Neon but sophisticated, vests but modern, Birkenstocks with fuzzy socks, and sequins for daytime—these are just a few of their favorite things.
Bay Area style icons Anh Sundstrom, Pauline Montupet, Kim Mitchell and Taylor Jay are ready to return to life after the pandemic. While they're hanging on to the comfy-casual looks that have dominated WFH life over the past year, they're also elevating the trend with luxurious materials, vibrant hues, and a bit of dazzle for hitting the town (and the office).
Here, they dish about what trends and pieces they're loving for fall, and where you can get your hands on those picks around the Bay Area.
Kim Mitchell, J'Adore Couture
J'adore Couture blogger Kim Mitchell may love nothing more than an all-black look, but when she tries to incorporate more funky hues into her outfits, she does so with flair.
(Courtesy of Kim Mitchell)
One of SF's OG style bloggers, Kim Mitchell started J'adore Couture back in 2004.
Today, the Quay Australia creative director, fashionphile, and color-mixing genius provides major inspo for the over-40 set. She mixes masculine and feminine, high and low pieces like no other. P.S. We want her sneaker collection.
Top Fall Trends:
Luxe knitwear. "Taking the comfort from WFH days up a notch. A long, cable sweater-dress can work for the office with a pair of knee-high boots or weekend brunch with sneakers."
"Off" Colors. "I've been wanting to incorporate more color in my wardrobe and have been playing with some interesting color combos"—think chartreuse mixed with hunter green, as in this MM6 cardigan and this look from Modern Citizen.
Sequins. "I never met a sequin I didn't like, and they shouldn't be reserved just for evening. I have a sequin slip dress that I've been wearing with a tee underneath."
Aprés ski: "Growing up on the East Coast, I've always loved a ski sweater. With a Fair Isle sweater, it's fun to mix with something unexpected like lace pants or distressed denim and a heel.
Back to black. "This 'trend' is totally up my alley! There's nothing chicer than an all-black look. It's all about mixing textures so it doesn't feel flat." Try Agolde's Lana crop jean and Khaite's Percy top, available from Hero Shop in Marin.
On Pandemic Style:
"The biggest thing that's changed with my style is incorporating more sneakers. I was very into them as a kid, and I've been coming back around. I just got a pair of Air Jordan 1s in light blue."
Favorite Bay Stores + Brands:
"McMullen, Hero Shop, and Le Point are my favorite places to find more designer pieces. Isalis and Modern Citizen are good for more affordable styles."
Fashion Don'ts:
"I'm not really into biker shorts as pants, or going back to big bags."
Anh Sundstrom, 9to5Chic
There's nothing dull about a monochrome look when styled in warm camel hues by 9to5Chic blogger Anh Sundstrom.
(Courtesy of Anh Sundstrom)
Anh Sundstrom's handle says it all.
The San Francisco marketer and blogger with a huge following at 9to5Chic is known for her on-and-off-the-clock classic looks with a twist. We also love studying Anh's gorgeous selfie snaps around the city.
Top Fall Trends:
Tonal dressing. "This has been an enduring trend, and for good reason. The effect can be luxe, layered, and polished. I'll be leaning toward warm camels and browns for the fall season."
Vests are best. "I'll be adding this preppy classic over a slim, long-sleeve sweater or white button-up for that effortless borrowed-from-the-boys look. It's an easy way to add a fresh touch to all of your existing trousers and pants."
Denim on top. "I'm loving the wide range of denim jackets for this season, in particular the field jacket style. Throw it over anything."
Big knits. "A big, chunky knit conjures up all the feelings of fall and the upcoming holiday season. As someone who is always cold, the warmer the better."
Colored leather. "I love seeing all the beautiful new shades of buttery soft leather and vegan leather. There is truly something for everyone now."
On Pandemic Style:
"Like many others, I have embraced the more casual lifestyle. But if I'm being honest, I'll take any opportunity to wear what's hanging in my closet (rather than what's in my loungewear dresser drawers). Everything feels fresh again, and there's an optimism there that I crave."
Favorite Bay Area Brand:
"Cuyana. I've purchased their leather travel set for my mom, sister, friends…it's beautiful and useful."
Fashion Don'ts:
"Don't wear something that makes you feel uncomfortable! That goes for fit, style and practicality."
Pauline Montupet, Le Point
Le Point shop owner Pauline Montupet is well known for her selfies featuring the latest product drops, like this snap in Tibi's slashed knit sweater and faux patent leather Brancusi pants.
(Courtesy of Pauline Montupet)
Every style maven in the Mission knows Pauline Montupet, the owner of Le Point boutique.
Her buying skills are crazy good (she's also a stylist, duh) and her scrumptious shop has become a go-to for all the local cool girls. Her selfies and TikToks showcasing new store arrivals are a must-see for her ironic-slash-edgy sense of style (and humor).
Top Fall Trends:
Cutout knits. "This is such an easy style update that is not slowing down for fall. What's great about this trend is that you can go with a few modest cutouts (like the Tibi turtleneck) or really go for it depending on your comfort level."
Transparent sunglasses. "I'll be wearing (DMY's Luca sunglasses) everywhere this fall. I love the sporty yet retro vibe."
Clogs, updated. "We love a comfy/ugly shoe here at Le Point. Most of our customers live a pretty active life and are constantly on the go with work and kids. These Simon Miller clogs look so cool paired with a knit pant or a stir-up legging."
Stirrup pants. "Leggings and activewear are really a big part of our lives now, especially with the pandemic—more people are looking for comfort. This ballet legging is a really cool update that makes it more fashion, less yoga. I would pair these with a statement knit or oversized blazer."
Neons. "Color is something we never shy away from at Le Point. Neons are really where we are heading for fall. I love a neon green paired with a tan or camel color, and neon pink with a navy blue. Neons are often associated with '80s activewear, and I think it adds nice touch of sport vibes to an outfit."
On Pandemic Style:
"I think the pandemic has brought out two sides of people: On one hand, you have many people still working from home so comfort and ease are key. But when they do go out, they really want to dress up and go for it. Moving into fall, you will see lots of cutouts and more skin. One trend that came in very strong during the pandemic was the matching sweatsuit trend, and this is something that has evolved into matching sets and knits that are a bit more elevated than a sweatsuit, but still have that ease and wearability. Wearing a matching set is like instant style—it looks so cool right now and you don't have to think too much about it."
Favorite Bay Area Brands:
"Kamperett is always a fave, and we have carried the collection here at Le Point. Soft Structure is a new brand that we just started carrying, It's a cool craftcore line of hand-knit purses."
Fashion Don'ts:
"Right now, I am just not feeling tight pants or jeans. Looser, slouchy pants feel much more current. If going tight, it's full-out like a stirrup legging or Live the Process bodysuit layered with something slouchy, like a big blazer or oversized shirt. In the same vein, not loving any shrunken or tight blazers or jackets—the silhouette is oversized tailored."
// Le Point, 301 Valencia St. (Mission), shoplepoint.com@shoplepoint
Taylor Jay, Taylor Jay Collection
Taylor Jay loves to layer comfy knits that will take her through the day. Here she wears her Jojo slip dress, Willow pants, Dawn duster, and a fanny pack by Unoeth.
(Josh Egel)
Making simple-chic clothing for bodies of all types is Taylor Jay's bag. She designs and sells her namesake brand in her Oakland boutique.
We're obsessed with Jay's flattering pieces—snuggle into her cape or cardigan wrap this fall—that are designed for hitting the streets. "I choose comfort over everything always," says Jay, who confesses her outfits are typically "determined by the weather and my mood." But she always nails it. Just look at her Insta—how can someone be that fierce and fashionable every time?
Top Fall Trends:
Turtlenecks. "I love a bold printed or snug turtleneck. They give complete chicness."
Oversized dusters. "The gatekeeper for lazy dress days, always brings style."
"Birkenstocks with warm and fuzzy socks transition summer style into fall."
Moto jackets. "A great layering piece."
On Pandemic Style:
"In all honesty, our clothing has always been a WFH or on-the-go vibe so, fortunately, my style wasn't really bothered. The versatility in the styles made it easy to go from lounging to grocery store run or even a quick Zoom meeting. However, I did miss wearing boots and heels last fall."
Favorite Bay Area Shops + Brands:
"Dopp City Shoes(482D 49th St., Oakland), and all the thrift shops."
Fashion Don'ts:
"Don't be afraid to be you."
// Taylor Jay Collection, 2355 Broadway, Ste. 1 (Oakland), taylorjaycollection.com, @shoptaylorjay
