Chances are, you never got to show off the floral prints and swingy sundresses that you bought this spring, when stay-at-home orders limited your sartorial choices to pajamas and sweatpants. Don’t fret: You can still make those pieces work for you this fall by following these tips from three local fashion experts.

Dana Ford-Buerger

After years of dreaming and planning, the former New Yorker opened Lariat, a boho-chic boutique on Tennyson Street, in June.

Style Tip: “Suede is like leather’s cozier cousin. This blue option warms up a flowery dress without weighing down the outfit, and the wool hat makes more sense in the autumn than summery straw varieties.”
Shop: Sinclaire suede moto jacket in jade ($160), floral baby doll minidress in sage ($84), Lack of Color Zulu rancher hat ($156), the Savannah bootie ($85), and Larissa Loden Soirée earrings ($54), all Lariat (pictured above)

[Read More: This New Bohemian Boutique on Tennyson Celebrates Femininity and Individuality]

Emily Choi

The Boulder resident has styled outfits for brands like Fjällräven and Tinsel Tokyo Magazine.

Cary Jobe/Courtesy of Emily Choi. Photo by Matthew Stacey

Style Tip: “People are reaching for looser clothing that’s both comforting and comfortable, like summery linen pieces. Pair them with a kimono-inspired jacket for fall.”
Shop: West Perro New Desert bolo ($90) and Sugar Candy Mountain the Maple jacket in dune ($238), the Pansy top in barley ($120), and the Calla pant in barley ($234), all Jones & Co., Boulder; camo zipper hip pack ($135), By Elke, Boulder; Kork Ease Sagano clogs ($170), Shoe Fly Boulder

Duane Topping

From his studio in Wheat Ridge, the Army veteran sews custom outfits and looks that have graced New York Fashion Week runways.

Courtesy of Duane Topping. Photo by Matthew Stacey

Style Tip: “I love bright colors and florals in the cooler months. I’d layer a white tee under the orange gingham overalls from this year’s spring and summer collection and top it with a bomber jacket.”
Shop: Duane Topping orange gingham overalls ($85), Topping Designs; Grain reversible bomber jacket ($220) and Michael Stars tee ($60), both Barbara and Company; Emu Australia Agonis rose gold shoes ($70), My Saving Grace, Louisville

This article was originally published in 5280 September 2020.
Angela Ufheil
Angela Ufheil
Angela Ufheil is a Denver-based journalist and 5280's former digital senior associate editor.