daughters)
Blog: afashionablebeliever.com
Signature style: Anything pink, especially dresses and statement pieces
This statement blouse brings the spice with metallic animal-print flare sleeves. Blouse available at CharleyMadelyn Boutique.
Transition to fall with an easy and breezy babydoll dress. Details include a smocked bodice and gathering at wrists. Dress available at CharleyMadelyn Boutique.
Jennette’s fashion advice:
Let your outfit do the work for you.
Choose statement pieces with interesting details, such as smocking, ruffles or a beautiful print. Add accessories and you’re done!
Dresses are a mom’s best friend.
As a business owner and mom of twin 2-year-olds, Jennette has limited time most mornings. A dress (plus accessories) is a one-and-done outfit that looks polished and feminine.
Be bold.
“We have one walk — go boldly and confidently,” Jennette said. Find something you love that makes you feel your best.
Allison Vrhovac
Vrhovac encourages women to stop seeing age as a limitation on their style. Fall’s favorite accessories — boots and a hat — are chic at every age.
Instagram: @allisonvrhovac
Followers: 13,400
TikTok: @allisonvrhovac
Followers: 67,300
Modeling authenticity: “The internet can be so cruel,” said Vrhovac, “In my corner, I’m just being real.” As a mother of three, including two teenage daughters, Vrhovac strives to be a role model sharing kindness and positivity, knowing her audience includes her daughters and their friends.
Trading sweats for silk joggers pumps up the polish for a day of casual errands.
A statement sweater made from super-soft chenille surprises in shocking neon yellow. Available at Fabrik.
Vrhovac’s style handbook:
The age-limit does not exist.
In the digital world of style blogging, finding representation over the age of 40 is tough. Vrhovac, 41, wants to break down barriers surrounding fashion and age. “Wear what makes you feel good,” she said.
Casual is still cool.
“We’ve all been wearing tie-dye pajamas for a year,” Vrhovac said. “Take parts of that casual style and kick it up with a bag, cute shoe or a jacket. Keep that casual feel, but dress it up.”
Seek something special.
A pop of vibrant color, surprising material (like casual joggers in silk) or unique fabric elevates basic to statement. A dash of the unexpected acts like an exclamation point for your outfit, capping off the whole look with a bang.
