Each season Neiman Marcus fashion director, Ken Downing, choses the trends he thinks are going to hit big with the style set—and fall is always a crucial list. This week, our local NM hosted a media breakfast with informal modeling of Downing’s top picks—many of which work perfectly for Seattle.

1. Gray is the new black

No surprise here—Seattleites have long loved the color gray and all its hues from charcoal to heather. It’s a neutral that goes with everything and makes its partner color pop.

Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Croc-Print Carryall Bag, Gray $2,850.00

2. The year-round bootie

Open-toed, cut out, suede, flat or sky-high, a bootie goes with anything from a short skirt to a wide-legged trouser (also a fall trend) and is a style you can feel secure in investing in as the seasons change.

 

3. Global chic

Seattle is a cosmopolitan port city and technology hub that attracts people from all over the world. Those stylish denizens are influencing the city’s fashion sense, which makes this trend, with embellishments, embroidery, pattern and pizazz, a balm to our eyes.

Etro Leather Belted Paisley Poncho, Red $2,820.00

Model wearing the global trend