From Fashion Week to Northwest Ohio: Your Fall Style Guide

By Kate McComb | Adapted for Buzz About Town, September 2026

The best takeaway from this fall's runways wasn't what to wear. It was how to wear it. After talking with two local boutiques and spending an afternoon browsing their racks, one theme stood out: the most memorable outfits come from mixing timeless staples with a few standout additions.

Rather than centering on one defining trend, this season celebrates the mix. From feminine tuxedos and Art Deco-inspired glamour to regal shades of deep purple, sheer layering, and bold animal prints, the runways offered inspiration at every turn.

Here are five trends you'll be seeing in Northwest Ohio this fall, along with ideas for making them your own.

• Rich earth and jewel tones. Chocolate brown, deep burgundy, and olive green remain fall favorites, while deep purple is emerging as this season's standout color.
  
  
• Suede everything. Jackets, handbags, loafers, and boots are having a major moment. At Ragazza, I fell for a chocolate suede jacket layered over a simple black tank, proving one standout piece can completely transform an outfit.

• Relaxed denim. Wide-leg jeans and updated silhouettes continue to dominate. Ragazza considers great denim the foundation of a wardrobe, while Hip to the Groove proves it can be anything but basic.
  
  
• Vintage meets modern. One of my favorite looks at Hip to the Groove paired cropped distressed jeans with a vintage band tee, a glass pendant necklace, and turtle aviator sunglasses. The boutique is seeing customers embrace vintage finds, western-inspired belts, and one-of-a-kind jewelry to create outfits that celebrate individuality rather than following what's trending.
  
  
• Layers with personality. This season is all about styling what you already love in fresh ways. Pair a leather jacket with a feminine dress. Let a sheer layer peek out beneath a cozy sweater. Stack your favorite necklaces. Great style isn't about owning more. It's about creating dimension with unexpected pairings that reflect your personality.

My favorite trend this season isn't a color or a silhouette. It's the return of everyday couture, pairing a standout piece with an everyday basic item. A vintage band tee under a tailored blazer. An embellished top with classic denim. A bold animal print or deep purple piece paired with timeless neutrals. It's a reminder that great style isn't about waiting for the perfect occasion to wear the pieces you love. It's about weaving them into everyday life in a way that feels effortless, current, and true to your style.

Originally published in the Fall 2026 issue of The Buzz Book. Click to find a location nearest you to pick up a copy of the latest edition.