As fall approaches, landscapes transform, color palettes shift, and cooler temperatures are felt… in most places. In Palm Beach, however, the change is subtler; our only sign of summer’s end is a suddenly bustling social calendar. This raises two crucial questions:
1. What are you wearing?
2. With the seasonal disconnect between fall/winter trends and Palm Beach’s warm weather, how can you stay fashionably relevant?
Drawing inspiration from the season’s biggest runway trends, we answer both with this Fall Fashion Edit, curated for Palm Beach perfection.
#1 RETRO REVIVAL
Haute Heritage
With designers drawing from past eras in more ways than one, Fall ’24 runways showcased iconic styles reimagined to feel both fresh and fabulous. From the structured shoulders and fitted waists of the ’40s, to the classic tweeds of the ’50s, to the dramatic, oversized silhouettes of the ’80s, and everything in between and beyond, this season’s runways brought nostalgic elements into the modern world. 2024 retro isn’t about looking dated—it’s about taking timeless style cues and giving them a fresh, contemporary spin.
As seen at: Balmain, Chanel, Erdem, Jaquemus, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Prada, Carolina Herrera
PB Perfect: A voluminous skirt with a simple, fitted top, a vintage-inspired sundress with a sweetheart neckline, or a mini-shift dress with a bold print.
Graceful Glamour
Channeling the elegance of icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, this fall’s evening wear reverts to 1950s-inspired ladylike elegance. Look for high necks, feminine silhouettes, neutral tones, and luxurious fabrics with minimal adornment. This “trend” embodies a timeless sophistication that whispers, rather than shouts, yet always commands the most significant presence in any room.
As seen at: Armani Privé, Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior (Couture), Dior (Ready-to-Wear), Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren
PB Perfect: Opt for your favorite Palm Beach silhouette with a standout element reminiscent of decades past—structured shoulders, A-line skirts, modest necklines, or cinched waists. Think full-skirt sweetheart sundresses, flowy maxis with short or cap sleeves and high necklines, boat neck shifts that accentuate the waist, or an A-line skirt paired with your favorite tee, all in lightweight fabrics. Complete the look with vintage-inspired accessories like a chic wide-brim hat, delicate pearls, or classic kitten heels for a polished, Palm Beach-perfect ensemble.
Boho Redux
For Fall 2024, the spirit of ’60s and ’70s boho returned to the runways with a modern, elevated edge. Designers brought back signature boho touches—fringe details, oversized vests, suede accents, and patchwork—but reimagined them in luxe fabrics and more tailored silhouettes. Our favorite take on boho is the free-flowing maxi dress, reinterpreted in neutral solids, softer prints, and elevated fabrics, creating an ethereal essence. Minimalist, free-flowing, feminine (but never prissy), and, my personal favorite, slightly untamed.
As seen at: Etro, Chloe, Ulla Johnson, Zimmerman
PB Perfect: Opt for neutral tones, light colors, or soft prints in free-flowing maxi dresses or loose-fitting blouses paired with wide-legged trousers or long skirts. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for daytime, and silks or chiffons for more formal occasions. Complete the look with one or two thoughtfully chosen accessories—perhaps a leather belt or a simple necklace—to maintain the “less is more” aesthetic while still capturing that slightly untamed, feminine spirit.
Suiting Synthesis
The perfect fusion of past and present, Suiting Synthesis brings together unlikely pairings: the hourglass blazer (1950s) with relaxed trousers (1990s), cropped structured blazers (1980s) styled with sleek cigarette pants (1960s), and flowing wide-leg bottoms (1970s) topped with a double-breasted blazer (1980s) or a cropped bouclé jacket. Even skirts and dresses are part of the mix—voluminous, full skirts blend seamlessly with modern separates, while timeless pencil skirts find fresh, unexpected counterparts. Each piece captures the essence of its era in a seamless fusion, perfectly attuned to today.
As seen at: Armani Privé, Balmain, Chanel, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, MiuMiu , Prada
PB Perfect: Emphasizing the versatility of mix-and-match separates, this trend, curated in light breathable fabrics, offers endless ways to suit up (or down)! For daytime, try a high-waisted linen pencil skirt with a cropped boxy top or high-waisted cigarette pants with a simple tee and flat sandals. If you need to swing by the office, layer with an oversized linen blazer and pointy flats. To transition into the evening, add heels and a statement earring. For a feminine touch, pair a waist-cinching peplum top or hourglass blazer with a voluminous skirt or relaxed trousers—or bring in a hint of bouclé by incorporating pieces from your favorite iconic Chanel suit.
#2 COATURE
This season, outerwear takes center stage, blending bold silhouettes with practical elegance, but it’s the timeless trench that truly commands attention. Tailored and sleek with clean lines and a neutral palette, or featuring exaggerated details, rich textures, oversized proportions, and bright colors or commanding sheens, this fall’s trenches adapt effortlessly to every aesthetic.
As seen at: Balmain, Erdem, Giorgio Armani, MiuMiu, Stella McCartney
PB Perfect: Look for this classic in light linen for effortless style without compromising comfort. Opt for neutral or white, or go bold with this season’s vibrant color update! For a chic sunshower moment, try a rainy day trench in a fun metallic—perfect as a layering piece to add a little shine to your evening look.
#3 WILDLY SOPHISTICATED
She did not take center stage anywhere, and yet she showed up just about everywhere. This season, leopard is less sultry sex-kitten and more lovely lady than we’ve seen before, presenting herself with higher necklines, longer lengths, and silhouettes with a Retro Revival (#1) influence. Fall 2024 leopard is fierce yet feminine, her bold statements coming through with an air of sophistication.
As seen at: Christian Dior, Marni, Zimmerman
PB Perfect: Choose pieces that add a touch of sophistication without overpowering your look. Opt for leopard print details in subtle places, such as under the collar, on the cuffs, or on accessories like scarves and flats. To embrace bold leopard prints, focus on balance: select ladylike silhouettes that echo the retro revival trend, featuring high necklines and A-line shapes.
Stay updated with the Altima Collective’s luxury lifestyle newsletter.
The newsletter you know and trust now with new voices, fresh perspectives, and always served with a side of caviar!
