Practical picks: Fall runway styles that weather the rainy city

Come late summer, I'm dreaming about colorful foliage, crisp breezes and updating my wardrobe. Even though it's been years since I've been back-to-school shopping, each August my inner co-ed begins to foam at the mouth a little at the newest and the hippest in fashion trends.

However, I'm an adult now, and specifically a dyed-in-the-(tweedy)-wool Seattleite. Our city has matured past its grungy years and has become more fashion-forward than flannel-clad. But we're no fools – Seattleites know trends do us no justice if they don't stand up to, say, walking up Denny hill in the rain. Luckily, the "it" clothes on the fall runway can be adapted for even the most sophisticated and sensible of Seattle closets.

THE 1940s

After a summer of loose gauchos and boho skirts, fall seems to have overwhelmingly turned back to a more vintage, tailored silhouette with an easy edge. The ladylike 1940s are back on the racks of every boutique in town.

Capitol Hill's Trendy Wendy (trend is in the name!) abounds with modern interpretations of wartime-inspired pieces, including a little blouse by Unyx that updates the fussy '40s blouse into a soft and comfy jersey knit that wears like a T-shirt (in blue or black, $24). Paired with a crinolined, bead-embellished cotton circle skirt from the same rack (by Scarlett, $29), you have the outfit of the minute that won't come close to bruising your budget.

Easy pieces to retrofit your wardrobe can also be found at Urban Outfitters. Two of my favorites are both by Lux – a blue/grey stripe short-sleeve jacket with a very au courant shawl collar and huge wood buttons ($78) and a vintage-styled peplum sweater vest in eggplant, ecru or basic black ($48) – body-flattering and clever ways to stretch those summer T-shirts and camisoles into fall.

FULL-SKIRTED DRESSES

GEOFF CARTER/NWSOURCE

Full skirts are still in. This embrodiered skirt by Burning Torch, $634, is available at Alhambra.

Not quite ready to surrender the boho? There are some lovely choices out there for you hippie-chicks-at-heart, as designers churn out feminine dresses with supple, fluid lines and full skirts. At Seattle institution Nordstrom, a pretty As U Wish scoop neck dress caught my eye: With its cuffed ruffled sleeves, inset waist, and ruched detailing (in basic blue, black or heather grey ($54), it bridges the gap between flowing and flattering.

Also at Nordstrom, a beautifully draped, jersey-knit Velvet Torch kimono dress provides a nice update to the peasant look, with its dramatic wide sleeves and gathered shoulders (in basic black, chocolate or heather, $78).

LUXE VELVETS

One of the perks of cooler weather is the delicious fabrics that come back into play – knits, suedes, and this season, velvets. One dramatic velvet piece can do much to rev up an outfit, and in that regard we're faced with some lovely choices.

I fell for a ridiculously affordable silk velvet jacket from Trendy Wendy. The cropped, short-sleeved beauty featured richly beaded lapels for a mere $49 (which definitely would offset potential dry cleaning costs!).

The investment piece of the season is at Alhambra. Among the drool-worthy offerings at this sophisticated downtown boutique was a totally decadent, unique, but timeless mossy brown Johnny Was velvet blazer with tattoo-inspired rose embroidery on the sleeves, back and lapels. Don't let the price tag scare you ($326); while the unfinished edges and three button styling keep the piece modern, the superb tailoring ensure that it'll take you through many, many more autumns.

WEDGES

Wedges are here to stay. After their sizzling introduction as the shoe last spring, wedges have wedged their way into the hearts of even the most reluctant of fashionistas. Why? They give you all the sexiness of heels without the pain.

Downtown trend-mart The Powder Room carries several charming styles, but the retro pin-up styled, raffia cork-wedges with ankle ties and 3-D crocheted cherries bobbling over the open toe ($34.95) are darling. Looking for something edgier? Try the punkier wedges at Trendy Wendy, including a pair of canvas skull and crossbones printed beauties with a peek-a-boo toe and a strappy back ($39).

GEOFF CARTER/NWSOURCE

Retro wedges with ankle ties and crocheted cherries bobbling over the open toe ($34.95) at the Powder Room.

NECESSARY ACCESSORIES

After a summer of slinging low, belts have finally hiked their way back to where they belong – the waist. The Powder Room has an especially adorable selection of wide belts that would look cute cinched over a circle skirt, including an O-ring black and white polka dot belt ($18.95) that could instantly update anything.

Also perched high on the retro comeback trend are hats. Try a fun one, like the David & Young tweedy newsboy cap appliquéd with stars for $16, from Nordstrom.

Lastly, the perfect bag this season is one that can seemingly hold everything you've ever needed for a wild day in the urban jungle. Everywhere, bigger is better. At Capitol Hill's Aprie, I found a wide selection of seemingly bottomless hobo bags, including a striking black slouchy treat with a black-and-white braided handle by Chinese Laundry ($46.95).

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