As fall sweeps in, feverishly untamed, its cool whisper breathes color from the green, enlivening the earth and drawing out nature’s wildest beauties. As colors deepen and the air becomes spiced, clothes lengthen and layer, two simple additions that prove a most welcome change. Our inspiration this season? The gloriously unkempt corners of our world; those grandly jagged cliffs.

We’re drawn to the forest, darkening quietly as evening goldens, warm tones of autumn against the cooler hues of earth in a striking combination. We’re embracing the woman who takes purposeful, lingering steps into the wild and wonderful world of style while holding on to authenticity despite trends. Our autumn rebel is a messy hair connoisseur and an eye smudge expert. She’s an avid collector and a vintage treasure hunter. Suede and leather are her staples, fringe feels feminine and she’s happiest to lunch in platforms. She’s a woman who appreciates the undone quality of a wild spirit, the combination of raw with pretty, feminine with edgy.

Kim Verheyden is the owner of Apricot Lane Boutique in Green Bay’s Bay Park Square Mall, a mother-daughter boutique that brings boho-chic style to everyone at an affordable price. Kim says Apricot Lane is loving the color pantones of the season: marsala red wine, olive green, mustard yellow, cool blue, stormy weather grey, cashmere rose, amethyst orchid and cadmium orange. Some of their favorite fall trends include suede, fringe, plaid and fur. Kim says they’re loving the new flare leg denim trend but also cool weather favorites like cable knit sweaters and layering kimonos.

Staci Yates, owner of Fiore in downtown Green Bay, appreciates a women with a style that is wonderfully unique and filled with self-expression. Fiore is an eclectic boutique, offering beautifully up-cycled, handmade clothing and accessories as well as a treasure trove of classic vintage beauties. Staci says that Fiore’s favorite fall trends include blazers, the Fiore duster, flannels and slouchy sweaters. Fiore’s looks are perfect taken from any kind of festival to a date night, even a lunch out with friends to a wedding.

Patti Schisel is the owner of The Ultimate Closet in Green Bay, a boutique that loves funky comfortable clothing for women. A few of Patti’s favorite trends for fall are long shirt jackets, bold prints, earthy colors and sweaters. If you’re dressing head to toe in one of Patti’s chicest comfy combos, she’d recommend a great pair of Lysse leggings with a long layer Able tee and a sweater from Orange! Add a pair of knee high boots and accessorize with a RYU scarf and layers of gorgeous jewelry.

Down to Earth Makeup

Nothing goes better with raw fall fashion than natural makeup. These looks were achieved with Erth Minerals products, a natural mineral makeup and skin care line made locally in De Pere. Owners Brenda Coughlin and Vanessa Blanchette suggest remembering the three L’s of mineral makeup application:

Later: Always wait until your moisturizer has been fully absorbed before applying mineral makeup.

Little: A tiny amount of mineral makeup goes a long way – start small.

Layer: Apply the mineral makeup in sheer layers until you reach your desired coverage.