Fashion trends for fall alternate between funky and formal.
Bow ties are back. Black slacks hit their stride. Women's fashions, meanwhile, get a sprinkle of glitter.
"There's a lot to wear this season, and a lot of ways to update what's already in your closet," said Maggie Dosch, Dillard's assistant manager.
The little black dress can be coaxed to work night and day, she said.
"If you have a plain black dress already hanging in your closet, embellish it with a bold necklace or a versatile circle scarf," Dosch said. "The circle scarf is one of the trendiest pieces of the season."
The ends of a circle scarf have been sewn together, allowing the wearer to create interesting looks, Dosch said.
"You can update a plain T-shirt with a circle scarf wearing it with a jacket," she said. "The scarf can spruce up a crew-neck shirt by layering - giving it a cowl-neck appearance."
Think Jackie-O when it comes to dresses, she said. The classic cuts, including A-line and empire-waist styles, are back in the forefront.
"Designers like Maggie London and Tahari are also updating these styles with metal embellishments for an added update," she said.
Military styles will be infiltrating both men's and women's fall styles, Dosch said.
"The military influence will not just be seen in jackets, but in other fashions including shoes," she said. "We have a metal-embellished ankle bootie that's going to be a big hit with women. It's feminine and masculine."
Martin Nobles, manager of Belk at Northgate Mall, said the military-style jacket is one of the season's best pieces for men. "There will be a variety of styles," he said.
The No. 1 men's fashion trend for fall is the bow tie, Nobles said.
"For every man who has wanted to try the bow tie, you've got a good excuse this season. Now is the time," he said. "It's a trend that's out there and there are lots of choices. You've got the basic bow ties as well as new, bold, vivid ones. You've also got pre-tied bow ties as well as traditional ones that come with step-by-step tying instructions."
Men and women also share a trend: black denim skinny jeans.
"Though jeans are classic, the slim-leg jean is a new fit for men," Nobles said. "It's probably a change for a lot of men, but it's a really good look."
The skinny jean for women has been around for several seasons, Dosch said. And while the look was more tailored for younger women in previous seasons, the Not Your Daughter's Jean brand offers cuts flattering for woman of all ages and sizes.
"You're going to see a lot of women wearing skinny jeans with a classic ruffle blouse and blazer," she said.
Also on the fall fashion must-have list for women are embellished vests, camisoles, ankle boots, and fashions that sparkle (metallic, glitter and metals).
For men, the fall fashion list includes rugged boots, cardigans, vintage oxford shirts, and plaid shirts.